IT-BESR01
Rates Include accommodations and meals, horseback riding, all transfers in Belize, all excursions as per itinerary

6 or 8 days from $845 to $1995
2008 Dates: 
 .. see full detailed rates and dates

Tax:          10%
Meeting:  San Ignacio
Airport:     Belize City
Transfer:   included
Pace:         Slow to Moderate with canters
Level:         Low intermediate+
Tack:          Western Wintec
Horses:       Local Criollo Cross
Min/Max: 1-12 riders
Note:  Ask us about our 4 day/ 3 night Beach extension - some of the best snorkeling in the world.

Accommodations:
During your Mayan Jungle Ride you will spend nights at the headquarters of the Mountain Lodge. The Spanish style stucco cabanas with thatched roofs are spacious, cool and comfortable, with private baths and hot and cold water. With Mayan decor, kerosene lighting, a hammock, and deck for every room, the atmosphere is relaxing. There is no electricity in the rooms but they will gladly recharge batteries for you. The Cantina is the focal point and acts as bar, restaurant, and leisure area.

Itinerary
Saturday: You will be met at the International Airport in Belize at 4:00 PM by our representative for your transfer to the lodge. The drive is about two hours as you travel across various types of terrain, from the flat marshlands of the Belize City peninsula to the Pine Savannah of the Belize River valley. As you begin climbing the Maya Mountain foothills, you will notice a change in vegetation to the more dense tropical rainforests. You will arrive at the lodge, nestled in a peaceful valley with its panoramic view of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve on the horizon and Slate Creek Preserve in the foreground. Relax, enjoy the scenery and get settled in before dinner with your hosts. Your accommodations are thatched-roof Mayan styled cabanas which are spacious, cool and comfortable. Each room has it's own deck, private bath, and Queen size beds.
Sunday: After breakfast, you will receive an orientation to the tour and your horse. Your first ride will take you to the Big Rock Waterfalls. A picnic lunch and swimming are on the agenda for the next couple of hours. Enjoy riding through vibrantly rich tropical forests. Some areas of the trail are better suited for walking, and others are perfect for an exhilarating canter through the woods. Return to the lodge via a different route for refreshments prior to dinner.
Monday: The destination will be a full day horseback ride or half day by vehicle to the Cave known as Nohoch Sayab at Barton Creek. This spectacular river cave combines underground streams into a confluence, then sends them out as one river. The untouched colorful limestone formations are preserved and easily observed as you float by them at least a mile into the cave. The water is pure and clean and you will enjoy this refreshing way to experience caving. Equally interesting is the actual trip to the cave. You will travel through the Barton Creek Mennonite community and observe their primitive methods of farming. You may pass by the children as they make their way to school or watch a farmer plowing his field with a horse-drawn plow. In order to respect the wishes of the Mennonites we ask that you refrain from taking their pictures.  Afterwards return to the lodge for refreshments and dinner in the evening.
Tuesday: Your ride today will take you to the captivating Vega, a secluded river valley. Explore the shady creeks and see a lovely small waterfall. Enjoy inspiring vistas of the sunken valley from the top of an unexcavated Mayan ruin. This is a superb bird watching location. Waiting for you upon your return to the cantina will be a delicious lunch. After lunch, change into your shorts for a vehicle tour to visit the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Peck, both presently under restoration. Shopping in San Ignacio or Melchor, Guatemala is available. If you wish you may visit the Rainforest Medicinal Trail at the Ix Chel Tropical Research Center. The entrance fee, which is not included in the tour price, is $5 US. (Note: It is not possible to do all of the above in one day, and guests may decide as a group what they wish to do this day.) Return via San Antonio, Cayo and enjoy a tour through the Garcia Sisters museum where you will see present day Mayan's doing the slate carvings of their ancestors. Dinner and overnight.
Wednesday: Today you will ride along "Palm Lane, where you have an excellent chance of sighting the iridescent Blue Morpho butterfly. You can choose between swimming at the beautiful Vaquero's Falls, or exploring Mai Cave. You will find the caves full of beauty and wonder as you explore various rooms full of limestone formations. The ride will take you through several different habitats and ecosystems within the tropical rainforest and pine forest and offers ample opportunities for trots and canters. You will see orchids, butterflies, tropical birds, and sometimes, wild animals. All along the way are incredible sights, sounds, and fragrances.
Thursday: Guests on the short program will leave today. For all others the fun continues: 6:00 AM departure for a full day vehicle tour to Tikal, driving time about two hours. Tikal is unquestionably important in the Maya World because of extensive renovations and significant contributions to knowledge of the Mayan people since it was discovered in 1848. Tikal also offers the ultimate experience for the lover of birdwatching and wildlife sightings. The endangered Ocellated Turkey is practically tame, strutting around the grounds as if he owns the place. You might see Howler Monkeys or Spider Monkeys but you will definitely see and hear parrots and numerous other exotic birds. Lunch is served on the grounds and you will leave Tikal around 4:00 PM and will be back at the mountain lodge in time for Dinner.
Friday: Wind down with a half day ride to the Mayan ruins of Pacbitun, eat lunch atop an ancient Mayan lookout with view of the upper Belize river valley and the Mayan cities of Cahal Peck and Xunantunich. Then proceed to a Mayan burial cave and return around 2 pm for rest and relaxation or activities of your choosing.   Enjoy the sounds .....
Saturday: After breakfast, say goodbye to the staff and transfer by vehicle to Belize City. Visit the Belize Zoo along the way if you were unable to on the way up. The Zoo is unique in it's presentation and environmental message so don't miss it! We will transfer you to your predetermined departure point at the appropriate time.

  General Information