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Mayan Adventurer Getaway
Interior
Belize
Nestled in a quiet jungle setting, in the midst of colourful singing birds and
tropical wildlife, this jungle resort ranch features delightful accommodations
that blend with the lush landscape and local culture. Situated on the Mighty Belize
River and central to all of
Belize, this ranch is a place where the horses roam free and huge iguanas
laze in the branches.
The lands here are surrounded by
evidence of both the ancient Maya and a historic logging tradition. You will find a variety of activities - daily horseback riding, a float trip on the mighty Belizy River
or visitijg tours to the nearby Mayan sites. Home to the finest Equestrian center in Belize, we will give you something different than the tired tourist horses you will find elsewhere and in a setting perfect for eco-exploration. If you've ridden
over mountains, prairies and parkland we know your expectations are
high. Can the tropics show you anything you haven't already seen? Every day you will awaken to the shimmering glow of dawn materializing through the tropical
haze. Horses grazing beneath the palms trees. The day is young and a sudden rush of excitement
fills the air. It's time to ride! The ranch is big, beautiful and
boisterous. Miles of jungle and riverside trails are awaiting you. There
are opportunities to experience horsemanship in a variety of ways, from
setting your own itinerary to participating in structured lessons.
The
well kept horses, quiet river, gentle tropical breezes, flocks of
parrots, saturated sunsets, delicious meals, friendly people, and exotic
surroundings will truly sooth your soul and quench your thirst for adventure!
This is a place far from the real world and near to the things
you've dreamed of. An exciting yet peaceful place. You will be taking
more than pictures home. You'll have memories to last a lifetime!
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Family Vacation Trip with multi activities Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride
Meeting:
Belize City
Airport:
Belize City
Transfer:
Belize City
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Four nights accommodations, meals, activities, all road transfers.
| A | 2013 | 5 day Mayan Adventurer | 5d / 4n | $875 |
| B | 2013 | 4 day Jungle Explorer | 4d / 3n | $645 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Single room supplement 5-day Mayan Adv w/ Tikal trip
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$475
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2013
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Single room supplement 5-day Mayan Adventurer
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$200
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2013
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Single room supplement 4-day Jungle Explorer
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$180
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2013
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Triple room discount 5-day Mayan Adventurer - per person
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$-65
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2013
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Triple room discount 4-day Jungle Explorer - per person
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$-90
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2013
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Child under 11 years w/ 2 parents on Mayan Adv discount
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$-565
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2013
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Child under 11 years w/ 2 parents on Jungle Ex discount
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$-375
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2013
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Transfer included from Belize City
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$0
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| A |
2013
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01/01
- 12/31
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5d / 4n
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5 day Mayan Adventurer
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2
/12
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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01/01
- 12/31
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4d / 3n
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4 day Jungle Explorer
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2
/12
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Reserve
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DAILY DEPARTURES AVAILAIBLE!
Mayan Adventure Getaway - 5 days
Day 1 – Arrival transfer to Banana Bank. If you have an early arrival coming from Belize City or International Airport we can stop at zoo (entry fee not included) or a stop on your departure transfer can also be arranged. If arrival to Banana Bank is before 2:00 pm a short horseback can be arranged upon request. Dinner and lodging in thatched roof cabana or standard air/conditioned room.
Day 2 – The day starts with a visit to either Xunantunich , Cahal Pech or Che Chem Ha. Each of these are unique sites and choosing which to visit is difficult as all are equally impressive. Your guide then takes you to have a wonderful lunch and shopping in San Ignacio or you may wish to visit the Butterfly Farm or the Mennonite settlement known as Spanish Lookout. You may also choose to visit a Maya site and then come back to Banana Bank to enjoy an afternoon horseback ride. Family style dinner served in the evening.
Day 3 – This day you can choose either all day riding which can either be divided into a morning ride, come back to the Lodge for lunch and then another ride in the afternoon or take your lunch with you picnic style and enjoy all day out on longer trails or you may wish to only do a half day of riding and half day on the Belize River by boat or river tubing. In the evening join the rest of the guests at dinner times and share all the days adventures. Get a good rest and early bedtime because tomorrow is a big day!
Day 4 – After an early breakfast we head for either Tikal or Caracol. To visit Tikal we cross the Guatemalan border and head for the largest Maya site in Central America. Your English speaking guide will lead you through the 5 major temples built around 700 AD. (a minimum of 3 participants is required for the Tikal tour) Caracol is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge area of Belize. It is the largest site in Belize and you will learn of CAANA (Sky House) and the important role of it’s King Lord Can ll. Caracol is credited with the conquest of Tikal and Narajo. (a minimum of 2 guests are required for the Caracol tour)
Day 5 – After breakfast we take you to your next destination or back to International Airport for your flight home.
Jungle Explorer - 4 days
Day 1 – Arrival transfer to Banana Bank. If you have an early arrival coming from Belize City or International Airport we can stop at zoo (entry fee not included) or a stop on your departure transfer can also be arranged. If arrival to Banana Bank is before 2:00 pm a short horseback can be arranged upon request. Dinner and lodging in thatched roof cabana or standard air/conditioned room.
Day 2 – Enjoy a day of exploring the jungle starting with the Howler Monkey Trail, this is a trail which runs along the Belize River and has two highlights. One is you will get to see up close a Guanacaste tree which is over 150 years old and the other being a very good chance of seeing or hearing the howler monkeys as there is a troop that frequents this area. We then continue on to the Tiger Creek Trail which has exciting streams and winding jungle trails. We then head back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon you head out in a different direction to the Devil Dip Trail. This trail has many surprises and is one of the favorites. These trails span over the 4000 acres of Banana Bank and let you experience the beauty of the jungle as well as open fields and teak plantations. After your day of riding you can relax by the pool before dinner is served.
Day 3 – Your day begins at the Belize River bank where we swim the horses across. Watching the horses cross the river is an experience in itself so get your cameras ready!! The ride goes to Belmopan - the smallest capital city in the world – ride around the market place, see government buildings, US embassy and the residential areas. You then ride to Las Flores where we wind through orange groves to the Roaring River Cave. Here we stop for lunch and a swim (optional). This is a beautiful area with lovely greenery at every turn. We then ride back towards Roaring Creek Village and cross the Belize River again in a different location. (this ride is seasonal – if river is too high an alternate route is taken) This is an all day ride followed by dinner.
Day 4 – After breakfast you are transported to your next destination within our transfer range.
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Meeting:
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Belize City
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Airport:
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Belize City
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Transfer:
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Belize City
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Level:
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Low Moderate
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moderate with canters
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Participants:
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Min
2
participants
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Max
12
participants
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In addition to the day to day riding tours, we offer you an opportunity
to participate in a hands on experience of interacting with horses. In
the arena and round pen, communication between horse and rider begins to
meld. Making it easy to do the right thing and difficult to do the
wrong thing. These concepts, as presented by John Lyons and Pat Parelli,
two of the most popular horse clinicians in the United States, are the
basis for horsemanship at this location. Key words are communication,
trust and discipline.
A variety of activities include barrel racing, gymkhana events,
overnight rides, Saturday to Saturday itineraries that may be flexible.
While we mostly ride western, we also have two sets of English saddles
and tack for your use. There are miles of jungle trails often times
under the forest canopy.

Horses
About 100 head (we had 8 colts this spring) of well-kept, mixed breeds,
predominately quarter horses. This combination provides sturdy but agile
mounts necessary to negotiate river terrain and jungle trails. We
whisper train our horse here at Banana Bank.
Training in process Stable
35' x 60' with classic clerestory roof design, 24 stalls, 12 on each
side of a central 10' tiled corridor that features cedar paneling, brass
lamps and other appointments making it truly distinctive.
Equipment
35 Western saddles with accessories to make the riding experience safe
and comfortable. Equipment is well cared for, clean and attractive. If
you feel comfortable riding your own saddle, bring it with you.
Round Pen
A four rail state of the art 60' diameter enclosure that not only gives
the rider a circular confined space to hone riding skills but commits
the horse to the will of the handler in a gentle but firm situation of
control. We welcome guests to use the round pen with our horses.
Time to tack up Arena
A beautiful two rail 200' x 100' enclosure to safely put the horse
through the paces of walking, trotting, cantering or galloping. This
arena is sufficiently large to allow action but keeps rider and
instructor in charge.

Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay required by all nationals referred to in chart. Passport Note All travellers are required to show evidence of suffic. more
The overall climate of Belize can be described as
sub-tropical. The humidity while high, is seldom oppressive for long and
is most noticeable along the coast. The mean annual humidity is 83%,
but many days the humidity is masked by the cooling sea breezes. The
Belize coastal area is exposed to southeast trade winds averaging 10-13
knots and attain an uncanny consistency during the month of July.
Temperatures in Belize range from 50°F to 95°F
with an annual mean of 79°F. November to January are traditionally the
coolest months with a 75°F average and May to September are the warmest
at about a 81°F average. Location is a big factor for temperature as
Cayo to the west and up in the mountains can both be several degrees colder then along the coast and
during November at night temperatures can fall to a beautiful 46°F.
Remember that you are in a subtropical climate so dress lightly.
We recommend cotton clothing rather than synthetics.
A poncho, in case of rain, will be provided. For the ride, jeans (single
seamed)
and light boots or ankle high shoes are most suitable, preferably with a heel. You don't need electrical adapters or converters if you are coming
from North America.
Plenty of water will be provided to you. Bring a bottle or camel-back if
you
wish. Bring your lap top if you want - wireless is available at the front desk/reception area of the lodge and the Chateau Brio building!
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This
list is
only a guideline for you |
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Travel
documents and
Voucher |
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Flight
tickets |
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Passport
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Visa (check
with your
consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
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Riding
pants or
Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
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Riding
boots +
Minichaps |
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Riding
helmet
(recommended for all trips) |
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Riding
gloves |
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Hat (with
chin strip)
for sun protection |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
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Jacket or
sweater for
cool evenings |
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Comfortable
T-Shirts/Shirts |
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Jeans |
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Shorts |
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Underwear
and socks |
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Pyjama |
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Bag for
dirty clothes |
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Light
summer jacket |
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Comfortable
shoes/sneakers |
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Swimsuit |
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Bandana |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
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Personal
Toiletries |
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Insect
protection |
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Personal
medications |
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Sore cream
(for an
emergency) |
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Sewing kit
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Handkerchiefs |
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Camera and
enough extra
films |
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Belt pack
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Address
book and pen
(for pictures postcards!) |
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Sun glasses
with strap |
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Sun tan
lotion and lip
balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips

The Lodge
Nestled near the river in a
quiet jungle setting, in the midst of birds and other tropical
wildlife! The tropical jungle resort features delightful accommodations
that blend with the local landscape and culture. You will stay in cabanas
with roofs made from jungle bay leaf thatch and are uniquely designed.
Built by local craftsmen with fine Belizean woods, they are, in
themselves each works of art. Each cabana has a solarium bath, a sitting
room and two bedrooms, each with queen and single bed. Four to six
family members, friends or groups traveling together can be easily
accommodated in each cabana. Carved doors, original oil paintings and
jungle ambiance create a truly memorable surrounding.

The Rooms, Cabanas
Cabanas with roofs made from jungle bay
leaf thatch are uniquely designed. Built by craftsmen with fine
Belizean woods, they are, in themselves works of art. Each cabana has a
solarium bath, a sitting room and two bedrooms. Native wood and skillful
craftsmanship make each Cabana exceptional. Four to six family members,
friends or groups traveling together can be easily accommodated in each
cabana as each room has a queen size bed and a single bed. Carved
doors, artwork by Carolyn Carr and jungle ambiance create a truly
memorable surrounding.
Caracol Room
- The soft rounded shape of this room with it's creamy rose color,
stained glass windows, bamboo ceiling and solarium bathroom make this a
delightful place to snuggle in. The unique use of sea shells in a
stunning mirror is another feature that lets you know this is a designed
room. It has the option of a ceiling fan or air conditioning. The room
has a reading desk, a tea kettle for that hot cup of late night tea and a
comfortable easy chair. This room has only a queen size bed.
Maya Room-
This room is a tribute to the Maya heritage of Belize. There is a Maya
fresco in the bath and a solarium tub with stained glass windows. Maya
pottery, carvings and paintings decorate the room. There is a ceiling
fan or optional air conditioning. A tea kettle is included. This room
has a queen size and a single bed.
Creole Room-
With dark burgundy lace curtains and bed spreads, the mood is set for
the sensual mystery of the creole culture. Authentic accent pieces, a
hand hewn paddle, a rice beater, and whisky crock take you back to the
logging era. The beautiful hand carved mahogany headboard clearly
expresses why so many struggled so hard to harvest this precious wood.
The solarium bath with the stained glass windows and delicate curves is a
work of art. A tea kettle is included. There is the option of ceiling
fan or air conditioning. The room has a queen sized bed and a single
bed.
Sunshine Room-
The minute you enter this room you know you are in a special place. As
the name implies, it is joyous. The large bath is a molded artistic
expression of curves and stained glass . Rich fabric and carved
furniture complete the feeling that all is right with the world. There
is the option of ceiling fan or air conditioning. In this room is a
queen sized and a single bed.
Chateau Brio
- A 3 story building, houses our newest accommodations. These units
will satisfy the guest that prefers to be above the jungle floor, in an
environment less organic. Presently there are 3 rooms, more will follow
in the next 6 months. Things are always changing and we invite your
inquires to help us meet your specific needs.

Club House...
The pool was designed by Carolyn Carr with the idea of giving a person a
sense of oneness with a natural setting, a truly relaxing environment
that has a sense of nature or nurturing, something like being enveloped
in a peaceful lagoon. We have one such place here in Belize to use as a
model, the Inland Blue Hole. The shape and color were the inspiration
for the pool. The shape of the pool is also in respect to the divine
porportion. There is a relationship that can be proven with numbers that
gives rise to a series of shapes and dynamics that appear throughout
nature and which can be directly translated into rules of proportion to
be used by designers. This principle of harmony has been acknowledged as
a fundamental spiritual truth for centuries and its relationship as
relates to our daily lives is seen in the proportion of our very own
bodies. It is expressed numerically in an equation that is called Phi.
The numbers prove the proportions are in harmony with proportions that
are used over and over in our world, in nature, the Parthenon, the Great
Pyramids and the chambered nautilus just to name a few. Roses,
hurricanes and the Ark of the Covenant were designed using the Divine
Porportion.
Bird Sanctuary

Dining Room...
There is an exotic feel to it.
The tone is set by the soaring thatched roof. Carved banisters, pink
gypsum stonewalls, and rich local hard wood paneling make this a
beautiful place to enjoy. Our meals are served family style and are
widely reported to be some of the best in Belize. The family atmosphere
provides a setting for lively discussion between guests from different
parts of the world and diverse interest. Menus vary but center around
the kind of home cooking we call "grandma's food" although our girls put
on some of the best cuisine found in Belize.
Pool

**There is a 14" Meade telescope for star gazing at night!
INTERNET - wireless is available at the front desk/reception area of the lodge and the Chateau Brio building!
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Western Wintec
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Horses:
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Spanish quarterhorse local breed mix
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Pace:
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moderate with canters
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
4
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Max
90
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Weight:
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Max
250 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2
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Max
12
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In addition to the day to day riding tours, we offer you an opportunity
to participate in a hands on experience of interacting with horses. In
the arena and round pen, communication between horse and rider begins to
meld. Making it easy to do the right thing and difficult to do the
wrong thing. These concepts, as presented by John Lyons and Pat Parelli,
two of the most popular horse clinicians in the United States, are the
basis for horsemanship at this location. Key words are communication,
trust and discipline.
A variety of activities include barrel racing, gymkhana events,
overnight rides, Saturday to Saturday itineraries that may be flexible.
While we mostly ride western, we also have two sets of English saddles
and tack for your use. There are miles of jungle trails often times
under the forest canopy.

Horses
About 100 head (we had 8 colts this spring) of well-kept, mixed breeds,
predominately quarter horses. This combination provides sturdy but agile
mounts necessary to negotiate river terrain and jungle trails. We
whisper train our horse here at Banana Bank.
Training in process Stable
35' x 60' with classic clerestory roof design, 24 stalls, 12 on each
side of a central 10' tiled corridor that features cedar paneling, brass
lamps and other appointments making it truly distinctive.
Equipment
35 Western saddles with accessories to make the riding experience safe
and comfortable. Equipment is well cared for, clean and attractive. If
you feel comfortable riding your own saddle, bring it with you.
Round Pen
A four rail state of the art 60' diameter enclosure that not only gives
the rider a circular confined space to hone riding skills but commits
the horse to the will of the handler in a gentle but firm situation of
control. We welcome guests to use the round pen with our horses.
Time to tack up Arena
A beautiful two rail 200' x 100' enclosure to safely put the horse
through the paces of walking, trotting, cantering or galloping. This
arena is sufficiently large to allow action but keeps rider and
instructor in charge.

Passports
Passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay required by all nationals referred to in chart.
Passport Note
All travellers are required to show evidence of sufficient funds (minimum £50 per day) and proof of return or onward ticket at the point of entry.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above and nationals of their overseas territories for stays of up to 30 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy/high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Single-entry: £60; Multiple-entry: £110. Handling fee of £5 for all applications.
Working Days Required
Most visas are issued the next working day. Some applications may require authorisation from the Director of Immigration and the Nationality Service in Belize; this will take up to four weeks.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No/1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
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Mayan Adventurer Getaway
Tour Code:
IT-BEMS01-4
5 days /
4 nights
~$875.00
Dates: Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
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1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
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5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Belize City
Activities:
Horseback, River Floats, Wildlife, Mayan Culture and historic sites
Location on Google Map
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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