Reef & Rainforest
Belize
Belize
Email Us
01803 866965
Belize

 The North

 The West

 The South

 Barrier Reef & Coral Cays Testimonials

Western Belize

Bordering Guatemala and offering easy access to Tikal, the Cayo district is one of Belize’s most beautiful and has a good network of reserves, most notably Tapir Mountain Reserve and Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Among the main attractions are Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve in the Maya Mountains, containing high waterfalls, cool rivers and limestone caves; the impressive Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and Caracol; and the lovely Makal River, great for canoeing.

 

Tapir Mountain Reserve

Located in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, the Tapir Mountain Reserve protects an area of approximately 28 square kilometres.  It is home to  Baird’s tapir, keel billed toucan, black orchid and the mahogany tree, all national symbols of Belize. The reserve is not open to the public and can only be visited by qualified researchers: however, it can be viewed from the adjacent Pooks Hill lodge.

Pooks Hill Jungle Lodge
Small, owner-run and located in its own rainforest reserve bordering the Tapir Mountain Strict Reserve,  the lodge has an excellent network of well-marked trails through primary rainforest inhabited by a large range of wildlife.  One can enjoy river-tubing, birdwatching and/or trek to the mysterious Actun Tunichil Muknal cave system, used in the past for Mayan burials (only for the hardy).

 

The Lodge at Chaa Creek
One of the best and longest-established lodges in the country. There are many activities from which to choose, and a 365-acre private nature reserve on the banks of the Makal River. One can ride horses and mountain bikes, canoe down the river, venture into the Maya Mountains, or visit the full-service spa, butterfly farm and natural history centre.

 

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

The upland reserve is dominated by native pine forest combined with rainforest at the lower elevations. It is home to a number of large mammals, including coatimundi, Baird’s tapir, ocelot and jaguar, and 200 species of birds including the endangered orange breasted falcon, stygian owl and king vulture. The area is dotted with beautiful waterfalls, streams and caves that can be explored on foot.

 

Chiquibul Forest Reserve & National Park

The largest protected area in Belize, totalling half a million hectares, the reserve in the Maya Mountains is an area of outstanding biological diversity that provides an important habitat for many endangered species. Within the reserve lies the Las Cuevas research station.

Blancaneaux Lodge
Owned by Francis Ford Coppola, the lodge is tucked away in the remote Maya Mountains overlooking the gentle rapids of the Privassion River where the flora of both the jungle and pine forest intermingle. Guests are accommodated in beautiful villas on stilts spaced out along the river.

 

Hidden Valley Inn

This lodge benefits from its own private 7200-acre reserve in the Maya Mountains containing pine and broadleaf jungle with more than 90 miles of hiking trails.    A particular attraction here are the many beautiful waterfalls and secluded pools, that can be found around the property. Accommodation is in tasteful cottages with private facilities and fireplaces and there is a pool.

 

Las Cuevas Station
For those in search of adventure, this research station and explorers’ lodge is a must. Located deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, accommodation is very basic but its friendly atmosphere and superb location more than compensate, offering great potential for wildlife sightings including harpy eagle, river otter, tree frogs, Morelet's crocodile and scarlet macaw.

 

Natural History Highlights of Belize - in Considerable Comfort

Designed for those desiring a high degree of comfort and a relaxed, leisurely pace, this Belize natural history holiday takes in three of the best establishments and locations to be found there.  The enthralling combination of Maya ruins, rainforest, rivers, lagoons, barrier reef and coral islands gives a profound insight into the many facets which can make Belize one of the world’s most rewarding destinations.  Find out more...

The Rainforests, Mountains, Maya Ruins & Islands of Belize

Deepest jungle, varied wildlife, mountain pine forests, waterfalls, mystic Mayan caves, jewel-like islands, coral reefs: all flavoursome ingredients which combine to produce this tour of great contrast and diversity. With the addition of the amazing Tikal Maya ruins in Guatemala, this is truly a recipe for a wonderfully memorable holiday in Belize.  Find out more...

De Luxe Belize for Incurable Romantics

Ideal for first or second honeymooners and those simply looking for a romantic element to their Belize wildlife holiday, the tour marries several attractive locations with three very well-appointed accommodation options to produce plenty of scope for a stimulating yet relaxing Belize honeymoon.   Find out more...

Beautiful Belize on a Budget

Offering excellent value, this Belize budget holiday affords the opportunity to experience three of the country’s main natural habitats – savannah wetlands, rainforest and the barrier reef – while staying in pleasant yet reasonably priced accommodation.   Find out more...

Bountiful Belize for the Wildlife Enthusiast

Designed with the more adventurous in mind and involving a mix of basic, comfortable and luxurious lodges, this Belize wildlife adventure focuses on the array of fauna to be found in a good number of superb mainland habitats.  Find out more...

Exploring the Lagoons and Coast of Belize - in Style

For lovers of marine and freshwater environments, this Belize reef and lagoon holiday promises plenty of pleasurable experiences. Hydrophiliacs (if such a word exists) will appreciate the combination of two scenic seaside locations interspersed with a lodge on the banks of the largest freshwater lagoon in the land to result in a waterside holiday of superlative quality which is hard to beat.  Find out more...