Belize - Mayan Tropical Explorer

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from LV of Balzers on 24/11/2019

Day 1
On the day of arrival guests will be met outside the arrival zone at the Belize International Airport. Alternative pickup locations can be arranged and rates may vary. A visit to the Belize Zoo can be added to the arrival or departure transfer (to be pre-booked, the zoo closes at 3.30pm).
Depending on arrival time, guests may like to take a dip in the lodge pool, hike on the trails, or try river tubing or canoeing. Enjoy the welcome dinner & cocktails at an open-air fine dining restaurant. Alternatively, an intimate private candlelight dinner service can be arranged for a fee to be paid at the lodge.
Overnight at Table Rock Jungle Lodge (or similar).

Day 2
After an early breakfast riders are driven to the stables to meet and prepare the horses for the first full day in the saddle. The hosts provide water, lunch, a small saddle bag, beach towel and poncho. The ride starts through the rainforest to an ancient Mayan cave. Explore and discover interesting formations and evidence of the Mayan culture in the pottery remnants and potsherds that are hundreds of years old (Please don’t touch them!).
This is followed by a cool dip in the crystal clear river and a delicious picnic lunch. Return to the stables between 3pm and 4pm where guests are driven back to the lodge (a 20-minute drive) to freshen up for dinner with the group.

Day 3
On reaching the stables the days' morning ride will take you on a tour of the 150 acre ranch and wildlife sanctuary the stabes are located on. Learn about the off grid system, water and power, visit the ponds to view any wildlife, and ride some of the trails on the property.

After lunch at the cantina we drive to the Nohoch Sayab River cave at Barton Creek. Experienced riders who can canter for longer periods can ride to Barton Creek if preferred. As you make your way down the steep and narrow road to the valley floor, you will be astounded by the size of the fruit trees and tropical florra in the fertile Barton Creek Valley. You will see farmers who use primitive farming practices such as horse-drawn buggies, plows, and mills.

Arriving at Mike’s Place, riders paddle a canoe across the creek, then suddenly disappear, paddling deep into the sparking stalactite formation river cave. We paddle into the cave for about a mile before returning the way we came. The guide has a spotlight and will point out interesting formations, but your own head torch will be useful here too. We enjoy a picnic lunch and a refreshing dip either before or after the cave visit and head back to the stables and on to the lodge for the evening. Full or half day riding as wanted.

Day 4
Today begins with a half-day jungle horseback ride followed by lunch at the stables' cantina and then a vehicle tour to the Mayan Site of Cahal Peche and the town of San Ignacio.
The destination for the half-day ride is a secluded hidden valley where guests can ride along a winding creek and enjoy the exotic tropical vegetation with excellent opportunities for sighting colorful rainforest birds and iridescent butterflies. After lunch, the group will return to the lodge for a chance to shower and change clothes before the tour of Cahal Peche, followed by shopping or optional cultural tours in San Ignacio or simply experienceing the ambience of this lovely town situated on the confluence of the Mopan and Macal Rivers which merge into the Belize River here. Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Day 5
After breakfast the hosts take the group to Caracol (Spanish for “snail”). Caracol is the most spectacular Mayan site in Belize, as well as one of the most impressive in Central America. Once home to as many as 200,000 people (more than half of the entire modern-day Belizean population), Caracol was a metropolis with five plazas and thirty-two large structures covering almost one square mile, including Belize’s tallest manmade structure, the temple of Ca’ana. There are over 35,000 buildings at the site but only a few have been fully excavated. The day will end off with a leisurely stop at Rio On Pools for more breathtaking scenery and a swim. Be sure to bring a camera with the batteries fully charged and plenty of free memory space as the day is a photographers dream with grand Mayan architecture and surrounding jungle with wildlife.

The beautiful, but bumpy two-hour drive on unpaved road through the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, Elijio Panti National Park, and the lush broadleaf rainforest of the Chiquibul National Park. Choose to climb to the tops of the temples to add an even greater adventure level. What to Wear: Shorts or lightweight long pants, shirt, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring along your bathing suit to change into for swimming after touring the ruins. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended, as well. Overnight at the lodge.
*Restrictions: This tour is not for those who suffer from car-sickness.

Day 6
Today is a full riding day to visit another set of beautiful private waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The trail winds through varied ecosystems and terrains while the guide points out features and explains traditional uses of rainforest plants. Enjoy a homemade picnic lunch and a refreshing dip and relaxing break before riding back. There is time to do some of the lodge activities later such as hiking, birdwatching, canoeing or swimming.

Day 7
This last day of riding will begin with an immersive jungle ride, visiting a lovely hidden valley filled with giant fruit trees. This is the heart of Slate Creek Preserve, the river meanders through this incredibly rich and beautiful valley surrounded by forested hills. The guides explain the traditional uses of the plants and trees before returning to the stables' cantina for lunch and goodbyes to your hosts, horses, guides and staff.
Travel back to the lodge for a free afternoon. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 8
Transfers from the lodge to the airport (or any other location in Belize City) by vehicle is included. Contact us for rates to other desired destinations or for an alternate flight from San Ignacio to Belize City (additional fees apply).

Please note: The order of the rides in this package can be changed at your hosts discretion. They will do their best to offer all activities but there will be no refund for services that are unable to perform due to circumstances out of their control, such as weather or other abnormal events. There is no refund for any unused portion of this package.

Non-rider and other activities:
There are plenty of activities on offer in the area such as caving, hiking, canoeing, birding and exploring Tikal in Guatemala. All activities can be arranged upon request. Of interest in the area is Caracol Mayan temple, ATM cave, Barton Creek cave, Crystal Cave, zip lining, and much more.
 

NB: CEASING HORSE RIDING OPERATIONS FROM 2025

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The condition of the horses is above average and they have good temperaments, sizing from 14.2hh to 17hh. There are some more spirited horses for more experienced riders available. The riding style is English and Western.

The pace of the ride is mainly walks and trots on flat tracks and some hills with canters where terrain and experience allow. On some days there will be a ride in the morning and in the afternoon, or a longer ride in the morning leaving the afternoon free. Other days will involve a full days ride with lunch on the trail.

This ride is best suited to guests with an adventurous nature. Some riding fitness is required as riding is between 2 - 5 hours per day. There is some difficult terrain although the guides will supervise riders across these areas. Must have a secure seat at a walk and trot. The tour guide will have the final word on if you are allowed to canter or gallop. Riders need to be able to mount and dismount unaided.

The weight limit for this ride is 230 lb/105 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Table Rock Jungle Lodge is an award-winning family operated off-grid jungle lodge offering cozy cabanas and a range of amenities including a new saltwater infinity pool. Each room offers private bathrooms, ceiling fans, USB charging ports, in-house cell phones, and 24-hour electricity. The fully sustainable eco-lodge is located on 105 acres of nature reserve, and runs a fully operational citrus farm, with a half mile of riverfront along the Macal River.



The lodge and stables are off-grid, which means they rely on solar power. Please do not bring hair-dryers or other high wattage devices. They provide USB outlets to charge your phone. There is little to no cellular service available, but WiFi is offered in common areas.

There is an option to add an extra person in a (suitable) room and up to 2 children under 18 can share with 2 adults for free (accommodation only).

Garden View - 1 Queen bed, 2 units available (not possible to add a 3rd person to this room)

Queen Jungle View - 1 queen bed and 1 futon, 1 unit available

King Jungle View - 1 King  and 1 futon, 2 units available

River Valley View - 1 King and 1 Futon, 4 units available

Rainforest Cabin - 2 bedrooms, 1 King and 1 bunk bed, 1 unit available

See www.tablerockbelize.com for more details on accommodation.

Should this lodge not be available we have alternative lodges which can be arranged and will advise you the costs at the time of booking.



Your hosts offer fresh, home-cooked meals. All vacation packages include three daily meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Traditional Belizean food is served, which usually includes a fresh salad, rice, beans, fried plantains, and a protein (chicken, pork, beef). As much as possible, your hosts serve fresh produce and fruits grown on their own organic farm. Special dietary requirements can be accomdoated with prior notice.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. Departure tax - When leaving by air check if the departure tax has been included in the airfare. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belize In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Belize.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/belize

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Belize is a warm country with very marked rain patterns. The months of March, April and May are the hottest months but still very nice to ride and enjoy the rivers along the rides. The rest of the year the weather is a little cooler with some scattered showers but still very enjoyable for riding as it is never cold. Rainy season is usually June to November.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Health authorities have classified Belize as having a risk of Zika virus and Dengue transmission.

Belize has also had cases of Chikungunya virus. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Belize and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Medical facilities in Belize are limited. Serious medical cases are normally evacuated to the United States (at the patient’s expense).

Health authorities have classified Belize as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.

Cases of Chikunyunga virus have been confirmed in Belize and the number of reported cases in the region is increasing.

In Belize the supply voltage is 120/220V. If the appliance or its power supply is not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 120V or 240V).

Table Rock Jungle Lodge and stables are off-grid, which means they rely on solar power. Please do not bring hair-dryers or other high wattage devices. They provide USB outlets to charge your phone. There is little to no cellular service available at either lodge, but WiFi is offered in common areas at both locations. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Clothing for horseback riding (resistant fabric pants, fast drying shirts, long sleeve shirts to protect from the sun)
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Raincoat
- Sandals or flip-flops, water shoes
- Beach towel
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Torch and extra batteries
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Power Bank
- Small camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Binoculars
- Copies of passport and travel insurance

Provided by the hosts:
A water bottle and bag for your necessities while riding, plus a saddle bag for towel, suit, and poncho.

8d / 7n programme with 5 riding days. Flexible start dates year-round, except for 4 weeks in September - October (please enquire for exact dates).

2024: High Season 1 Nov- 20 Dec
2024: Peak Season Christmas, New Year and Easter.

Please enquire for single prices and stays which span 2 seasons.

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Reading List

We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.

Anthony Benjamin's Travel Guide Explores: Belize - Anthony Benjamin

Belize Wildlife: An Introduction to Familiar Species - James Kavanagh

 

Belize has a very dynamic and rich birdlife, both on the farm and in the general area. There are also motmots, numerous hummingbirds, honeycreepers, flycatchers, owls and birds of prey . It is a common sight to spot Toucans which is the national bird. Iguanas, armadillos, ocelots, marques, and many other small mammals can be seen on night walks. The flora is one of the most diverse in the hemisphere as Belize stands in a very rich tropical climate. The farm is also home to many nocturnal creatures such as the howler monkeys, kinkajous, bats, tapirs, paca, deer and even a few of the elusive big cats of Belize have been spotted from time to time.

Non-riders can be accommodated on request. A third person can be added to a room for a very reasonable cost. Babysitting is available onsite.

Around 12,500 British nationals visit Belize each year.