Rainforest Wildlife Extension

Your adventure starts in the coastal town of Dangriga. From here you’ll travel a short distance “off the grid” and into the southern Maya Mountains. You’ll have a special welcome at our rainforest lodge where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. This is a true eco-resort in the middle of Mayflower Bocawina National Park. The lodge is powered by an array of solar panels and a small-scale hydroelectric generating station. Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant so you can share daily experiences with family and friends from this remote rainforest setting.

You’ll start your trip by settling into our lodge and learning about the property and the experiences that lie ahead in the surrounding mountains and rainforest. This afternoon you will venture on the Bocawina Rainforest Trail Walk, you will hike along bush trails as you discover local birds, wildlife, waterfalls, and unexcavated Mayan ruins. Your guides will point out medicinal plants and bring to life the layers of biological diversity that make the worlds’ tropical rainforests such a rewarding experience.

Rise with the sun and be on the grounds for the first light of day emerging through the jungle mists. Waking up to the sounds of the tropics is a pure delight, with the chatter of parrots and parakeets flying overhead, the fresh morning air scented with tropical blossoms, and the expectation of an exciting adventure-filled day ahead. There is no need to venture far to experience the heart of the jungle. Finding a quiet spot to sip a coffee with binoculars close at hand is a sure way to soak in the essence of the rainforest. 

After breakfast, you will go on a cultural/birding/wildlife excursion to the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve and some of the local villages. The Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Cultural Village Tour travels by van twenty minutes from our jungle lodge to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Reserve. You will enjoy a guided trail walk and some amazing bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities. Cockscomb is home to the world's largest concentrations of jaguars, as well as other endangered animals including ocelot, margay, baird's tapir, and scarlet macaw.

After the hike, you will visit the nearby Maya Center, the Women's Craft Cooperative, and Che-il Cacao - a traditional cacao chocolate maker. As you wind your way back to the jungle lodge, you will drive through the tranquil Creole Village of Sittee River, stopping at the historic Serpon Sugar Mill. From there you will enjoy a traditional lunch at a beachside café in the small fishing village of Hopkins. Hopkins is considered the cultural capital of the Garifuna people in Belize and is a great place to experience the food, music and traditions of the Garifuna people.

This evening, you may want to sign up for the eco-lodge’s optional nocturnal hike. A walk in the rainforest is magical at night, exploring the moonlit trails and listening to the calls of the crickets, frogs and birds. You are likely to encounter paca, owls and kinkajou …and maybe even see a wildcat!

Victoria Peak, the highest peak in Belize, emerges early from the misty morning. It reminds us of the many secret places that lie hidden in the swaths of green jungle. Five species of wildcats pad silent trails and the legendary Harpy Eagle nests in the upper reaches of the canopy.

For those staying an extra day Enjoy the beauty of the jungle by horseback on this half-day tour. Enjoy a leisurely ride while your experienced guide points out the flora and fauna around you. Stop at the river for lunch and a refreshing swim before continuing on to visit the Seaside Garifuna Village of Hopkins. Anyone can enjoy this activity, from the experienced rider to the absolute beginner. The horses are well trained and the guides will be with you throughout the tour.

For those departing on day 3, your day is completely flexible. Your return transportation by van to Dangriga can be arranged for either before or after lunch. (if you arrived after lunch on Day 1 then lunch can be included on this day)

Day four is completely flexible. You can stay close to the lodge or follow a trail to a favorite pool or waterfall.  We highly recommend morning birdwatching guided tour, with over 290 species identified in the property, this National Park is ideal for birdwatching aficionados. Your return transportation by van to Dangriga can be arranged for either before or after lunch.