Horseback Riding in Belize
MAYAN JUNGLE AND TIKAL RIDE |
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For many people, the regular 6-day Mayan Jungle Ride is not enough. With this itinerary, you have the option to stay for another 2 days to explore the inspiring Mayan ruins at Tikal.
We did not expect the level of local expertise on the local ecology which our hosts and guides had. My wife is an enthusiastic and experienced bird watcher. The family has been locally instrumental in developing bird, mammal and butterfly lists and has a variety of bird feeders around the Cantina. You should spread the word that this is a good destination for non-riding wildlife enthusiasts.
- Wallace Venable
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Saturday: Arrive at the Belize International Airport. Clients are met no later than 4:00pm and are transferred approximately two hours. Riders see various types of terrain on the drive from the flat marshlands of the Belize City peninsula to the pine Savannah's of the Belize River valley. As the road climbs into the Maya Mountain foothills, the vegetation changes to a denser tropical rainforest. Receive a welcome from the hosts with time to relax before dinner.
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| Day 2: | Sunday: After breakfast receive an orientation and an introduction to the horses and tack. The first full day's ride takes riders 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 via a different route for refreshments prior to the evening meal.
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| Day 3: | Monday: Today's destination is the cave at Barton Creek known as Nohoch Sayab. This spectacular river cave combines underground streams into a confluence, then sends them out as one river. Watch the untouched colorful limestone formations as you float by them at least a mile into the cave. Equally interesting is the actual ride. Travel through the Barton Creek Mennonite Community and observe their primitive farming methods. In order to respect the wishes of the Mennonites please refrain from taking their pictures.
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| Day 4: | Tuesday: The ride today is to the captivating Vega, a secluded limestone sink-hole valley. Explore the shady creeks and see a lovely small waterfall. Enjoy inspiring vistas of the sunken valley from the top of an un-excavated Mayan burial ruin. This is a superb bird watching location. A delicious lunch at the Cantina is waiting upon return from the ride.
After lunch change into shorts for a vehicle tour of Cahal Pech, a mystical Mayan ceremonial center. Afterwards enjoy shopping in San Ignacio.
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| Day 5: | Wednesday: Ride to Swallow Cave and explore the cave. Relax and enjoy the scenery while having a picnic lunch. Enjoy a relaxing swim at Butterfly Falls. This is a beautiful ride with plenty of opportunities for cantering.
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| Day 6: | Thursday: Early morning 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 its significant contributions to the knowledge of the Mayan people since it was discovered in 1848. Nestled in the jungle, Tikal also offers the ultimate experience for the birdwatchers. Lunch is served on the grounds. Leave Tikal around 4:00 PM to be back at MET for dinner. |
| Day 7: | Friday: Half day ride to the Mayan ruins of Pacbitun. Enjoy the last picnic lunch of this ride atop an ancient Mayan lookout with views of the upper Belize River Valley and the Mayan Cities of Cahal Pech and Xunantunich. Continue to a Mayan burial cave and return to MET by 2 PM. Wind down with an unscheduled afternoon. Enjoy the sounds of this magical tropical paradise. If you have not done so, discover another world after dark during a Night walk. |
| Day 8: | Saturday:After breakfast depart for the Belize City International Airport and return flights home. Visit the Belize Zoo on your way to the airport. The Zoo is unique in it's presentation and environmental message so don't miss out.
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| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Belize City |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 3 full and 2 half days days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Intermediate Novice |
| Group Size | Minimum-1 Maximum-12 |
| Riding Per Day | 5-6 hours |
| Pace | slow / moderate |
| Tack | Western wintec |
| Horses | local quarterhorse cross |
| Weight Limit | 200 lbs |
| 2009 Dates | Saturday – Saturday, same weeks as the Mayan Jungle Ride
Jan 3-10, Jan 17-24, Jan 31-Feb 7, Feb 14-21, Feb 28-Mar 7, Mar 14-21, Mar 28-Apr 4, Apr 11-18, Apr 25-May 2, May 9-16, May 23-30, Jun 13-20, Jul 11-18, Aug 8-15, Nov 14-21, Nov 28-Dec 5, Dec 12-19, Dec 19-26, Dec 26-Jan 2 |
| 2009 Price | High Season: Dec 15, 2008 - Apr 30, 2009
$2,200 Single
$1,730 Double
$1,510 Triple
Low Season: May 1, 2009 - Dec 14, 2009
$1,845 Single
$1,695 Double
$1,350 Triple
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