STAFF REVIEW SPRING BREAK WITH MY FAMILY ALINE PHILLIPS APRIL 2005
I can’t think of a better way to spend spring break, than on the Mayan Jungle Ride in Belize with my daughter (18 yrs) and son (23 yrs). It was just what we needed to recover from the long Wyoming winter. My friend, her 14-yr-old daughter, and several other riders from the US also joined our migration south to this warm weather destination.
One of the best things about this ride is the location: Belize is only a two hour flight from Houston, and in my opinion it’s the best kept riding vacation secret in the world, a dream-come-true for winter-weary horse enthusiasts.
Our homes for the week were Mayan-style cabanas constructed of stucco and hardwood, and roofed with thatch. The cantina was the center of activity for all meals and entertainment in the evenings. We didn’t bother to set an alarm clock, because we were awakened each morning by the music of tropical birds.
Our guide, Rigo, was quick to teach us all about the vegetation along the trails. He wielded his machete at times to clear the trail, and to cut chunks of a water vine so we could experience sipping sweet water from this plant. He pointed out the many colorful birds flitting around in the lush forest canopy of ferns, philodendron and palms. Many of the plants were in bloom; hibiscus, lady’s lips, orchids and bougainvillea lent a tantalizing aroma to the jungle air. We swam in pools under waterfalls, reveling in the cool water.
Barton Creek Cave was our destination one day. We arrived in time for a picnic lunch at the edge of the stream. The cave is one of the longest caves in Belize and part of an extensive subterranean riverine system. We climbed into canoes and paddled through the entrance. When the spotlight was switched on it revealed a breathtaking array of stalactites, ledges and chambers. The Maya used this cave some 1800 years ago for worship and burial rituals.
We stayed to do the Tikal Extension, and spent a day exploring the famous Mayan ruin of Tikal in Guatamala, which was constructed in AD 550-900. Our tour guide was a descendent of the Maya, very proud and knowledgeable about the culture of his ancestors. We climbed the three hundred plus stairs to the top of one temple for a birds-eye view of the entire area. One of the Star Wars movies (I forget which one) was filmed here. When you see it from this perspective, you gain an appreciation for what an architectural phenomenon it is, particularly when considering the challenge of creating such gigantic structures using only stone tools.
The week was filled with great riding, memorable meals, diverse terrain and vegetation, fascinating caves, Mayan ruins, and the camaraderie of friends old and new. I think it’s an ideal getaway to enjoy a tropical paradise with family and friends.
One of the best things about this ride is the location: Belize is only a two hour flight from Houston, and in my opinion it’s the best kept riding vacation secret in the world, a dream-come-true for winter-weary horse enthusiasts.
Our guide, Rigo, was quick to teach us all about the vegetation along the trails. He wielded his machete at times to clear the trail, and to cut chunks of a water vine so we could experience sipping sweet water from this plant. He pointed out the many colorful birds flitting around in the lush forest canopy of ferns, philodendron and palms. Many of the plants were in bloom; hibiscus, lady’s lips, orchids and bougainvillea lent a tantalizing aroma to the jungle air. We swam in pools under waterfalls, reveling in the cool water.
Barton Creek Cave was our destination one day. We arrived in time for a picnic lunch at the edge of the stream. The cave is one of the longest caves in Belize and part of an extensive subterranean riverine system. We climbed into canoes and paddled through the entrance. When the spotlight was switched on it revealed a breathtaking array of stalactites, ledges and chambers. The Maya used this cave some 1800 years ago for worship and burial rituals.