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The
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is the largest
and oldest of Belizean parklands. The red earth and
sandy terrain, Caribbean pines, granite outcroppings,
tumbling waterfalls, huge limestone caves, and rolling
open savanna grasslands, bordered by lush tropical
rainforest, make the Reserve unique in Central America.
Hidden
Valley's two diverse ecosystems are divided by a huge
geological fault line, which marks the edge of a towering
1000 Foot escarpment. Tropical broadleaf jungle covers
one third of the property; the remainder consists
predominantly of indigenous pine and oak savanna;
ravine flora and palm swamp. Both areas are populated
with over 70 species of colorful and delicate orchids
and bromeliads. On the Hidden Valley property there
are also cultivated areas of Arabica coffee trees,
banana and plantain trees, macadamia trees, cacao
trees, guava, and citrus.
Belize
is truly a birders paradise. The Mountain Pine Ridge/Caracol
area is home to many rare species and is considered
one of the top birding spots in the country. Even
the un-initiated will marvel at the colourful array
of tropical birds. Green Jays, Blue-Crowned Mot-Mot,
Golden Hooded Tanager, Humminbirds, Keel-Billed Toucan
and Crested Guan are just a few of the flamboyant
species you may encounter in the area.
Highlights
for birders from all over the world include King Vulture,
Stygian Owl, and Grace’s Warbler. The jungle
around the Mayan Site of Caracol provides regular
views of the exquisite Keel Billed Motmot.
The
cliffs on the Hidden Valley property are one of the
very few nesting sites for the endangered Orange Breasted
Falcon. The Peregrine Fund www.peregrinefund.org was
granted permission to take a female chick back to
Panama where they have started a breeding program
in an effort to save the species from extinction.
Two male chicks have been successfully released on
the property to date.
Exclusive
to Hidden Valley Inn guests are over 90 miles of well
marked and maintained hiking and biking trails. Hikes
range from the short 45 minute Mot-mot Trail to all
day excursions of varying difficulty.
The
use of full suspension, 21 speed mountain bikes is
included in your stay. An extensive road system and
pick up or drop off service also provides 4 wheel
drive access to the farthest corners of the property.
Whilst
all our trails are clearly marked and easily negotiable
independently, an on-site guide is available for early
morning or late afternoon hikes and night walks. Birders
will benefit from his extensive knowledge of local
birds, their habitat and calls. General interest topics
include natural history, the indigenous fauna and
flora and their medicinal uses. On a night walk, learn
how to spot spiders and experience the magic of the
jungle at night, in the hope of spotting some of the
elusive nocturnal wildlife.
Property
Description
Hidden
Valley Inn is an upscale eco resort located on 7200
acres of private reserve in the Maya Mountains of
Western Belize. Guests enjoy exclusive access to 90
miles of hiking and mountain biking trails as well
as many secluded pools and waterfalls set in tropical
rainforest.
For
those seeking romance, Secret Pools and Falls or Orchid
Falls may be reserved for the day with lunch set out
next to the pool below the falls. This is included
in the honeymoon package.
The
Inn also serves as a convenient base for visiting
the various scenic attractions of the area : Canoe
trips and horseback riding through the jungle are
a peaceful way to experience the indigenous flora
and fauna, mystical caves can be explored on foot,
by canoe or tube whilst ancient Mayan cities and modern
day rural villages provide a glimpse of past and present
cultures.
Hidden
Valley Inn is comprised of a central Lodge surrounded
by only 12 cottages guaranteeing outstanding personalized
service and privacy.
The
cozy rooms with ceiling fans and screened windows
all feature en suite bathrooms providing plentiful
hot water. Brick fireplaces, handcrafted mahogany
furnishings and elegant décor in earthy tones
reflect the warm intimacy of the Inn.
The
Main House is the heart of the Inn. It has been converted
from the original homestead and reflects the graciousness
of a high-country lodge with its vaulted ceilings,
exotic tropical cypress paneled walls and four fireplaces.
Our guests enjoy meeting new friends in the relaxed,
house party atmosphere. The three lounges and bar
provide ample area to gather before dinner with a
cocktail and share information with one another on
the adventures of the day, or to settle quietly in
a comfortable chair in one of the lounges to read.
The
swimming pool and hot tub are the perfect place to
soak away the stress of urban life or enjoy a frozen
margarita at sunset.
A
fusion of local and international ingredients lends
a truly original flavor to our cuisine. Breakfast
starts with our own Hidden Valley Inn Coffee, which
is grown and roasted on the property and freshly squeezed
juices. A choice of home-baked breads and pastries
and an assortment of fresh fruits and cereals are
on the buffet, followed by a full hot breakfast.
In
the evening, the dining room is set with white linen,
fresh flowers and candlelight to create an elegant
and intimate atmosphere. The menu changes daily and
offers a choice of appetizers, entrees and desserts
incorporating both local and international dishes.
Signature fare includes Caribbean Snapper baked in
Banana Leaves with a Banana Salsa., Coconut Beef Curry
and Lime Mint Pork Tenderloin with a Pineapple Relish.
Vegetarians are catered for with a variety of tasty
treats such as Lentil and Eggplant Bake, Nutty Vegetable
Stir Fry and Penne with a Tomato Zucchini Cream Sauce.
Tempting desserts such as Key Lime Pie, Banoffee Pie,
Chocolate Eclairs and Sticky Toffee Pudding finish
off the meal accompanied by a selection of teas and
Hidden Valley Coffee. When the weather is fine we
also offer outdoor dining on the pool terrace. The
service by attentive staff is unforgettable.
For
those needing to stay in touch, a satellite connection
provides high speed internet access. Wireless internet
is available at no cost in the main house.
The
rooms are tastefully appointed with Mahogony furnishings
and topped with ceiling fans. Each room has its own
brick fireplace to ward away the winter nigh-time
chill.
Amenities
There
is an outdoor pool and jacuzzi available for use for
the guests.
Special Bird watching tours and night hikes can be
organized from the Inn.
Ceiling
Fans: Yes
Conference Facilities: Yes
Pool: Yes
Wedding Services: Yes
Services/Activities
We
have a tour desk and offer trips to all the major
attractions of the area. These include Caracol, Actun
Tunichil Muknal Caves, Barton Creek Cave canoeing,
Horseback riding in the jungle, Hiking, Mountain Biking,
River canoeing, Birdwatching, Cave tubing and visiting
the other numerous Mayan sites in the area.
Restaurant
On
site restaurant and bar.
Rates/Information
180
to 200 US dollars per room
Child Rates: Under 12 free in parents room
Type Payments Accepted: visa/mastercard
Check-in Time: 14:00
Check-out Time: 10:00
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