Property
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Hidden
Valley Inn
PO Box 170
Belmopan
Belize
Central America
Tel.: 501-822-3320, toll free 1-866-443-3364 (from USA)
Fax.: 501-822-3334
E-Mail: reservations@hiddenvalleyinn.com
Web: http://www.hiddenvalleyinn.com
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Area Description
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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.
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Property Description
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| 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.
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Accommodations
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| 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. |
Amentities
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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
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Services / Activities
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| 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. |
Restaurants
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| On
site restaurant and bar. |
Rates
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180
to 200 US dollars per room
Child Rates: Under 12 free in parents room
Type Payments Accepted: visa/mastercard/ |
Additional Information
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Check-in
Time: 14:00
Check-out Time: 10:00 |
Directions
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| Leaving
the airport parking, you will see a t junction in front
of you. Take the left road towards Burrel Boom, there
is a large sign reading Ramon's Plaza. Turn left here
up the Northern Highway away from Belize City and continue
until you reach a sign to the left for Burrell Boom. Turn
left and continue until you reach a traffic circle where
you bear right toward Belmopan. At Belmopan carry on along
the Western Highway toward San Ignacio Cayo. You will
pass a large orange building called Ceasar's Place. This
is a great spot to stretch your legs along the way. You
will see a first turn off to the Mountain Pine Ridge and
a Hidden Valley Inn Sign. This is the Georgeville Turn
off. It is a rocky road, we recommend using the San Antonio
Road off of San Ignacio. The San Antonio road is much
smoother and in better condition.
Before
reaching San Ignacio, you will drive through Red Creek
Police checkpoint. Keep going straight until you see
a CP gas station on your right. Roughly 100 yards from
there, you will see signs overhead indicating the Pine
Ridge. Turn left into this road. Hidden Valley signs
are present from the turn off up to the Inn. You will
drive through Cristo Rey village, followed by San Antonio
village. Keep driving until you reach a junction from
Georgeville, drive up the mountain until you see the
Pine Ridge Forestry Gate. Continue on through the forestry
gate until you reach another signpost for the Inn about
15 minutes later. Turn left down Cooma Cairn road toward
1000 feet falls. Continue until you reach the entrance
to the Inn on the left.
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Request Information or Reservations From Hidden Valley
Inn
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Belize
At A Glance
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Language:
English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib),
Creole
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Capital: Belmopan
Size: 22,966 sq km, coastline - 386 km
Population: 250,000
Location: Central America on the Caribbean Sea. Two hours
from Miami or Houston. Bordered by Mexico to the north
and Guatemala to the West and south.
Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season
(May to November); dry season (February to May). Temperatures:
Summer: 70° - 85° F/approx. Winter 70° - 80°
F/approx.
Time: US Central Standard Time, year-round.
Electricity: 110 volts AC
Currency: Belizean dollar
Driving: International driver's license accepted
up to 90 days
Rentals: Local and international auto rental companies
located throughout Belize.
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