The Concept
Hidden Valley Inn, a luxury boutique hotel with only 12 cottages, is located on a 7,200 acre private reserve in the Mountain Pine Ridge area of Belize. This intimate eco resort offers quality accommodation, delicious food and attentive service in a natural unspoiled environment. The flora and fauna here are like no place on earth.
Winner of the 2006 Caribbean Tourism Organization / Islands Magazine 'Sustainable Tourism Award"
Accommodations Restaurant Honeymoons Activities Rates About Eco-Tourism
You can enjoy access to over 90 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails as well as many secluded pools and waterfalls set in tropical rainforest. Situated in the Maya Mountains, this cozy jungle lodge also serves as a convenient base for visiting the various scenic and cultural areas of Belize. At an altitude of over 2000 feet, the climate of the Mountain Pine Ridge is comfortable year round with an average annual temperature of 73°F.
The Accommodations
Hidden Valley has only 12 cozy cottages surrounding the central lodge, which houses a bar, restaurant and several comfortable lounges.
- Queen, 2 twins or 1 King bed
- Private bath
- Mahogany desk and chair,
- 2 easy chairs
- Freplace
- Ceiling fans and screened windows
- 2 rooms can accommodate a 3rd person
- One deluxe suite, which can be either one or two-bedrooms with a screened living area is ideal for families
The Restaurant
The Main House forms the "heart" of the Inn. It has been converted from the original homestead and reflects the grace of a high-country lodge with vaulted ceilings, exotic tropical cypress paneled walls and four fireplaces. The three lounges and bar provide ample area to gather before dinner for a cocktail or to settle quietly in a comfortable chair in one of the lounges to read or watch the undisturbed antics of the acorn woodpeckers and hummingbirds. Top
A fusion of local and international ingredients lends a truly original flavor to our cuisine making it some of the best food prepared in Belize. 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 goods and an assortment of fresh fruits and cereals are on the buffet, followed by a full hot breakfast. Lunch can be taken in the dining room or carried on a hiking tour.
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 choices incorporating both local and international dishes. Weather permitting, you can dine outdoors on the pool terrace.
Power is supplied by a 110 volt generator between about 6 AM and 10 PM and then inverters supply the cottages with 110 volts through the night as well. Lights are kept to a minimum enhancing the view of the night sky. For those needing to stay in touch, a satellite connection provides high speed internet access. For those with laptops, the main house has wireless connectivity and a cable is available if you do not have wireless. TOP
Honeymoons in Belize
The honeymoon package includes lunch set up at your choice of private waterfall for the day, complete with white linen, fresh flowers, sparkling wine and any transfers required to and from the waterfall. Imagine spending a day as a couple alone at your private waterfall for the day? With a delicous meal ready for you and a chilled bottle of sparkling wine? Does this sound too good to be true?
Cubs Den, is a thatched palapa next to a gurgling creek with small rapids, and also has a small shallow pool for swimming and wading.
Secret Pools and Falls is situated in the tropical broadleaf jungle under the shade of the canopy. Orchids, bromeliads and palmetto palms surround a rustic wooden table next to the lower waterfall and crystal pool. Hammocks hanging from trees next to the river provide the perfect place to relax. TOP
Activities
At Hidden Valley Inn you will find a lovely fresh water swimming pool and hot tub. The 7,200 acres of private property has trails and forest roads amounting to over 90 miles, traversing through jungle, leading to pools and waterfalls. This is exclusive for the use of Hidden Valley Inn guests. Free use of mountain bikes might make seeing all those 7,200 acres a little easier!
Ancient Mayan Ruins
The location of the Inn provides convenient access to the endless attractions of Belize. Discover past and present cultures by visiting ancient Mayan archaeological sites and modern day rural villages. Other tours on offer include horseback riding, river canoe trips and exploring the many caves in the area. Be sure to schedule enough time to enjoy all of the natural splendors that the Cayo District has to offer and at least one day to explore the numerous private waterfalls on Hidden Valley Inn's private reserve.
Caracol Tour 35 miles from the Inn, deep in the Chiquibul Wilderness lies one of the largest sites of the Ancient Mayan world with over 4000 structures spread over 55 square miles. Cloaked in a jungle shroud, it is difficult to appreciate the extent of this mighty city. Excavation to date has revealed amongst others the towering temple of Caana (the Sky Palace), Belize's tallest manmade structure. The view from the top over the pristine jungle is breathtaking. Trails have been cut through the surrounding jungle for those interested in observing the wealth of fauna, flora and birdlife that inhabit the area.
Xunantunich Tour 25 miles from the Inn on the banks of the Mopan River and 3 miles from San Ignacio lies Xunantunich. A unique hand cranked ferry takes you over the Mopan on the way up to the entrance. The main temple, the 130 ft high El Castillo, is the second tallest temple in Belize and is surrounded by a stone and stuccoed frieze, decorated with Mayan glyphs. Some of these friezes have been restored and others are in their original state. TOP
Cahal Pech Tour 22 miles from the Inn on a hill above the town of San Ignacio lies the small but very well restored site of Cahal Pech. The site had provided important information on the earliest Mayan settlers of Western Belize. Judging from their decorative artwork and architecture, it is believed that they were quite sophisticated.
Tikal Tour Approximately 3 hours across the border into Guatemala lies one of the greatest of all Classic Mayan cities with its spectacular temples penetrating through the thick jungle canopy. The flora and fauna are almost as spectacular as the temples themselves. Howler monkeys, spider monkeys and coatimundis are seen regularly as well as an abundance of exotic birds.
Belize Zoo
An excellent introduction to the indigenous wildlife of Belize. The natural vegetation has been incorporated into the enclosures and even those not enthusiastic about zoos will be impressed by the space and design. Situated halfway between Belize City and Hidden Valley Inn, a tour of the zoo provides an ideal break in the journey.
Birding at Hidden Valley Inn
Belize is a prime bird watching destination and the Mountain Pine Ridge, Chiquibul and Caracol area is very rich in bird life. The varying habitat is home to a broad range of birds, many of which are unique to the area. Even the novice birder will marvel at the colourful array of tropical birds.
Hidden Valley Inn has a resident bird guide. Click here for a 7 day itinerary to include both Hidden Valley Inn and the Lodge at Big Falls in Placencia.
Caves and Rivers
Spelunking is fast becoming one of the most popular activities in Belize. There are caves suitable for visitors of any age or physical capability. The Maya believed that caves were the entrance to the underworld and many sacred ceremonies wereperformed here. Ancient pottery, much of it still intact, skeletons and other artifacts can still be found today. Both experienced and first time cavers will gaze in awe at sparkling stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. The nearby Chiquibul cave system has yet to be fully explored and undoubtedly there are many caves deep in the jungle, still waiting to reveal their secrets.
Rio Frio Cave Rio Frio Cave is open at both ends and arches to 65 feet in its center. A crystal clear stream runs through the cave and glittering stalactites decorate the interior. This is one of the least physically challenging caves in Belize. This cave is usually included in the day trip to Caracol.
Barton Creek Cave Canoeing Drive through a rural Mennonite settlement and traverse several creeks to reach Barton Creek Cave. Here embark on a canoe and glide through the darkness, armed with a spotlight. Your guide will point out various magnificent formations and ancient relics and explain some of the beliefs and rituals of the ancient Maya. A peaceful and relaxing journey into the underworld. TOP
Actun Tunichil Muknal This cave is more physically challenging and can only be visited with one of the local operators. Start with a 45 minute hike, followed by a swim into the cave. An Aladdin's cave of ancient pottery, calcified skulls and skeletons and spectacular formations make the effort worthwhile.
Cave Tubing Jaguar Paw and Caves Branch both offer a tube ride within an extensive cave system. Paddle and hike your way past Mayan artifacts and gaze in wonder at vast chambers adorned with stalactites, stalagmites and wall carvings.
Rio On Pools Numerous clear pools and waterfalls for swimming make a refreshing break on the journey back from 
Caracol.
River Tubing When water levels permit, float down the Mopan River past jungle clad river banks looking for birds and wildlife.
River Canoeing This is a most relaxing way to spend the day drifting down the Macal River to the town of San Ignacio catching sight of huge dragon-like orange and black iguanas hanging in the trees and swimming off the sandy shoals.
Hidden Valley Inn Property Tour
This is a guided tour of the different waterfalls and viewpoints within the private reserve and may include 1000 ft falls. The tour is tailor made to suit the individual and includes the 6 stops of your choice. TOP
Horseback Riding
Arrangements can be made to provide horseback riding at a number of nearby establishments. The rides vary in length from one hour to full day excursions and visit waterfalls, caves and Mayan ruins in the jungle.
Mountain Pine Ridge Tour
This tour visits the breathtaking 1000 ft falls and then to Rio Frio cave and then for Rio On pools where you can swim in the many pools and sunbathe on the granite rocks around the pool. The order in which they are visited may vary according to the guide and the weather.
The Village Experience
Approximately 8 miles from the Lodge explore the modern day Mayan village of San Antonio. The Garcia Sisters have also established a museum and handicraft shop here. Visitors can see traditional household tools and agricultural implements, and buy slate carvings, baskets and other crafts.
Yoga
3 platforms, each 24X25 square feet, are located at tranquil spots on the property. Each are ideal for meditation and yoga practice. Additionally, Belize Yoga offers fully-coordinated yoga retreats utilizing Hidden Valley Inn.
April 14-21, 2012 Caribbean Hideaways Yoga Retreat
Rates & Information
Hidden Valley Inn has developed 4 and 7 night packages; 4 night Luxury Honeymoon, 4 night Deluxe Honeymoon, 4 night Honeymoon, 7 night Inland Adventure, 7 Night Mountain to Mangrove Birding, 7 night Maya Mountain & Ambergris Caye. The 4 night Discovery Package is detailed below; please contact us for details of the other packages or nightly rates.
All packages utilize the Luxury Cabana's; please please inquire for the surcharge to the newly renovated Deluxe Suites that each have an Outdoor Rock Shower, Claw Foot Tub, Spacious Patio with Matrimonial Hammock, Tea and Coffee Making Facilities and 100% Natural Cotton Linen.
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4 Night Discovery Package
Package Includes:
- Accommodation for 4 nights in an Estate room
- Caracol, Rio Frio Cave and Rio on Pools (or Tikal for supplement, please enquire for surcharge amount)
- Barton Creek Cave Canoeing and Green Hills Butterfly farm or 1/2 day horseback riding
- Guided Eco-trails
- Does not include entrance fees to sites or border fees (Tikal trip).
- All Meals and local beverages
- Return transfers
- Taxes and service charge
2012 Package Price: per person, based on double occupancy
$1600.00
About Eco-Tourism
Referred to as "Mother Nature's best kept secret", Belize is a popular ecotourism destination. Hidden Valley Inn is the only resort within a 7200 acre private reserve bordering the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The luxury eco lodge offers guided tours to discover the unique flora and wildlife of the area.
The property'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 7200 acre private reserve; the remainder is predominantly Caribbean Pine consisting of pine savannah, in the process of regeneration after the explosion of the bark beetle population; ravine flora and palm swamp. Both areas are populated with over 70 species of colorful and delicate orchids and bromeliads, fuzzy-leafed melastomes, vivid "hot lips", and feathery ferns in many sizes from ancient looking tree ferns to low growing club ferns.
We have the most extensive network of trails found in Belize. From one hour strolls to full day hikes, our trail system will bring you through some of Belize's most beautiful terrain.
During a nature walk with the resident guide, guests will learn about natural history, 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.
On the Hidden Valley property there are also cultivated areas of Arabica coffee trees, pineapples,banana and plantain trees, macadamia trees, guava, grapefruit and lime trees. These ensure an abundance of fresh coffee and fruit for the lodge.
Rare and beautiful wildlife lives unaffected by human habitation; large puma and jaguar are sometime seen along the roads, although you will be very lucky to spot one! A puma's scratching post marks the start of one of our trails. The tapir leaves his tracks on the forest floor and the shy quash (coatimundi) may be seen foraging along the trails. Peccary frequent the macadamia plantation and grey fox is common around the Inn. Look out for otters swimming in the quiet streams and pools of the property.
The Hidden Valley Inn property is available exclusively to our guests and can be explored on foot or by mountain bike on 90 miles of well marked and maintained trails.
For the less energetic an extensive road system and pick up or drop off service provides 4 wheel drive access to the farthest corners of the property.
