Hidden Valley Inn

 

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. 

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!

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:

 

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.

 

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 were performed 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.

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.

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

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.

Green Hills Butterfly Farm 

Observe the life cycle of a butterfly and view close-up the stunning blue-morpho butterfly. This farm exports to all over the world and is one of the most established in Belize.   TOP

Rates & Information

 

 

 

 

 

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