Belize Lodge Excursions - Belize Expedition an Adventure of Mixed Locales

BELIZE CITY, Belize – Belize Lodge and Excursions’ circuit of four unique and luxurious lodges creates an African safari-like, trans-habitat experience in southern Belize. Moving from rainforest to jungle to coast, guests experience the ultimate all-inclusive adventure vacation.

This is NOT A PRESS TRIP.

We've put together an intriguing program to allow you and a guest to explore the wild and majestic nature and wildlife of Belize. Journalists with an assignment letter for a well-suited publication will receive:

• Possible complimentary flights from Belize City to Indian Creek;
• Complimentary accommodations, meals and activities for 4-5 nights at three to four lodges;
• Spouses are welcome and receive complimentary accommodations, meals and activities.

The expedition begins with one or two nights at a rainforest lodge, Indian Creek or Ballam Na, exploring Boden Creek Ecological Preserve and ancient Maya ruins. Then journey to Jungle Camp with a Mayan guide down Golden Stream for 2 ½ to 3 hours by kayak or an Adirondack canoe.

Feel like an early explorer heading deep into the jungle until you round the bend and see the amazing sight of Jungle Camp suspended 20 feet off the ground. Step out of the boat and be greeted with a champagne cocktail and an ice cold towel, by a server wearing an old colonial style tuxedo.

After a few nights at Jungle Camp, journey by electric pontoon boat 2½ hours further downstream to the mouth of the river and the spectacular Port Honduras Marine Reserve. The voyage highlighted by birds, exotic wildlife, mountains, broadleaf forest and mangroves, brings you to Moho Cay, a secluded island with private beaches and lavish African safari tents, the final lodging experience. Robinson Crusoe never had it so good!

POSSIBLE STORY ANGLES:

“CAMERA TRAPS” USED AS UNIQUE TRACKING TOOL
Camera traps – the newest way to track and record wildlife populations has come to BLE. In partnership with such organizations as Conservation International and the Wildlife Conservations Society, several of these traps are set up in certain sectors of BLE to record wildlife populations. Elusive species that might otherwise escape detection become accessible via this unique tracking tool.

ZERO TOLERENCE FOR POACHING
BLE, along with other local officials, is steadfast in its resolve to eliminate illegal poaching of wildlife and property. BLE alone hires 12 full time anti-poaching rangers to patrol the property 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. This team work approach is proving successful, as there has not been a major incident in over 3 years. Camera traps used for tracking wildlife, can also be used an anti-poaching tool

RESCUE, REHABILITATION, RELEASE & RESEARCH PROGRAM
The Wildlife Care Center of Belize, located in the Boden Creek Ecological Reserve, is involved in the rescue, rehabilitation, release and research of monkeys and parrots species confiscated from the illegal pet trade market. Two spider monkeys and three howler monkeys are currently undergoing rehabilitation. Twenty-seven monkeys have been released since 1999 and future release of the Spider Monkeys into the reserve will be the reintroduction to the area of the species wiped out in the late 50’s by a primate yellow fever epidemic.

FOOD OF THE GODS – CACAO
Its name comes from the Aztec’s xocoatl but the Maya of Belize were growing and trading cacao long before Moctezuma greeted Cortes with a drink of chocolate in 1519. It was a valuable commodity enjoyed by the elite of ancient society. Nearby Lubaantun (Place of Fallen Stones), was a major trading center for the region and in ancient time produced large quantities of cacao. The archaeological site is a well preserved ancient city with carved stonework, multiple ball courts and doorless pyramids. Currently there are 200 cacao growers in southern Belize reviving the industry by producing organic cacao for fair trade markets.

RE-BUILDING MAYAN TEMPLES - LEARNING FROM THE ANCIENTS
Just steps away from BLE’s Indian Creek Lodge are the Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit (Big Hat) a small but significant site with many carved monuments including the second largest in the Maya World. In ancient times, BLE's Nathaniel Mas would have been revered as the Maya's chief stone cutter, making exacting designs that defied nature for centuries and were equally impressive artistically. Mas maintains the Nim Li Punit archaeological site and looks after the design and application of BLE's Mayan-like surroundings.

TREE CANOPY PLATFORM
At Jungle Camp, a tree canopy platform gives guests a bird’s eye view of the jungle. Built by the Greenheart Conservation Company, the platform is suspended 110' above the jungle floor in a giant ceiba tree and is the first of its kind in Belize. Guests get a chance to explore the upper canopy of the forest with a magnificent view of the surrounding area, and see rarely sighted birds, insects and plant species that dwell only in the forest's upper canopy.

LIVING AMONG JAGUARS
If you've ever dreamed of staying right on nature's doorstep, with the flora, fauna and wildlife you're not going to get any closer than this. Ballum Na, or House of the Jaguar, offers guests the opportunity to stay in the comfort and safety of their beds, while live Jaguars prowl the jungle floor below. Home to two male jaguars, Bosch and Xupi, who were born in captivity and were destined for a Mexican zoo. Rescued from this plight at an early age they now live in a natural habitat that encompasses 2.1 acres of the jungle.

ELECTRIC CARTS TO NAVIGATE THE JUNGLE TRAILS
An eco-friendly and quiet way to traverse the wilds of Belize. Electric vehicles by the GEM Company are now offered to guests to help them appreciate what BLE has to offer. The cars are often used to drive to one of the many loops trails, allowing guests an easy way to get back home following a hike. GEM vehicles can be recharged anywhere a 100-volt outlet is available in 6-8 hours and produce no tailpipe emissions.

CREATING LOCAL JOBS – PRESERVING LOCAL CULTURE
BLE recognizes that the people and the land are linked. An ancient Mayan culture once dominated this landscape. By employing local people the company not only creates much needed local employment, but also helps to protect some of the local Mayan culture. They offer a place for local people to use their knowledge of nature and wildlife in a way that help is some ways to preserves the culture.

Your Host  - Belize Lodge and Excursions (BLE)

Though natural and exclusive in their location, BLE's lodges are not lacking in diversity and creature comforts. They include:

• Indian Creek Lodge: Nestled among tropical trees and gardens, twelve cabins are scattered along stone pathways leading to the hilltop, each with private veranda and spectacular vista of the nearby rainforest. The surrounding attractions include the Maya archaeological site of Nim Li Punit and BLE’s private reserve, with the Wildlife Rescue Center and miles of nature trails, either on foot, mountain bikes or by electric safari cart. Excursions include other Maya sites, jungle trails, caves, back country hikes, swamp and river canoe trips, and visits to local Maya Villages and artisan guilds.

• Ballum Na (House of the Jaguar): Located 2 miles south of Indian Creek, BLE’s second luxury lodge is situated within beautiful jungle habitat and is home to two male jaguars. Overlooking this sanctuary is “House of the Jaguar” with a 5-star Master Suite and 2 Junior Suites. Above this guests will find a restaurant and bar, with expansive decks and canopy walkway, overlooking the jaguar area, Boden Creek and Parrot Falls. On the 4th floor an observation deck looks out over the top of the jungle canopy and a carpet of green in every direction. Be totally pampered with your personal executive chef, waiter and butler in constant attendance.

• Jungle Camp: Immerse yourself in the true spirit of getting away from it all by taking a cruise down the unspoiled Golden Stream to Jungle Camp. The camp is in the middle of a true tropical wilderness, with no roads or trails. Blending with the tree canopy and scattered along the high bank of the river, 12 safari-style bungalows are suspended sixteen feet above the forest floor. Thatch covered walkways connect the restaurant & bar to the bungalows, which have private veranda and fantastic view of the Golden Stream and surrounding forest. All units are fully screened, with giant ceiling fans and tiled hot-water shower and bath.

• Moho Cay Lodge: From Jungle Camp, journey down river towards the blue Caribbean Sea and into the spectacular Port Honduras Marine Reserve. Situated on a 2-acre white sand beach, palm tree covered island, the lodge accommodations are raised luxury safari tents covered by thatched roofs. The restaurant and bar overlook the open sea and the distant Maya Mountains. Half and full day excursions include snorkeling, swimming and sea kayaking within the Reserve, Payne’s Creek National Park, Middle River and out to the Sapodilla Cays Marine Reserve, located at the southern most tip of the Great Belize Barrier Reef. This area includes some of the best snorkeling found along the entire reef system.