ECO & JUNGLE LODGES

HIDDEN VALLEY INN Belmopan, Belize www.hiddenvalleyinn.com
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Year Round Rates & Information

Weekly Rates	Visit www.hiddenvalleyinn.com for rates
Daily Rates	$136.00 - $220.00 per person
	Currency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Guest Capacity	24
Accommodations	Hidden Valley Inn is one of the few small luxury hotels in Belize situated within a private nature reserve. The accommodations are comprised of only 12 cottages that surround a central lodge housing a bar, restaurant and several lounges. It is also one of the only resorts whose facilities, trails and jungle waterfalls are reserved for exclusive use by resident guests guaranteeing privacy and some of the most personalized service in Belize. The cozy cottages with ceiling fans and screened windows all feature en suite bathrooms providing plentiful hot water. Brick fireplaces, handcrafted mahogany furnishings and elegant décor in earth tones reflect the warm intimacy of the Inn. The Main House forms 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. Guests enjoy meeting new friends in the relaxed 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 or watch the undisturbed antics of the acorn woodpeckers and hummingbirds.
Dining	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 or watch the undisturbed antics of the acorn woodpeckers and hummingbirds.
Landscape	Rainforest
Activities	Ecotourism 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. Hidden Valley Inn has the most extensive network of trails found in Belize. From one-hour strolls to full-day hikes, the 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 the 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 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. Hiking & Biking Hidden Valley Inn has the most extensive private trail network in the Pine Ridge. The trails will lead you through mixed Caribbean pine forest to lush jungle. The trails are accesible to everyone, and are clearly marked. Decide on a short walk to a full-day exploration. Exclusive to the guests at Hidden Valley Inn are over 90 miles of well marked and maintained hiking and mountain biking trails. These focus on areas of outstanding natural beauty such as Butterfly Falls, King Vulture Falls, Secret Pools, Tiger Creek Falls and 1000-Foot Falls, which is the highest waterfall in Belize. The inn is the perfect place for your Belize adventure vacation. Hikes range from the short 45 minute Mot-mot Trail to all-day excursions of varying difficulty. Hidden Valley Inn will assist you in tailor making your route through our private reserve depending on your interests. Hike through a forest alongside a bubbling stream or take a bicycle to some of the lookouts where waterfalls tumble off the escarpment into the dense jungle below. Pause a while to enjoy a refreshing swim in a crystal clear rock pool below one of the breathtaking waterfalls. The complimentary use of the 21-speed mountain bikes is included in your stay. Management and staff are always available to assist in planning your trip and complimentary property maps are available. You can either return to the inn for lunch or request a packed lunch. For a small fee, lunch and drinks can be set up at a pre-designated point along your route so that you do not need to carry it with you. Two way radios are provided for use on the property should you require a ride back to the inn or simply need directions. Although the trails are well marked and maps are provided, a guide may be hired to accompany you and share his knowledge of the local fauna, flora and natural history (subject to availability). Birding 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. Early morning birding walks and tours can be arranged with local guides. Even the un-initiated will marvel at the colourful array of tropical birds. Darting hummingbirds, Green Jay, Blue-Crowned Mot-Mot, Golden Hooded Tanager, Hepatic Tanager, Montezumas Oropendula, Keel-Billed Toucan and Crested Guan are just a few of the flamboyant species you may encounter in the area. An on-site birding guide is available for early morning or late afternoon bird walks and birders will benefit from his extensive knowledge of local birds, their habits and calls. Please let the inn know prior to your arrival if you will be requiring his services so that they can try to ensure that he is available. Highlights for birders from all over the world include Orange Breasted Falcon, King Vulture, Stygian Owl, Laughing Falcon, Grace's Warbler, Lovely Cotinga, Tody Motmot and many more. Below is a Belize bird checklist on which all of the birds found in the area have been marked. The jungle around the Mayan Site of Caracol provides regular views of the exquisite Keel Billed Motmot. The cliffs around the Hidden Valley Inn's property are one of the very few nesting sites for the endangered Orange Breasted Falcon. In 2003 the Peregrine Fund took a female falcon chick back to Panama where they have started a breeding program in an effort to save the species from extinction. In 2004, some eggs were taken from Belize to Panama and incubated. One female and two males were brought back to Belize. Hidden Valley Inn co-sponsored the release of these males, the first ever, Orange breasted Falcons born in captivity. The Peregrine Fund has also released four Harpy Eagles in the Chiquibul Forest near Caracol, some of which have been relocated to Rio Bravo. One Harpy Eagle was also donated to the Belize Zoo as it could not be released. Another extremely rare bird found on the property is the Stygian Owl. These uncommon owls are mostly restricted to Pine and Pine Oak woodlands. Rick Romero, Hidden Valley Inn's resident bird guide has been monitoring the nine daytime roosts on the property and hopes to learn more about the owl's habits. Throughout the 2004/2005 birding season, every birding group that visited the resort saw this elusive nocturnal owl. Many days could be spent birding on the roads and trails of the private reserve surrounding the Inn. The best time of day for observing activity is daybreak and dusk. For the serious birder, and those who may need a little help, local guides can be arranged for on and off property trips. Their knowledge and experience is invaluable in finding those special birds to add to your life list. Other sites for great birding in the area include: Caracol in the Chiquibul National Park Aguacate Lagoon near Spanish Lookout Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, which can be added on to a transfer to or from Belize City. Waterfalls Hidden Valley Inn is the only property in Belize where resident guests have exclusive access to a multitude of waterfalls. With only 12 cabanas your privacy is their priority. Imagine an 80-foot waterfall plunging into a crystal clear pool just made for swimming. A lost paradise surrounded by rock walls hanging with bromeliads, orchids and ferns sparkling with the spray of the falls. Imagine gazing across the escarpment at magnificent waterfalls tumbling 1000-foot into the dense jungle below. Imagine the privilege of enjoying all this... alone. Tiger Creek Falls This 700-foot waterfall disappearing into a jungle shrouded valley can be admired from three breathtaking lookouts. Tiger Creek Pools Swim in the natural horizon pools at the top of Tiger Creek Falls and dry off on the sun- baked granite rocks. Butterfly Falls This waterfall is often described as the jewel of the property, cascading 80 feet into an idyllic pool surrounded by sheer cliffs and tropical vegetation. A swim at Butterfly Falls is an unforgettable experience. Devil's Falls A stunning trail meandering along the river through broadleaf jungle leads to the most recently discovered set of waterfalls and pools on the property. Manakin Falls Sunbathe on the warm granite boulders at the base of this 90-foot waterfall and cool off in the pool at the base of the falls. King Vulture Falls This 800-foot waterfall is a nesting site for the magnificent King Vulture and these majestic birds can often be seen soaring up and down the canyon. The cliffs around the fall are also a nesting site for the extremely rare Orange Breasted falcon. Hidden Valley Falls (1000-Foot Falls) Recently proclaimed as a national monument and opened to the public, this waterfall is reputed to be the highest waterfall in Central America. Although its name suggests otherwise, it is closer to 1600 feet. There is a $1 charge to view the falls and cold drinks and assorted crafts made by the caretaker, Pedro's family, are for sale. Secret Pools and Falls A series of two waterfalls and pools set in the tropical broadleaf jungle is the perfect place to spend some time swimming and exploring. This waterfall may also be reserved exclusively for the day at at an extra cost of $100. This includes lunch and sparkling wine set out with white linen and fresh flowers as well as transport to and from the falls. This is included in the honeymoon package. Orchid Falls A thatched and screened palapa overlooking a large inviting pool forms an idyllic setting for a romantic getaway. Doze in a hammock, relax in one of the comfortable armchairs or float around the pool in an inner tube. A bathroom provides added comfort. Accessible via an easy seven-minute hiking trail, this waterfall is available by reservation only at at an extra cost of $100. This includes exclusive use of the waterfall for the day, lunch and sparkling wine set out with white linen and fresh flowers as well as transport to and from the falls. This is included in the honeymoon package.
Website	www.hiddenvalleyinn.com

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Amenities
Heated Showers

Activities
Bird Watching Canopy Exploration Escorted Jungle Treks	Hiking Interpretive Walks Rainforest Tours	Wildlife Viewing

Special Programs Available
Honeymoon Program

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Hidden Valley Inn - Resorts, Spas & Retreats

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