Excusions at the Blancaneaux Lodge

The Blancaneaux Lodge is one of boutique hotels of Francis Ford Coppola, west of Belize,  in the rainforest. The master of the house has designed the hotel according to his taste : luxury and nature. Francis Ford Coppola is very concerned about the environment and each of his properties is designed with great respect  and involvement of nature. So it is logical that the janitors Blancaneaux Lodge offers plenty of tours and treks to observe the fauna and flora. Below are some examples:

Sunrise bird watching

At sunrise at Blancaneaux one can hear the appeal of the Chachalacas and observe the Perruches Aztec's flights on the River. The forest comes alive with the songs of exotic birds. Walking around the property, through the gardens and the paths, the guide will shows you the birds hidden in the forest and teach you the different species and their secrets. With more than 600 bird species in Belize, this walk is an excellent introduction to the discovery of the birds of the region. The green jay, the peak glandivore and melodious blackbird are some species that you can observe in the property.

Departure: 6 am or 6:30 am
Price: $ 22.50 U.S. + tax per person, minimum 2 persons.
Duration: 1h30. It is possible to organize a half day or a full day of bird watching.
Difficulty: Easy

Full day jungle hike

Depart with a qualified guide and follow the paths that wind through the forest to the jungle on the hills of the national park. Follow the fresh footsteps of jaguars, discover splendid orchids and observe birds of rare species like the keel-billed Toucan. You also learn the virtues of ancestral medicinal plants, used for hundreds of years by the Maya. After a half day, lunch near a waterfall, and take a refreshing rest with the relaxing sound of water in the background. The tour ends by following the old tracks in the tropical forest as the sun slowly goes down.

Departure: 9am
Price: U.S. $ 75 per person plus tax, minimum 2 persons.
Duration: between 6 and 7 hours. Lunch included. It is possible to organize a half day.
Difficulty: moderate to high

Walk to the Big Rock Falls

The adventure starts crossing the wooden bridge over crack the Privassion lake. You follow a pleasant path that winds above the gorges and waterfalls (the climb is quite steep and requires a good physical condition). Make sure to take enough water with you and inform the reception of your departure. Walk slowly and with ease and take the time to observe the birds and their nests. You can also admire the many colorful orchids on the granite rocks. Take a break near one of the many streams along the road and enjoy the spectacular scenery. A rapid descent into the gorges plunges you into the deafening sound of the waterfalls. At the bottom you will discover a truly natural spa: revitalize with the freshness of the mountain and get a free water massage under the waterfalls!

Departures: any time but before 15h.
A guide can accompany you if you wish.
Duration: 1h20 round.
Difficulty: high. 

Jaguar Quest Night Hike

Predators emerge searching for preys as the darkness settles on the rain forest. Most of Belize's large mammals are nocturnal and you are more likely to see them in their natural habitat at night. After a short drive, you will walk along the edge of the jungle. Slowly and quietly, stealthily watching out for the agoutis, armadillos, peccaries and others ...

Even if one seldomly meets the jaguar, its footsteps can be observed and define its territory. Meet the national animal of Belize: the Tapir. Dinner is served next to a stream, after 2 hours of quiet jungle exploration. On the way back, you should remain vigilant and on the lookout for traces of the white-tailed deer or Mexican porcupine. Just before taking the car back to the lodge, you can marvel at the magnificent clarity of the night sky

Departures: depending on the cycle of the moon. Normally 1 hour after sunset.
Price: $ 100 U.S. per person, minimum 2 persons
Duration: 4 to 5 hours. It is possible to make shorter trips.
Difficulty: moderate to high.

Hike to Howler Hill

This is a walk in the footsteps of the jaguar. Follow its steps and explore the rich biodiversity of the Neotropics. After a short horse and cart journey, you will stroll along the Mount of Pines before arriving at the Kaax noj Meen Elijio Panti rainforest of 5260 hectares. The guide will tell you about the latest research on the Jaguar in Belize. This field experience allows you to actively contribute to the research.

Just before reaching Howler Hill, you will cross the rainforest again and can take a break beside a stream. After a short but vigorous climb, you will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view over the cliffs and the valley covered with jungle. From the top, where you may cross alouates, you can also observe a wide range of majestic predators.

Going back down gently and quietly, one can see large birds of the cracidés family and also the red Daguets, two species known as "people of Howler Hill."

Departures: 8 am for a half-day and 9 am in the morning for a whole day.
Price: U.S. $ 75 per person, minimum 2 persons
Duration: 3 to 4 am or 5 to 6am.
Difficulty: High

If you are interested in discovering the surrounding nature, guides will also happily individualise the treks taking care of specific needs and age/physical conditions. Concierges can arrange family excursions.