Banana Bank Lodge & Jungle Equestrian Adventure center, Belize

BANANA BANK LODGE Cayo Region, Belize

Nestled on the banks of the Belize River is the Banana Bank Lodge and Jungle Equestrian Centre.

Way back in the 1800's, when logging was the main thrust of the economy of Belize, Banana Bank was a far flung outpost on the Belize River. The small steamships that plied the river were the only means of transport between Belize City and San Ignacio in the West.

As the headquarters where the logs were gathered, Banana Bank became a refuge for the few hardy souls who braved the hardships of the jungle. It is here they gathered when seeking a place to rest or get a good meal.

A newspaper article in the Clarion in 1910 described Banana Bank as a place of great hospitality and intrigue. NO CHANGE THERE THEN... with the Owners' generous hospitality and their "Horse Whisperer" approach to riding.

A tropical jungle resort, Banana Bank features delightful accommodations that blend with the jungle landscape. Cabañas with roofs made from jungle bay leaf thatch are nicely furnished and are equipped with ceiling fans that provide air movement. Night temperatures usually range near the middle 60s.

Most cabañas have two rooms and one bath (hot water). Four to six family members, friends, or groups traveling together can be easily accommodated in each cabaña.

Family style meals provide a setting and atmosphere for lively discussion between guests of different locations and interests.

Rooms in the main lodge are shared bath and are priced moderately.

For larger families or small groups (6 - 8 persons) Riverview Country House is a beautiful place to spend your vacation and is only 600 yards from the main Lodge.

At Banana Bank Lodge you will find:

A beautiful jaguar named Tika, resident of Banana Bank since 1982
Over 210 species of birds spotted and identified
Orchadia with over 50 different varieties of orchids and bromeliads
Remnants of the Mayan civilization - unexcavated house mounds & temples
Substantial collection of over 100 artifacts found on Banana Bank
Two story birding observation tower overlooking lagoon
Canoeing or swimming in the Belize River
Great family environment (kids love it here and don't want to leave)
An assortment of native animals & birds delight the premises
Star gazing with a Hi-tech computerized 12" Meade telescope (see planets, nebula, galaxies, super novas, globular clusters, etc)
Carolyn Carr's studio and gallery
A solid team of cooks, housekeepers, gardeners, wranglers, drivers and guides who will help make your stay memorable
All you can eat, home cooking
Free coffee and fresh juice anytime

The Lodge offers a variety of horseback riding packages for all levels of rider from beginner and up. There are miles of riding trails on the Lodge's 4,000 acres. Many other tours such as cave tubing and Mayan ruin trips are also offered at Banana Bank. The Equestrian Center includes:

60 horses;
24 stall stable;
four-rail, state-of-the-art 60 feet diameter round pen;
a two-rail 200 feet by 100 feet arena;
35 Western saddles with accessories; and
The Headquarters Club, a cafe and lounge to relax in after riding.

Words can not begin to express what a wonderful time we had at Banana Bank Lodge. I can not believe this time last week I was in the jungle! It was really heaven for me to be around all the horses. We are already trying to figure out when we can come back. You and your staff could not have been lovelier. Leisa was so helpful in getting things organized for us. Marguerite was so pleasant every time we came for a delicious meal! And Alison, we can not sing his praises enough. My personal favorite picture is John's singing! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! You and Banana Bank made our Holiday and adventure to remember forever!

EQUESTRIAN EXPRESS PACKAGE - 4 days and 3 nights
Day 1:You'll be met at the Airport for your transfer to Banana Bank Jungle Lodge. If you arrive on an early flight you might want to visit the Belize Zoo or Old Belize. When you get to your horseback adventure spot at Banana Bank, you can tour the grounds and get aquainted with our local wildlife. Soon dinner will be served family style, providing perfect time and setting to meet your hosts and the other guests.
Day 2:After breakfast you select and get to know your new friend (your horse). We'll start our with some pointers in the round pen and arena and after lunch we'll take you to a challenging ride to Tiger Creek. Then we'll wind down at dusk with a relaxing stop at the Birding Tower by the lagoon. Take your binoculars to see some of the 210 species of birds identified.
Day 3:By now you've probably bonded with your horse and have honed your skills and horsemanship. Our wrangler will provide tips and pointers as you ride. Your afternoon trail experience will take you through more jungle along the river and through teak trees and fields of corn or beans. If you like we'll stop for a river swim before heading back for an evening of relaxation, chats about the day and another great meal.
Day 4:In case you didn't get enough riding in, you may choose to do a short aloha ride (we hate to say goodbye). If there's time you can stop for a tour on the way back to the airport or wherever you wish to go within our transfer range.
Single	$830.00 per person
Double	$665.00 per person
3 or more	$600.00 per person
Kids under 11	Half price

TRAIL BLAZER - 8 days / 7 nights Saturday to Saturday-All Inclusive (Starting day other than Saturday can be arranged)
DAY 1 (Saturday)You'll be met at the Airport for your transfer to Banana Bank Jungle Lodge. If you arrive on an early flight you might want to visit the Belize Zoo or Old Belize. When you get to your horseback adventure spot at Banana Bank, you can tour the grounds and get aquainted with our own local wildlife. (It's a jungle out there!) Soon dinner will be served family style, providing perfect time and setting to meet your hosts and the other guests.
DAY 2 (Sunday)After breakfast you select and get to know your new friend (your horse). We'll start our with some pointers in the round pen and arena and after lunch we'll take you to a challenging ride to Tiger Creek. Then we'll wind down at dusk with a relaxing stop at the Birding Tower by the lagoon. Take your binoculars to see some of the 210 species of birds identified.
DAY 3 (Monday)By now you've probably bonded with your horse and have honed your skills and horsemanship. Our wrangler will provide tips and pointers as you ride. Your afternoon trail experience will take you through more jungle along the river and through teak trees and fields of corn or beans. If you like we'll stop for a river swim before heading back for an evening of relaxation, chats about the day and another great meal.
DAY 4 (Tuesday)With the new skills you've learned, you may want to try out a more challenging horse, but if you want to stick with your buddy, that's okay too. Today we'll do the Maya Trail and Colorado Lagoon stopping for a picnic lunch on the way. This trail will test your endurance a bit but it's worth it for the true jungle experience. The staff is preparing you a hearty meal back at the lodge and a good night's sleep will refresh you for the day ahead.
DAY 5 (Wednesday)Today we're off to Roaring River Cave. We'll ride through the village of Roaring Creek and explore a seldom visited cave where you'll see ancient artifacts and feel an exquisite Mayan presence. We'll break for lunch at wonderful swimming hole so be sure to take your swimming suit. The water's quite clear and you might want to bring along a snorkel mask too. Chill back at the ranch with dinner and conversation.
DAY 6 (Thursday)For a change in pace, we'll take you down the Belize River in the skiff where you'll be guided through Guanacaste Park.The part is famous for it's 10 foot diameter tree and multitude of birds). Iguanas dart along the paths and scamper up the trees while you observe hundreds of botanic wonders. After lunch back at the dinning room, and an afternoon of relaxing we'll saddle up for a sunset ride.
DAY 7 (Friday)This is gonna be fun! This morning you'll test your skills and speed on the obstacle course, and we'll have a little barrel race competition. You will be awarded with a certificate of achievement, and an opportunity to win a prize. Lunch will be either at the ranch or in town depending on time and weather. The afternoon will be spent driving down the Western Highway to historic town of San Ignacio. We'll stop at the Butterfly Farm and Belize's most visited and best restored Maya ruin, Xunantunich which is Mayan for 'Maiden of the Rocks'.
DAY 8 (Saturday)In case you didn't get enough riding in, you may choose to do a short aloha ride (we hate to say goodbye). If there's time you can stop for a tour on the way back to the airport or wherever you wish to go within our transfer range.
Single	$1780.00
Double	$1425.00
3 or more	$1280.00
Children 11 & Under	Half price
Price is per person in one cabana.

THE ALL - AROUND- 8 days and 7 nights (Starting day other than Saturday can be arranged)
Day 1 (Saturday)You'll be met at the Airport for your transfer to Banana Bank Jungle Lodge. If you arrive on an early flight you might want to visit the Belize Zoo or Old Belize. When you get to your horseback adventure spot at Banana Bank, you can tour the grounds and get aquainted with our local wildlife. Soon dinner will be served family style, providing perfect time and setting to meet your hosts and the other guests.
Day 2 (Sunday)After breakfast you select and get to know your new friend (your horse). We'll start our with some pointers in the round pen and arena and after lunch we'll take you to a challenging ride to Tiger Creek. Then we'll wind down at dusk with a relaxing stop at the Birding Tower by the lagoon. Take your binoculars to see some of the 210 species of birds identified.
Day 3 (Monday)Today we're off to Roaring River Cave. We'll ride through the village of Roaring Creek and explore a seldom visited cave where you'll see ancient artifacts and feel an exquisite Mayan presence. We'll break for lunch at wonderful swimming hole so be sure to take your swimming suit. The water's quite clear and you might want to bring along a snorkel mask too. Chill back at the ranch with dinner and conversation.
Day 4 (Tuesday)For a change in pace, we'll take you down the Belize River in the skiff where you'll be guided through Guanacaste Park.The part is famous for it's 10 foot diameter tree and multitude of birds). Iguanas dart along the paths and scamper up the trees while you observe hundreds of botanic wonders. After lunch back at the dinning room, and an afternoon of relaxing we'll saddle up for a sunset ride.
Day 5 (Wednesday)This morning we'll head out to the Butterfly Farm for breakfast and tour of the facility. Next we'll visit Belize's most visited and best restored Maya ruin, Xunantunich which is Mayan for 'Maiden of the Rocks.' After lunch we offer the option of an exciting tube ride down the Mopan River, or if you prefer, we'll go to the Mayan site and museum of Cahal Pech. Time permitting, we can stop and shop in San Ignacio on the way back.
Day 6 (Thursday)This is gonna be fun! This morning you'll test your skills and speed on the obstacle course, and we'll have a little barrel race competition. You will be awarded with a certificate of achievement, and an opportunity to win a prize. This afternoon you choose the plan! Rest, relax, ride or river fun await.
Day 7 (Friday)After an early breakfast we depart for a day trip to Guatemala to see the 'Great Dame' better know as the Mayan City of Tikal. Your English-speaking guide will regale you with tales of the most spectacular Maya site constructed. It takes 4-5 hours to explore this ancient city, then we'll return to Belize and Banana Bank for another great meal.
Day 8 (Saturday)In case you didn't get enough riding in, you may choose to do a short aloha ride (we hate to say goodbye). If there's time you can stop for a tour on the way back to the airport or wherever you wish to go within our transfer range.
RACK RATES
Single	$1965.00 per person
Double	$1575.00 per person
3 or more	$1415.00
Children 11 and under	Half price

Please contact us for further information:

Global Travel Club
	Tel: +44 (0)1268 541732		Fax: +44 (0)1268 541363
	E-mail: info@global-travel.co.uk		http://www.global-travel.co.uk

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