Destinations - The Lodge at Big Falls

Nature, Culture & People

The Lodge at Big Falls aims to offer an unforgettable vacation experience which conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. The goal at the Lodge is to build a profitable and sustainable tourism enterprise by offering an unforgettable adventure based on mutual respect for cultures and the individual and offer tours and activities which allow our guests to develop their appreciation, understanding and knowledge of the reef and rainforest ecology and local history and culture of Belize.

• Miguel Choco, Farmer & Cacao Grower Miguel Choco of Silver Creek village is one of the increasing number of farmers in Toledo who belong to the Toledo Cacao Growers Association (TCGA), and whose cacao product eventually finds its way to Green & Blacks in the UK where it is made into the famous Mayan Gold, orange flavored chocolate. Miguel is very happy to show visitors around his plantation which lies along the farmers' road about two miles north of Silver Creek village, where he lives with his wife Florentina and their five children. Small guided groups from the Lodge at Big Falls are frequent visitors there and they are fascinated by his explanations of his farming methods and techniques.
• Monkey River When it comes to the "forgotten district" Monkey River Town may just be the most forgotten part. In fact many people forget that Monkey River lies in Toledo District. Given its proximity to Placencia, its center of gravity tends to be to the north. You could take the three hour trip upstream with Percy Gordon the self-styled "King of the Howlers". Like most of the local guides, he has a wealth of stories about the river from his childhood growing up there and living so close to the bush which has always provided a source of food, medicine and shelter. The tour guides of Monkey River are at home with their environment and keen to protect it. This is one trip not to be missed.
• Rio Blanco National Park This beautiful park is located 30 miles west of Punta Gorda, between the villages of Santa Cruz and Santa Elena; the pre- classic Mayan site of Uxbenka is nearby. No doubt the ancient Maya enjoyed this lovely cool spot as much as today's visitors. The park comprises 105 hilly acres surrounding a picturesque waterfall about 100 feet wide (in the rainy season) and 20 feet high. The water falls into a round, deep pool which is perfect for swimming.
• Lubaantun Lubaantun, "The Place of the Fallen Stones", is famous for its figurines, many being found under the structure. Lubaantun was first reported in 1903. Expeditions in 1915, 1926, and 1970 followed. Most important was the work done by Norman Hammond. He mapped the region and determined its period of occupation as 730 A.D. to 890 A.D. This site then was a Late Classic site, one of the last major sites in Belize prior to the collapse of the Maya.
• Nim Li Punit Now that the Southern Highway has been completed the site at Nim Li Punit is more accessible than ever. It is located just north of the village of Indian Creek with its entrance off to the right when approaching from the north. It is one of the more modest archaeological sites in terms of the size of the standing structures but the site is most well-known for the abundance of carved stelae discovered there. The visitors' center houses a number of these including one 9 meters in length. It is the largest carved stela in Belize and the second largest in the Mayan world. This stela depicts some of the history of the region and one of its rulers whose elaborate head-dress gives the site its modern name which translates as "Big Hat".
• The Living Maya Experience The Living Maya Experience is a set of three distinct cultural home visits in Big Falls and Hicatee that market themselves cooperatively but operate independently.
• Big Falls Extreme Adventures: Zip Line The zipline has six rides, that is, six sections between landing platforms either up in the trees or down on the ground with four crossings of the Rio Grande along the way. The different sections range from 350 to 450 feet. At the end of each ride is a landing platform and take-off platform for the next ride. As soon as you arrive at each platform the guides hook guests to fixed points so that everyone is well-anchored to the platform. Safety of guests is the number one priority for Andrew Caliz, David Franco his partner and their staff. David said, "Everyday we are looking for things to improve". The line was designed with safety in mind. For this reason they have a double cable, double carabiners and double trolleys with the rider harnessed at three points. And proper briefing and orientation are all part of the emphasis on the enjoyment of guests in a safe environment.

*Please, inquire for recent prices and schedules.

Tour includes: Private transportation, entrance fees, English speaking tour guide & lunch