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.

EQUESTRIAN EXPRESS PACKAGE - 4 days and 3 nights
Day 1: We will meet you at the Municipal or International Airport and transfer you to Banana Bank Lodge. If you arrive early enough you may choose to visit the Belize Zoo. Upon your arrival at Banana Bank, you can take a tour of the local sites. Dinner, served family style, provides a perfect time and setting to get acquainted with your hosts and other guests.
Day 2: After breakfast, selection and introduction to your partner (your horse) for the next few days. Learn pointers in the round pen and arena. After lunch you go on a challenging Tiger Creek Trail ride winding up at dusk at the Lagoon and Birding Tower. Take your binoculars to see some of the 210 species of birds identified.
Day 3: By now you and your horse are buddies. Perfect your skills and horsemanship by learning more important pointers from your wrangler. Head off for your second and challenging Beans Walk Trail ride. Afternoon river swimming (optional) at Sandy Bay. Evening relaxation and dinner.
Day 4: Optional short farewell ride or if you didn't get to see the Belize Zoo earlier, now's your chance. We will then transfer you to the airport or wherever you want 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 may be arranged)
DAY 1 (Saturday): We will meet you at the Municipal or International Airport and transfer you to Banana Bank Lodge. If you arrive early enough you may choose to visit the Belize Zoo. Upon your arrival at Banana Bank, you can take a tour of the local sites. (It's a jungle out there) Oops, time for dinner already! (7:00...ish)
DAY 2 (Sunday): After breakfast, selection and introduction to your partner (your horse) for the next few days. Learn pointers in the round pen and have "barrels of fun" in the arena. Time for lunch. Tiger Creek Trail ride winding up at dusk at the lagoon and birding tower. Take your binoculars to see some of the 210 species of birds identified.
DAY 3 (Monday): By now you and your horse are buddies. Head off for your second and challenging Beans Walk Trail ride. Picnic lunch on trail. Afternoon river swimming at Sandy Bay (optional). Evening relaxation and dinner.
DAY 4 (Tuesday): Your skills by now are tops and you may want to try a different horse, however, your buddy might get his feelings hurt. Maya Trail and Colorado Lagoon. Picnic lunch on the way. This trail tests your endurance. However it's a winner for true jungle experience. Back to lodge for a hearty meal and a good night's sleep in your cabana.
DAY 5 (Wednesday): We ride off into the western horizon towards the Roaring River Cave. Explore a seldom visited cave containing artifacts and exquisite Mayan presence. Lunch on the trail. Excellent swimming spot so be sure to take your swimming gear. Evening to chill out at the Equestrian Center.
DAY 6 (Thursday): Glide down the Belize River and then take a guided tour of the Guanacaste Park. (10" diameter tree and lots of birds). Count how many iguanas you can spot along with hundreds of botanic wonders. Lunch served. Saddle up in the evening for a sunset ride.
DAY 7 (Friday): Morning is spent by testing and timing your skills on the obstacle course, barrels, and so forth. You will be awarded with a score, certificate, and an opportunity to win a prize for your achievements. Afternoon scenic drive down the Western Highway, with stops at the historic town of San Ignacio. You will be intrigued by the fascinating Butterfly Farm and Xunantunich, (Maiden of the Rocks), Belize's most visited and restored Maya ruin.
DAY 8 (Saturday): Breakfast at Dining Room. Your options - 45 min. farewell ride or visit Belize Zoo or tour Belize City. We will then transfer you to the airport (International or Municipal) or wherever you want 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
Day 1 (Saturday): Transfer from Municipal or International Airport to Banana Bank Lodge. Belize Zoo on the way ( time permitting )
Day 2 (Sunday): After breakfast, selection and introduction to your partner for the next few days. Tiger Creek Trail ride.
Day 3 (Monday): A River Cave Tubing Adventure introduces you to another aspect of the Mayan culture and you will be awed at the crystalline formations, beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and the very immensity of the cave itself. Lunch will be served in the cave. The underground time in cave 4 - 5 hours
Day 4 (Tuesday): Glide down the Belize River including a guided tour of the Guanacaste Park. Back to the canoe and continue your journey with swimming stops along the way. Lunch served. Saddle up in the evening for a sunset ride.
Day 5 (Wednesday): Breakfast at Butterfly Farm. Visit Xunantunich - most visited Maya ruin in Belize, lunch, then afternoon option of tubing down the Mopan River or visiting another Maya ruin named Cahal Pech. Optional shopping on the way back.
Day 6 (Thursday): Morning is spent by testing and timing your skills on the obstacle course, barrels, and so forth. Afternoon options to rest and relax, more riding, or river activity.
Day 7 (Friday):Early Breakfast. Depart for a day trip to Guatemala to visit Tikal, the Great Dame, your English-speaking guide will enlighten you on one of the most spectacular Maya sites constructed. Walking tour lasts 4-5 hours. Return to Banana Bank for dinner.
Day 8 (Saturday): Breakfast at Dining Room. Your options - 45 min. farewell ride or visit Belize Zoo or tour Belize City. We will then transfer you to the airport or wherever you want 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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