Recreational Activities in Belize
You may have time to take in some sights while you are here in Belize. Here are a few things you might be interested in.
Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo is rated one of the best in the world, due to it's extensive collection of animals native to the country of Belize. All of the animals have been either been "orphaned, born in the zoo, rehabilitated or sent as gifts by other zoological institutions." In other words, they do not go out hunting for these animals in order to display them. They have quite the collection of birds, monkeys, large cats, and other wildlife that you just don't see everyday. You can walk through with or without a guide and you can even stay overnight and take a night tour of the zoo! Either way, it is definitely worth the trip! For more information, check out their website at www.belizezoo.org
*The Belize Zoo is about 1-1/2 hours drive from Patchakan. The entry fee is $15 US for adults and $5 US for children.
*The Belize Zoo is about 1-1/2 hours drive from Patchakan. The entry fee is $15 US for adults and $5 US for children.
Lamanai
Lamanai, also known as, "The Land of the Submerged Crocodile", is an excavated Maya ruin site just off the New River. The best way to get there is on a boat tour that takes you down the river from Orange Walk Town where your guide stops to show you wildlife along the way. You may see crocodiles, a variety of birds, bats and other interesting animals! When you arrive at Lamanai, you will eat a traditional Belizean meal of rice and beans with stewed chicken for lunch, then set off with your guide and tour of the ruins. You may meet up with a troop of howler monkeys living in the treetops on your tour! This is a must-see!
*The drive to Orange Walk Town is about 45 minutes from Patchakan. The boat tour is about an hour and a half, usually leaving the dock at 9am. The boat usually arrives back by 4pm at the latest, so it is an all day event. The cost for the tour is about $50.
*The drive to Orange Walk Town is about 45 minutes from Patchakan. The boat tour is about an hour and a half, usually leaving the dock at 9am. The boat usually arrives back by 4pm at the latest, so it is an all day event. The cost for the tour is about $50.
Cave Tubing/Zip Lining
In the district of Cayo (western, central district), there are many caves and rivers to explore. A few miles outside of the capital city of Belmopan you will find several companies that will take small or large groups down the river through huge cavernous caves. After a hike through the rain forest, you will put in at the rivers edge and float slowly down the river while the guide explains the history of the caves in relation to the Maya culture. In addition to cave tubing, you can take a 'tour' above the tree tops! There are 7 zip lines over the rain forest allowing you to fly over and see the beauty of God's creation 120 feet in the air.
*Caves Branch River is about a 2-1/2 hours drive from Patchakan and can be a long day trip or combined with an overnight stay at Banana Bank Lodge (see below) or other establishment. Prices vary ($90-$125 US) depending on what you want to do. There are options for only cave tubing or zip lining, or a combination of both. Most of the tour companies can be found on-line
*Caves Branch River is about a 2-1/2 hours drive from Patchakan and can be a long day trip or combined with an overnight stay at Banana Bank Lodge (see below) or other establishment. Prices vary ($90-$125 US) depending on what you want to do. There are options for only cave tubing or zip lining, or a combination of both. Most of the tour companies can be found on-line
Banana Bank Lodge
Banana Bank Lodge is owned by a Christian couple named John and Carolynn Carr and is located a few miles past the turn off for Belmopan. They have been in Belize a number of years and offer quaint lodging for guests as well as activities such as horseback riding and Belize tours. Their unique grounds include a bird sanctuary, jaguar enclosure and a beautiful swimming pool. They serve their meals 'family style' in a large thatch-roofed dining room. If you need a place to stay for the night or weekend, their rates are great and you won't be disappointed! For more information, visit their website at www.bananabank.com
Xunantunich
Xunantunich is a Mayan site in the western district of Cayo, approaching the border of Guatemala. You will find your way to the ruins by crossing the river on a hand cranked ferry and then driving up the hill to the park entrance. It is a short hike up to the excavated area where the Maya temples are located. (You can go on a tour with or without a guide.) Upon climbing to the top of the highest temple in this area, you can see for miles, even over the border into Guatemala. You may also see, or hear, a troop of howler monkeys on your tour!
*Xunantunich is an estimated 3-1/2 hours drive from Patchakan. The cost to get into the park is about $10 BZE ($5 US). There are places to stay overnight in the area. Just ask the clinic staff if you are interested.
*Xunantunich is an estimated 3-1/2 hours drive from Patchakan. The cost to get into the park is about $10 BZE ($5 US). There are places to stay overnight in the area. Just ask the clinic staff if you are interested.
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is located off the coast of Belize, part the Belize Barrier Reef islands. It is a great place to go snorkeling, diving, swimming or fishing, depending on what you like to do. You can also find gifts for family and friends at the shops, curb your hunger at one of the many restaurants, or just lay out on the beach by the water! If you like to snorkel, dive or fish, the clinic staff have some great contacts we would be happy to share with you!
San Pedro can be reached by small plane from the airport in Corozal, about 20 minutes from Patchakan. The flight is about 20 minutes long and the cost is around $100 US, round trip. San Pedro can also be reached by boat. The Thunderbolt boat leaves from Corozal at 7am every morning and returns at 5pm every afternoon and is a 2-hour ride to San Pedro. The cost is around $45 US, round trip. This is great for a day or a weekend trip.
San Pedro can be reached by small plane from the airport in Corozal, about 20 minutes from Patchakan. The flight is about 20 minutes long and the cost is around $100 US, round trip. San Pedro can also be reached by boat. The Thunderbolt boat leaves from Corozal at 7am every morning and returns at 5pm every afternoon and is a 2-hour ride to San Pedro. The cost is around $45 US, round trip. This is great for a day or a weekend trip.