Located on the private Laughing Falcon Reserve, Machaca Hill Lodge is a secluded
haven in Belize’s impressive Toledo District. Nestled within the verdant rainforest, the
world-class property offers endless natural attractions, top notch service and
astounding views of the ocean and surrounding hills. --Bordered by densely forested limestone hills and Toledo’s Rio Grande, only a fraction of the reserve is utilized for visitor activities.
Originally established as a fishing lodge, the new owners, Outpost
International, are committed to managing this 11,000-acre private nature
reserve to promote and encourage the sustainable use of this tropical
environment.
A working organic farm, Machaca Hill has just produced its first harvest from
the property’s organic garden. Working with Sustainable Harvest International (SHI), Machaca
Hill’s farmers have sustainably and organically grown vegetables, fruits and herbs
for use at the lodge.
The main lodge is atop the plateau summit of “Machaca Hill” for which the original farm was named. It has sprawling verandas on two levels
and features the reception area, gift shop, activities desk, restaurant and
bar.
The Lodge offers 12 spacious cabanas, including two well-appointed luxurious
suites. All rooms have two queen-size beds (with the exception of the honeymoon
suite, which has one king-size bed), a sitting area, a private bath adorned
with handmade ceramic tile and private rainforest veranda. For guest comfort,
cabanas also have mini-fridges, air-conditioning and ceiling fans.
Machaca Hill has miles of nature trails, a lift that transports guests from the
lodge to the banks of the Rio Grande River, a swimming pool and the rainforest
massage pavilion. Excursions can be arranged through the activities desk and
babysitting services are also available upon request.
Whether preparing for the day ahead or returning from exploring, guests can
indulge in an array of authentic Central American cuisine sure to tempt any
palate at Machaca Hill’s restaurant, located in the main lodge. Guests enjoy a balanced mixture of
fresh, local seafood and regional cuisine highlighted by local herbs,
vegetables and fruits. Room service is available in the morning for breakfast
and in the evening for beverages. Vegetarians and children are happily
accommodated.
Machaca Hill Lodge is the ideal locale for those wanting to explore the
rainforests and ruins of Belize. Guests can choose an eco package from three to
seven nights in length. A three-night package features two activities for $950
a person, while a seven-night package offers guests six activities at $2,350 a
person.
Whether eco-travelers choose a three, five or seven-night package, each is
inclusive of a welcome drink, three meals per day, hors d’oeuvres and local beverages, including beer and rum, as well as complimentary
use of all on-site amenities including the pool, wireless Internet, tram,
canoes and bikes. Laundry service, roundtrip land transfers between Punta Gorda
and the lodge, hotel and general sales tax are also included in each package.
An extensive list of eco-activities awaits guests at Machaca Hill. Travelers can
begin with an exploration of the intricately constructed Maya temples of
Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit or perhaps take a tour of the Maya Gold Village and
be immersed in the vast mix of cultures in the region.
Those seeking something more exhilarating will not be disappointed by the Hokeb
Ha caving adventure or the Blue Creek Cave adventure, where they can delve
below the surface to explore the ancient Maya underworld. Upon resurfacing,
individuals can hike through the rainforest to Santa Cruz Falls and take a
refreshing swim, or jump from the 20-foot cliffs into the deep pools of water
below.
Just a few hundred steps from the lodge, Machaca’s guests can embark on a jungle adventure on the Rio Grande to view a large
variety of wildlife, such as Howler monkeys, tropical birds and green iguanas.
Explorers not satisfied with staying on top of the water can experience the
underwater world on a nearby reef, home to a plethora of aquatic species
including sharks, rays, eels, grouper, parrot and trigger fish, seahorses and
turtles, to name a few. Afterwards guests can stop by to visit Payne’s Creek National Park, a habitat for the shy West Indian Manatee.
Machaca Hill is a world-class adventure getaway for active travelers looking for
an eco-retreat. The lodge is located 10 minutes by road from Punta Gorda Town,
which is one hour by plane from Belize City. For more information on Machaca
Hill, visit www.machacahill.com or call 501-722-0050.
