ECOTOURISM

Referred to as "Mother Nature's best kept secret", Belize is a popular ecotourism destination. Hidden Valley Inn is the only resort within a 7200 acre private reserve bordering the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The luxury eco lodge offers guided tours to discover the unique flora and wildlife of the area.

The property's two diverse ecosystems are divided by a huge geological fault line, which marks the edge of a towering 1000 Foot escarpment. Tropical broadleaf jungle covers one third of the 7200 acre private reserve; the remainder is predominantly Caribbean Pine consisting of pine savannah, in the process of regeneration after the explosion of the bark beetle population; ravine flora and palm swamp. Both areas are populated with over 70 species of colorful and delicate orchids and bromeliads, fuzzy-leafed melastomes, vivid "hot lips", and feathery ferns in many sizes from ancient looking tree ferns to low growing club ferns.

We have the most extensive network of trails found in Belize. From one hour strolls to full day hikes, our trail system will bring you through some of Belize's most beautiful terrain.

During a nature walk with the resident guide, guests will learn about natural history, indigenous fauna and flora and their medicinal uses. On a night walk, learn how to spot spiders and experience the magic of the jungle at night, in the hope of spotting some of the elusive nocturnal wildlife.

On the Hidden Valley property there are also cultivated areas of Arabica coffee trees, pineapples,banana and plantain trees, macadamia trees, guava, grapefruit and lime trees. These ensure an abundance of fresh coffee and fruit for the lodge.

Rare and beautiful wildlife lives unaffected by human habitation; large puma and jaguar are sometime seen along the roads, although you will be very lucky to spot one! A puma's scratching post marks the start of one of our trails. The tapir leaves his tracks on the forest floor and the shy quash (coatimundi) may be seen foraging along the trails. Peccary frequent the macadamia plantation and grey fox is common around the Inn. Look out for otters swimming in the quiet streams and pools of the property.

The Hidden Valley Inn property is available exclusively to our guests and can be explored on foot or by mountain bike on 90 miles of well marked and maintained trails.

For the less energetic an extensive road system and pick up or drop off service provides 4 wheel drive access to the farthest corners of the property.

Orange Breasted Falcon Project

The first Orange Breasted Falcons born in captivity have been released by the Peregrine fund on Hidden Valley Inn's private reserve.

2007 marked the first release of Orange Breasted Falcons born and bred in captivity. 5 females and 1 male were released.

The Peregrine Fund has a full report on this ground breaking event and ongoing research. Click here to read the notes from the field.

Ocelot Survey

A camera survey was done to compare Ocelots and other animals of the Mountain Pine Ridge in Belize to those in the Tropical Broadleaf jungle near Las Cuevas.

Margay Release Project

A Margay was rehabilitated by LiFeline and released on Hidden Valley's private reserve.