Itinerary

DAYS 1 & 2: BELIZE CITY to BLACK ROCK

To start off our Mindful Birding and Yoga tour, we will pick you up at the Belize City International Airport, and make our way to Black Rock. Situated above the Macal River, and at the base of large limestone cliffs, the Black Rock Lodge is a spectacular place to begin our journey. We will spend two days here watching birds, swimming or exploring a nearby cave. Those who are interested may also practice Yoga on a platform overlooking the river, with the sights and sounds of the Belizean forest around us. 

Bird feeders surround the open patio overlooking the river and many species, like White Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle and Orange-breasted Falcon, can be seen – often without leaving the observation deck.For the more adventurous, opportunities exist to follow a steep uphill trail for a spectacular view of the river below and its extant forest, or to rent a kayak and discover the forest’s river trails.

DAYS 3 & 4: MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE

After a breakfast overlooking the Macal River, we will head to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. This area is an unique region in Central America, full of beautiful contrasts – ridges covered with pine trees that descend into broadleaf forests, and small streams that turn into thundering waterfalls. This is one of the best areas to practice mindful birding. It is also one of the best places to see raptors such as the Laughing Falcon, Gray Hawk, Orange-breasted Falcon, Stygian Owl and, with some luck, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle and Solitary Eagle. Additionally, the Hidden Valley Inn Lodge, where we will be staying, boasts three beautiful Yoga platforms, all constructed of natural materials and nestled deep in the forest, near flowing streams. 

Over our two-night stay in the Mountain Pine Ridge we will go in search of the region’s specialities including Violet Sabrewing, Rusty Sparrow, Grace’s Warbler, Black-headed Siskin, Rufous-capped Warbler or Green Jay among other species. We will visit some areas of stunning natural beautiful such as Butterfly Falls and King Vulture Falls, one of the best places to see the King Vulture and home to a breeding pair of Orange-breasted Falcons. We will also visit 1000-Foot Falls, the tallest waterfall in Central America, and a great place to see White-collared Swift. From here, there will be options to visit Caracol, the largest ancient Mayan city in Belize. 

Over these three days, you will also have the option to enjoy a private Yoga session, or participate in a group class, walk the extensive trail system, take a dip in a natural pool, or relax beside one of the many waterfalls found in the area.

DAYS 5 & 6: MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE to CAYE CAULKER

After a final walk along the trails that the Mountain Pine Ridge has to offer, we will enjoy a wonderful breakfast, after which we will head for Caye Caulker, a tiny coral island in the Caribbean Sea. This charming island is a wonderful location to see passerines in migration and shorebirds such as: Wilson’s Plover, Short-billed Dowitcher, Long-billed Dowitcher, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Yellow Warbler and Cerulean Warbler, among many other species.

In the evening, we will offer optional Yoga classes, or you may continue to search for birds on your list, or relax and watch the sunset while sipping a Pina Colada and kicking back in a hammock beneath the palm trees. The second day of our stay we will take a boat ride out to snorkel the world’s second largest barrier reef! Here, we may come face to face with Manta Rays, turtles, and dozens of different species of fish.

DAY 7: DEPARTURE

This morning, we will have another opportunity to search for some bird species we may have missed, or to take an early morning Yoga class, or a swim in the Caribbean sea. After breakfast, we will take the boat across to Belize City, where we will drop you off at the airport and our mindful birding journey will conclude.