We started our day bright and early with a scenic drive through the hills and valleys of western Belize, past San Ignacio Town and made a left turn down a gravel road just before approaching Benque Viejo Town. We had a magnificent view of green pastures with healthy livestock and orange orchards.

Just before approaching Black Rock Lodge is one of the most amazing views in Belize of the Black Rock Canyon and Macal River.

View from Restaurant deck

Upon our arrival we were greeted by Petro who is one of the managers and some staff working that day. They served us a delicious fruit platter, homemade goat yogurt and a scrumptious granola mix which was also prepared onsite.

House made Yogurt & Granola

Giovanni then gave us a very informative tour of the lodge. Black Rock Lodge is a eco-friendly retreat which not only produces its own energy but has a very efficient wastewater treatment system, causing minimal harm to the environment.

Sustainability Tour at Black Rock Lodge

Natural Waste Water Filtration

Solar Panels

The lodge has an organic farm where they source a variety of vegetables and foods including goat milk which renders some of the best yogurt we’ve tasted.

Purple Cabbage Patch

Onions , Cilantro & Spinach

Heitha petting the goats

After taking the sustainability tour at the lodge, we ate some lovely food from the restaurant.

Lunch

Thereafter we embarked on a hike which led us to Macal River where we then tubed back down to the Lodge. River tubing is complimentary for guests staying at the lodge.

Hiking and River Tubing

The view of Black Rock Canyon from the Macal River

Cabins at Black Rock Lodge

Neatly tucked away Cabin at Black Rock Lodge

After a fun filled day we wearily gathered ourselves to head back home with lovely memories of a good time in the beautiful Black Rock Canyons.

Posted By : Belize Internet Marketing

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A variety of species can be found throughout the country, but some of the most exotic birds are here in the rainforest, where Black Rock Lodge is located.

Here are seven of the most spectacular birds in Belize, you might spot when visiting.

1. Keel-Billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)

The Keel-Billed Toucan is characterized by its brightly colored green, orange, red, and blue bill. While their bill may look cumbersome, it’s actually quite light and agile. They are able to pick up their food with their bill, flip it into the air and catch it with their mouths. These unique birds are very social and usually, travel in groups of six to twelve.

Known locally as the “bill bird,” the Keel-billed Toucan is also Belize’s National bird and therefore, one of the top birds for tourists to spot.

2. Magnificent Frigate Bird (Fregata magnificens)

Travelers to Belize can catch the Magnificent Frigate Bird in the Cayes. These seabirds rarely ever touch land and are usually seen soaring over the ocean’s surface, on the hunt for food. Also known as “Man of War” birds, they have a habit of attacking and stealing food from other birds. The male species have a red gular sac that inflates when trying to attract a mate and the females sport a white breast. They are also the only seabird species where the male and female look completely different from one another!

3. Scarlet Macaw (Ara Macoa)

The Scarlet Macaw is one of the most stunning and recognizable birds in Belize. It is a member of a large group of Neotropical parrots that thrive in tropical forests. They often travel in pairs and communicate through a series of loud squawks and honks and can also mimic human speech. Few birds are as breathtaking as the macaw with its colorful plumage and powerful wings. With their large and powerful wings, they can soar through the air at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour!

4. Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja)

One of the world’s largest eagles, the Harpy Eagle, is a remarkable bird. Its hind talons can grow as large as those of a grizzly bear, which helps when it’s on the hunt for food. Despite the large talons, the bird can only carry food half its body weight and feeds on tree animals like sloths, smaller birds, monkeys, and lizards. Unfortunately, the Harpy population faces extinction from deforestation and hunting. However, places like the Belize Zoo have restoration programs in place and are actively looking at ways to save the Harpy.

5. Boat-Billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius)

You’ll be lucky to catch a glimpse of the Boat-Billed Heron, during the day. The nocturnal bird spends most of its time foraging for fish in the dawn and dusk hours and preening and sleeping during the day. Though considered a solitary bird, the Blue-Billed Heron has quite the mating ritual. To attract a mate, the birds do a ritualized dance of bill-touching and false fighting. It gets its name from its flat, blue, upturned bill that resembles the bottom of a boat.

6. Red-Footed Booby (Sula Sula)

The Red-Footed Booby gets its name from…you guessed it…its feet! The polymorphic species come in a variety or morphs and plumage, but all have the distinctive red feet. These expert divers are a hungry bunch and can plunge up to 30 meters deep for a meal.

A social species, Red-Footed Boobie lives in colonies during the mating season. During that time, the females lay only one egg every 15 months.

7. Blue-Crowned Motmot (Momotus momota)

This unique bird is a tourist favorite because of its pendulum-like tail, which is referred to as a racket-tip, and colorful plumage. The Blue-Crowned Motmot favors the rainforest canopy, which is great for Black Rock Lodge guests! The species gets their name from their distinct, repetitive call, “mot-mot.” They are also known for building elaborate nests, where they dig underground tunnels for use during the rainy season, to lay their eggs.

Interested in learning more about birds or booking a tour during your stay at Black Rock Lodge? We have many of Belize’s top birding experts on staff, who’d be happy to share their wisdom and passion for birding.

Black Rock Lodge is an ideal location for birding groups and expert birders, as well. The diversity of our location affords guests the chance to see a variety of common and rare birds. Ask us about our MOSI station and other birding programs.

BOOK YOUR BIRD TOUR AT BLACK ROCK LODGE

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There are endless ways to have fun with your family while in Belize. Here are a few reasons why you should book your next family vacation here:

Adventure Activities

Let’s be honest, most kids have a lot of energy! Belize has plenty of adventure activities that will let them explore the wild and exercise their inner adventurist. Take the family cave tubing through an impressive cave branch system, or go zip-lining through jungle canopies; there’s no shortage of ways to have fun in Belize. Horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking are alternatives for older kids. Keep in mind that most of the adventure activities in Belize are not suitable for toddlers and babies.

For those days that Mom and Dad want to relax while the kids play, Black Rock Lodge offers a myriad of enjoyable on-site activities. Our lodge is situated right above the Macal River, where children can swim, kayak, or plunge into the river with our rope swing.

Wildlife Interactions

When it comes to wildlife interaction, Belize is the perfect place for up close and personal encounters. The unique habitats here make it an ideal location for a diverse selection of animals and insects. It’s highly likely that you’ll see howler monkeys swinging through the trees or exotic birds flying overhead.

A visit to the Belize Zoo is perfect for kids of all ages, and the facility only houses animals that have been rescued from captivity or are in rehabilitation. For the family that has a passion for preserving wildlife, there’s a Community Baboon Sanctuary, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and more.

Do you have a future biologist on your hands? Black Rock’s night hike will delight kids with an interest in insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal creatures. Brave kiddos may even have the chance to hold a tarantula! Or if your family prefers a milder wildlife interaction, visit our on-site farm and interact with the goats and chickens.

The Green Iguana Conservation Project is another fun and education option where visitors can learn about the indigenous Iguana and its role in the river’s habitat.

Educational Experiences

Visiting any of the Mayan ruins and caves will provide a highly educational experience for young learners. Go temple hopping with the family and experience first-hand the rich history of the Maya. Xunantunich is a must-visit when in Belize for a deep-dive into the Mayan world, as is Caracol. On these tours, you’ll encounter artifacts, hieroglyphs, tombs and alters, and even the sacrificial human remains!

Looking for an educational experience that will also satisfy your kid’s sweet tooth? Take them on a tour to learn the ancient process of making chocolate!

The Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Farms of Belize are great learning experiences, as well. Here guests can learn about the life-cycle of the butterfly and learn how to identify species.

Affordable Prices

Traveling with a family can get expensive. Especially when you factor in exchange rates, transportation costs, food, and everything else. Visiting Belize is very affordable and you won’t have to compromise on quality. The US Dollar is accepted everywhere in Belize and most activities and lodges are reasonably priced. Getting a good flight from the US is easy, too!

Black Rock Lodge is conveniently located and close to the town of San Ignacio. Our individual cabins accommodate families and we offer competitive rates.

Beaches & Jungles

You’d be remiss not to visit the beaches and jungles of Belize. The sun shines most of the year and the waters here are crystal clear. On the eastern coastline, the beaches are pristine and fun for snorkeling, scuba, and taking naps under palm trees. Beaches like Hopkins, Ambergris Caye, and Palencia are tourist favorites.

If you are staying at Black Rock Lodge or another jungle location, a day trip to the beach is possible. Or stay nearby and explore the rainforest canopies of Western Belize! Families can go rappelling, swim in sinkholes, visit waterfalls, and more in the jungles of Belize. There’s really no wrong option.

Our dry season (November-May), is a great time to visit because the temps are cool to moderate and enjoyable for aquatic sports and jungle activities. From June-October, the rain does make it harder to enjoy these activities but there are still

Regardless of how your family likes to have fun, Belize has it all. Many families who travel here return over and over again because there’s so much to see and do. It’s a wonderful place to spend several weeks of a few days bonding with each other.

Thinking of a family vacation to Belize? Book with Black Rock Lodge! Our concierge team will be happy to customize a tour package based on your family’s size and interest. Parents will also find ample time to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature, while the kids go off and explore.

BOOK YOUR FAMILY VACATION AT BLACK ROCK

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