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Reef and Ruins Activities and
Guatemala Lodging Descriptions
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 Hiking through some of the most beautiful areas of the Mountain
Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
Level of physical activity required is adjusted
for the ages and physical skills of hike participants (both easy and challenging jungle
trails are available.)
Hike includes exploration of Maya mounds and
terraces, scenic vistas and a magical cave - - plus some unplanned activities (such as
swinging on jungle vines.
Guides are skilled in Mayan history, area ecology
and environmental issues, and bird, animal and jungle plant identification and uses.
Guided canoe exploration of the
uninhabited Macal River. Trip stops at sites along the river as selected by trip
participants and can include: unexcavated Mayan ruins, area resorts, butterfly
hatcheries, the Rainforest Medicine Trail, Cristo
Rey Village and an iguana hatchery.
Guides are skilled in Mayan history, area ecology
and environmental issues, and bird, animal and jungle plant identification and uses.
Includes overland transportation back to Ek' Tun.
A half-day unguided canoe trip down
the Macal River combined with an afternoon exploring the Cahal Pech and/or Xunantunich
Mayan ruins.
Includes entrance fees to Cahal Pech and/or
Xunantunich ruins and overland transportation back to Ek' Tun.
Cahal Pech
(Place of the Ticks): Seven plazas and 34 structures (including an ancient
sauna) have been identified at Cahal Pech. Cahal Pech was a ceremonial center in
Preclassic and Classic Mayan periods of history, and may have ruled the Belize River
Valley at one time. Great views of San Ignacio and surrounding areas and the
visitor's center is being upgraded and expanded by the Belize government.
 Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rocks): Xunantunich was an
important ceremonial center during the Mayan classic period and includes 3 plazas, plus a
number of large stalae. Its most famous feature is El Castillo (the Castle),
approximately 130 feet high, and decorated with a beautiful frieze depicting the days of
the week and lunar observances. Xunantunich also includes a ball court on its
western side and wonderful views of the surrounding area.
Ek' Tun Birding Account by Jorn Ake’s and Claudia Salomon
Ken Dart picked us up at the
[Belize City International] airport in a Land Rover and drove us across country to San
Ignacio. The habitat moves from mangroves at the coast (Frigatebirds, Cattle Egrets and
Tropical Mockingbirds) to river bottom land/marshy grassland and then savanna and finally
forest. All of the habitat seems really vibrant and full of birds. I spent the whole drive
along the Western Highway with my head out the window. Best birds were the Fork-tailed
Flycatcher and Black-collared Hawk. I imagine this area birded thoroughly has a really
good chance to yield all sorts of humid zone water birds. A canoe trip on one of the
rivers or estuaries would be a good idea. In the Belize River, I managed to see a manatee
basking on the surface something Ken has yet to see there.
The lodge is reached by turning
left off the Western Highway after San Ignacio at Chial and driving several miles into the
gap formed by the Macal River in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Mayan
archeological sites abound in this area. Each mound holds a temple or a ball court it
seems. Belize is pretty good at preservation, but with the tenacity of the vegetation and
the relative poverty of the people true preservation seems a way off. The road passes
Negroman’s mango fields and becomes dramatically worse but significantly more
beautiful. Birding this road should yield many of the forest species, including giving one
a chance to glimpse the Orange-breasted Falcons in the afternoon. However, this is the
Dart’s property. If you plan to bird the road without staying at Ek' Tun, you should
contact them ahead of time for permission. Part of the reason that the property is so
vibrant with bird life is that there is limited access to the property.
Our arrival was met by Phyllis
Dart in a canoe to carry us and our stuff across the Macal to the bungalows. On the other
side, a flowering tree held Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds, a White-bellied Emerald, and
Wedge-tailed Sabrewings. In the trees were Squirrel Cuckoos, Black-headed and Violaceous
Trogons, Keel-billed Toucans, Black-headed and Buff-throated Saltators, and, and,
and…. There were a lot of birds. As we walked up the hill to the bungalows, I passed
a Barred Antshrike, a Red-throated Ant-tanager and Red-legged Honeycreepers. This
abundance of birds was the rule throughout the vacation. Most of the birds I saw during my
stay at Ek' Tun were seen on the grounds themselves, often from the porch of our bungalow.
In Mexico, I crawled through miles of habitat without a tenth of the birds. Of course,
very few places in Mexico (exceptions being Palenque and Yaxchilan) have the habitat to
match what exists at Ek' Tun.
Each evening we had dinner at the
open-air bungalow which doubles as the Dart’s house during the day. As I said before,
the food was amazing. More amazing were the tree frogs and toads which visited, along with
the myriad of harmless insects that flew into the kerosene lamps. We heard owls. Most
often, a couple Spectacled Owls hung out around the dining area. I never went out and
“flashlighted” them as I felt this would be too much of an intrusion. There were
also Mottled Owls and a bevy of Paraques. Paraques were literally everywhere, with birds
sitting on rocks along the river and calling late into the night. A Ferruginous Pygmy Owl
was heard periodically during our stay. A pair nested in a large dead tree outside the
dining bungalow until it fell over last year.
Days were spent hiking the hills
around the lodge. Spotted Wood Quails usually began the morning with their early morning
chorus, followed by the parrots. Ek' Tun has White-fronted, Red-lored and White-crowned.
Olive-throated Parakeets were in town, but I did not see Yellow-lored (tough to i.d.) or
Brown-hooded. Contrary to popular mythology, Scarlet Macaws are not present along this
stretch of the Macal. A trip much further south is required for Macaws. All three toucans
worked the trees Emerald Toucanet, Collared Aracari, and Keel-billed. Each had nests on
the property and were a constant presence. The trogon show was spectacular. The
Black-headeds nested across the river in an old termite nest (large, black beehives in the
trees). Off our front porch, a pair of Violaceous tore apart a wasp nest to eat the
larvae, and the Slaty-taileds had a nest in a large tree near the dining bungalow. We
watched the Black-headeds and the Violaceous in pitched battle for nearly 45 minutes one
morning. Ken says nest holes are rare and valuable. He plans to set some stumps into the
ground around the property to attract more cavity nesters.
Early mornings (sunrise at 5-ish)
got the shy Little and Long-tailed Hermits. The tail on the Long-tailed is like a strand
of toilet paper that follows the bird around; however, the Little Hermit’s most
noticeable feature is its size (small) and rufous/buffy color. The tail is secondary as
the bird flies like a bumblee more than a hummingbird sort of collides with the flowers.
I missed the tougher Violet Sabrewing, White-necked Jacobin and the really tough
Black-crested Coquette and Stripe-tailed Hummingbird. I did get Scaly-breasted. The flower
coefficient was very low as the weather had been unseasonably dry up until the rainy
season began. This, along with nesting season, may have reduced my chances.
The woodcreepers were also out in
the morning Strong-billed, Barred and Ivory-billed were all seen on the grounds.
Mornings too were a good time to see woodpeckers Golden-fronted, Golden-olive, Lineated
and Pale-billed were all present. Birding the dense edges around the property each morning
yielded Ruddy Ground-Dove, Blue Ground-Dove, Grey-chested Dove, Short-billed Pigeon and
Ruddy Quail-Dove all seen! Doves and pigeons in the rainforest are not
gregarious. They are protein lunch-boxes and know it, so they are very shy, immobile and
skittish. Absolute stealth was required to see even the most common species. I did
very well with the small flycatcher/vireo complex, getting Paltry Tyrannulet,
Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet, Northern Bentbill, Slate-headed Tody Flycatcher, Eye-ringed
Flatbill, White-throated Spadebill on the trails up the slope behind the buildings.
Flycatchers were tough, but I am positive on Greenish Elaenia, Yellow-bellied Elaenia,
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, and Yellow-olive Flycatcatcher.
In the trees and bushes of the
grounds, I had Bright-rumped Attila, Great Kiskadee, Social Flycatcher, Streaked
Flycatcher, Sulpher-bellied Flycatcher, Piratic Flycatcher, Tropical Kingbird,
Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Cinnamon Becard, Rose-throated Becard,
Masked Tityra and Black-crowned Tityra. Small birds included White-collared and Red-capped
Manakin, Spot-breasted Wren, White-breasted Wood-Wren, Yellow-green Vireo, Lesser Greenlet
and Green Shrike-Vireo. The latter, though common at Ek' Tun, is virtually impossible to
see. They stay in the pinnacle of the tree and move very rapidly. I saw mine at eye level
by scanning from the hillside to the treetops across the river. Unless you are lucky and
have a strong neck, getting a vantage point and scanning is the best way to see Green
Shrike-Vireo.
One of the hikes took us to a cave
on the other side of the river. In the cave were a fabulous quanitity of Mayan artifacts,
mostly pottery shards. An archeological dig was in process, and recently they had
discovered burial sites. The date on the occupation of the cave was suggested as 200 AD if
I remember correctly. These hikes were led by Ken and Phyllis. Though they can simply hand
out maps and send you on your way, the caves require accompaniment in order to ensure
their continued protection (as well as yours). Caves pock mark the area and all were used
by the Maya at some time or another. Unfortunately, most were ransacked early on, but Ken
still hopes to stumble upon a cave that has been relatively untouched one day.
On the hikes to the caves,
manakins were trivial. Red-capped and White-collared were joined by Thrushlike Manakins in
dizzying numbers. I hope I did not say, “Oh, another Red-capped Manakin” but I
may have. Other tasty forest birds were the Gray-headed Tanager, Wedge-billed
Woodcreeper, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Rufous-breasted Spinetail, Plain Xenops, Blue-crowned
Motmot, Black-faced Antthrush, Nightingale Wren, Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, Golden-crowned
Warbler, Blue-gray Tanager, Yellow-winged Tanager, Red-crowned and Red-throated
Ant-Tanager, Crimson-collared Tanager, Blue-black Grosbeak, Orange-billed Sparrow,
Green-backed Sparrow, White-collared Seedeater, Variable Seedeater, Thick-billed Seedfinch
(single male bird), Yellow-faced Grassquit, Yellow-throated Euphonia, Rufous Piha, and
Rufous Mourner were all added to the list during these hikes. Many were subsequently seen
on the property once I learned behavior and song through the initial experience. A
Thrushlike Manakin popped out of the bushes along the river on the last morning as I was
watching Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds chase bees.
As with all rainforest birding,
sound precedes sight. Therefore, I heartily recommend getting the Chan Chich tape, the
Delaney Mexico tape and the new Belize rainforest CD, all available from American Birds.
Without the study I did before I went, my bird list would have been substantially reduced.
I also recommend the Howell book. I think this is out of print, but Ken said he heard from
some other guests that Howell told them a new field version is coming out soon. Look for
it and get it, or find an old copy of the “phone-book” version. Peterson’s
Mexico guide is pretty good, but some birds are wrong. The Scaly-breasted Hummingbird is
slightly off and the Crested Guan is just plain wrong. The best combination seems to be
Peterson in the field and Howell back at camp until the field version of the Howell
comes out that is. The visual descriptions in Howell really feel like he has seen the
birds in action and then described them.
During the day, if it wasn’t
raining, I watched the skies for raptors. Actually, I watched the vultures (Black, Turkey
and King) and the Orange-breasted Falcons. The cliffs that are immediately across the
river from the dining bungalow are the nest-site for the falcons. I saw up to three birds
circling and diving, generally having a really great time. One afternoon we hiked up to
the cliffs (very steep). While standing in an old finca that Ken is working on, the female
landed in a bare tree about 200 yards away. The male called and swooped over her while she
called back. In a pretty spectacular moment, a toucan with a death wish leisurely sailed
past and the male falcon stooped, missing the cardiac toucan by millimeters. Ken has seen
the falcons take Aracaris and Toucanets, but never a Keel-billed. On that same hillside,
we heard a Ferruginous Pygmy Owl call within ten feet of us but were not able to find it.
Such is the way of rainforest birding. Ken has seen Ornate Hawk-Eagle from the lodge, and
I am certain that Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle is possible, but I saw neither. Be aware that
young King Vultures come with a variety of white/black patterns as they molt into adult
plummage. Collared and Barred Forest-Falcon should be possibilities as well.
 A day full of exploring several private caves (actual caves
explored depends on fitness and adventure levels of group participants). Mayan
architecture and artifacts, limestone formal, mental and physical challenges and a deep
interaction with Mother Earth.
Must bring your own flashlight and extra batteries
(headlamps suggested).
All guides are specially trained in caving,
specifically including safety and first aid.
Tikal
National Park in which the Tikal Mayan ruins are located is the only place in the world
designated by UNESCO as both a natural heritage and cultural heritage site. The Park
was designated by Guatemala as a national monument in 1931 and a national park in
1955. Tikal National Park encompasses approximately 144,000 acres within the
2,500,000 acre Maya Biosphere Reserve.
The Tikal ruins cover a wide span of Mayan history
- from the culture's hunting/gathering period around 600 BC, to its agricultural period,
which included elaborate artistic, scientific and religious components. The Tikal
society collapsed in about 900 AD, for reasons that remain unknown.
The ruins include over 3,000 separate buildings
from the entire span of Tikal history, including temples, residences, religious monuments
and tombs. The tallest building in the Mayan world is found at Tikal.
The Tikal National Park also includes over 55,000
acres of rain forest, harbors over 54 species of mammals, over 333 species of birds, 6
genera of turtles, 38 species of snakes, and 9 families of amphibians.
 Inner cayes trips can concentrate on
snorkeling or fishing (flyfishing, spinning or trolling) or a combination of both.
Inner mangrove cayes act as nurseries for area marine life, making inner mangrove cayes
particularly good spots for both snorkeling and fishing - especially for tarpon.
Fin fish species include jacks, snappers,
barracudas, tuna and King Mackerel, also good permit and bonefish flats are available in
the area. Flats are sandy-bottomed and good for wading.
Inner cayes visited can include Laughing Bird
Caye, Scipio Caye, Morris Caye (not shown on charts of the area), Mosquito Caye, Long Coco
Caye, Moho Caye and Cary Caye. Exact destinations depend on weather and water
conditions on the day of the trip.
See our Fishing
Pages for more information including a Fishing Calendar, Location Guide, Suggested Gear and Tackle
and Overviews of Open Water and Saltwater
Flyfishing.
Our Snorkeling
Page provides detailed information on guided snorkeling trips.
 Reef hopping trips at the Meso-American Barrier Reef can
include visits to cayes such as Ranguana
Caye, Pompion Caye, Silk Cayes (also known as the Queen Cayes), Little Water Caye and
Round Caye. (Exact destinations depends on weather and water conditions on the day
of the trip.)
Snorkelers will find lots of coral heads and coral
gardens, plus a wide variety of colorful tropical fish and other marine life.
Several of the reef cayes offer good bonefishing
directly from shore or wading on flats immediately adjacent to the caye (along with jacks,
snappers and barracudas). Other likely species include grouper, tarpon, permit,
Wahoo, tuna, King Mackerel and barracuda.
See our Fishing
Pages for more information including a Fishing Calendar, Location Guide, Suggested Gear and Tackle
and Overviews of Open Water and Saltwater
Flyfishing.
Our Snorkeling
Page provides detailed information on guided snorkeling trips.
Three hotels are located within the
Tikal National Park. Levels of service and quality of lodging car vary at the hotels
from week to week. Therefore, the exact hotel at which you'll be staying will likely
not be selected until about a week before your visit. We can notify you of the name
of the hotel at that time - or you can just wait until you arrive at Ek' Tun to obtain
this information.
As with the hotels in Tikal
National Park, levels of service and quality of lodging can vary among the hotels and
guesthouses in Flores from time to time. Therefore, the exact hotel at which you'll
be staying in Flores may not be selected until nearer to the time of your visit. As
with your Tikal lodgings, we can notify you of the name of the hotel or guesthouse when it
is selected, or you can just wait until you arrive at Ek' Tun to obtain this information.
 Seine Bight Village is a small Garifuna
(pronounced ga-RIF-una) village located about 3 miles north of the southern tip of the
Placencia Peninsula. Garifuna are descendants of West African slaves who
intermarried with the native Carib Indians of the Caribbean. The Garifuna found
their way to Belize in the 1800s where they establish fishing villages such as Seine
Bight. Unique Garifuna baskets, drums, artwork and live performances
of Garifuna dances and drumming are available in Seine Bight.
 Placencia Village, with its world-famous sidewalk
through the center of town (in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's narrowest
road), is at the southern tip of the Peninsula. Placencia Village began life as a sleepy
Creole fishing village, but now offers visitors a variety of small hotels, gift shops,
nightspots and the largest collection of restaurants on the Peninsula, featuring fresh
seafood, lobster and conch cooked "Creole-style" (lots of tomatoes, onions and
special Creole seasonings).
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Sturdy,
comfortable shoes with good tread for hiking |
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Loose-fitting,
comfortable clothing |
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Swimsuit(s) |
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Sunscreen
(minimum 15 SPF - see our Sun Protection Page for further information)\ |
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One
pair long pants and long-sleeved shirt |
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Aqua
shoes or Teva-type sandals (anglers interested in flats fishing should pack wading
booties |
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Sweater |
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Camera with flash, film and extra batteries |
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Binoculars and field guide |
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Itch
eraser |
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Extra "D" cell batteries |
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Hat
with at least a 3" bri |
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Prescription
and non-prescription medicines (including motion-sickness
medication, aspirin, etc.\ |
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Insect
repellent (obviously, waterproof is best and Deep Woods Off seems to work well) |
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Rain
gear (a couple of disposable rain ponchos should should be
sufficient |
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Daypack and water bottle |
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Bandanna |
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"D"
cell flashlight or bigger (no mini mags! |
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Band-Aids |
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Fishing
gear (for anglers - see our Gear and Tackle Page for more
information) |
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Polarized
sunglasses preferably rated "Special Purpose Intense Sunlight."
Sunglasses should fit tightly to block UVR from the sides and have
lenses large enough to cover the entire eye area, including eye
lids. Amber is the best color if you're only bringing one pair
- color is irrelevant in terms of UV ratings. |
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Spare
sunglasses (Not a bad idea to pick up a several pairs of the
inexpensive polarized sunglasses. You'll be able to purchase
sunglasses in Belize, but they likely won't be polarized, and they
definitely won't be cheap. |
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Dark
t-shirts (We recommend wearing a dark colored T-shirt when snorkeling.
Light-colored t-shirts offer little sun protection and may actually increase the intensity
of a burn. If you plan to spend a lot of time snorkeling, you might also consider
nylon bicycle shorts to protect the "hinterside." |
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Underwater
camera (the disposables are very good, but make sure you
bring one with you, they may not be available here, and the cost is
likely to be much higher than you'll pay at home |
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Snorkeling
gear Snorkeling gear can be rented in Placencia for $10 USD
per day. However, for a good fit bring your own - we strongly
suggest custom fitted gear for children. Several of the
snorkeling shops in Placencia will buy slightly used gear from you
for about half of the retail cost. If packing space is
tight, consider bringing custom fitted snorkel and masks. You
can rent your fins here |
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Snorkeling
vest Less experienced swimmers may want to investigate
purchasing a snorkeling vest. These vests are small,
comfortable and unobtrusive, and will really improve the snorkeling
experience |
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Prescription
mask If you need glasses or contact lenses for distance vision, you need a
prescription snorkeling mask if you are going to take many snorkeling trips.
Saltwater can make contact wearers extremely uncomfortable, and glasses are almost
impossible to wear under a mask. |
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