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 Banana
Bank Lodge & Jungle Equestrian Adventure
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Banana Bank
Lodge & Jungle Equestrian Adventure is 2 miles from Belmopan,
and a 45 minute drive from Belize City and the International Airport
(Mile 47 Western Highway). It is located on the Belize River and
in the heart of the Belizean countryside, surrounded by evidence
of both ancient Maya and the historic logging tradition that is
basic to Belizean culture.
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A myriad of
activities are offered at the 4,000 acre lodge, including a state
of the art Equestrian Center for all levels of horseback riding
and learning. Activities include horseback riding into the jungle,
visiting Maya ruins and caves, canoeing, star gazing, trail walks,
birding or simply relaxing and enjoying the tranquil grounds of
the lodge.
Banana Bank
is especially well suited to accommodate families, organizations,
and student groups, assembling complete itineraries that include
adventure, nature, and cultural activities.
Banana Bank
is the natural habitat of some 230 species of birds, monkeys, and
other wildlife. A beautiful jaguar named Tika has made Banana Bank
her home for 20 years.
Accommodations
consist of five two-bedroom thatched-roof cottages, a thatched-roof
dining room, and a main lodge with optional air-conditioning. All-you-can-eat
home cooking is served family style, and free coffee and fresh squeezed
juice are available anytime.
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At
Banana Bank Lodge you will find:
- A beautiful
jaguar named Tikatoo (shown above), resident of Banana Bank
- Over 210
species of birds spotted and identified
- Orchadia
with over 50 different varieties of orchids and bromeliads
- Remnants
of the Mayan civilization - unexcavated house mounds & temples
- Substantial
collection of over 100 artifacts found on Banana Bank
- Two story
birding observation tower overlooking lagoon
- Beautiful
swimming pool in a gorgeous jungle setting
- Internet
Cafe featuring fast satellite connections and telephone service
- Canoeing
or swimming in the Belize River
- Great
family environment (kids love it here and don't want to leave)
- An assortment
of native animals & birds delight the premises
- Star gazing
with a Hi-tech computerized 12" Meade telescope
(see planets, nebula, galaxies, super novas, globular clusters,
and more)
- Carolyn
Carr's studio and gallery
(you may find her working on an oil painting)
- A solid
team of cooks, housekeepers, gardeners, wranglers, drivers and
guides who will help make your stay memorable
- All you
can eat, home cooking served family style; Fresh ingredients cooked
the "old fashioned" way from scratch. Cater to vegetarian
and other special dietary needs (on advance request).
- Free coffee
and fresh squeezed juice anytime
- Bread
baked fresh every day
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Get
Horseback Riding Lesson (Fantastic opportunity, especially for kids!)
"Banana Bank
is home to the finest Equestrian Center in Belize.
You are considering a vacation in Belize... You have ridden over mountains,
prairies and parklands... Expectations are high... Can the tropics show
you anything you haven't already seen?
You will awaken to
the soft ethereal glow of dawn breaking through tropical mist. Palm fringed
pastures, wherein dozens of horses graze, will prompt a rush of excitement
and a desire to get on a horse and ride.
Banana Bank is big,
beautiful and boisterous. Miles of jungle and riverside trails are awaiting
you. There are opportunities to experience horsemanship in a variety of
ways, from setting your own itinerary to participating in structured lessons.
The well kept horses,
quiet river, lush pastures, gentle breeze, ancient trees laden with bromeliads,
flocks of parrots, flaming sunsets, delicious meals, friendly people,
and exotic surroundings will speak peace into your soul.
Activities -
Banana Bank offers guests an opportunity to participate in a hands
on experience of interacting with horses. In the arena and round pen,
communication between horse and rider begins to meld. Making it easy to
do the right thing and difficult to do the wrong thing. These concepts,
as presented by John Lyons and Pat Parelli, two of the most popular horse
clinicians in the United States, are the basis for horsemanship at Banana
Bank. Key words are communication, trust and discipline.
A variety of activities
include barrel racing, gymkhana events, overnight rides, Saturday to Saturday
itineraries that may be flexible. While we mostly ride western, we also
have two sets of English saddles and tack for your use. There are miles
of jungle trails often times under the forest canopy.
Horses -
About 50 head (a mare has a colt every once in a while) of well-kept,
mixed breeds, predominately quarter horses. This combination provides
sturdy but agile mounts necessary to negotiate river terrain and jungle
trails.
Stable -
35' x 60' with classic clerestory roof design, 24 stalls, 12 on each side
of a central 10' tiled corridor that features cedar paneling, brass lamps
and other appointments making it truly distinctive.
Equipment -
35 Western saddles with accessories to make the riding experience safe
and comfortable. Equipment is well cared for, clean and attractive. If
you feel comfortable riding your own saddle, bring it with you.
Round Pen -
A four rail state of the art 60' diameter enclosure that not only gives
the rider a circular confined space to hone riding skills but commits
the horse to the will of the handler in a gentle but firm situation of
control. We welcome guests to use the round pen with our horses.
Arena -
A beautiful two rail 200' x 100' enclosure to safely put the horse through
the paces of walking, trotting, cantering or galloping. This arena is
sufficiently large to allow action but keeps rider and instructor in charge.
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