|
Caribbean / Belize
E-newsletter
Receive updates of new hotels, travel specials and last minute deals for Belize.
|
|
Maps of The Caribbean.
Click to open.
|
|
Site Information:
Lamanai Outpost Lodge
Perched on a hillside overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the New River Lagoon, the Lamanai Outpost Lodge provides a jungle experience unlike any other.
|
More Info:
Adjacent to the spectacular Maya ruins of the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, "The Outpost" is one of Belize's special places where adventure, education, and leisure come together in a magical blend. "Heaven on Earth"... "Paradise"... the list of adjectives used to describe The Outpost is exhaustive. Perhaps it's the mystique of the ruins, or the wildlife, or the scenery, or the unparalleled service we provide our guests. Perhaps it is all of these things - in concert - which provide visitors with a once in a lifetime experience and a lifetime of memories.
Looking for a fun-filled family adventure? The majority of our guests take advantage of our all-inclusive Natural History Packages (which include daily activities, all meals and transfers as well as leisure time) or Tropical Birding Packages (designed especially for birders). Don't be surprised if you see Black Howler Monkeys in the trees while you're learning about some of the best Maya ruins in the country. And with more than 375 species present, Lamanai is a great place for birding.
The Lamanai Outpost Lodge has also been described as "the perfect honeymoon spot" by numerous guests. There's plenty to do and see here, but there's also plenty of time to get away from it all. You can relax in what have been called "the best hammocks in Belize," or swim off the end of our 140' dock.
At the end of the day you can enjoy the sunset while sipping a cool drink from our fully-stocked bar, indulge in some of the finest cuisine in Belize, and fall asleep in your comfortable private cabana.
Just where the heck is Belize, anyway? What's the weather like? How do I get there? We answer any commonly asked questions here.
General
Belize is located just south of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and is bordered by Guatemala to the west and south. It is more than twice the size of Jamaica, with just 10% of the population (225,000).
Belize is an English speaking member of the British Commonwealth. Belize has a democratically elected government, a US embassy, and the British and US militaries maintain a year round presence for training purposes.
Although the capital city is Belmopan, the largest city in the country is Belize City, which has a population of about 70,000.
Belize was known as British Honduras until 1981 when they gained their independence from Britain.
Belize is on Central Time, but does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Weather
The overall climate of Belize can be described as sub-tropical. The humidity, while high (mean annual humidity is 83%), is seldom oppressive for long and is most noticeable along the coast and many days it is masked by the cooling sea breezes. The Belize coastal area is exposed to southeast trade winds averaging 10-13 knots and attain an uncanny consistency during the month of July.
Temperatures in Belize range from 50°F to 95°F with an annual mean of 79°F. November to January are traditionally the coolest months with a 75°F average and May to September are the warmest at about a 81°F average.
Annual rainfall ranges from 50 inches in the North to 170 inches in the South. Although the rainy season is usually between June and August and the dry season is between February and May, global weather changes are making historical predictions somewhat invalid. At the end of October, the weather does become cooler, and from November to February, it is pleasant with occasional rain showers.
Logistics
Belize is roughly two hours out of Miami, Houston or Dallas and is serviced daily by AA, Continental, and TACA.
Unlike much of Central and South America, food and water quality is not an issue in Belize.
US citizens do not require a visa to visit Belize, US dollars, travelers checks, and credit cards are readily accepted.
Belize has two internal airlines with flights to most major inland locations occurring on the hour.
Belize has an excellent British installed telecommunications system with direct international dialing via BTL, AT&T, MCI, and Sprint – IDD cell-phones and beepers can be easily arranged for and rented short term.
Electricity is 110 volts. No adapters are necessary for U.S. appliances. Some remote hotels have electricity furnished by generators.
What to Bring - Good sunscreen is a must. Insect repellent is useful during jungle hikes or when the air is calm along the coastline. Film, batteries, cosmetics, health and beauty aids, and snack foods are expensive and brands are limited. Drinkable water is generally not a problem.
What to Wear - Shorts, T-shirts and sundresses are the rule of the day. You'll want sandals for the "surf" and comfortable sneakers for the "turf" portion of the trip. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt for evenings during winter, especially in the mountains. Long pants are a necessity in the jungle.
Nearby Attractions:
Experience the kaleidoscope of natural wonders that Belize has to offer with the Lamanai Outpost Lodge - the premier lodge in Belize for activities. Transport yourself back in time to the days of the ancient Maya, the logwood cutters, the chicleros gathering chicle for chewing gum, the English colonials... the possibilities are endless. Read about the activities here, and then read about your guides.
Night Spotlight River Safari
The Spotlight Safari offers visitors the opportunity to see nocturnal wildlife up-close and personal from the comfort and safety of a custom-built safari river boat. Depending on the season, wildlife may include: Morelet's Crocodiles, Yucatan Nightjar, Common Potoo, arboreal porcupine and even some of our native cats.
Lamanai Maya Ruins Tour
Explore the mysterious jungle-shrouded temples of Lamanai with one of our guides, well-versed in the history and culture of this fascinating civilization. Learn about the history of such structures as the "mask" temple, the "jaguar" temple, and the Lord Smoking Shell stela. Of course, the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve is a major site with excavations still underway, so new information may come to light with each visit.
Guided Sunrise Canoe Trip
A canoe trip with the rising sun and waking birds through mist-covered waters is a wonderful way to start the day at Lamanai. The trip takes you across the lagoon and up Dawson Creek where you may find yourself surrounded by various egrets and herons, Northern Jacanas, Limpkins, Rufous-browed Peppershrikes, and often the elusive Black Catbird, a species considered near-threatened by BirdLife International.
Sunset Lagoon Trip
There can be no finer way to end the day: on a boat in the New River Lagoon, surrounded by tropical forest and wildlife, a well-stocked cooler on board, and the orange glow of the sky as the sun sets. An indescribable feeling of relaxation comes over you as you return to the lodge for dinner at the end of your adventure-filled day.
Herbal Medicine Walk
Tropical forest plants hold the key to unlocking the secret of how to wipe out most any ailment. These chemicals - called secondary compounds - are often produced by the plant as protection against insects and other herbivores. Many modern drugs (aspirin for example) come from these compounds, but most plants have not been investigated by scientists for their effects on disease. On the other hand, the medicinal properties of local plants are well-known to indigenous peoples and you will gain some of this insight on this fascinating tour.
Guided Birdwalk
Perhaps you're just a budding birder or would just like to broaden your knowledge yet again. In addition to our Three Night and Five Night Tropical Birding Packages we offer "a la carte" walks focusing on the local bird life. We offer guided walks through the forest, through the milpas and on the savannah. More than 375 species have been recorded around Lamanai, and even a short visit is bound to turn up numerous species.
Dawn River Cruise
Dawn is one of the best times for birds, and this river cruise is designed for excellent bird viewing opportunities. The New River is home to many species, including Roseate Spoonbill, Great Black Hawk, Social Flycatcher and more. Your guide will point out termite nests, wild orchids and more on this spectacular starter trip.
Night Jungle Walk
Ever wonder what it's like to wander through the jungle at night? The jungle changes completely at night, and what better way to experience it than by taking a walk? Listen to the cacophony of insects, frogs and birds calling all around you, while a bat swoops overhead. Wildlife varies from day to day, but Owls, frogs, snakes, and mammals are all possibilties. Belize's big cats are active at night, so keep your eyes open!
Imagine standing atop the High Temple, peering over the forest canopy, as the sun sets and flocks of parrots blur by--raucously-- near your feet. You are facing south, and immediately before you is a Maya ball court enshrouded by trees. Just to your left is the New River Lagoon, and in the distance, the majestic Maya Mountains…you raise your binoculars to watch a Black Howler Monkey in the tree tops below you. She has a baby on her back, and as she moves, suddenly you see the top of a thatched roof cabana. The Lamanai Outpost Lodge blends almost imperceptibly with this landscape of lush forests, ubiquitous wildlife, and towering Maya ruins that is the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve.
Laman'ai (a corruption of "Lam'an/ayin", Mayan for "submerged crocodile") is an ancient Maya center known to have been continuously occupied for almost three millennia beginning in approximately 1500 B.C., one of the longest known occupation spans of any Maya site.
Today, approximately 720 structures have been mapped within an area of 4.6 sq. km, 70 of which have been excavated to varying degrees.
This is a very exciting time to be visiting the ancient Maya city Lamanai - archaeologists are actively excavating as part of a major reconstruction project and the discovery of tombs, burials and artifacts is an almost daily occurrence - visitors often have the opportunity to meet the project's archaeologists and gain a better understanding of the work in progress.
NEWSFLASH*** The Lamanai Falcons recently completed the Belize Audubon Society's 4th annual birdathon. View the report and species list here!
Located along the banks of the 28-mile long New River Lagoon, the area surrounding the Lamanai Outpost Lodge and the Lamanai Field Research Center is perhaps the best-kept birding secret in Belize. Over 375 species of birds have been recorded here in a variety of habitats from vast wetlands to broadleaf forest to pine savanna. All of these habitats are found within a two-mile radius of the lodge and are easily accessible by boat, canoe or trails.
The most popular way to enjoy all that we have to offer is through one of our Three Night or Five Night Tropical Birding Packages to make the most of your time with us. Various birding excursions are structured to visit a maximum number of habitats and maximize the number of species you will experience. Spend a morning canoeing up Dawson Creek to look for Agami Herons, an evening watching the Jabiru stork on her nest, or a night watching the Yucatan Nightjar perched silently in the spotlight. Contact our booking office or see the Rates Page for details on prices and a la carte birding activities that can be added to The Outpost's regular packages.
Founded in 1992, the Lamanai Field Research Center (LFRC) supports an array of projects in biological and anthropological sciences. The funds for this research come from a combination of outside sources (such as granting agencies) and a portion of the revenue generated by the Lamanai Outpost Lodge. All projects encourage varying degrees of guest involvement. Lamanai Outpost Lodge introduces clients to some of the best birding in Central America, as well as opportunities to help support work conducted at LFRC that Outpost guests help support.
Belize Message Board Posts: View All Messages
| jaguar reef lodge | (4 replies) |
|
Interesting share.Thanks.
...
|
| Property in Belize | (2 replies) |
|
I'm not sure if this is the proper place for this, but I have a lovely piece of property for sale in the Cayo District of Belize. Please email me if ...
|
| Moving to Costa Rica? | (0 replies can you answer?) |
|
If your looking to move to Costa Rica please check out my webpage! Great group you can join free to network with other expats living here! Join at ...
|
| Easiest way to get from Cancun to Placencia | (3 replies) |
|
It's not easy. During peak season there's sometimes charter planes that fly from Cancun to Belize city, but they have no proper schedules so you won ...
|
| Belize Resorts | (3 replies) |
|
Hi, Beth. I haven't been to Jaguar Reef, but my fiance and I are planning to spend our honeymoon there in August 2004. When are you planning on ...
|
Belize Hotel Reviews: View All Reviews
| Captain Morgan's Retreat - Review (Belize) |  3 Stars |
|
all hype: Great location...... great view..... felt safe...... food was alright, a bit on the expensive side.
While we were there there was a lot of ...
|
| Captain Morgan's Retreat - Review (Belize) |  4 Stars |
|
Total Relaxation: This is a great place, was the site of that tacky TV show, Temptation Island. The beach is wonderful, the rooms are huts right on the beach. The ...
|
| Ambergris Caye's White Sands Cove Resort - Review (Belize) |  5 Stars |
|
Great Place to Vacation: The white Sands Cove was a beautiful place to stay while visiting the island. It was a very short boat ride to town or a casual golf cart trip to ...
|
| Jaguar Reef Lodge - Review (Belize) | 5 Stars |
|
Loved Jaguar Reef Lodge:
My girlfriend and I stayed at Jaguar Reef Lodge in Hopkins, Belize earlier this year and found both the resort and the town to be idyllic. The ...
|
| The Diving Pelican Seaside Suites - Review (Belize) | 5 Stars |
|
great place!: Wow, i had a great time at this place! We had the entire place to ourselves and had an amazingly relaxing time! Going back next year with friends. ...
|
Caribbean Travel Articles: (View All Articles)
Activities - Things to do
 About the Cayman Waters - Cayman Islands
Waters of the Cayman Islands are crystal clear and warm throughout the year with over 200 dive sites, each with its own name and unique and amazing characteristics.
Food and Dining
Grenada's National Dish - Oiled Down - Grenada
Grenada's national dish is called "oil-down". It's a simple, tasty and robust dish, which is very popular in local restaurants.
Main/General
French West Indies - What and where are they? - Caribbean
The term French West Indies is used to refer the islands in the Caribbean, in the Lesser Antilles, that are French Territories or Departments which include: Guadeloupe, Martinique, Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, St. Barts and St. Martin.
Places to Go
Paamul - A Hidden Jem along the Riviera Maya - Playa del Carmen
Just south of Playa del Carmen is Paamul, a great place for campers with some RV amenities and installations. It is very close to the reef, and an ideal spot for snorkeling or diving. It's got a nice beach front restaurant great for lunch and an afternoon cocktail.
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving in St. Lucia - St. Lucia
St Lucia is a diving paradise which offers divers wrecks, shallow reefs and a variety of marine life including turtles, nurse sharks, seahorses, angel fish, and golden spotted eels, to name only a few.
Travel & Accommodations
Top Family Beach Vacation Destinations - Caribbean
Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family resorts that have fun sports and activities for the whole family, all inclusive resorts where meals are included and kid clubs? Here are some of the most popular beach destinations for families to unwind and relax:
Travel Tips
Cayman Travel Tips - Cayman Islands
Cayman Travel Tips
Weddings, Honeymoons & Romantic Travel
Getting Married on Nevis - Wedding Info & Requirements - Nevis
Nevis is an ideal place for a wedding with its natural backdrops of the tropics, world-class service, and wide range of accommodation. The setting can be as form or as casual as the couple desires. Some choose to get married barefoot in the sand; others choose spots with stunning mountainside views surrounded lush foliage.
Belize Attractions: (All Attractions)
Hol Chan Marine PReserver - Ambergris Caye
Attraction Type: Water Sports
Spear Fishing is BEST at Hol Chan
Hol Chan Marine Preserve - Belize
Attraction Type: General Attraction
More than 160 species of fish have been identified at this rare reserve.
Island Mini Golf & Ice Cream - Sea Grape Dr San Pedro Ambergris Caye
Attraction Type: Children's / Kids Attraction
Fun for the entire family!
Maritime Museum - Belize
Attraction Type: General Attraction
Located on the Belize River, next to the Swing Bridge, the Maritime Museum introduces visitors to a history of Belize's fishing and boat building industries.
Lubaantun - Belize
Attraction Type: Historic Site
Lubaantun, situated above a tributary to the Columbia River, is located near San Pedro-Columbia in the Toledo District.
Caribbean Travel Tip
Shower Water
Most people know to ask for unopened bottled water when traveling, but may not realize that it's all too easy to get sick from ingesting water while showering. The solution: Keep mouthwash in your mouth while showering.
View All Tips |
Related Searches:
Belize Hotels
| Belize Resorts
| Belize All Inclusive
| Belize Villas
| Belize Condos
| Belize Vacations
| Belize Scuba Diving
| Belize Vacation
| Belize Luxury Condos
| Belize Luxury Resort
| Belize Vacation Rental
| Belize Luxury Villa
| Belize All Inclusives
| Belize Luxury Villas
| Belize Dive Resorts
| Belize Diving
| Belize Snorkeling
| Belize Sailing
| Belize Vacation Rentals
| Belize
| Belize Villa Rentals
| Belize Homes
| Caribbean Hotels
| Caribbean Resorts
| Caribbean Condos
| Caribbean Villas
| Lamanai Outpost Lodge
| Belize
Search CaribbeanLinks.com:
Lamanai Outpost Lodge
| Belize Hotels
| Belize Resorts
| Belize All Inclusive
| Belize Villas
| Belize Condos
| Belize Vacations
| Belize Scuba Diving
| Belize Vacation
| Belize Luxury Condos
| Belize Luxury Resort
| Belize Vacation Rental
|
Caribbean Home
Expedia.com Hotels: