A few nights on the Macal or Mopan, with a canoe at the bottom of the garden and birds at breakfast.
A good river lodge does the planning for you: canoes on the bank, a birding guide at dawn, a medicinal plant trail through the forest, and a pool for the afternoon. You don't need a car, and most days start on the water.
We match the lodge to the trip. Close to San Ignacio for families who want the market and easy outings; further up the Macal for couples who want nothing but forest and river.
Canoe at dawn
Downstream with a guide, for kingfishers, herons and iguanas.
The plant trail
The forest as a pharmacy and a larder, with someone who uses it.
Pine ridge day
Waterfalls and swimming holes on the cooler plateau.Check before you travel
Night walk
Frogs, tarantulas and eyeshine, with a torch and a guide.
A river cave with ancient remains inside. Physical, remarkable for the right people, and strictly regulated.
Turneffe and Lighthouse Reef on your own boat and your own timetable, including the Blue Hole, framed honestly.
