Pine Ridge, Cayo District, Belize: Hidden Valley Inn

I’ll take my hat off to the Belizeans this time. They know hospitality. I’ve just spent a couple of nights up in Pine Ridge in Cayo District at Hidden Valley. Yes, they have pines in Belize. Hidden Valley Inn sits on 7,200+ acres of private reserve with about a dozen different cabanas. This place is about as remote as it gets here in Belize. It covers enough terrain that it goes from pines above to jungle below.  It is freaky big.

My cabana was very comfortable  with a nice big bed. It was a free standing well constructed little home with a working fireplace. I should mention that Hidden Valley Inn has all the little luxuries you’d get at a top notch resort in Cancun. It actually gets chilly at night since we’re up here in the Maya Mountains and as I used up tinder and firewood more magically appears at my front door, nice.  Beautiful four post wooden bed and comfy lounge chairs for the fire. VERY secure property, I’ve got tons of gear and equipment but I didn’t even bother taking my key or locking the doors while out.

Now for other stuff. They have miles of trails and roads with breathtaking views, streams, and wildlife. Everything is well marked. You’d be a moron or illiterate to get lost. It’s actually possible to spot pumas and jaguars here since it’s far of the beaten path. Freaking birds of all types everywhere.  I also like the hidden swimming holes and streams in Hidden Vally Inn. They’ve got lots of clean clear water for a cool dip and plenty of waterfalls. Check out “Cascade Trail”. The regular tours go out from here daily to visit anywhere else in Cayo too.  Guides are polite and well informed.

Actually, everyone here is polite and well informed. Food is great. Nice menu and Flavien and Beverly (managers) seem to know and check on the source of all the food. It’s pretty comfy in the lodge too. Big fluffy loungers and couches with fire place and plenty of books to choose from. The bar is well equipped and the pool and jacuzzi are nice.  Well decorated and comfortable.  Oh yeah, they have their own airstrip and helicopter pad if you want to fly in. If you don’t they’ll pick you up at the airport in Belize City.  Hidden Valley is probably one of the best values for the money I’ve seen around here yet.

Pictures: http://www.esotericvision.com/VT/HiddenValley360/index.html

Website: http://www.hiddenvalleyinn.com