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| Five Sisters
Falls, nestled in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
|
The
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of Belize is a perfect
example of the diversity this country offers. With its
reddish soil, tall pine trees sweeping the sky, and somewhat
drier atmosphere, this region presents a sharp contrast
to the dense jungle by which it is surrounded. In the
heart of this locale rests Five Sisters Lodge & Tours, perched high atop the edge of a
steep valley, overlooking the Five Sisters Falls which
flow over the rocks far below. (The falls are so named
because there are five of them, side by side.) With wonderful
vistas of the falls, and over the surrounding hills, this
lodge invites you to sit back, relax, and be lured into
tranquillity by the sound of the cascading water.
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|
Cabañas at the Lodge |
Since
Five Sisters Lodge & Tours opened in 1995,
it has been a popular escape for ecotourists and nature
lovers. Being situated on ten acres of privately titled
land in the midst of the national reserve, you can truly
get away from it all here. The lodge is about a one-hour
drive from San Ignacio, on the Caracol road, just a few
miles beyond the gate at the reserve's entrance. The location
is ideal for anyone interested in exploring
the region, including Caracol, Belize's largest Maya
ruin, only a 1-1/2 hour drive from the lodge. You will
also enjoy lounging in your hammock, or sitting on the
deck enjoying the view. The outgoing and efficient staff
works well under the guidance of Nigel Richards, the pleasant,
amiable manager. Nigel will see to all your needs, and
ensure that your accommodation is comfortable.
Facilities:
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| Luxury
cabaña |
The
lodge, owned by Belizean Carlos Popper, consists of 19
cabanas of varied size, each
opening onto screened verandas with wonderful views, and
a hammock. All cabanas are well screened, and mosquito
netting is provided over the beds, although we didn't
find it necessary to use it. The attractive, sparkling
clean rooms have hardwood floors, and the locally crafted
furnishings are basic, but adequate.
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| Stargazing
deck at the Restaurant |
The
Lodge has a unique, wood-burning boiler system to heat
its water. Our showers were not necessarily hot, but warm
enough to be comfortable.
A group
of economy rooms, with shared bath, is located on the
ground floor beneath the central building which houses
the bar, restaurant and lounge area.
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| Rich,
tropical vegetation surrounds the lodge. |
The
deck around this building permits you to enjoy your drinks
and meals while taking in the pristine beauty of your
surroundings. The kitchen serves plenty of tasty, local
cuisine, and homemade bread.
The
natural vegetation has been supplemented nicely with a
wide variety of colourful, tropical plants, and this,
combined with neat pathways, makes for an attractive setting
under the pines.
The
treetops are alive with bird activity, and bird watchers
will enjoy adding species unique to this habitat, such
as the Acorn Woodpecker, to their sightings list. You'll
also see some of the regulars; orioles, oropendolas, and
kites.
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| Grey foxes
and other wildlife inhabit the area. |
Guests will likely encounter wildlife in the forest, as
well. As we walked to our cabana after dinner, we saw
two gray foxes cavorting in the glow of a lamppost along
the path, leaping high in the air to catch bugs that swooped
through the light.
Activities:
Nigel and Catherine
can arrange any of a wide variety of tours
available here, including: Caracol, Rio Frio Cave, Rio
On Pools, Barton Creek, 1000 Foot Falls, and a butterfly
farm. One of the most popular full-day trips is a Mountain
Pine Ridge tour on horseback. Guests are driven to a nearby
ranch where they saddle up, and proceed to visit Skeleton Cave,
Big Rock Falls, have lunch and a swim, and ride back to
the lodge.
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| Experience
a unique rainforest wedding in our newly constructed
chapel |
Guests
will also enjoy swimming in the small pools at the base
of the falls, where there is a sandy beach, and a couple
of thatched palapas providing shade.
Everyone
should go down to the falls at least once, but be prepared
for the steep return trip up the steps!
There
is a nature trail on the property with numerous medicinal
plants and trees identified. Mountain bikes are available,
too.
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| Barton
Creek Cave |
Trips
to the other, well-known Cayo District sights, such as
Barton Creek Cave, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech ruins, San
Ignacio Town and the Herbal Medicine Trail are also arranged,
as is a trip to Tikal, Guatemala. One should bear in mind,
however,that each of these excursions will require retracing
the one hour, bumpy drive back to the Western Highway.
The
overall effect of Five Sisters Lodge & Tours
is that of a mountain cabin retreat, and most guests (many
of them, return customers) stay for four to seven nights.
It offers a true Belizean experience with genuine local
hospitality. An assortment of packages are also offered,
for three to five nights; prices include everything except
bar charges. In any case, a large percentage of Five Sisters'
guests are self-drivers, and the area is easy to explore
on one's own. Don't forget to schedule time to relax and
enjoy the beauty. The peaceful sound of the falls will
lull you to sleep, and stay with you after you leave.
Article
courtesy of Belize
Report magazine, Volume 5, Number 2.
