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Each day our guests have the opportunity to explore the Toledo District on one of our cultural

tours, chocolate, adventure, or wildlife tours. Visit Mayan villages and homes, connecting with
the local people. Hear the Afro-Carribbean rhythms of Garifuna drummers, taste the sweet
tartness of the cacao fruit. Active types will enjoy jumping from Rio Blanco Waterfalls or
venturing into Tiger Cave. If you are looking to try something a little different, consider joining a
volunteer trip with Sustainable Harvest International.

We have carefully selected these trips to show you the best the Toledo District has to offer.
While we will make every effort to accommodate your interests, local conditions in Belize often
require some flexibility from our guests. Some tours are only available on certain days, so
please take note when reading our descriptions. Each day we will schedule one, two, or three
tours, with a maximum of 10 guests on each. Most tours depart our Belize resort between 9
and 10am and return in the mid-afternoon. All tours are accompanied by licensed local guides
who are fluent in English and Mayan dialects.

The ‘Standard or On The Ground Tours’ are part of the All-Inclusive package. Walk-in guests or
those on the Room Only or Full Board plans are welcome to sign up for these tours at a rate of
US $108.90 per adult and US $64.90 per child 12 and under. Water, juice, and a picnic lunch or
snack are included on these tours.

*This rate does not include 12.5% tax.

While these trips run daily, there are other options as well. Make sure to check out our
‘Premium Tours’ page for information on snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, sailing and more.



Agouti Jungle Farm Tour & Chocolate Making Workshop

In the hilly village of San Pedro Colombia lies Agouti farm, a cacao farm belonging to
Eladio Pop. After meeting with the always jovial Eladio, you will walk along the trail to
Agouti farm where the land subtly changes from wild jungle to cultivated agro forestry.
Eladio will explain his unique philosophy on nature and teach you about the organic
agriculture techniques that he employs. Along the trail you will almost certainly be
surprised by the versatility of the plants, as Eladio demonstrates their many different
uses, from the banana leaves used as umbrellas to the allspice leaves used to brew a
relaxing herbal tea. As Eladio, machete in hand, slashes his way through his dense farm,
you will have the opportunity to sample limes, cilantro, apple-bananas, chilies,
sugarcane and, of course, cacao. Eladio pays special attention to cacao, the fruit that is
processed to eventually produce chocolate.

After this energetic tour of Agouti farm, you will ride back to Eladio’s house in the village
of San Pedro Colombia, where a delicious lunch of organic produce will be waiting for
you. After lunch, you will be given a demonstration of the drying, winnowing and
grinding process that is undertaken to turn cacao beans into chocolate. With a new
appreciation for chocolate, you will enjoy the samples of the local dark chocolate bars
and the hot chocolate drink that you receive even more!

Tour Difficulty Rating = Moderate

Departure: 9:30am
Return: 2:30pm
Food & Drink: CTL provides water, Eladio provides lunch
Dress: long pants, trail shoes
Extras: sunscreen, insect repellant, camera, sunglasses, hat



Blue Creek Wet Cave Adventure Swim

Blue Creek Cave (known locally as Hokeb Ha, meaning where the water enters the
earth) is located a short hike away from the picturesque village of Blue Creek. The hike
starts by following a path along the river’s edge, and progresses to scrambling across a
rocky mountain gorge as you make your way further upstream. As you approach the
cave’s majestic entrance you will enter into a pool of emerald blue water, and as you
swim into the cave the darkness will eventually envelope you, prompting you to switch
on your headlamp!

Once inside the cave you will come across small waterfalls, and depending on how far
you wish to proceed into the cave, you can see up to 3. After you are done exploring the
cave, you will ride the current downstream and emerge into natural light. Afterwards,
relax by the riverside, taking the chance to enjoy a refreshing drink and a picnic lunch.

Tour Difficulty Rating = Challenging

Departure: 9:30am
Return: 3:30pm
Food & Drink: CTL provides assorted drinks and a packed lunch
Dress: swim suit, water sandals, CTL provides towells, life vests, headlamps, helmets
Extras: sunscreen, insect repellant, camera, wetsuit



Creole Drumming Lesson & Cookery Demonstration

At the Maroon Creole Drumming School you will be welcomed by Emmeth Young, an
internationally renowned Creole drummer. Emmeth will take you on a short walk
around his garden, collecting ingredients such as cassava and sugarcane. Jill, his wife,
then uses these fresh ingredients in a cooking demonstration, whilst giving a quick
lesson on Creole cuisine and culture. During the cooking demonstration, you will have
the chance to try your hand at baking Creole bread on an open fire hearth.

As the cooking demonstration comes to an end, and Jill enters the kitchen to finish
preparing a traditional Creole meal, Emmeth enters his element as he hands out a
variety of drums, from the djembe to the sambai, and starts to teach some basic
drumming techniques. Before long, Emmeth will have you drumming a variety of African
rhythms, and as they overlap you will begin to marvel at their complexity!

After mastering some Creole drum rhythms, you will be treated to a lunch of baked fish,
stew chicken and cassava in coconut sauce, alongside a refreshing herbal cow’s foot tea.

Tour Difficulty Rating = Relaxed

Departure: 9:30am

Return: 2:00pm

Food & Drink: CTL provides drinks, Drum School provides lunch

Dress: no recommendations

Extras: sunscreen, insect repellant, camera, sunglasses, hat



Horse Back Ride to Santa Rosa Cave

Cotton Tree Lodge has 4 (Four) horses, and up to four guests at a time, (15 years or
older unless experienced), can ride with our guide. (Younger riders will be considered if
they have had previous experience and can pass a 5- minute ‘test ride’ to the guide’s
satisfaction). For our younger guests, or those who prefer a gentler option, we offer
rides in our wooden Mennonite buggy for up to three adults.Please speak to the office
to arrange horseback riding options. Most riding must be arranged a day in advance.
Shorter rides through the jungle or nearby orange groves are complimentary to All
Inclusive and Full Board guests and $35/Person for Room Only and Groupon guest, while
rides that incorporate a regular tour will be charged.

Your guide will saddle and prepare one of our six horses for you and meet you at the
parking lot for an hour twenty minute ride to the Dry Cave. More experienced riders can
speed up to a run, while beginners might want to keep things slow and easy while taking
in the sights of monkeys, birds, and other wildlife surrounding you. Along the way you
may steer your horses into the bush and explore jungle trails- going places too difficult
to access on foot. You can have a chance to spot a variety of birds, fauna, mammals,
ancient Maya traces and reptiles.

Tour Difficulty Rating = Moderate

Tour Details:

Depart: 9:30 am

Distance: One hour twenty minutes riding

Dress: Long pants, sleeve lengths are optional, sturdy protective footwear

You may want to bring hat, sunscreen, insect repellant and camera

Cotton Tree Lodge provides headlights, water and snacks.



Jungle Hike At Jah’wa Hill

Located just behind the village of San Felipe, the trail of Jah’wa Hill starts in lowland
countryside and rapidly ascends through jungle forest. This exhilarating hike takes about
one to two hours to complete, depending on your pace. When you reach the summit of
Jah Will Hill you will be afforded breathtaking views of Guatemala, the Honduran Bay
Islands, and Belize.

Tour Difficulty Rating = Challenging

Departure: 9:00am
Return: 12:00pm
Food & Drink: CTL provides water and a packed lunch
Dress: long pants, trail shoes
Extras: sunscreen, insect repellant, camera, sunglasses, hat



Jungle Kayaking From San Antonio Creek To Boom Creek

After a short kayak downstream along the Moho River, you will exit onto land and trek
through a jungle trail, eventually ending up at San Antonio. When entering the water
once again you will be amidst pristine primary jungle, kayaking through the snaking
tributary to Boom Creek. Along the way you may be able to catch glimpses of exotic
birds and iguanas, and you’ll enjoy the sun glistening through the jungle canopy and
illuminating the stream ahead of you. As you reach Boom Creek, you’ll dispense of your
kayak and board our canopied skiff to take you on a gentle ride back up the Moho River
to Cotton Tree Lodge.

Tour Difficulty Rating = Challenging

Departure: 8:30am
Return: 1:00pm
Food & Drink: CTL provides assorted drinks
Dress: trail shoes, long sleeves, long pants, CTL provides life vests
Extras: sunscreen, insect repellant, camera, sunglasses, hat



Kayaking On The Moho River & Hike Up Kite’s Hill

After a short kayak ride upstream along the picturesque Moho River, you will reach the
beginning of the trail for Kite’s Hill.

Mr Kite was a British man who arrived in Belize in the 1970’s to teach the British military
jungle warfare and survival skills. You will pass the foundation of his house at the start
of the hike. After Mr Kite passed away, and the house had turned to ruin, Cotton Tree
Lodge found a safe box buried beneath the floor, though unfortunately the money
stored within had rotted away!

The hike itself is relatively challenging, with some steep areas that require some stable
footwork in order to ascend. Once at the top, you can see over the Maya mountains,
along the Moho River, and across the 100 acres of Cotton Tree Lodge’s grounds.

If you wish to save your energy solely for the hike, the brief trip along the river can be
taken by boat.

Tour Difficulty Rating = Challenging

Departure: 9:30am
Return: 12:00pm
Food & Drink: CTL provides water
Dress: trail shoes, long pants, CTL provides paddles, life vests
Extras: sunscreen, insect repellant, camera, sunglasses, hat



Living Maya Craft Making Experience

In Big Falls village the Chiac family form part of The Living Maya Experience, an
organization that offers a fascinating glimpse into a fast disappearing world in which the
local Kek’chi Maya depended upon the forest and found everything in it to satisfy their
needs from food to furniture to medicine.

Once you arrive at The Living Maya Experience, the warm family will show you the raw
materials from the jungle that are used in their craft making, such as henequen leaves,
from which natural fibres are extracted and weaved into the thread that is used to form
hammocks. With the guidance of the Chiacs, you will be able to try your hand at making
a wide range of crafts, including baskets, hammocks, calabash carvings, cuxtal bags and
rosewood bowls. After seeing your beginner’s efforts, you will appreciate the incredible
skill and patience that is required to make these authentic works of art!

Tour Difficulty Rating = Relaxed

Departure: 9:30am
Return: 1:00pm
Food & Drink: CTL provides water
Dress: no recommendations
Extras: sunscreen, insect repellant, camera, sunglasses, hat



Lubaantun & Nim Li Punit Mayan Ruins

Lubaantun is the largest Maya site of southern Belize, composed of 11 large structures,
5 main plazas and 3 ball courts. In the early 1900’s Dr Thomas Gann, an amateur
archaeologist, began minor excavations at the site and named it Lubaantun (Place of the
Fallen Stones in modern Mayan dialect). In the 1970’s, more professional excavation
and restoration work was completed by The British Museum, Cambridge University and
Harvard University. One of the most distinguishing features of Lubaantun is the large
collection of miniature ceramic objects found on site (available to view at the entrance
museum); they are thought to have been charmstones or accessories to rituals. Also of
note is the somewhat unusual architecture at Lubaantun, as its black slate structures
feature rounded corners. At this site it is known that boxing matches took place to the
death, with contestants wearing conch shell knuckledusters!

Nim Li Punit is situated on a beautiful hilltop site near the village of Indian Creek,
affording views of Belize, Guatemala and the Caribbean. This Mayan site is best known
for the 26 stone stela that were found there. Each stele was carved with hieroglyphics
and used to record important information such as alliances, wars and battles, and family
trees. One of these stela, the second largest in the Mayan world, depicts a ruler wearing
an elaborate large headdress, inspiring the name of Nim Li Punit, which means Big Hat in
the Kekchi Maya language. This site also includes several stone ball courts where
Mayans used to compete in ball games in honour of their gods.

Tour Difficulty Rating = Relaxed

Departure: 9:30am
Return: 4:00pm
Food & Drink: CTL provides assorted drinks and a packed lunch
Dress: long pants, trail shoes
Extras: sunscreen, insect repellant, camera, sunglasses, hat



Mayan Artifact Cave Exploration

It’s a short drive from the lodge to San Felipe Village.
We will leave the roads and hike off into the jungle for a 1 hrjourney through several
environs; in this forested area you’ll see several species of hardwood trees, Rosewood,
Tamarind, and Santa Maria.
As we cross a few creeks we come eventually to the base of a mountain gorge. Your
guide will show you several natural plants and identify areas where Mayans once lived.
Exploring further you’ll come upon a cave entrance whereby entering with our
headlamps we go deep inside the mountain. At one point we climb up and down into a
second chamber discovering the Mayan Artifacts. (Three large vessels which have been
there for perhaps a 1,000 years).The cave also has interesting stalagmites/stalactites
formations
Returning back to the Village you’ll stop for lunch at a local family home to enjoy a
traditional Mayan meal.

Tour Difficulty Rating = Challenging

Tour Details
Depart: 9:30am
Distance: 15 minutes’ drive; 3 hours hike
Dress: long pants, sleeve length optional, hiking boots/tennis shoes. You may want to
bring water, cap, sunscreen, insect repellant, and a camera



Medicinal Plant Walk

Just outside the village of Santa Ana lives Santiago Chub, a man who has extensive
knowledge about the medicinal properties of plants. After inviting you into his
traditional thatched home, Santiago will tell you the story of how he began to learn
about herbal plants from first his father, a local bush doctor, and then from a series of
elders.

After this, Santiago will take you on a trail starting at his house and ending at his jungle
farm, stopping frequently to discuss the plants alongside and explaining their amazing
medicinal qualities. These include species that make women permanently infertile,
species that can help cure 21 different types of blood diseases and species that can
instantly stop bleeding. As well as providing detail on the plants’ healing properties, he
also talks about the spirituality and karma surrounding his position as a herbal healer.

Tour Difficulty Rating = Relaxed

Departure: 9:30am
Return: 12:00pm
Food & Drink: CTL provides water
Dress: long pants, trail shoes
Extras: sunscreen, insect repellant, camera, hat, sunglasses



Moho River Kayaking Adventure

An hour drive into the foot hills of the Mayan Mountains brings you to the drop off point
at “Jordan Village”. From here you’ll begin your four hours kayak Journey down the
Moho River. You’ll make your way over many small rapids and get to see amazing
natural beauty along the river’s edge, passing through areas not often seen, a small
canyon outcropping, huge trees and an abundance of bird life.

Stopping along the way for a picnic lunch and swimming in the clear blue water. Arriving
at Santa Anna Bridge, we can stop in for a beer at a local “cool spot”.
The last hour is tranquil paddle as you finally reach Cotton Tree Lodge.

Tour Difficulty Rating= Challenging

Tour Details:
Departures: 8:30am
Distance: 1 hour drive; 4 hours kayaking back.
Dress: Shorts, swimwear, and water sandals
Equipment: Life jacket and paddles
You may want to bring water, sunscreen, insect repellant and, a camera



Nim Li Punit Mayan Ruins, Ziplining & River Tubing

Nim Li Punit is situated on a beautiful hilltop site near the village of Indian Creek,
affording views of Belize, Guatemala and the Caribbean. This Mayan site is best known
for the 26 stone stela that were found there. Each stele was carved with hieroglyphics
and used to record important information such as alliances, wars and battles, and family
trees. One of these stela, the second largest in the Mayan world, depicts a ruler wearing
an elaborate large headdress, inspiring the name of Nim Li Punit, which means Big Hat in
the Kekchi Maya language. This site also includes several stone ball courts where
Mayans used to compete in ball games in honour of their gods.

After visiting Nim Li Punit, you will then be driven to the village of Big Falls, where you
will have a picnic lunch beside the Rio Grande river. Next, you can be sure of an
adrenaline rush as you zipline amidst the jungle canopy and over the river on 6 criss-
crossing zip runs. After this, you will be dropped off for a refreshing tubing trip down the
Rio Grande river, which includes a break at a local hot spring.

Additional Cost = $60USD For Ziplining

Tour Difficulty Rating = Moderate

Departure: 8:30am
Return: 3:00pm
Food & Drink: CTL provides assorted drinks and a packed lunch
Dress: swim suit, water sandals
Extras: sunscreen, insect repellant, camera, hat, sunglasses

6

Punta Gorda Market Day

Punta Gorda is the bustling capital of the Toledo District, and its lively atmosphere is a
notable change from that of the rural villages that surround it. Once in ‘PG’ you will visit
the waterside market to see the variety of produce on offer being sold by Mayan and
Mennonite traders. You can choose to try the freshly cut watermelon, snack on a bag of
monkey nuts, or pick up a bunch of bananas.

Afterwards, you will be driven to the Garifuna Art Gallery to view the creations of local
artists, and then you will have the opportunity to visit the Cotton Tree Chocolate factory
where you can watch the chocolate making process from start to finish and try samples
of the delicious bars. If the weather is sunny then you may also wish to stop by Blue Sky
ice cream parlour and sample one of the dozens of flavours of ice cream on offer.

You have the choice of either staying in town for lunch at one of Punta Gorda’s
restaurants or returning to Cotton Tree Lodge for lunch.

Tour Difficulty Rating = Relaxed

Departure: 8:30am
Return: 12:30pm
Food & Drink: CTL provides assorted drinks
Dress: no recommendations
Extras: sunscreen, insect repellant, camera, sunglasses, hat



Tiger Cave Extreme Adventure

Tiger cave lies near the village of San Miguel, and offers a challenging hike through
limestone caverns. After crossing a crystal clear stream and walking through a jungle
trail you will reach the cave’s entrance. The towering entrance chamber, still illuminated
by daylight, is strewn with ancient Mayan pottery. Venturing into the cave will involve
navigating some slippery terrain and ducking through some small spaces. Amazing
formations of stalactites and stalagmites are present all throughout the cave, and once
you reach the final chamber of the cave you will be rewarded with spectacular dripping
rock formations. After trekking back out of the cave and reaching the river, you will be
able to enjoy a cooling swim and a tasty lunch.

Tour Difficulty Rating = Extremely Challenging

Departure: 9:30am
Return: 3:30pm
Food & Drink: CTL provides assorted drinks and a packed lunch
Dress: long sleeves, long pants, CTL provides headlamps, helmets
Extras: sunscreen, insect repellant, camera



Traditional Tortilla Making Workshop In The Mayan Village Of Santa Anna

This tour takes place in the Mayan village of Santa Anna, where you will enter into the
home of Eusebia Bo. Mrs Bo will open her home to you, ushering you across the dirt
floor of the kitchen and around her traditional mud stove. You will be able to help out in
the processes of shucking dried corn, boiling, washing and grinding the kernals into a
corn dough, and then shaping the dough to form round tortillas. After attempting to
shape the tortillas, you will wonder how Mrs Bo can make perfectly round ones every
single time, until she tells you that she has been practicing since the age of 8!

The Mayan diet traditionally included a lot of corn, along with main staples such as
squash, beans and chili peppers, and modern Maya people still follow a largely similar
diet to their ancestors. Mrs Bo, a mother of 10, regularly makes 120 corn tortillas a day
to feed her entire family. Once the hard work of cooking the tortillas is done, you can
relax on one of the kitchen’s hammocks and eat them with fresh eggs and tomatoes.
Whilst you eat, conversing with Mrs Bo will allow you to gain a fascinating insight into
Mayan village life.

Cotton Tree Lodge is happy for you to tailor your tour, so you may choose to either
drive, cycle or ride horseback to Santa Anna, and kayak back to the lodge if you so wish.

Tour Difficulty Rating = Relaxed

Departure: 9:30am
Return: 11:30pm
Food & Drink: CTL provides water, Mrs Bo provides tortillas
Dress: no recommendations
Extras: sunscreen, insect repellant, camera



Rio Blanco Waterfall

This is a beautiful waterfall situated in a 100 acre reserve near the
remote village of Santa Cruz. If you are feeling adventurous, you can
jump off the 20 feet cliff into the pool below or cross the suspended
cable bridge to hiking trails on the other side of the river. You can also
just relax by the water, splash in the pool, and learn about the area
from your tour guide.

Tour Difficulty Rating = Relaxed

Tour Details:
Depart: 9:30 am
Distance: 50 minutes
Dress: Shorts sleeve length optional, bathing suit, closed shoes or
sandal. You may want to bring sunscreen lotion, insect repellant, and a
camera. Cotton Tree Lodge provides towels, water, juices, snack and a
packed lunch