EXPLORE RAINFORESTS AND RUINS IN BELIZE

PUNTA GORDA, Belize – October 17, 2007 – Machaca Hill Lodge is the ideal locale for those wanting to explore the rainforests and ruins of Belize. Guests can choose an eco package from three to seven nights in length. A three-night package features two activities for $950 a person, while a seven-night package offers guests six activities at $2,350 a person.

Whether eco travelers choose a three, five or seven-night package, each is inclusive of a welcome drink, three meals per day, hors d’oeuvres and local beverages including beer and rum as well as complimentary use of all onsite amenities including the pool, wireless internet, tram, canoes and bikes. Laundry service, roundtrip land transfers between Punta Gorda and the lodge, hotel and general sales tax are also included in each package.

An extensive list of eco activities awaits guests at Machaca Hill. Travelers can begin with an exploration of the intricately constructed Maya temples of Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit or perhaps take a tour of the Maya Gold Village and be immersed in the vast mix of cultures in the region.

Those seeking something more exhilarating will not be disappointed by the Hokeb Ha caving adventure or the Blue Creek Cave adventure, where they can delve below the surface to explore the ancient Maya underworld. Upon resurfacing, individuals can hike through the rainforest to Santa Cruz Falls, and take a refreshing swim or jump from the 20-foot cliffs into the deep pools of water below.

Just a few hundred steps from the lodge, Machaca’s guests can embark on a jungle adventure on the Rio Grande to view a large variety of wildlife, such as Howler monkeys, tropical birds and green iguanas. Explorers not satisfied with staying on top of the water can experience the underwater world on a nearby reef, home to a plethora of aquatic species including sharks, rays, eels, grouper, parrot and trigger fish, seahorses and turtles, to name a few. Afterwards guests can stop by to visit Payne’s Creek National Park, a habitat for the shy West Indian Manatee.

Whether preparing for the day ahead or returning from exploring, guests can indulge in three meals a day at Machaca Hill’s restaurant, serving up an array of authentic Central American cuisine sure to tempt any palate. In addition, each package allows individuals to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and local beverages, including beer and rum.

Situated on the 11,000 sq. ft. private Laughing Falcon Reserve in Belize’s Southern most Toledo District, Machaca Hill is a world class adventure getaway for active travelers looking for an eco-retreat; the lodge boasts 12 cabanas, a restaurant and bar, and numerous tours and excursions. The lodge is located 10 minutes by road from Punta Gorda Town, which is one hour by plane from Belize City. For more information on Machaca Hill visit www.machacahill.com or call (501) 722-0050 to reach the lodge directly.

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