We Spent an Entire Day Communing With Nature at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge

To say that the private nature reserve at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge is breathtaking would be an understatement. With its winding roads and forest-flanked hiking trails, plus plenty of lush greenery stretching on for as far as the eye can see, it’s a nature lover’s dream come true—one that can only be described as simply magical. 

Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle had the chance to explore Hidden Valley recently. And though we barely scratched the surface of their ninety miles of trails, we still managed to spend an entire day communing with nature. Here’s what it was like. 

Spectacular Vistas and Breathtaking Views

When it comes to Western Belize, one of the perks of getting up bright and early is enjoying the crisp morning air and the light fog hanging all around. That refreshing atmosphere is exactly what greeted us as we waited to embark on our first adventure of the day with Hidden Valley: an extensive property tour, complete with gorgeous waterfalls. 

With Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge being nestled in the heart of nature (7,200 acres of it), there is plenty to be seen. Our skilled guide, Marvin, as knowledgable as he is friendly, ensured that our adventure was not just fun but informative, too, sharing tidbits about the lodge, like the history of the gorgeous (and massive) Lake Lolly Folly that can be found onsite. 

The first stop on our property tour was a spectacular one: a brisk but brief walk that led to the viewing platform for Tiger Creek Falls. Towering over us even from a distance, the waterfall–one of many found at Hidden Valley–is an impressive 700 feet tall. 

Butterfly Falls. Photo by Khaila Gentle

Just as breathtaking was the view at the end of the Awat Balam Trail. Tapping into our inner Indiana Jones, we crossed babbling brooks and wooden bridges to gain access to a stunning view. Surrounded by pine trees, we stood atop a cliff, watching as the creek plummeted into the valley below us. But perhaps the most beautiful stop on our tour was the ever-popular Butterfly Falls. It doesn’t take much to understand why the 80-foot cascade, complete with a refreshing pool, is beloved by romantics and nature enthusiasts alike. 

Chasing Waterfalls (And Birds, too) 

For a quick and delicious refresher, we had the chance to enjoy a private picnic at secret pools. The gorgeous location is one of the many hidden gems that can be found around the property. Being able to book it for a moment of privacy is one of the perks of being a guest at the lodge.

With our stomachs full and our wanderlust still in high gear, we then set off to visit one of Belize’s most spectacular natural wonders. Thousand Foot Falls is one of the tallest cascades in Central America. It sits just a short drive away from Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge. And while pictures do the 1,600-foot tall waterfall no justice, it’s certainly an experience to remember. 

An orange breasted falcon in the wild at Hidden Valley. Photo by Khaila Gentle/ Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle

As the day went on, we got our fill of panoramic vistas. That included a bird’s eye view of the valley below us. Finally, we enjoyed an extra special treat before returning to the lodge. Perched in a solitary tree on the side of the road was a rare sight. It was an orange-breasted falcon, one of Western Belize’s rarest birds. 

Sunset in Paradise

At the end of the day, staying at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge means being able to relax in the comfort of cozy rooms after a day of communing with nature. And, even then, guests can continue to enjoy the beauty of nature. For us, that meant relaxing in the private plunge pool of the luxurious Valley View Villa while the sun set over Belize’s pine forests. Without a doubt, it was a serene end to a beyond-memorable day. And, we looked forward to doing it all again the next day. 

Book a stay at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge (and enjoy a small discount) here.

Featured photo by Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle