Hopkins Belize. Tel

Transcription

1 Guest guide and Information Hopkins Belize Tel

2 Welcome to the Blue Parrot Beach House One cannot help but to fall in love with Belize. The natural beauty and friendly people quickly crawl into your heart. From rain forests flocking with chattering birds and playful monkeys to an ocean filled with creatures great and small in the magnificent coral reef, or majestic Mayan temples reaching up to the heavens, there is certainly something for everyone. The people are welcoming, warm and friendly, here you are not a stranger, you are more like an unknown friend. Our friendly staff and wonderful management team's priority is your safety, comfort and satisfaction. We hope you will enjoy your time of exploration, adventure and relaxation here in our piece of paradise - Hopkins, Belize Enjoy this guide, put together by our management partners at Parrot Cove Lodge.

3 Welcome to Hopkins! Thank you for choosing Blue Parrot Beach House as your base for your Belizean adventure. We appreciate the oppotunity to meet and exceed your expectations while making memories to last a lifetime. This guide is a introduction to the beach house, our Hopkins Community and Belize. Blue parrot Beach House Check in/check Out Check In: Check Out: 2 PM 11 AM Early arrival or later departure can be arranged at the front desk, contingent on availability and season. Please check upon arrival. Office Hours Our office hours are from 8 AM - 5 PM daily. Our staff is available to answer question, resolve problems and accommodate reasonable requests.

4 Our general manager, Chef Rob, and his wife Corrie are always around and willing and able to assist. If you have a question or emergency after hours, please drop by Love on the Rocks or Chef Rob's, they will be able to help or contact someone who can help. Our trustworthy security guard is available all night in case of an emergency. He will be happy to assist you. If you plan to check out early, please settle you bill the previous day before close of business. Breakfast Breakfast is served daily between 7:30-10:00 AM. Enjoy a delightful Carib Continental breakfast or a variety of American or Belizean cuisine at Love on the Rocks. Restaurant services There is several options for sinner in close proximity (~ less than a 2 min walk) from the Beach House. "On site" restaurants: Chef Rob's Gourmet Cafe Enjoy an every changing gourmet menu filled with exquisite cuisine made with the finest fresh ingredients. Love on the Rocks Looking for something uniquely different? Grill your own meal on super hot volcanic rock - served at your table To ensure your seating, please make reservations in advance at the front desk for either restaurants The above mentioned restaurant is only open for dinner.

5 Currency and Payments Although the official currency is the Belize dollar (BZ$), we and most other businesses do accept US$ as well There is a fixed exchange rate of US$1 = BZ$2. We do accept Visa and Master card. Some tours can be charged to your room and paid by credit card. Keep in mind, most curio stalls do not accept credit cards and you will need cash. Hopkins do not have a any banks but we do have an ATM at the intersection of Hopkins road and Main street - across the street from the mural. You will be able to withdraw money. The closest bank is in Dangriga or also in Placencia. Communications Wifi is available throughout the house. Please ask the front desk personel for the password. As with any developing country, you might experience intermittent temporary internet slow downs or disruptions. Please inform us if the problem persist Utilities and Conservation Belize is an enviromentally sensitive area. We make every effort to conserve, reuse and recycle. With that in mind,we have large water tanks under the house which collect rain water and supplement our water supply. Please conserve water and reuse towels if they are still clean We are sensitive to the impact of our activities on the enviroment. Please switch off all lights, TVs fans and and especially air conditioning units when you leave the house for extended periods of times or out enjoying the wonders of Belize on day trips. We all love to hear the ocean roar and the waves break on the beach. Please do not use A/C units when windows and doors are open.

6 Beaches, pool and common areas Please note: WE DO NOT HAVE A LIFEGUARD ON DUTY EITHER AT THE POOL OR ON THe BEACH. Use caution when enjoying aquatic activities. Please supervise children at all times. Colored beach towels are available for your use outdoors, please do not use the white house towels. If you need more towels, ask at the front desk or our friendly housekeeping staff. Please be considerate of other guests sharing the common areas and house with you. We do not allow music to be played in the common areas. We want all our guests to enjoy their vacation. Have fun but always keep other guests in mind. Kayak and Bicycles Sea kayaks and bicycles are available for free for use by our guests as well as the hotel guests. Life vests and paddles are available at the office. Please sign out the needed equipment at the office and return it once you are done. You will be charged if any equipment is not returned.

7 Bicycles Bicycles are available for your use and can be found in front of the lodge. Please inform the office whenyou plan to borrow bicycles. Bicycles are free for use by our guests. Please check all tires before you leave. Although this is a laid back community, please be careful when out on the roads. Books and Boardgames and more... The office have books and board games which you can sign out and borrow. Please return the games and books completely with all parts. Forgot you're sunblock? The office have a some items like sunblock to use. Ask at the office for possible help

8 Security Hopkins is a safe, friendly village. Unfortunately, as in any paradise, there is always a snake. There is always some one on the look out for an opportunity to profit of unsuspicious tourists. Even though you are on vacation, please do not throw caution into the wind. Do not leave wallets, phones and computers or any other valuables unattended around the pool, on the beach or in your room. Before you leave, lock jewelry, documents and money in the in room safe that is provided. Follow the easy instructions on the safe. Lock the house when you leave the premisses. Please do not leave any valuables in your vehicle. We have a well trained security guard on the premisses on duty from 10 PM until 6 AM. He can contact management or staff at anytime in case of emergency. Please do not hesitate to ask him. Housekeeping and Maintainance Daily housekeeping is provided to the Beach House. Every day, we provide fresh towels and every third day, we will change bed linens, or whenever you request it. We do not have dry cleaning service, but if you have personal laundry, bring it to the front office and we can arrange for it to clean for a small fee. Any tips left in the house goes 100% for the housekeeping staff. Being "on-the-beach" the humid, salty tropical climate is very abrasive. Even though we try to keep our facilities well maintained, we still find some "surprisses ". Please let us know if anything stopped working so we can resolve the issue

9 Hopkins Blue Parrot Beach house is located 2 miles south of the quaint Garifuna Village of Hopkins. Take the taxi or borrow a bike and make your own adventure The authentic fisherman's village has grown dramatically over the past decade and have become a prominent tourist destination and cultural mecca of the Garifuna people. The village has become a melting pot of cultures, such as Mayan, Kriole, Hispanic and European, American and Canadian. There are a wide variety of cuisine to be found. We encourage you to explore and get a "taste" of Hopkins! The town have several "Chinese" groceries stores. They have a selection of basic products. It is advisable to check experation dates and quality of products before you buy. Fresh fruit and vegatables can be found at fruit stalls next to the main road as well as the store next to the basketball court. Several local artist create authentic Hopkins souvernirs. Be sure to visit Alex's shell shop and David's woodcarvings. There is several other curio shops in town such as Garimaya - selling paintings of Belizean artists Drumming. Drumming is an essential part of Garifuna culture. Catch drumming performances at local restaurants, or better even, take some lessons at the drumming center.

10 BELIZE The first people to develop Belize were the Maya around 1500 B.C.E. As shown in archeological records, they established a number of settlements here. These include Caracol, Lamanai and Lubaantun. The first European contact with Belize occurred in 1502 when Christopher Columbus reached the area's coast. In 1638, the first European settlement was established by England and for 150 years, many more English settlements were set up. In 1840, Belize became a "Colony of British Honduras" and in 1862, it became a crown colony. For one hundred years after that, Belize was a representative government of England but in January 1964, full self government with a ministerial system was granted. In 1973, the region's name was changed from British Honduras to Belize and on September 21, 1981, full independence was achieved. Belize is the only English language-speaking country in Central America. While English is the official language of Belize, several other languages are also spoken, Spanish, African-based Garifuna, Maya-Kekchi, Maya Mopan, Mandarin, German are just a few of the languages that form the unique dialects we speak throughout the country. Here are a few different ways you ll hear good morning Gud Mawnin Kriol Buiti Binafi Garifuna Buenos dias Spanish

11 Tours Mayan ruins Take a scenic 3-hour drive up the Hummingingbird Highway winding through the Mayan mountains and passing over narrow bridges to the Cayo, Belize s most Western district. Then pass through small villages as well as the nation s capital, Belmopan, and the bustling market town of San Ignacio, which sits high above the Macal River. Stop at Cahal Peche, or Place of Tricks, the residence of the Mayan royal family at the time Xunantunich was at it's prime. The complex comprises of 34 structures on a 2 acre area. The site includes 7 plazas, 2 ball courts, 6 plain Stella and 1 alter, as well as temple pyramids. Cahil Peche has the second oldest structure in the Mayan world. Development started around 1000 BC - the pre classic period - and was abandoned around 800 AD. Take a short car ride to the Mayan ruin of Xunantunich (pronounced Shunan- tu-nitch), or Stone Maiden. The hand-cranked ferry will take you across the river to this major ceremonial site, high on a limestone ridge with a panoramic view of the Cayo District and the Guatamala border. Marvel at the detailed stucco friezes on the sides of El Castillo, which have been partially restored and are excellent examples of classic period structures. This fascinating ruin has several plazas and a large selection of classic period structures. Hike to the top of El Castillo, the tallest structure on the site, and enjoy panoramic views of Belize and Guatemala.

12 Fishing The front desk personal organizes fishing trips with certified local experienced guides. 5% of the entire country s land area (22,960 sq. miles) is covered by lagoons running along the coastline, as well as its atolls.there is a string of freshwater rivers and estuaries in Belize, all of them packed with diverse variety of freshwater and marine life. Game fish like snook, snapper, jack and tarpon, use these waters both as a feeding and a viable spawning ground. Baitfish and crustaceans utilize the biomass deposited by the rivers into the ocean. Belize s southern reef is an angler s paradise with abundant marine life! Whether you are a novice or experience fisherman or fisher women, Belize offers a wide variety of unique fishing experiences. Choose from hand line fishing, trolling, cast fishing, spear fishing (lionfish only) and seasonal free diving for lobster or conch. Experienced guides can customize a fishing or fishing and snorkeling trip to your liking. Full day trips usually includes lunch, but confirm at time of reservation - inquire about having your catch cooked for lunch on one of the neighboring cayes. Both Sittee River and Anderson's lagoon is two additional spots should you prefer an inland fishing adventure. Snorkeling Even if you have never snorkeled before, our experienced guides will help you explore the reef and its abundant plant and animal life. From schools of fish, to turtles, barracuda or even stingrays and eels, there s a lot going on underwater. The Marine Reserves off the coast of Hopkins is home to sea grass beds, patch reefs, sand bores, mangrove habitat and over a dozen of major cayes and smaller islets. Inquire about a combination of fishing and snorkeling.

13 Diving The famous explorer, Jacques Cousteau once describe Belize as: "One of the four must- dive locations on this blue planet. The Belize barrier reef stretch 185 miles of the country's coastline, with dive sites both inside and outside the reef. Whether you are a dive master or a beginner, our expert guides will find the ideal spot for your specific need. One of the most spectacular sites is the Blue Hole - so large it is even visible from outer space. The cave formed over years ago and is home to sone of the largest midnight Parrot fish in the world. The waters are warm and clear with visability extending hundreds of feet. Morning and Nocturnal Tours Take an early morning cruise on the Sittee River and discover deer, iguanas, birds, crocodiles and other wildlife in or on the river bank. Take an evening cruise on the Sittee river and try to spot nocturnal wild life such as crocodiles, gibnut and raccoons nocturnal (this tour is seasonal from December until the rainy season begins usually around May or June) and set out after dark to see what wildlife you can spot including crocodiles, raccoons, coatimundi, gibnut and other nocturnal creatures. While on the night tour, take a trip into the Anderson lagoon and experience the wonderous bioluminescence, unfortunately, only available in the dry season. Cave Tubing and Zipline Wonder in the footsteps of the ancients through ceremonial caves. Marvel at ancient pottery and artifacts from a by gone civilization. Drift through cave and down a lazy river in the rain forest or soar like an eagle on the zip line making your way through trees and caves. An adventure awaits you around every corner!

14 Attractions Cockscomb Basin Wild life sanctuary and Jaguar preserve - Covering 150 sq miles of tropical rain forest, Cockscomb is the only jaguar preserve in the world. Experience the multitude of wildlife and beauty of nature. The park also boast the highest mountain in Belize, Victoria peak, which rise up almost 3700ft into the sky. The preserve offers a save haven for the endangered jaguar. Even though much evidence of jaguar can be find around the park, it is highly unlikely that an actual Jaguar sighting will occur as these cats ar extremely shy and stealth. Other cats such as the Puma, Ocelot, Jaguarundi and Margay, as well as Peccary, Paca, Brocket Deer, Tayra, Otter and Coatimundi, enjoy benefits from this sanctuary and have population densities difficult to achieve in most locations. About 300 bird species calls Cockscomb home including species like Macaw, Toucan and Great Curossow. Mayflower National Park Mayflower, a short drive from Hopkins, is a national park filled with Mayan ruins still waiting to be excavated and studied. In the past the ruins have been studied by archaeology students and it has been stipulated that Mayflower is a large site with its own ball court and many ceremonial sites. But, these areas were covered back again, to preserve them until the government has enough funding to continue the work. Mayflower is a great place for birdwatchers. The Keel-Billed Motmot and the Ocellated Turkey have been sighted in this area. There are many trails and waterfalls to visit, some are difficult and others moderate. The most visited waterfalls is Antelope falls with a 100ft falls and at the very top a cool pool with an awesome view of the Caribbean sea and jungle canopy can be enjoyed from the bluff. The hike is difficult and moderate at times and the last piece of the trail leading to the pool/bluff is very difficult. There are 4 waterfalls: The most famous and visited Antelope falls, with a moderate to difficult hike. Bocawina falls, moderate hike for the lower falls and a difficult hike for the upper falls. Big Drop falls has an extremely difficult and long hike. And, Peck falls which is no longer accessible due to the distance and difficulty of the trail. A guide is advised for all trails and waterfalls. And situated right in the middle of the National Park, is Bocawina Adventures. They have Belize s longest Zipline. And you can also enjoy water repelling. Difficulty: Moderate to difficult Clothing: Sturdy protective footwear, water sandals, swim wear, long pants and long sleeves shirt. Don t forget: Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, towels,

15 Bunches Of Fun Banana farm tour Come see how the world s most popular fruit makes its way from the field to the shelves of your local grocery store. Belize Spice Farm and Botanical garden Visit one of the largest black pepper and vanilla farms in Belize. through teak, mahogany, rosewood and sandalwood trees. Stroll Belize Zoo Pay a visit to the worlds smallest zoo, located closet to Belmopan. The Belize zoo started in 1983 as a sanctuary for wild animals used in a documentary films about the tropical forests. The zoo has a dinamic education center - teaching Belizean and foreign visitors about the animals who share this beautiful country. Enjoy 29 acres of tropical savanna and exhibits. of over 170 animals, reprsenting 45 native to BelizeToday, The Zoo keeps animals which were orphaned, rescued, born at the zoo, rehabilitated animals, or sent to The Belize Zoo as donations from other zoological institutions. The Belize Zoo has become the first nature destination in Belize that is fully accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. A visit to the zoo is the best way to get an introduction to the animals of Belize.