La Milpa Eco-Lodge and Research Center

Overview

Description

Nestled deep in the sub-tropical forest of northwestern Belize and renowned for being the largest private reserve and second largest single protected area in the country, the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area (RBCMA) is located only two-and-a-half hours away from Belize City. With a mission to conserve biodiversity and promote the sustainable development of Belize through proper management of the RBCMA, Programme for Belize, the organization that manages the La Milpa Eco-Lodge and Research Center, is tasked with protecting 240 species of trees, 70 species of animals, 400 species of birds, and 12 endangered animal species including the jaguar, the black howler monkey, the yellow headed parrot and Belize’s national animal, the tapir. Harpy eagles now call the RBCMA home since being first released into the area in 2005!

With a goal of providing visitors with an enlightening, yet low-impact experience in the rainforest, Programme for Belize links environmental education with human-nature interaction. Every year international travelers and students visit the Rio Bravo to experience the wonders of an unparalleled eco-adventure. Travelers walk in the footsteps of the ancient Maya and see and hear the calls of wild and exotic birds and other wildlife including the elusive jaguar. Students participate in our Tropical Forest and Marine Ecology Programme, which offers an exceptionally blended experience in forest and marine ecology education. Come experience the Natural Mystique of the Rio Bravo today.

Guests visiting the La Milpa Eco-Lodge and Research Center experience the rich history of the Maya civilization through a tour of the breathtaking and majestic La Milpa Archaeological Site, the third largest archaeological site in the country of Belize. In 1996, the site received international recognition when a royal Maya tomb was found and a male skeleton adorned with a jeweled necklace was unearthed on its grounds. The La Milpa site is only one of 60 Mayan sites found in the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area.

Other activities at La Milpa include hiking nature trails, jungle trekking, and birding. Avid birders can compile a list of more than 150 species during a three-day trip. Visitors can also spend the day in the nearby Mestizo and Mennonite villages for a taste of Belizean culture.

Our cabanas are private, charmingly decorated, have thatched-roofs, and all are equipped with private baths that feature hot and cold running water. La Milpa uses state-of-the-art “green technology”, featuring 100% solar powered energy, no-flush composting toilets, rainwater collection systems, and gray water storage and recycling systems in our comfortably decorated dormitory facility.

Rooms

14

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 55

Percentage of local employees: 100%

Programme for Belize aims to provide environmentally sound economic alternatives to the villages surrounding Rio Bravo through its tourism development activities. For the past 21 years, we have invested a lot of energy and resources on community development throughout northern Belize, and will continue to do so into the future. We encourage the development and growth of local artisans and cultural groups by including excursions to the villages in the travel itineraries of our visitors. With proper management, this will become a significant and sustainable source of revenue for Programme for Belize and surrounding villages.

Conservation education and awareness is no longer considered a separate management program, but is dispersed as a component within all of Programme for Belize’s conservation projects. Consequently, Programme for Belize continues to conduct workshops and education seminars in local villages to educate residents on the importance of protecting the flora and fauna of the Rio Bravo. Programme for Belize will continue to use this important and interactive approach to gain further consensus and support for its goals.

All income generated from our tourism activities is redirected into the conservation of the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, and your visit to Rio Bravo can help directly in the conservation of a biologically diverse ecosystem otherwise destined for destruction.

Rates

$101 – $150

Extended Cabana Rates (in USD):
Double Occupancy: $154
Single Occupancy: $170

Regular Cabana Rates:
Double Occupancy: $149
Single Occupancy: $165

Dormitory Rates:
Double Occupancy: $140
Single Occupancy: $145

Children aged 1–5 years that are accompanying their parents are welcome to stay at no charge.

Children aged 6-12 years that are accompanying their parents receive a 50% discount.

Prices listed above are per night prices and they include all accommodations, three meals, and two guided tours.

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.pfbelize.org/lamilpa_rates.html (available in English).
• www.pfbelize.org/lamilpa_service.html (available in English).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Belize City (BZE)

Nearest local/national airport: Chetumal (CTM)

Travel time to nearest airport: 2.5 hours

Additional Information

Awards or Recognitions

Programme for Belize’s ecotourism operations and activities are recognized locally and internationally and have:

• Received the British Airways “Tourism for Tomorrow’ Award in 1997 for our innovative approach to ecotourism.
• Received the “Ecotourism Showcase 2000” award at the 2000 Non-Profits in Travel Conference for our demonstration of how ecotourism can be used as a sustainability development tool.
• Received honorable mention in the “World Legacy Awards 2002 Destination Stewardship Category” for our protection of the overall natural and cultural heritage of the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area.
• Programme for Belize received the “Educational Institution of the Year Award” in conjunction with the 8th National Tourism Awards Ceremony held on January 25th, 2008 in Belize. The award is given to a person or organization that provides insight on the significance of tourism on Belize's economy, and vital information and training for persons in the tourism industry to improve efficiency of services and quality products.

Date This Information Was Provided

October 2010.

Photos courtesy of La Milpa Eco-Lodge and Research Center, Belize, for SustainableTrip.org.