Casa del Caballo Blanco

Overview

Description

Casa Del Caballo Blanco is located on the north-facing flanks of the Mopan River valley on the outskirts of San Ignacio Town, Cayo, Belize. San Ignacio is located some nine miles from the border with Guatemala. Each cabana has a commanding view of the river valley, a broadleaf forest known as the 'Green Ocean.' The mountains of Guatemala are seen to the west. The Cayo District of Belize is a prime Central American birding location, over 500 species of birds both resident and migratory have been observed in Belize.

We offer a variety of birding tours combining trips to nearby Guatemala, the coast, and the interior of Belize. The lodge is located two hours from the World Heritage site of Tikal, and Yaxha-Topoxte in Guatemala; and a similar distance from Caracol. Adventures into Xibalba the Mayan underworld can range from brief hikes to daylong adventures on an under ground river. The cultural heritage of Belize is celebrated in the multi-ethnic towns and villages of Western Cayo and visitors are encouraged to visit the Market Place in San Ignacio Town and Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala.

Rooms

Six cabanas, each with private bathrooms.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 6

Percentage of local employees: 100%

Casa del Caballo Blanco, the lodge, is host to the Casa Avian Support Alliance (CASA), a non-government organization certified by the Belizean government in February of 2006. CASA is dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of avian fauna that have been recently freed from captivity or treated for illness or injury, and the education of visitors and nationals with regard to the need for conserving biodiversity in Belize, the Americas, and globally. A number of educational programs in concert with NGOs of similar purpose, and a ‘Passport Program’ representing an alliance between similar ex-situ avian centers located throughout the Americas, are currently being formulated. CASA currently works with Belize Audubon Society, ARCAS in Guatemala, and Birds Without Borders. CASA invites qualified avian veterinarians to participate in the ‘Visiting Vet’ program.

Both the lodge and CASA are maintained and operated by local Belizeans. A portion of all revenue from the lodge is contributed to the support and expansion of CASA.

Rates

$76 – 100

Book five nights and receive a sixth night free.

Casa del Caballo Blanco, in cooperation with the Casa Avian Support Alliance, also sponsors the Visiting Scholar Program for qualified researchers and professionals. This program offers significant discounts on lodging and meals for long-term stays. Please contact for details.

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.casacaballoblanco.com/pdf/1279909043_Rate_Sheet_Revised_(8)_7_23_10.pdf (available in English).
• www.casacaballoblanco.com/rates_and_packages.php?page=rates_and_packages.xml&setCategory=bRatesandPackages (available in English).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Belize City (BZE)

Distance, by land, to the nearest airport: 75 miles (120 km).

Additional Information

Additional Web sites

• www.casaavian.org/Quarterly_Newsletter.html (available in English). More information about the Casa Avian Support Alliance.

Date This Information Was Provided

September 2010.

Photos courtesy of Casa del Caballo Blanco, Belize, for SustainableTrip.org.