We stayed at the Bocawina resort after our relaxing time at Robert's Grove in Placencia. The staff was very accommodating and everyone was very friendly. However, if you are not an active person and do not want to do "out-doorsy" activities, you will not be happy here. However, if you are looking for an adventure, this place is great!
We arrived via the Bocawina Express. They picked us up from Robert's Grove for $20.00 (US) per person. (It saved us from having to ride Ritchie's "ChickenBus" with luggage.) Upon arrival, we were shown to The Antelope Suite, which was a beautiful room with an amazing view over the property and forest. (Please know that the distance to the suite from the lodge/restaurant/booking office is about the length of a football field.) Oh, and there is no air conditioning. Be prepared to sweat.
Our first day we hiked the Bocawina falls by ourselves and it was beautiful. The "hike" was very easy. The falls were tranquil and the setting was completely serene. That evening went "night-flying" which is zip-pining at night. (Did I mention that I am afraid of heights?) The guides were very professional and the course was very safe. I did not even scream once. lol Then we did the night "hike" through the jungle. (We walked along the gravel road, no machetes were necessary.) The interesting thing I found on this little excursion was that spider's eyes glow green when a flashlight shines on them. There were A LOT of spiders. (A LOT!)
The next day we went to the Xunatunich Mayan ruins and were actually allowed to climb the pyramid. (Ummm, did I mention I was afraid of heights?) The view from the top of the temple was absolutely spectacular. (And the view down those steps was absolutely terrifying.) However, the experience was awe inspiring.
Then to an authentic Belizian lunch (yep, had to try the Royal Rat) at Benny's in Saint Ignacio. Our guide and driver, Bernard (a long lost Andretti brother) recommended the gibnut and the pibil. We tried both and they were delicious.
Next we went cave tubing. This involved hauling an inner tube through the jungle and then down some very steep steps and rock formations in to a cave. (Remember that fear of heights thing? As I was peering over the ledge into the depths of the cave it came back. Again.) "So here we go!" This part of the tour was pretty great. The crystal formations were beautiful and pristine. We swam up the river a bit and then floated back to out starting place. It was a little short, but I highly recommend this excursion.
Our next and final adventure at Bocawina was Antelope Falls and rappelling down 220 ft. The climb up the falls was a little strenuous. (Okay, my legs were like jello and I was almost hyperventilating. But that may have also been because we were climbing, using ropes and it was a very looooong waayyyy dooooown. Did I mention that I'm afraid of heights? This was terrifying to me.) However, the Emerald Pool at the top of the falls was totally worth the effort. It was so amazingly beautiful and the swim was just what we needed after that climb.
Now, the fun part: we rappelled down the waterfall. Through the waterfall. Under the actual waterfall. Like a million of gallons of water smashing over your head while trying to lower yourself on a rope. Luckily I had a guide with me. (Thank YOU!!!)
It was a remarkable experience and if you have the "cajones" to do it, it is totally worth it.
The guides were awesome. The staff was very nice and accommodating. We really had an amazing time.
On the "buyer-beware" side: Know you are in a jungle and there will be bugs. There is no air conditioning other than fans.There is no television. (The only TV plays an endless loop of advertisements. That's fine... for the first 200 times. Then it gets old.) And, if they tell you the bar-be-que is $20.00 US, ask them to clarify which protein is $20.00. We opted for the lobster, and is was more than triple that. (It was a very good lobster meal though.)