Since failing to reach the top of Antelope Falls in June due to a tight time schedule, we were determined to get back to Mayflower Bocawina National Park, near the villages of Silk Grass and Hopkins in the Stann Creek District, as soon as possible to finish the hike. We also wanted to visit the town of Punta Gorda in the Toledo District of southern Belize for the first time. So we decided to combine both goals into a week-long adventure.
On our first trip to the park, which we got to via taxi from Hopkins, we'd discovered an eco-resort right within the confines of the park, Mama Noot's. We hadn't read about it in any of our resources prior to visiting the park, but once we found it, we knew it would be a much more convenient place to stay to hike the falls as well as indulge in our passion for birding. So, we booked three nights to allow plenty of time for hiking, birding, exploring, and relaxing. There is also a new zip-line onsite, but we didn't take advantage of it. It looked like fun, but would have been an additional expense, and we really preferred the hiking and birdwatching.
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As we neared Mama Noot's, one of the workers met us on the road and walked us the rest of the way in to the resort, and Ms. Marci, who does all the cooking in the restaurant there, showed us our cabana. We had requested a regular "Longhouse" room since the summer rate was only $39US, but since those rooms were currently under renovation, we were lucky enough to be upgraded to a larger cabana. Since it is low season for tourism, we were the only guests at the resort for the three nights we were here, although there were zip-line workers staying in the larger cabana close to ours.
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Our authentic Belizean cabana
The cabana was very Belizean with tiled floors, a thatch roof, and screened windows all around. It was definitely more rustic than most places we've stayed, but charming. Inside there were two sleeping areas, each with a queen bed, a large entry area, and a bathroom with tiled shower. The sleeping area had a screened porch feel; there were curtains for the windows but not all had slats to close. The heavy overhanging thatch roof kept rain from coming in, however.
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Stay tuned to future days' blog posts for hike reports and photos (see whether we made it to the top of Antelope Falls this time!) and more on Mama Noot's. Also coming up: Visiting Punta Gorda and the Toledo District, Hickatee Cottages, and a brief return to Placencia....
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos on the BeBelize Blog