The journey to the remote Lamanai Outpost Lodge takes you past Mennonite villages and upstream by motor launch along the beautiful New River Lagoon, on whose picturesque banks the lodge sits. Tangled bromeliads hang from tropical trees providing the thatched cottages with shade.
The area is rich in flora and fauna, particularly bird life. There are 18 palm thatched cabins, each with a small veranda, leading up a heavily wooded hillock to the main open-plan cabaña that houses the restaurant, bar, lounge area and library.
Rooms are comfortable, if a little dark, with a ceiling fan, a small seating area and private bathroom. The restaurant provides a limited menu with excellent and hearty food. Next to the cottages are the Mayan ruins of Lamanai, with almost 700 structures covering some 950 acres – it's well worth spending an afternoon here exploring.
Activities include canoeing and specialised guided walks either in the forest or around the partially excavated ruins. The young and enthusiastic guides can also arrange caiman-spotting trips at night.