There is something different about venturing somewhere where you can truly disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature.
That is exactly what our team experienced during our visit to
Martz Farm Treehouses & Cabañas Ltd., located at 8.5 Miles Mollejon Road, Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize.
And yes, there is no cell service at
Martz Farm, but honestly, you don't need it. Sometimes, being completely disconnected is exactly what you need to slow down, enjoy your surroundings, and make memories with the people around you.
The Adventure Begins
Our adventure started with Lukas and Joshua Martinez, who picked us up and welcomed us along for the experience. From the very beginning, we could tell they knew their way around the property and the activities.
They took the time to explain what our day would look like and asked us about our horseback riding experience since that would be our first activity of the day.
When we arrived at the property, we were warmly greeted by Mr Jose Martinez, better known as "Joe."
Joe gave us a warm introduction and showed us around the property.
Martz Farm has a beautiful open-air dining area, comfortable accommodations, and, of course, the treehouse that make this destination such a unique place to experience Belize.
The treehouse immediately caught our attention. Surrounded by nature, it gives you the opportunity to experience Belize in a completely different way.
If you have never visited Martz Farm, let me tell you, you are definitely missing out. But our adventure was only beginning.
Time to Saddle Up!
Then came my favorite part of the day: it was time to saddle up!
We headed out on horseback and took a scenic ride along one of the beautiful trails at
Martz Farm. The ride gave us some amazing views of the surrounding area, and our entire team enjoyed the experience.
There is something special about exploring Belize on horseback. Instead of simply passing through the landscape, you get the opportunity to slow down and really take in the surroundings.
After finishing our horseback riding adventure, it was time to move on to another unforgettable experience: the jungle pontoon boat adventure.
Exploring the Macal River on the Martz Farm Water Lily
We boarded the
Martz Farm Water Lily, our pontoon boat for the day.
Our captain and guide was Joe, with his assistant guides, Lukas and Joshua, joining us for the experience.
One of the most interesting parts of the boat ride was learning about the body of water we were exploring. While it is commonly known as Vaca Dam Lake, Joe explained that this area is actually part of the Macal River.
After the dam was constructed to generate electricity, the once fast-flowing river changed, creating a lake that stretches approximately 2¾ miles. The experience also takes you into a tributary coming from the Pine Ridge area, creating a completely different environment from what you would experience on a fast-flowing river and the history of the area is just as fascinating as the scenery.
A Little History Along the Way
As we cruised along, Joe shared stories about the history of Vaca Dam and the surrounding area.
The dam was named Vaca Dam, and there is also a waterfall known as Vaca Falls. Historically, the area was well known for logging. Logs were hauled through the area and eventually sent down the river toward Burrell Boom, where they were loaded onto ships.
Listening to the history while actually being on the water made the experience even more interesting. It was not just a boat ride; it was an opportunity to learn more about Belize's natural and historical landscape.
Wildlife, Birds & Belize's MicrohabitatsAs we continued exploring, Joe also pointed out some of the wildlife and bird species found in the area.
The lake is home to wildlife such as crocodiles, eels, tilapia, bullhead catfish, and turtles.
We also learned about the variety of birdlife in the area, including the Brown Jay, Social Flycatcher, and woodpeckers, as well as other bird species that are considered sensitive species.
One of the things that makes Belize so special is its incredible biodiversity. Joe explained how Belize's many different microhabitats contribute to the country's wide variety of plants, animals, and bird species.
We also learned about the different waterways that come together in the area. The four waterways feeding into the lake include the Rio-on, Pinol Creek, Little Vaquero, and Privacion, with Privacion being the smallest tributary.
At one point, we reached an area where the rivers and tributaries meet, giving us another beautiful perspective of the surrounding landscape.
After our history and nature lesson, it was time to simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the water.
Lunch on a Little Island
After spending time exploring the lake, we made a stop at a little island for lunch.
And let me tell you, the food was amazing!
We were treated to BBQ chicken, yellow rice, and potato salad, accompanied by cold soft drinks.
Our chefs for the day were none other than Joe and Joshua, who definitely did a fantastic job.
There was something special about sitting on a little island, surrounded by nature, enjoying a delicious meal after a morning of adventure. It was the perfect way to recharge before continuing our day.
A Refreshing Swim at the Waterfall
After lunch, we had the opportunity to swim before heading to the final portion of the tour: the waterfall. We hiked for approximately ten minutes before reaching it.
And oh my goodness, guys, it was amazing!
The waterfall gave us the perfect opportunity to cool off in some beautiful, refreshing cold water. After all the activities throughout the day, taking a swim surrounded by nature was exactly what we needed.
It was peaceful, refreshing, and absolutely beautiful, and just when we thought it was over, we made our way back to the boat, but our adventure wasn't finished just yet. To finish off the day, we had one more activity waiting for us: the inflatable "hotdog."
And let me tell you, this was FUN! We climbed onto the inflatable and took off across the water. At one point, we even ended up overturning in the middle of the lake!
But instead of being scared, we couldn't stop laughing. It brought us right back to those childhood memories of simply having fun, getting wet, and enjoying the moment without worrying about anything else.
And honestly, what better way to end an adventure?
More Than Just a Getaway
Our experience at
Martz Farm Treehouses & Cabañas was much more than simply visiting a new destination.
It was horseback riding through nature, learning about Belize's history, exploring the Macal River, spotting wildlife, enjoying a delicious meal on a little island, swimming beneath a waterfall, and ending the day laughing with our team on an inflatable hotdog.
But perhaps one of my favorite things about
Martz Farm was the opportunity to disconnect.
No cell service, no constant notifications, no distractions, just nature, adventure, good food, great company, and the opportunity to make memories.
If you are looking for an experience that allows you to connect with nature, learn something new, have a little adventure, and simply enjoy being present,
Martz Farm Treehouses & Cabañas is definitely a place you should experience.
Guys, I cannot recommend this enough. You need to come and try this experience; you will not regret it!
Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that take you away from everything you know and bring you closer to nature.