I booked the White House to the tune of $150 a night for August and have not heard from anyone with the Belize Audubon Society since they charged my credit card. Has anyone tried to contact them recently? Has anyone stayed in Cockscomb in any housing recently? I'm getting a little nervous and even though my trip is still three months away, I always try to make sure everything is completely taken care of.
1
hopefulist
We stayed there in 2003, reserving the White House 9 or 10 months in advance; at the time they didn't take charge cards so were supposedly holding our reservation without a deposit. When I called a week or 2 before our trip they said they'd given the reservation away to someone who could stay longer and none of the other cabins were available. "There's always room in the campground" they said, so we decided to go that route and arrived to find the campground over full with a huge tour group. But, there was a cabin available (!?). Luckily we had enough cash on us to pay for the cabin and had arrived just before the office closed and could rent kitchen equipment.
That was a long time ago but you are justified in your concern imo. Be sure to take really great bug repellent - the mozzies are nearly strong and thick enough to carry you away. Wonderful hiking, though, so no regrets. Photos and travelogue below! Happy trails!
2
billisolv
Stayed there about a month ago all was well then...are u emailing of have you actuallly phoned them.. their phone n fax is available on the web page. I
3
quesofrompanama
thanks I did finally call and got someone to confirm my reservation and looks like all is a go except maybe there won't be a fridge for use.
4
hopefulist
Prepare to sterilize your water (boiling works) and be sure to get there in time to rent kitchen utensils before the office closes. And bug stuff - take lots of good quality bug stuff.
Can't wait to hear all about your visit!
5
dancingrabbit
Not recently, but 4 of us stayed at the white house summer '06. Took the public bus from Belize City thru Belmopan and got dropped off at Maya Center. Paid entrance fee and got a cab to the white house. It would be a long walk with all your supplies. 5 miles? Another couple of miles to park office where I think we paid the rent. They have bottled water, cold soda, and a few other supplies.
The sanctuary is managed by the local Mayans. Nice folks. Recognized some from Alan Rabinowitz' book
Water is pumped straight from the river. We boiled it. No refridge, but a gas stove. Battery powered lighting system. Bring your own food. Bring insect repellent. Little no-see-ums that draw blood.
We saw lots of wildlife and good birding. Brocket deer in the yard and a boa. Jaguar tracks on the trails. Just missed seeing a mother and cub on the road. (We found scat still steaming) Also Tapir tracks. Lots of trails to hike. Upland, lowland, we cooled off in several pools beneath water falls.
Our companions spent an overnight at the beach at Hopkins.
Low budget, great trip.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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