Hill Bank Field Station

Hill Bank Field Station

Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, Orange Walk 00000 Belize
Checking the camera traps
Traveller (30)
view from the porch, whilst lying in the hammock
Room & Suite (2)
Great cooks
Dining (1)

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About

#1 of 1 lodge in Orange Walk
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Location
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
The Hill Bank Field Station is an important site of Belizeā€™s colonial history bringing to life the architecture and artifacts of colonial land use such as quaint wooden buildings of logging camps, antique steam engines and railroad tracks. Visitor are provided with the opportunity to meet the local faces behind cutting-edge research on sustainable forestry and carbon sequestration. Guests can choose accommodations in a state of the art ā€˜green dorm,ā€™ Hill Bankā€™s Caza Balanza which sleeps 30, and that features 100% solar powered energy, no-flush composting toilets and a rainwater collection system. Or you can choose our charming and quaint cabana with two units that sleeps 4 with private baths. Gift shop, dining facilities and internet wi-fi services available. Explore the wilds of Hill Bank by canoeing, crocodile spotting, hiking nature trails, biking, birding and jungle trekking or simply enjoy a scenic boat ride, replete with wildlife sightings along the New River Lagoon. Come Explore the Natural Mystique of the Rio Bravo...An Unparalleled Eco-Adventure!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Restaurant
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Shuttle bus service
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Mid-range

Location

Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, Orange Walk 00000 Belize
Getting there
Orange Walk Airport
46.3 kmā€¢
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Belmopan Airport
47.1 kmā€¢
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Detailed Reviews
Climber811936 wrote a review Feb 2024
Fort Qu'Appelle, Canada
4.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a place for those who want to see birds and get away from it all. It is 24 miles from the nearest village down a dirt road which requires a higher vehicle. The cabanas are basic but clean and comfortable. There is no air conditioning but the ceiling fan kept our room okay but the temperatures were cooler than normal. The shower was roomy and water very hot. Beds were comfortable. Food was home style Belize cooking. The staff were friendly and the birding outstanding.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
linda wrote a review Feb 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We were not sure of what to expect and we were more than pleased with our 3 nights here. Marcos was amazing! He made it clear that he wanted us to have the best experience we wanted and we did. The cabana was really comfortable, with mosquito netting on a very comfortable bed. The bathrom was clean and had nice hot water! The food was plentiful and delicious! Their mission of preserving the jungle and supporting the local community is impressive. Definitely a "must see" in northern Belize! Communication was difficult at times but don't give up. Also, take the northern route through Orange Walk not Rancho Deloras unless you want an adventure! That road is bad! But don't give up - this place is amazing as is Marcos!
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Date of stay: January 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip:Ā The cabanas are great!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from EdilbertoRomero, Manager at Hill Bank Field Station
Responded 13 Feb 2020
Thank you for your great review. Marcos and the rest of our staff aim to please. We are glad you had a wonderful experience. Looking forward to creating new memories with you. Thanks for choosing Hillbank on the Rio Bravo Conservation. Yours in Conservation, Kim!!!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wayne Hall wrote a review Jan 2012
Anchorage, Alaska
5.0 of 5 bubbles
i visit Belize a lot for its varied and outstanding habitats and wildlife. Hillbank has become a regular stop for me. i have stayed in both the cabanas and the dormitory rooms. Both are great. The dorm rooms are actually very private and comfortable and represent a great value. With both savannah and broafleaf habitats nearby, and the New River Lagoon and its feeder creeks, the wildlife potential is outstanding. On my first night during my last visit, I saw and filmed a Mottled Owl and a Yucatan Nightjar. That same night I caught a fleeting glimpse of a jaguar as it approached on the same trail. The staff and rangers are all very dedicated, knowledgeable and helpful. A really great place and Programme for Belize does a great job in preserving the habitat and wildlife of Belize. I will be there again in 2012!
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Date of stay: February 2011
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry987 wrote a review Feb 2012
Worcester
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We spent 2 days at Hill Bank and 2 days at La Milpa so can compare and contrast. Both are run by the Programme for Belize, which is part of why we chose to go - helping to support their research and efforts at sustainable development in their preserve of over 260,000 acres seemed a better use of our tourist dollars than staying at a for-profit eco-lodge.

Hill Bank is located at the site of an old logging camp; it is bigger and has more cleared area than La Milpa, as well as leftovers from its former life. It also as more buildings related to the research that has been going on there. This is not necessarily bad - clearings are much less buggy (you WILL want long sleeves, long pants, a hat, and bug spray in any rainforest) and it's much easier to see birds along the borders. It is also more open as one side borders the New River lagoon. I think it tends to be a little hotter than La Milpa. It has more of the feel of a scientific field station (though no groups were there when we visited) than La Milpa, which has more of an eco-lodge feel.

We stayed in a cabana, which was clean and comfortable, well-screened and with a fan. It was narrower than the cabana at La Milpa but perfectly fine and well-built/maintained. Food was good. If you want gourmet delights, stick to eco-lodges, but it was tasty Belizean cuisine (which we liked, but Belize is renowned for nature, not cuisine). They will accommodate any dietary needs you have - just let them know in advance since food has to be hauled in. They also now have internet access, though you need to go to the office to use it, whether wired or wifi. The office is too far away to get a signal in the cabanas or dining hall.

The main reason to come here is to see the flora and fauna. While it felt more exposed/developed than La Milpa, we actually saw more birds here, not that we didn't see plenty at La Milpa. Jorge (the chief) is incredibly knowledgeable and both he and Marco are great at spotting birds. They bring a great spotting scope on birding walks.

We went on a day trip to the Lamanai Mayan site, which was also great. Jorge worked at Lamanai Outpost Lodge for many years so he is very knowledgeable about Lamanai. We also saw tons of birds on the way out. A lot of the drive is through Mennonite farmland and there are many species there that you don't see in the rainforest. Lamanai itself was also great for birds - and howler monkeys.

Everybody at Hill Bank was incredibly nice and we had a wonderful stay. We paid PfB for transport in and back and, while Jorge and Vladimir (from La Milpa) say they have given people directions to drive themselves out, I am quite glad we didn't attempt it, between lack of road signs and very muddy areas in places on the roads when it rained.

Pricing at PfB seems to have changed since 2010-2011, based on what I ran into on the web (yes, it went up) - and they offer either packages or a la carte services. I found that a little confusing and also wanted to do something that didn't fit their packages (going from one site to the other). I used the inquiry form on their website a couple of times and never got a response. I was about to give up but Googled and came up with an email address - marketing@pfbelize.org. Thyra Thompson responded immediately and was very helpful. I mentioned the lack of website responses and hopefully they have fixed that. We were very glad we persisted and really enjoyed our visits at both sites. If you want a wonderful experience and want to benefit a good cause, stay with Programme for Belize.
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Date of stay: January 2012
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry M wrote a review Jun 2010
U.S.A.
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife, adult son, and I recently visited Hill Bank Field Station in the Rio Bravo Conservation Management Area. All logistics were arranged via Thyra Thompson of Programme For Belize [--------]). She was VERY helpful, responsive, and thorough in setting up the visit including accommodating my wife's dietary concerns. Our guide, Jorge Estrella, met us at the Caye Caulker Water Taxi dock as pre-arranged. From that point on, he catered to our every need. The ride to Hill Bank from Belize City takes around 2hrs. Be sure to pick up enroute any snacks/beverages you'll want during your stay. Hill Bank provides all meals, and they were very good. However, there's no on site 'store' to supply snacks, batteries, bug repellant (bring plenty!), beer, toiletries, etc. We stayed in two of the cabanas. They are spacious and clean with good window screening/ventilation. While not air conditioned, the cabanas were comfortable due to the expansive windows and provided fans. The breezes off the nearby lagoon made afternoon lounging in the hammocks on the cabana's large verandas very comfortable. Pace at Hill Bank is very slow/relaxed. Each day we started with early morning bird watching. Jorge is VERY knowlegeable in everything from birds, flora, fauna, culture, and history to archaeology. For example, he'd not just ID a bird but would provide info on it's habits, diet, life cycle, relationship to other animals/plants, etc. We easily observed 25+ bird species in the four days we were there. Hill Bank has a FEW pairs of binoculars available to loan, but consider bringing your own. Jorge had a very nice 20-60X scope/tripod which we shared. Each day during the day/evening we scheduled two additional activities. For example: nature walks in the jungle, night time crocodile spotting on the lagoon, night time drive to spot animals, medicinal plant walk in the jungle, etc. Hill Bank also arranged a day trip to the Lamanai Mayan site which is about 45min away by road. These ruins are very impressive and definitely worth the trip. Enroute, you travel through several Mennonite settlements & farms. There was lots of time for relaxing in a hammock (maybe too much, if you're the driven type). The mosquitoes weren't too bad around the main site but were fierce in the jungle, so bring plenty of bug spray. Also, be sure to have a good flashlight or headlamp along for night time outings and going to/from the dining area at night. Overall, the Hill Bank experience was very good. Give it a try!
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Date of stay: June 2010
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol K wrote a review Aug 2013
Shokan, New York
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This was our first visit to Belize and my husband and I were drawn to Programme for Belize and Hill Bank by the promise of unspoiled nature and the important conservation work that was being done there. We were not disappointed. From the moment that I emailed for information, we were treated to excellent and attentive service. Thyra answered all my questions thoroughly and promptly. (Later she would quickly help us retrieve something that we carelessly left behind at Hill bank. Thank you again, Thyra and Jorge!)
We realized ahead of time that we were going to a field station and not a resort, but being avid campers, that was perfectly fine with us. When we emerged from the forest and first viewed Hill Bank, we were hooked. It was much more than we expected. The grounds were beautiful with deer and wild turkeys wandering around and a lovely view of the lagoon. Our Cabana was spacious, clean and comfortable with a porch that was perfect for relaxing and viewing the wildlife. All the meals were wholesome and hearty, served buffet style by Miss Chris who cooks for all the rangers at the station.
As it was low season in Belize, we practically had the place to ourselves, including the attention of Jorge Estrella who oversees Hill Bank. Jorge proved to be a friendly and knowledgeable host. He took us on early morning bird walks, a "medicine walk" in the jungle and a night walk. His knowledge of the flora and fauna is amazing. Avid birders would be jealous. Jorge also took us on an excursion to nearby Lamanai and we once accompanied him on a visit to the neighboring Mennonite community where we were able to meet a family with whom Jorge has developed a good relationship. We really could not have asked for more. This is not the place to go if you want wifi in your cabana, television or a/c. None of these things seemed necessary, so if you want to escape "civilization" for awhile, you'll love it at Hill Bank. One note - there are lots of biting insects in the jungle. Insect repellent and/or long sleeves and pants are a must. Enjoy.
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Date of stay: August 2013
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ella R R wrote a review Feb 2015
Halifax, Canada
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We recently spent 3 days at the charming Cabana at Hill Bank Lodge in the Rio Bravo Conservation Area. We had the good fortune of having Marcos as our guide throughout our stay. He went out of his way to guide us through several activities including birding, night time wildlife viewing, canoeing on the lagoon etc. it is an amazing place for observing many species of birds and other wildlife. Marcos is extremely knowledgeable and has a wonderful personality. The food was always freshly prepared, nicely presented and of the highest quality. The cabana was more than adequate considering the location. The staff was efficient and very pleasant. We can highly recommend Hill Bank.
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Date of stay: February 2015
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JeanetteO700 wrote a review Oct 2014
Roosendaal, The Netherlands
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed here in April, with our 2 sons, age 6 and 7. What a wonderful time we had at Hill Bank. Yes, the accommodation is basic, but what a place to be ! Nature at it's best. I am amazed we were the only guests at that time. Our tour guide, Marcus, was wonderful. He showed and told us so many things. The view we had over the lake was incredible. I will never forget river tubing in the creek, amazing experience through the mangroves.
This place is truly magic. A hidden gem.
I hope to return some day. It was the best place we stayed during our vacation in Belize. Not because of the luxury, there is no luxury, no fancy dining, but the memories of the lake, the hiking, river tubing, the hospitality of the people working there, I will always cherish !!

Go canoeing on the lake. There are crocodiles but it is completely safe.
Go river tubing in the creek.
Take the night tour for spotting crocodiles. Also absolutely safe.
Go birdwatching in the early morning hours.

I am sure you will have a great time!
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Date of stay: April 2014
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BecGreener wrote a review Nov 2019
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We had a fantastic time at Hill Bank, mostly due to Marcos who was helpful in every way and who is very passionate about the local wildlife. We did a couple of night tours with Marcos and saw crocodiles, tarantulas, geckos, iguanas, owls, night jars, scorpions. There was evidence of both jaguars and pumas in the area, but unfortunately we didn't get a sighting. We did meet a tapir on the road which was awesome. Also saw a huge variety of birds during the day and a monkey! The food was plentiful and tasty, although quite pricey. We also found the rooms expensive. The rooms however were very comfortable and clean with hot showers. We have lots of great memories of this place and some awesome photos. The sustainable logging operation here is also fascinating - what a dedicated team - using the proceeds of the sustainable logging operation to help protect the forest from poachers illegal farming. Thank you Marcos for teaching us about the creatures of the forest!
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Date of stay: December 2018
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
suelouise1 wrote a review Aug 2018
Orpington, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
At Hill Bank Station they are 100% committed to preserving the animal and plant life in their care. But they also want to share the forest, the water and the savannah with others - their visiting scientific groups, schools and individual tourists. It is owned by Programme for Belize and holds the land in trust for the people of Belize.
We were picked up and returned to Belize City by Balthazar, the site manager. He was incredibly informative about Hill Banks history and their present day work. Their normal guide was on a work visit to Guatemala so Melvis the guide from their other site was brought in to do the tours.Ā  We did a boat trip to find crocodiles, an early morning birdwatching walk, a nature walk and a wonderful hour long tubing ride through the mangroves before finishing off with a swim inĀ  a natural pool.
They were keen to share whatever was happening in the reserve day to day, so I sat in on training for the rangers on how to use theĀ  new technology they had in the field.
Every person on site was helpful and friendly. I loved the 3 freshly cooked meals a dayĀ  eaten in the communal dining room prepared by two charming ladies.
On the drive back to Belize City Balthazar went out of his way to show us the land adjoining the reserve mostly owned by mennonites. Unexpectedly and amazingly we diverted via LamanaiĀ Mayan site and had a quick look around.
The accommodation was good even if it didn't have ac. IĀ  would recommend this place to anyone who is interested in the real Belize.
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
linda wrote a tip Feb 2020
4 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The cabanas are great!"
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Philip S wrote a tip Nov 2016
Dunnellon, Florida26 contributions7 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"All of the cabins are alike."
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Suzanne M wrote a tip Mar 2016
Berkeley, California30 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The cabanas with a view of the lagoon are lovely. Wifi is available at the office only."
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LOCATION
BelizeOrange Walk DistrictOrange Walk
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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HILL BANK FIELD STATION: See 22 Reviews and 36 Photos (Orange Walk, Belize)

Frequently Asked Questions about Hill Bank Field Station
What are some of the property amenities at Hill Bank Field Station?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Hill Bank Field Station?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at Hill Bank Field Station?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
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