Machaca Hill at Laughing Falcon Reserve, Toledo, Southern Belize

High up within the rainforest canopy, an awe-inspiring panorama with Guatemala and Honduras in the distance, a world class adventure resort invites you to feed your thirst for adventure; gather on sprawling verandas, enjoy delicious local cuisine or relax in the privacy of 12 elegantly appointed cabanas terraced on the hillside.

A private nature reserve, Laughing Falcon Reserve in Toledo, the southernmost territory of Belize, is more than a home for Machaca Hill. Originally established as a fishing lodge, the new owners, Outpost International, are committed to managing this 11,000 acre private nature reserve to promote and encourage the sustainable use of this verdant tropical environment.

Bordered by densely forested limestone hills and Toledo's Rio Grande, less than a quarter of the reserve is utilized for visitor activities. A working organic farm with fruit, vegetables, herbs, tropical flowers and a Valencia orange orchard supply the lodge's needs while the remaining acres will remain untouched for generations.

Machaca Hill at Laughing Falcon Reserve is located just 5 miles north of Punta Gorda Town and a mile and a half off Belize's southern highway.

Seven major terrestrial parks and reserves in Toledo, Belize's southernmost district, protect incredible diversity in the estuarine environment and Belize's only true primary rainforest. Offshore, the Sapodilla Cayes and Port Honduras Marine Reserves contribute to the preservation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Belize Barrier reef.

Near to Machaca Hill, the intricately constructed Maya temples of Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit highlight the existence of the ancient Maya while a variety of caves, cenotes and waterfalls lie scattered beneath the forest canopy.

The local population relies primarily on farming, fishing and tourism, and is concentrated in the main town of Punta Gorda and in small Mopan and Kek'chi Maya villages scattered throughout. Within Punta Gorda the population is comprised of diverse cultures - Mestizo, Creole, East Indian, Garifuna, Chinese and Maya.

Wherever you go, you will experience the warm hospitality of the Belizean people.