Blancaneaux Lodge

BELIZE

THE PERSONALITIES

Hikers. History lovers. Explorers. Families looking for adventure. 

MOMENTS

Being surrounded by tropical pines and ancient melastome shrubs. Swimming in hidden waterfalls. Discovering ancient Mayan civilization. Falling asleep to howler monkeys.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Best times to visit are December through June. July and August get extremely hot and humid, and September to November sometimes see rain. The nights in the mountains get cool.

COST

WHY STAY

Blancaneaux Lodge is a luxury jungle hideout owned by Francis and Eleanor Coppola. Located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, and surrounded by a lush rainforest, natural pools and waterfalls of the Privassion Creek, the lodge is a quintessential Belize experience. 

Choose one of the Garden, Riverside, Family or Luxury Cabañas and enjoy elevated open-air spaces and private sun decks; or the Honeymoon Cabañas which are perched over the Privassion Creek waterfall. Stay at the Coppola Villa or the luxurious Enchanted Cottage for panoramic views of the creek and Maya Mountains, complete with a fireplace, a Japanese tub, a steam room, and personal hammocks.

Enjoy Francis’s personal art collection throughout the hotel, as well as being completely engulfed in nature. 

WHY WANDER

Discover rare and endangered species of Noj Kaax Meen Elijio Panti National Park and the protected areas of Maya Mountain Massif. Kayak through ancient caves or go horseback riding. Hike through Elijio Panti National Park where you will follow fresh jaguar tracks and discover medicinal plants used by the Maya. See over 150 species of orchids. Visit Chiquibul Forest at night, when Belize's nocturnal mammals thrive. 

INDULGE IN

Traditional Italian dishes from Coppola family recipes. Made-to-order pizza from an authentic brick oven. Jaguar Juice, made from local craboo liqueur, aged rum, and fresh pineapple juice. Enjoy a unique dining experience in the hotel's organic garden.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, and arrange the transfer with the hotel. 

*Images property of Blancaneaux Lodge and Aaron Colussi, Kevin Quischan, Gundolf Pfotenhauer.

Turtle Inn

BELIZE

THE PERSONALITIES

Divers. Explorers. Robinson Crusoes.

MOMENTS

Salty sea breeze. Sandy feet. Open-air bedrooms. Outdoor dinner lit by the starry night sky. Being completely off the grid on your private island. Falling asleep to the sound of the sea.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Best times to visit are December through June. July and August get extremely hot and humid, and September to November sometimes see rain. If you are feeling adventurous, visit in June and swim with dozens of Whale Sharks.  

COST

WHY STAY

Turtle Inn is a beachside luxury hotel created by Francis and Eleanor Coppola. Surrounded by white sand, warm Caribbean waters, Maya Mountains, cayes (small islands) and the Belize Barrier Reef UNESCO World Heritage site on the horizon, the retreat is only a short walk away from the Creole fishing village of Placencia.

There are 25 thatched Garden or Seafront Cottages, complete with private decks, walled gardens with an outdoor shower, and with a Balinese design. Families and groups of friends will love Sofia's Beach House - a modern an open-plan villa, steps away from the sea, including a full kitchen, a media room, a private pool and a private butler. True Robinson Crusoes will love the hotel's private island experience at Coral Caye - 8 miles away from the main resort. 

The resort is complete with the Sunset Spa. Try the Sea Salt Body Glow or a Coconut Hair rinse. 

WHY WANDER

Belize is truly for doers and explorers! New divers will find this the perfect place to get PADI certified and experienced divers will love exploring the Caribbean's largest barrier reef. Spend the day at one of many cayes. Visit Nim li Punit, a ceremonial Mayan site or the Blue Creek cave. Kayak or Paddle board through Placencia lagoon. Go salt water fly fishing. Take a day trip to the infamous Blue Hole for world class diving or see it from a bird's eye view aboard a seaplane. 

INDULGE IN

Fresh caught seafood. Creole style BBQ. Try the sea-salt crust fish and the ceviche. Pizzas made to order in a wood-burning oven. Belize-brewed beer. Kids will love the onsite Gelato bar. Wines from Francis Ford Coppola’s own wineries.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, and arrange the transfer with the hotel. 

GET INVOLVED

“Francis and Eleanor Coppola see their role as that of a conservator, preserving the pristine natural environment. They strongly support Belize’s commitment to ecotourism and continue to explore new technologies and practices that benefit the environment.” Learn more.

*Images property of Turtle Inn and Aaron Colussi, Kevin Quischan, Gundolf Pfotenhauer.

The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant

BELIZE

THE PERSONALITIES

Bird enthusiasts. Lovers and friends looking for a luxurious nature experience. Couples looking for a destination wedding location.

MOMENTS

Rainforest living. Deep greenery. Being humbled by nature. An authentic Belizean experience.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

The dry winter season from December to April is the time that attracts the most visitors to Belize.

COST

WHY STAY

The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant is an award-winning jungle resort, residing in the foothills of the Maya mountains. It sits alongside the Sibun River, surrounded by over 600 acres of land where it borders the Sibun Forest Reserve in Belize. The area was once the center of the Mayan Empire.

There are 31 unique accommodation types ranging from mountain view suites to creekside cottages. Structures are built within the dense tropical rainforest to maintain the integrity of its natural state and allow for utter privacy amongst guests. The organic design mixes the earthy colors and textures of the jungle with mahogany hardwood furnishings and canopied beds, all handcrafted and designed in Belize. The vibrant colors and textures are inspired by the Mestizo and Maya cultures found throughout the country.

WHY WANDER

Hike through St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, surrounding the Rainforest Lodge. Go kayaking on the Sibun River. Discover secret lakes and panoramic views of the valley. Bike to the Lodge’s own orchards or discover the expansive jungle on horseback. Watch the sunset at the Nest, a two-tier tree house that sits on the riverbank. Go bird watching. Take a day trip to visit the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins or go tubing in St. Herman’s Cave.

INDULGE IN

Cuisine inspired by the Mestizo and Maya cultures. Antiguan espresso. Grove House's cocoa. In-house artisanal woodfire pizza. Oranges from the orchard. Intimate cliffside dinners at sunset.

GETTING THERE

The drive from the Belize International Airport (BZE) to The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The Lodge offers ground transfers from the international airport to the resort.

GET INVOLVED

“We pride ourselves on sustainable practices and continue to grow with each passing year. Our restaurants are farm-to-table, as we source all of our organic produce from our chef's garden and neighboring farms. Our orange orchard spreads across acres of land and we use the oranges for freshly squeezed juices, homemade marmalade, desserts, and supplying our sister resorts with citrus.

All the pathway lights at the lodge are solar lights. To take it a bit further, we host a 'Lights Out' event every full moon where we turn off all the lights on the property and use candles to light our dining area for an hour to bring conservation awareness to our guests. At the end of the night, we calculate the energy saved and share the information with our guests.

The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant partners with Panthera and Inspire EdVentures to track and study the wildlife including jaguars, tapirs, and deer in the area. These studies are done to protect endangered animals and educate young scientists who spend a few weeks on our property each year.

 We planted our own bamboo field to ensure that our bamboo furniture throughout the property is sustainable.

 We recently purchased our first electric car for the resort which will be used for transfers in between properties and from the airport.”

*Images property of The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

BELIZE

THE PERSONALITIES

Lovers of ancient history. Adventurers. Bird and wildlife enthusiasts.

MOMENTS

Lush Caribbean rainforest. Riding through the jungle on horseback. Sharing the green canopy with toucans, parrots, and other colorful tropical birds. Traveling back in time to the ancient Mayan civilization.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

The dry season from December to March is a popular time for visitors, both inland and on the coast. April brings rising temperatures and the welcome “Iguana Rains,” the brief, cooling showers that appear along the coast. May to July can get hot and humid, and from August to November rain patterns are expected.

COST

WHY STAY

Chaa Creek is a luxury eco-lodge that’s been a pioneer in adventure travel in Belize since 1981. Residing along the Macal River in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, the retreat is in the heart of ancient Maya civilization.

The owners Mick and Lucy Fleming wanted to create an authentic jungle experience while striving to coexist with nature. Chaa Creek continues to win recognition as one of the Caribbean region’s best examples of sustainable tourism for its regenerative practices, adaptive reuse, and organic agriculture, including the National Geographic’s "Engaging Communities" world legacy award.

The 28 intimate accommodations include eco-pods, cottages, garden or tree-top suites, and luxury Ix Chel Villas with private plunge pools, all set in a tropical hillside garden. Enjoy panoramic views of the lush jungle, the sleepy Macal River, and the mountains from your glass-walled living room or wrap-around veranda. Visit the Hilltop Spa for natural mineral-rich mud treatments, herbal wraps, and locally-sourced botanicals. Be one with nature.

WHY WANDER

Chaa Creek is set within a 400-acre nature reserve, which includes a Maya organic farm, The Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm, horse stables, and a Natural History Centre, offering a range of exciting and educational activities. Enjoy miles of lush, well-maintained trails, perfect for horseback riding and hiking. Explore the fascinating Maya civilization, which once thrived in this area. Learn about the Rainforest Medicine Trail. Take a canoe trip down the beautiful Macal River. Visit the onsite Woodworking shop and discover local crafts. Take part in the Creatures of the Night jungle hike.

Offsite activities include a visit to Xunantunich Mayan Ruins (only 1.5km away), the Actun Tunichil Muknal, an ancient Maya ceremonial cave (1.5 hours away), and Tikal National Park in Guatemala, the largest excavated site in the American continent, containing over 3000 structures and large, beautiful temples rising out of the dense jungle. (2.5 hours away).

INDULGE IN

Learn how to cook a traditional Garifuna dish over an open fire. Take a tour of the 33-acre Maya Organic Farm and discover ancient farming methods. Try the cacao grown onsite.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Belize City and arrange a transfer with the hotel (1.5 hours away). 

GET INVOLVED

• Pack-a-Pound Program: We encourage our guests to share one pound of their luggage space for materials (pens, pencils, etc.) to be donated to a local school, craft items for the Octavia Waight Old Age Center, or pet care supplies to be donated to the Humane Society. Guests can also financially sponsor school books for a school child.

• The Eco-Kids Summer Camp gives 24 Belizean school children an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Belize firsthand while learning environmental responsibility during a fully sponsored week-long summer camp at our Macal River Camp

• The Chaa Creek Scholarship Program annually provides 10 local students with full board educational scholarships at secondary and tertiary levels, paying for tuition, fees, books, and other necessities

• Our Environmental Education Outreach Program takes environmental education directly to the schools and many special events throughout Belize

• We established the Belize Foundation for Conservation to “Promote environmental education, cultural awareness, and sustainable conservation practices”

• Financial assistance and community support programs benefit the Octavia Waight old folks Centre, the Cayo Deaf Institute, and Marla House of Hope Orphanage

• Contingency Reserves: Chaa Creek has in-house procedures and resources in place to respond in times of need. Whether from individual tragedy or natural disasters, Chaa Creek will always respond to calls for assistance

• Community Liaison: Chaa Creek supports and works with local organizations and groups conducting community-based conservation and improvement projects such as anti-litter campaigns and the development and maintenance of public parks

• Ecotourism and responsible travel education: Each year, the Lodge hosts and educates hundreds of local and overseas students, and sponsors internship positions in ecotourism and responsible travel through programs at our Natural History Centre, Blue Morpho Butterfly Breeding Centre, the Maya Medicinal Plant Trail, and other Chaa Creek operations

• Educational field trips within the Chaa Creek Nature Reserve are offered to local and international schools, universities, and community groups

• Summer Teachers Institute in Environmental Studies and Culture is a program delivered in partnership with the State University of New York to broaden the teaching skills of our local educators through teachers’ training workshops focused on sustainable use of our natural resources and enhancing an understanding of Belize’s heritage and culture

• The Teacher’s Resource Guide to Maya Archaeology, Ecology and Tourism of Western Belize, produced and published by Chaa Creek is a 113-page resource used in many local schools

We also encourage our industry partners to further develop their own sustainable practices by setting benchmarks and sharing information on green development and responsible tourism programs. For example:

• We adhere to the practice of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. All reusable and recyclable materials are separated from our waste stream

• We have a written Chaa Creek Environmental Policy available which guides daily operations in a sustainable manner

• Our written Chaa Creek Purchasing Policy requires our suppliers to provide environmentally safe products in reduced or bulk packaging

• We produce our own water using state-of-the-art high filtration systems and provide guests with hygienic water refilling stations and souvenir aluminum water bottles in an effort to reduce the use of plastic bottles

• We use only energy-efficient compact florescent lamps combined with automatic timers, motion detectors and photovoltaic switches, and maximize the use of natural lighting to reduce energy consumption

• Our Macal River Camp facility runs completely on solar power

• Guests are politely asked to reuse their towels as much as possible so as to conserve water and energy

• We strictly enforce the protection of all wildlife in our 400-acre private nature reserve, minimize tree removal during construction, and take all possible precautions and actions to preserve the local habitat

• Kitchen waste and other organic materials such as grass trimmings are composted and then used as fertilizers in our ornamental and vegetable gardens at the Maya Organic Farm

• Restaurant leftovers are given to a local farmer to use as pig feed

• Metal cans are crushed in a manual crusher that was designed for Chaa Creek. The crushed cans are then used as fill material in concrete building foundations

• All glass bottles and jars that are not returnable or reusable are crushed and used as additional aggregate when mixing cement

• In an effort to reduce our paper consumption, our administrative staff is encouraged to use both sides of paper when printing or copying and to use electronic media as much as possible

• We purchase recycled paper and our commercial printing is done on recycled paper

• Cardboard boxes are flattened and used as ground cover at our organic farm to control the growth of unwanted weeds around the vegetable plants. The remaining waste paper and cardboard is sent to a commercial recycling facility

• Water consumption is minimized by low-flush toilets and low-flow shower heads. Rainwater is also collected to supplement water consumption

• Waste water and sewage are treated with enzyme-producing, a digestive bacterium in properly designed septic tanks

*Images property of The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Hamanasi Belize Resort

BELIZE

THE PERSONALITIES

Divers. Snorkel enthusiasts. Wildlife lovers.

MOMENTS

The rainforest meeting the ocean. Healthy, thriving coral reef. Treehouse living. Iguanas and toucans. Spotting a jaguar in its natural habitat.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

January to April is the high season, with beautiful weather conditions. April and May are the best months for whale shark sightings.

COST

WHY STAY

Hamanasi is an award-winning, beachfront eco-resort between the lush Maya Mountains and the turquoise Caribbean Sea in southern Belize. The boutique hotel is located near the traditional Garifuna village of Hopkins and has been named one of the top 10 hotels in the World in the 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards.

There are 30 beachfront rooms, suites, and treehouses, featuring handmade Belizean hardwood furnishings, plush linens, colorfully tiled bathrooms, and private porches. Enjoy views of the Caribbean Sea or the surrounding forest, home to tropical birds, iguanas, coatimundis, agoutis, and kinkajous to name a few.

Visit the spa for a Garifuna herbal infusion massage or cocoa & coffee scrub. Take in the views from the 360-degree lookout point on top of Hamanasi’s Great House. Watch the sun go down behind the Maya Mountains.

WHY WANDER

You are here to discover the Belize Barrier Reef. The small country boasts the Western Hemisphere's longest continuous barrier reef, with 185 miles of coral formations and a large variety of marine life. The Southern Barrier Reef offers several different snorkeling sites, including South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the largest marine reserve in the country. Snorkelers love Belize's shallow reefs, channels, and gentle currents, offering close encounters with eagle rays, tarpon, cleaner fish, stingrays, octopus, dolphins, and hammerhead sharks. The dive sites often include Jason's Wall, Elsie's Aquarium, Carrie Bow, South Water Wall, Trick Ridge, Hell Hole, and The Abyss with stops by coral isles, such as South Water Caye along the way - all arranged by Hamansi’s own 5-star PADI marine facility.

Inland adventures include jungle river tours through mangrove forests, ancient Mayan pyramid visits, hikes to Antelope Falls, and unique cave systems explorations to name a few. Wildlife lovers will enjoy a night hike in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s only jaguar preserve.

INDULGE IN

Take a culinary cultural tour to learn how to make chocolate or cook traditional Garifuna foods. Enjoy Mayan pibil tacos or grilled snapper burgers. Hamanasi Caye lime pie and Mayan molten lava cake are must-tries. In Hopkins, check out the female-owned Nice Cream for fresh homemade ice cream, featuring Belizean flavors such as toasted coconut & cassava or sweet corn.

GETTING THERE

All international flights land at the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City (BZE). From there, the Hamanasi reservations team can arrange private ground transportation for a scenic 2.5-hour drive. Alternatively, guests may prefer a 20-minute domestic flight in a 14-passenger Tropic Air plane. Both the ground transfer and flight offer great views of the countryside.

GET INVOLVED

“As a Green Globe certified eco-resort, Hamanasi isn’t just committed to merely being sustainable but to actively regenerating the environment and surrounding communities. From the beginning, we built sustainably and preserved our littoral forest. Since, we have planted thousands of trees and bushes and maintain a 26-acre reserve. The result is a regenerating property teaming with wildlife. The resort has eliminated single-use plastic and gives all guests stainless steel water bottles upon check-in. Hamanasi has an onsite organic garden, composting facility, and recycling program. Guests are invited to participate in a Pack for a Purpose initiative supporting local schools and the humane society. Hamanasi’s employee Wellness Program has received international recognition. Each week guests learn about Hamanasi’s eco-initiatives during the Green Team’s Green Hour. Learn more about our initiatives here.”

*Images property of Hamanasi

Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge

BELIZE

THE PERSONALITIES

Hikers. Photographers. Lovers of waterfalls. Yogis looking for a peaceful and mindful retreat. Couples searching for an intimate wedding location.

MOMENTS

Peace and natural wonder. Butterflies and waterfalls. Limestone caves. Outdoor showers. An authentic flora and fauna paradise.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

It is summer year-round in Belize. The climate of Mountain Pine Ridge is very comfortable with an average annual temperature of 73°F. The dry season from December through April is the best time to visit. From August to November, rain patterns are expected.

COST

WHY STAY

Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge is an intimate nature hotel, set within a 7,200-acre private reserve in the Mountain Pine Ridge area of the Cayo District of Belize. The property is encircled by Caribbean pines and granite outcroppings, bordered by a lush tropical jungle.

The interior of Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge pays homage to the elegance of a Victorian plantation, combining decorative accents with stately rustic features, such as the stone hearths. Enjoy one of 12 intimate cottages, complete with lounges with stone hearths, mahogany bar rooms, stone pool terraces, hammocks, and flourishing gardens. At the door to each of our cottages, guests discover hanging orchids, gardens, and a pail of firewood. The decor of the Hidden Valley Inn cottages includes handsome mahogany and leather furnishings, terracotta tile flooring, and local accents.

WHY WANDER

Discover the rich flora and fauna of the surrounding Mountain Pine Ridge, protected under the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The terrain includes steep ravines, five major waterfalls, jungle, pine, and rainforest — all teeming with life. Enjoy exclusive access to over 90 miles of private hiking and mountain biking trails (mountain bikes are complimentary for guests), as well as many secluded crystal pools and waterfalls, including Thousand Foot Falls, the tallest waterfall in Central America. Visit Butterfly Falls, only accessible to guests of Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge. Take in the views at one of the reserve's many jungle viewing platforms.

The biodiversity of Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge is vast. More than 40% of Belize’s non-marine mammals make their home here, including all five of Belize’s wild cat species (like the near-threatened puma and jaguar), as well as almost 50% of the country’s bird population, such as the orange-breasted falcon and the black-and-white hawk-eagle.

Situated in the Maya Mountains, Hidden Valley Inn provides convenient access to the Mayan world. Discover past and present cultures by visiting ancient Mayan archaeological sites and modern-day rural villages. Visit Caracol, the largest of the Maya sites found in Belize today, deep in the Chiquibul Wilderness. Take a day trip to Guatemala to explore Tikal, one of the greatest of all the classic Mayan cities. See the famous Xunantunich, the second-tallest temple in Belize, located on the banks of the Mopan River.

INDULGE IN

Lunch at the Secret Pools. Authentic Mayan and Mestizo flavors with Blue-Ribbon signature culinary style.

GETTING THERE

Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge can be accessed via ground transfer or private charter flight. The hotel’s reservations team will assist in arranging the preferred means of transportation.

GET INVOLVED

“Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge is dedicated to nature conservation. We are involved with multiple wildlife projects and non-profit organizations in the region such as The Peregrine Fund; in 2007 the first orange-breasted falcons hatted in captivity were released on Hidden Valley Inn’s private reserve.

We believe in protecting the natural environment and its diverse ecosystems for the great benefit of future generations, therefore we have environmentally friendly procedures in place to minimize waste. We also use eco-friendly products in our day-to-day operations.”

*Images property of Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge

Turneffe Flats

BELIZE

THE PERSONALITIES

Divers. Salt fishing and fly fishing Enthusiasts. Travelers looking for a remote island experience.

MOMENTS

Tropical Caribbean seascape. Surf breaking over the reef. Expansive bonefish flats. Diving with sharks and eagle rays. Watching thousands of fish in a colorful underwater garden.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Belize’s dry season runs from December to April. Turneffe Atoll has one of the most stable climates in the region, usually dryer than inland Belize. If you are fishing for tarpon, the migratory season extends from May to October.

COST

WHY STAY

Founded in 1981, Turneffe Flats has long been recognized as Belize's premier saltwater fly fishing, scuba diving, and marine eco-tourism destination. Located on the beautiful Turneffe Atoll in the Caribbean, the remote eco-resort sits on a picturesque white sand beach, surrounded by coconut palms, with an expansive bonefish flat right outside your door and a vibrant coral reef only a stone's throw away.

Stay in one of eight spacious beachfront cabanas; the Reef Villa, complete with three bedrooms and a large outdoor area; or the newest two-bedroom oceanfront Pelican Villa.

Watch the sun go down from your private oceanside deck. Enjoy an authentic remote island experience. Discover one of the last untouched corners of the world.

WHY WANDER

Turneffe Flats is ideally situated to enjoy the Turneffe Atoll’s 250 square miles of world-class fishing flats, coral reefs, and rich marine life. The Atoll is the largest of only four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere and is best known for its variety of saltwater fishing, with the opportunity to land bonefish, permit, and tarpon. The interior of the Atoll offers miles of mangrove-lined bays, creeks, and lagoons where you can fish for snook, various species of snapper, jacks, and barracuda.

Belize's atolls rank among the world's top dive locations, with Turneffe Flats’ remote location being ideal for underwater discovery. The hotel’s dive program offers 18 dives each week, including a day of diving at Lighthouse Reef and the Blue Hole, generally followed by the Half Moon Caye and a visit to the Red-Footed Booby Bird Sanctuary. Enjoy some of the best reef snorkeling in the entire Caribbean. See a wide variety of tropical reef fishes, rays, sea turtles, lobsters, dolphins, and possibly manatees.

INDULGE IN

Coconut-crusted snapper. Grilled lobster. Cochinita pibil & tamales. Take a cooking class and learn how to prepare empanadas, tortillas, tamales, or garnaches the Belizean way.

GETTING THERE

The boat trip to Turneffe Flats takes approximately 90 minutes. You will travel through several offshore cayes, the barrier reef, across the open ocean, and then through the interior lagoon of Turneffe Atoll to Turneffe Flats. The transfer is done every Saturday and Wednesday. Most guests stay for a week with arrival and departure on Saturday. Partial weeks are offered Sat–Wed and Tues/Wed–Sat. Arriving on other days may be possible, but requires a private charter vessel or a helicopter to get here.

GET INVOLVED

“We were recently audited by Green Globe and received the highest score in Belize and the second highest in the entire Caribbean. We are responsible for all of our utilities and are 100% off-grid. We make our own water, are powered by solar and use high-tech biodigesters for septic. We have also funded our own 501c3, the Turneffe Atoll Trust (www.turneffeatoll.org) to protect Turneffe Fragile eco-system from threats. We believe strongly in protecting the fishery at Turneffe. With rare exceptions, all fish at Turneffe Flats is released. In 2009, Turneffe Atoll Trust, a non-profit organization associated with Turneffe Flats, led efforts to protect bonefish, permit, and tarpon as  "Catch & Release" species throughout Belize.”

*Images property of Turneffe Flats

Chan Chich Lodge

BELIZE

THE PERSONALITIES

Bird and wildlife enthusiasts. Lovers of ancient history. Travelers seeking an authentic jungle experience.

MOMENTS

Retracing the footsteps of ancient Mayan civilization. Spotting eagles soaring through the air. Howler monkeys and birdsong. Authentic Belizean experience.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

The winter season from December to April is the time that attracts the most visitors to Belize.

COST

WHY STAY

Carved out of the rainforest and built on the plaza of an ancient Mayan city In Belize, Chan Chich is a boutique lodging experience, that allows guests to discover the surrounding natural environment and the cultural heritage of the people who have called this land home. Nestled in 30,000 acres of wilderness known as the Gallon Jug private reserve and surrounded by half a million acres of conservation land, Chan Chin, meaning “little bird” in Maya, provides some of the best bird and wildlife-viewing opportunities in the Americas.

The Lodge was born in 1988, when Sir Barry Manfield Bowen, a seventh-generation Belizean businessman, decided to protect the area’s Mayan temples and burial sites, as well as put an end to the hunting of “trophy” animals, by creating a conservation lodge. A place, where guests would be contributing to the preservation of both the cultural patrimony of the Mayan archeological site and of the surrounding wilderness area.

Stay in one of 15 authentic and intimate cottages, inspired by traditional Mayan architecture, with wraparound verandas, outdoor dining spaces, and hot tubs.

WHY WANDER

Explore Chan Chich’s expansive trail system with over nine miles of well-maintained hiking trails. Spot the elusive jaguar in its natural habitat on a night safari tour. Meditate at a hidden waterfall. Discover over 300 types of birds found on the property. See toucans and red-lored parrots around the Gallon Jug farm and coffee plantation. Visit Laguna Seca to discover bird species such as the northern jacana, bare-throated tiger-heron, or anhingas. Take the archaeological tour, and learn about authentic Maya mounds right on the estate’s grounds. Hike to the Upper Escarpment, sitting over 900 feet above sea level, for breathtaking views and a glimpse of the black-and-white hawk-eagle.

INDULGE IN

Chan Chich Lodge is dedicated to developing lasting economic stability in northwestern Belize through agriculture. Cattle are raised on the property by local people who are paid fair wages and treated with fairness and respect. Try coffee grown organically onsite, or the famous Gallon Jug Estate sauces like Maya Fyah or Mango Tango.

GETTING THERE

Take a 15-minute scenic Tropic Air flight or a 3-hour drive from the airport through villages and the jungle of the Belize Maya Forest Trust — another way to experience the diverse terrain.

GET INVOLVED

“We have a farm-to-table ethos, producing most of our own foods for our guests to enjoy. We have gotten rid of all plastic bottles, and we provide each guest with a Chan Chich labeled water bottle, which can be refilled with purified mineral water, also produced by the company. We recycle where we can and only leave our footprint while exploring and experiencing the wonder of the jungle. Trees and palms harvested from the newly cleared fields were processed and used in the construction of the lodge. All of the finished millings were done at Chan Chich, as well as the construction of all the window frames, doors, and beds. In 2021, Gallon Jug Estate partnered with more than a dozen other organizations to protect the Belize Maya Forest, with its 236,000 acres of rich biodiversity.”

*Images property of Chan Chich Lodge