West Belize
The Lodge at Chaa Creek
The English/American- owned lodge, the longest established in Belize, is located near San Ignacio in the far west of Belize. Its accommodation nestles among bird-filled tropical gardens in a magical river valley with wild forest facing from the opposite karst limestone bank of the Macal River.
Chaa Creek has a large network of trails through its 365-acre reserve offering excellent horse riding, walking and mountain biking. Canoeing is available on the river and the excellent spa offers a wide range of massages, beauty treatments and alternative therapies.
Close to the lodge are the majestic Maya Mountains, containing the scenic Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. Here can be found the Rio On Pools for a refreshing natural swim, Rio Frio Caves and Thousand Foot Falls. The lodge is also close to the Guatemalan border which has good handicraft and duty free shopping and a couple of hours away are the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal.
The 23 comfortable cottages have been individually designed with palm thatched roofs and furnished with locally made crafts and furniture and both local and international artwork. You can heighten your experience by choosing to upgrade to a Complete Garden Suite, an Orchard and Spa Villa, Macal Cottage or Tree Top Suite, all equipped with private Jacuzzi.
Chaa Creek boasts one of the best restaurants in Belize, and a lively well-stocked bar. There is a butterfly breeding centre and a small natural history museum on site. Ten per cent of all accommodation revenue goes towards local environmental and social programmes.
Facilities
Private bathrooms, restaurant, bar, wooden patio, Wi-Fi, swimming pool.
Local Wildlife
The river basin is home to a plethora of wildlife including jaguar and Baird’s tapir (although they are rarely seen). More frequently observed wildlife includes black howler monkeys and the abundant birdlife of the region, which includes specialities such as pine siskin and orange-breasted falcon.
Optional Activities
Half day canoeing down the unspoilt Makal River to San Ignacio to (vehicle return to lodge). Excursion to the nearby Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. Full day trip to the famous Tikal Mayan ruins in Guatemala. Full day guided tour of Vaca Falls and Chumpiate cave in the Maya mountains. Visit the spa for a range of alternative therapies and beauty treatments. Horseback riding and mountain biking on forest trails. Trip over the Guatemala border for handicrafts and duty free shopping.
Claire Pote
Area Specialist
Choose to upgrade to one of the tree top jacuzzi suites to make your stay extra special. Families should be sure to request one of the larger villas.
If you have any questions regarding our Belize tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
I have been travelling for many years and have been lucky enough to visit many exciting, far flung exotic places. However, this trip to Belize has knocked the socks off anywhere else I have been. I would recommend (and have been already) people with a sense of adventure to go asap….. It is a truly amazing place and I can now die happy. I was also very pleased with the service you provided and hopefully will be booking with you again. Thanks for organising a wonderful trip.
