Luxury Eco-Lodge
Belize

The Lodge at Chaa Creek
San Ignacio

Highlights

  • Immersive Rainforest Setting: Located within a 400-acre private nature reserve in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, the lodge is surrounded by tropical jungle and rich wildlife.
  • Eco-Luxury Design: Thatched-roof cottages and suites blend comfort with sustainability, featuring locally sourced materials, screened verandas, and handcrafted furniture.
  • On-Site Natural History Centre: Home to a butterfly farm and Natural History Centre, Chaa Creek offers interactive exhibits and guided trails that bring Belize’s biodiversity to life.
  • Maya Cultural Connection: Just a short drive from the ruins of Xunantunich and Caracol, the property offers curated archaeological tours as well as traditional Mayan cooking classes.
  • River Adventures: You can access the Macal River directly from the property, with complimentary canoeing, birdwatching and guided wildlife experiences included.
  • Wellness in the Wild: A riverside spa offers treatments inspired by ancient Maya healing traditions, alongside open-air yoga and meditation spaces in the jungle canopy.

Excursions

Chaa Creek offers a variety of excursions and activities to cater to your interests. These include:

  • Rainforest Reserve & Nature Trails: Enjoy complimentary access to Chaa Creek’s 400-acre Rainforest Reserve and the scenic Ruta Maya trail system, perfect for hiking, birdwatching or simply soaking in the jungle atmosphere.
  • Natural History Centre & Butterfly Farm: Take a guided tour through the on-site Natural History Centre to learn about Belize’s rich ecology, followed by a visit to the charming butterfly farm to observe the Blue Morpho and other native species.
  • Canoeing on the Macal River: Paddle peacefully along the Macal River from the lodge’s canoe launch. This self-guided excursion offers a relaxing way to spot iguanas, herons and other wildlife.
  • Early Morning Bird Walk: Join a naturalist guide at dawn to explore the forest in search of toucans, parrots and other exotic birdlife.
  • Rainforest Medicine Trail: Discover traditional healing plants and practices on a guided walk through the medicinal garden at Ixchel Farm, where ancient Maya knowledge comes to life.

 

For an additional cost you could partake in the following:

  • Horse Riding Adventures: Ride through jungle trails and open meadows on well-trained horses, led by experienced local guides.
  • Barton Creek Cave Exploration: Travel by canoe into this ancient Maya ceremonial cave, revealing intriguing rock formations, archaeological artifacts and stories from the past.
  • Creatures of the Night Tour: Venture into the forest after dark to observe owls, kinkajous and other elusive creatures on a guided nocturnal walk.
  • Maya Archaeological Sites: Visit nearby ancient Maya cities such as Xunantunich or Caracol.

Good to know

How to get there

From Belize City, it is a two hour drive through scenic countryside to reach The Lodge at Chaa Creek. Private transfers are available, or for those seeking a swifter arrival, helicopter charters are available directly to the lodge’s own helipad.

Are children welcome?

Yes, families are warmly welcomed at Chaa Creek. There are dedicated family cottages, a Junior Naturalist programme, and guided educational activities designed for all ages.

Giving back

The Lodge at Chaa Creek has long been a pioneer in sustainable tourism. Its eco-initiatives include solar-powered energy, a composting programme, and organic gardens that supply much of the lodge’s kitchen. The Chaa Creek Cares initiative supports local schools, conservation research and indigenous community projects, ensuring tourism directly benefits the surrounding region.

What's included

Your stay at Chaa Creek includes breakfast, Wi-Fi, river canoes, guided nature experiences, and full use of the 400-acre reserve.

For those staying on an all-inclusive package, the stay includes all meals, transfers, selected off-site adventures, and – in the Inland Expedition’s case – staff gratuities and taxes, leaving clients to budget only for drinks, spa, and any premium or park-fee-heavy excursions.

Why we love The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Falling asleep to the sounds of the rainforest, then waking up to canoe down the Macal River before breakfast, made for an unforgettable rhythm of days.

Caroline Maber

Specialises in

Latin America, Caribbean and The Polar Regions

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