Gallon Jug

Gallon Jug Review

The 130,000 acres of Gallon Jug Estates, owned by the family of the late Sir Barry Bowen, is home to old-growth mahogany trees and many other tropical hardwoods along with more than 350 species of birds and many mammals and reptiles. Jaguar sightings are fairly common around the Chan Chich Lodge, averaging around one a week. You're likely to see toucans, many different hummingbirds, and flocks of parrots.

This is a working farm that produces coffee and raises cattle, cacao, and corn. It's the only truly commercial coffee operation in Belize—elevations in Belize are too low to grow high-quality Arabica coffees that thrive at over 4,000 feet—producing Gallon Jug Estates coffee from coffee trees on more than 100 acres. Gallon Jug Estates also produces hot sauces and delicious mango jams, which are for sale in Belize and elsewhere. Tours of the coffee plantings and the production facility, along with other farm tours, can be arranged through Chan Chich Lodge.

Chan Chich is one of the best jungle lodges in Central America, if not the world. This is the only place to stay in the area. It's possible to visit on a day trip from La Milpa Field Station, Blue Creek Village, or even Lamanai or Orange Walk Town, but you need your own transportation and advance permission to come on the gated Gallon Jug lands.