Linda137

About how long would it take to drive (rental car) from Belize City to Chaa Creek Resort?

Thanks

hopefulist

My guess is 2 hours unless you stop at the zoo (highly recommended at some point suring your trip).

volcanogirl

We had them pick us up, but it was about 2 hours. Pretty easy drive, but the last little stretch is on a really bumpy dirt road.

Linda137

I hear that last 3 1/2 miles is pretty bumpy. Is it true that you can't lock your room when you leave for outings? Is there a safe inside the room? We can't do ATM with a larger size camera, passports, return flight paperwork, etc. all stuffed into our helmets.

volcanogirl

Yes, it's very bumpy and dusty. The funny thing is that there's a homeowner who lives on that road, and they installed speed bumps! They didn't like all the dust flying around, so they had those installed to get people to slow down on the road. Our driver had a quick sense of humor, and when we turned on that road, he said, "Now it's time for your free butt massage!" Then we started bump, bump, bumping along.

It's true you don't lock your door when you leave the room. When you're in the room, there's a sliding lock you can use. Yes, there's a safe in the room. We felt very safe there and felt safe leaving our things in the room. It's a beautiful property.

Linda137

Thanks Volcanogirl, I figured they must have room safes but I wanted to know for sure.

Has anyone done the ATM tour from Chaa Creek?

volcanogirl

We didn't, but check with PACZ to see their prices. They were much less expensive than Chaa for many tours. We used them for Tikal, and they were great, and they picked us up right at the property.

shillmac

Really, you don't lock your room? I don't remember that! Guess I wasn't paying attention. LOVED Chaa Creek!

volcanogirl

See how relaxed you were, shillmac?!

Chelz7676

Now hopefulist has me intrigued on this chaa creek resort... How is the food there folks?

hopefulist

I've never stayed actually at Chaa Creek but we visited there when we stayed at its jungly cousin, Macal River Camp www.belizecamp.com . The resort itself is a bit too manicured (and expensive!) for my taste but we LOVED the camp: parrots, toucans, aracaris, motmots, and iguanas viewed from our hammocks, sweet tent-cabins, great hiking and canoing, really fabulous food served in an open palapa, and access to the tours, butterflies, museum, pool, etc. at Chaa Creek. The camp host, Docio, is wonderful and one of the things we loved was how he'd go around before dinner lighting kerosene lamps in the cabins and along the trails; by the time we finished eating dinner we needed them to light our way.

volcanogirl

Their food is excellent. Our rate included breakfast which was really good. They had a yummy homemade mango jam that was so good. Choice of eggs, sausage, bacon, French toast and things like that. Lunch was ordered off the menu, and they had a lot of nice choices. We liked eating by the pool. Dinner is multi-course, but we never ordered all the courses because it was too much food for us. Choice of soup, salad, entree, and dessert. For the entree, it was usually a choice amongst three items like steak, chicken or fish, and a vegetarian option. Service is great as well.

shillmac

Best granola and homemade yogurt I ever had. Stopped by the store in town to pick up some granola as we headed back to Belize City; they were sold out! Very good food overall--excellent service.

volcanogirl

Mmmm, and awesome fresh fruit sorbet.

hipvirgochick

How far of a walk between the camp and the cc pool? Is there swimming in the river by the camp?

volcanogirl

hip, from what I hear, the river used to be really pretty but since they built the dam, it's really muddy and murky looking like it has a lot of clay in it. They said they built the pool for that reason. I think you can swim in it, just not sure if you would want to. The pool is pretty swanky with nice loungers, umbrellas, water wall, etc. I think it's about 10-15 minutes walk.

hipvirgochick

Thanks vgirl. Weather permitting I figure we'll spend some pool time and and have lunch at CC when we're not out during the day doing stuff. We'll skip the river swimming!

hopefulist

At least when we were there, the river access at the camp was limited by the slope and jungly brush. At the time we could swim in the river at CC but didn't choose to, though we did canoe down the Macal River to San Ignacio for market day and started at CC. It's a bit of a hike to CC from the camp - don't remember how long/far. Docio will give you a lift anytime you want, though - he was quick to offer when we were there.

SiteC_er

I was really sorry to hear they put in a pool at CC. However, I did not realize a dam was put in. From the main grounds it used to be a fun 5 minute walk to the river / swim area. The trail had massive bamboo, exotic trees, etc which made the trail a bit of an adventure for our kids. My kids (adults too) really enjoyed playing in the river and canoeing into town. Where is the dam and does it no longer allow you to canoe the river?

volcanogirl

Here's a pic I found to give you a better idea. Yep, you can still canoe there. We walked down to the river, and they had plenty of canoes in the water that you can use. We didn't ever see anyone swimming in the river while we were there though. The water just didn't look appealing like it would if the water were clear. SiteC, it's still a nice little hike, nice trail, trees, and all that.

http://www.channel5belize.com/archiv...story_id=25040

hip, you guys will really like the pool. Felt so good when it was hot! If you did want to get in the river, the access from CC is really easy. There's a dock and you could jump right in.