Recommendations for "jungle" lodge in Belize?
 

Happy new year!
My husband and I are planning a trip to Belize in March '09. We're tentatively planning to do a "surf and turf" itinerary, with 4 days in the cayes and 3 days experiencing the interior. We're looking for recommendations as far as where to stay in the jungle...we're looking for a lodge with nice accomodations, AC, and activities such as hiking, access to waterfalls, cave tubing, tours to Mayan ruins, and good food and drink. My aunt recommended Jaguar Paw, but we'd like to see what else is out there. Any recommendations would be much appreciated!

Yo can't really go wrong with Chaa Creek, though they do not have AC. Wasn't needed when we were there a couple of Februaries ago.

You can hike on their own grounds, or take one of the various tours they offer to the caves and Mayan sites. Also canoeing is available on the river that flows by the lodge.

When I was there the food was good two nights, okay one night, and poor once. I understand they have a new cook. The barkeep mixes amazingly bracing margaritas (no sugar).

I think they've also added a pool.

And they partner a surf and turf with Victoria House on Ambergris.

We also visited Chaa Creek a couple of years ago and enjoyed it very much. The only thing missing when we were there was a pool - and it sounds like they've added that.

Check out Duplooys. We stayed about 12 years ago and it was fabulous-bird watching, right on a river, excellent food. Want to return there someday.
Joan

We loved Chaa Creek...sorry to hear they've added a pool

I just looked at Chaa Creek's website and saw no mention of a pool. Maybe it's not really there...

The pool at Chaa Creek is completed and being swum in as we speak.

My mom and I stayed at Crystal Paradise Resort, and loved it! They do tours right from the lodge. The food was amazing, and the family who runs it was so warm and friendly! We cannot wait to go back!

I spent over 3 weeks in Belize last year, (and did extensive amounts of research!) so feel free to contact me with any questions you may have!

We stayed at Crystal Paradise as well and loved it for four nights. Chaa Creek was booked, but we were not disappointed with our stay at Crystal. Wonderful family, and very personal environment. The grounds were lush. The other travelers were great to get to know in the evenings and at breakfast.

We were there Dec 27-Jan 2, and then on to Tikal (one night), Mariposa Jungle Lodge (one night), and Caye Caulker Condos (6 nights).

A Great Trip. Have fun!

No discussion on Belize jungle lodges would be complete without mentioning Chan Chich. But, there is no A/C and no cave tours that I know of. But, the hiking, wildlife, food and accommodations are hard to beat.

In the last two weeks they have captured at least one puma and Jaguar on camera traps. Not such a big deal except that the pictures were taken at 9:30AM and 1PM on main trails near the lodge.

Anyway, I have pictures and trip reports I can send you if you are interested.

Alan

The two bdrm villa at Chan Chich has a/c.

Wow, Alan, that's amazing. Do they post the photos anywhere?

Volcanogirl, I don't see the new photos on their website. They were emailed to me by a regular vistor that we befriended on our last trip.

They have updated the sightings list on the website but no as of yet pictures yet.

Most of the pictures are of a cat in motion so there is blur. But, one picture is a really clear view of the backend of a jaguar.

That's cool; I've seen some similar pictures from Bosque del Cabo, and it's amazing to think that I've walked in that same spot.

WE just loved the 5 sister resort with our little cabin on the side of the valley about 100 feet above the water falls. They just make you fall asleep. You are close to Caracol and a ton of other sites. If we have time next month we will try to squeeze in Hidden Valley Resort. We have never stayed there but we drove past it and checked it out on the web. It looks very interesting and after roughing it for 2 weeks ++ in Guatemala a lot of comfort would be nice.