Chaa Creek
Wildly civilized sums up the philosophy of this award winning Belize Eco Lodge, located in the heart of Maya civilization just a 1-1/2 hour drive from Belize City. Since Chaa Creek’s inception in 1981, owners Mick and Lucy Fleming, have created an exquisite blend of natural beauty and man-made comforts. Set along the banks of the Macal River and reaching towards the foothills of the Maya Mountains, Chaa Creek provides unique adventure travel experiences focusing on Belize’s ecology and natural history as well as a vibrant, varied culture that include impressive archaeological sites.
Chaa Creek’s 23 elegantly appointed palm thatched cottage ensure a good night’s sleep and delightful mornings accompanied by the sing song of a rainforest waking up. Guests can choose between Garden Suites, an Orchard and Spa Villa, Macal Cottages or Tree Top Suite. Accommodations range from the ultra luxurious Spa Villa with its own Jacuzzi pool to the Macal River Camp for the budget minded traveler.
Chaa Creek’s nature reserve offers a wide range of exciting, educational, and healthy activities for adventurers of all ages and abilities. The 365 acre private reserve hosts miles of well-maintained trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking. The lodges cadre of licensed naturalist guides share their local expertise of Belize's diverse natural history including the fascinating Maya civilization which once thrived in this area. The Lodge at Chaa Creek invites you to explore the center of the Mundo Maya in Belize, and offers tours to several Mayan Ruins in western Belize and Peten, Guatemala at the ancient Mayan city of Tikal.
Canoe trips down the Macal River are a relaxing way to travel through the jungle and visit the Mayan ruin of Xunantunich. The lodge has its very own Natural History Centre, Butterfly Farm and Rainforest Medicine Trail. With so many activities to choose from, your days at Chaa Creek are wonderfully full. Exquisite pampering complimented by stunning views of the Macal River Valley is always available at Chaa Creek's full-service Hilltop Spa. Delectable meals are prepared utilizing freshly harvested organic produce from Chaa Creek’s Maya organic farm and home-baked breads and pastries from the in-house bakery. Chaa Creek contributes towards sustainable and culturally responsible tourism and are happy to point out their award winning approach towards creating a green experience.
Twenty-three cottage style rooms nestled amid tropical gardens feature tastefully appointed interiors and airy palm thatched roofs. Also offered are the Garden Suite and Garden Jacuzzi Suite, which, when rented separately or together as the Complete Garden Suite, offer a high degree of flexibility and comfort. In addition, the Spa Villa, Macal Cottage and Tree Top Suite all have their own style and feature amenities such as private Jacuzzis and stunning garden views.
New for 2017, the Ix Chel Luxury Rainforest Villas blend our environmentally friendly philosophy with clean, elegant design and furnishings, stunning views and expansive, private verandas enclosing personal plunge pools, Jacuzzis, al fresco showers and the services of a personal butler. The Ix Chel Villas are also designed to be let together or individually to suit families, couples, groups or individuals seeking the highest degree of luxury in a pristine rainforest setting.
ON-SITE ACTIVITIES
Natural History Museum Tour
The Chaa Creek Natural History Centre, situated at the top of the hill behind the cottages, takes students and visitors along a fascinating time line, which begins with prehistoric land formation through to the shifting of the continents.
Butterfly Farm Tours
The Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm continues to be a major attraction as people marvel at the splendid iridescent wings of these magnificent butterflies. The "Belizean Blue" can be observed during every stage of their life cycle.
Bird Watching Tours & Birds of Belize Guide
With 308 species of resident and migratory birds, Chaa Creek's private nature reserve features some of the best birds of Belize.
Rainforest RTV Safari Tours
This is a Belize jungle experience not to be missed, with an RTV carrying guests along rainforest trails to a cohune ridge and through broadleaf forests that support a wide variety of wild and bird life.
Medicinal Plants Trail
Guided and self-guided tours wind gently above the bank of the Macal River past medicinal plants and introduce visitors to many of the plants and herbs used in traditional Maya medicine.
Hiking Tours
A picturesque trail network that will take you to many different areas of our 365-acre forest reserve. All of the trails are numbered as shown on our comprehensive trail map.
Canoe Tours
Paddle and explore on your own or relax and enjoy the wonders of nature with a professional naturalist guide.
Sunset Canoeing
Watch as the sun sets and the birds of the day come home to their night time roosts along the verdant banks of this pristine jungle river.
Horseback Riding
Interested in exploring exciting adventure tours? Chaa Creek maintains a stable of well-groomed riding horses that are suited for all levels of riding experience.
Maya Organic Farm Tour
As part of our many onsite activities we offer guided horseback riding tours to the Maya Farm where our guests get the opportunity to experience how the Maya farmed.
Creatures of The Night Tours
Experienced and knowledgeable naturalist guides will take you through trails populated by Ocelots, Howler Monkeys, Tarantulas, Patoos, Jaguarundis and many more intriguing rainforest residents.
Macal River Tubing Adventure
Your Macal River Tubing adventure begins with a short scenic drive from Chaa Creek to duPlooys where a tour of the Botanical Gardens will educate you on the diverse cornucopia of Belize’s rich botanical world.
Miss Macal Safari
Miss Macal Safari gives you the opportunity to watch the riverside jungle creatures rejoicing at the birth of a brand new day.
OFF-SITE TOURS AND ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
• Cave Tours
• Nature Tours
• Mayan Ruins Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Snorkeling
• Ziplining
• San Ignacio Market tour
