Gaia River Lodge
Perched atop the magnificent Five-Sisters Waterfalls in Belize’s famed secluded Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, GAÏA Riverlodge, named aptly for the Greek goddess of Earth and the mother of life and all creation, will fulfill its promise to reconnect you to your most authentic and adventurous self.
An hour jeep ride from the more populous San Ignacio area, guests can recharge in their private and spacious cabanas to the waterfall’s sounds. Enjoy the rainforest’s intimacy with its native birds, butterflies, and remarkable flora, set amongst the pink and orange glow of the setting sun.
Remote, private and sustainable by design, we are a proudly Green Globe Award certified hotel. The resort operates on hydropower and offer an electric tram to transports guests from the lodge to the river. Most of the fruits and vegetables are also farmed on-site by local staff in the Mayan organic garden.
The histories of ancient Maya abound in every cave, archeological site, and preserved artifact. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this Belizean treasure and grasp how infinitely generous nature can be. This resort is suitable for children 10 and up.
Waterfall Cabanas
Located atop of the Five Sisters waterfalls, you’ll enjoy not only the breathtaking views, but also the soothing sound of the waterfalls day and night. Your mornings will transform into an experience for your senses as you awake to the sights and sounds of mother nature. Designed to blend into the environment with palmetto sticks, each room has an authentic bay leaf thatched roof and local hardwood floors that will set the tone for rest and relaxation. The two upstairs rooms of the four-plex qualify in this category.
Waterfall Suites
A two-floor suite with its own private terrace offering panoramic views of the river valley and Five Sisters waterfalls below. The Waterfall View Suite is ideal for couples looking for more space or families travelling together. The suite is complete with a master bedroom with a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom, and a downstairs living room with a queen-sized sofa bed with a private bathroom. Designed to blend into the surrounding environment with palmetto sticks, local hardwood floors, and an authentic bay leaf thatched roof, our Waterfall View suite strikes the perfect balance between nature and luxury.
Riverside Villa
This villa is one of a kind and proposes a completely unique Gaia experience. The most secluded room, the villa is located on the riverside and will give you the impression that you’re alone in the rainforest. It has everything to suit your needs, including a kitchen, living room and an outdoor terrace overlooking the river. Join us at the restaurant or enjoy your meals on one of your several covered and screened porches. The large open terrace is the perfect setting to connect with mother nature complete with a hot tub to provide a satisfying end to your daily adventures.
Mountain Cabanas
Experience true connection and immersion with mother nature in your private cabana overlooking the mountains. These rooms are perfect for two and are accompanied with the ambient sounds of the windswept canopy, a distant waterfall below, and the signing of birds. Unwind after a day of adventure to the pink and orange hues of the sky as the sun sets over the mountain range. Designed to blend into the surrounding environment with palmetto sticks, local hardwoods and traditional bay leaf thatched roofs, our Mountain View Cabanas will leave you feeling relaxed and at harmony with nature.
Gaïa is a unique location from which to base your exploration of the Belizean jungle and rainforest. With expeditions and tours offered by our passionate and nationally certified guides, you’re ensured to get an authentic experience. Whether you choose the jungle morning walks, guided bird watching, the nocturnal expedition, or mountain biking to a nearby cave you’ll be amazed at how fun and unpredictable your travels can be. You’ll quickly forget time and lose yourself in this incredible spot, seemingly a lifetime away from home. Your ultimate return to civilization nourished by unforgettable memories will be filled with a wonderful energy provided by Gaïa herself!
Morning Nature Walk + Birding
Early risers are welcomed to join us on a guided nature walk to experience the Tropical Rainforest at one of its liveliest points during the day as the forest becomes alive at the crack of dawn. Familiarize yourselves to the different calls of the animals that inhabit this natural environment. A vast array of biodiversity awaits you! This nature walk is guided by one of Gaia’s nationally certified guides. What to Bring: Hiking shoes/well-threaded shoes, long pants recommended, bug spray and camera. Water and snack included.
Evening Nature Walk
Join us in the evening after dinner for a guided walk through the tropical broad leaf forest to experience the sounds of our rainforest inhabitants at night. The local forest is home to a variety of nocturnal mammals and birds. Heighten your senses as we turn off all lights for a moment to experience a true feel for this natural habitat. This nature walk is guided by one of Gaia’s nationally certified guides. Spooky but fun! What to Bring: Hiking shoes/well-threaded shoes, long pants recommended, insect repellent, camera and water.
Mayan Ruins
The first stop on this day tour, the newly excavated ancient Mayan site of Caracol is located deep in the Chiquibul Rainforest. The Mayans once ruled over the areas surrounding Tikal in Guatemala, and the ruins date back to the 7th century AD. The tour also visits the Rio Frio Cave where ancient Mayans once performed religious rituals. Finally, the tour stops at Rio On, where adventurers can swim in the cool, refreshing waters.
Mt. Pine Ridge Tour
This full-day tour visits Belize’s largest national park. Up in the Hidden Valley area you’ll visit the picturesque “Thousand Foot Waterfalls”. Next stop is the famous Rio Frio Cave, whose stalactite and stalagmite formations will amaze you. Finally, enjoy the Rio On pools, where you will be able to take a refreshing dip.
Macal River + Temple Tour
This full-day tour starts with a canoe ride down the Macal River, which flows through the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, allowing visitors to observe a variety of local birds, orchids and green iguanas in their natural habitat. You will then head for lunch at one of San Ignacio’s local restaurants. The tour later continues to the archaeological site of Xunantunich, one of whose highlights is a wonderful view of El Castillo. At 130 feet above the main plaza, this site consists of 6 major Mayan plazas and 25 temples.
Canoeing + Ziplining
This full-day tour allows you to experience one of the most ancient Belizean Mayan sites by canoe. Once used as a burial and ceremonial site, original Mayan pottery and 2000-year-old skeletal remains can still be found in the cave. Discover Mayan history at Barton Creek and canoe through the ancient burial site, followed by the exhilarating adventure of zip lining through the jungle canopy.
Horseback Riding Tour
You will be driven to the stable in San Antonio, 30 minutes from the lodge. From there, gallop through the rainforest, visiting Mayan plazas and ceremonial sites, including Skeleton Cave. Stop to do some cave exploration and learn about the area’s biodiversity from our knowledgeable guide, then finish the day at Big Rock Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip before heading back to the lodge.
Tubing
Float on rubber tubes over crystal-clear waters, through majestic caverns with breathtaking stalagmite and stalactite formations. This tour is only available in combination with transfers between Belize City and the lodge.
Mayan Culture Tour
Join us in the morning as we take you to the nearby Village of San Antonio where a local cultural heritage group presents on both ancient and present day Yucatec Mayan traditions. Experience how to make hand-made corn tortillas, clay pottery, and local corn porridge. After these workshops we then proceed to the Twin Towns of San Ignacio & Santa Elena, the largest urban area in Western Belize with a local population of approximately 20,000. As you enter the downtown area the agricultural market awaits you with a wide display of locally grown fresh produce.
We conclude this day’s experience with satisfying our sweet tooth. Ajaw Chocolate center offers another great experience whereby guests make chocolate from scratch! Witness this traditional process brought about by the Kechi Mayas of Southern Belize where Cocao beans (natural form) is processed to chocolate; also get a history on how much this process has evolved over the centuries by the ancient Maya to modern man.
