Chan Chich Lodge

Our family of five, The Adventure Buddies, had an unforgettable stay at Chan Chich Lodge in Belize, a true jungle paradise! From exhilarating safari rides in an open-air truck, spotting jungle cats, monkeys, exotic birds, and deer, to hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing and swimming in the jungle pool, every moment was an adventure. The all-inclusive dining was top-notch, with gourmet meals that exceeded our expectations, while accommodating for our children's tastes, and the service was truly exceptional—the staff made us feel like family. Whether exploring ancient Mayan ruins or relaxing under the rainforest canopy, Chan Chich Lodge delivered the perfect mix of adventure and luxury. We can’t wait to return!

We visited at the end of Feb for only two night. It is an incredible place if you like being off the beaten path and seeing wildlife and birds. We identified over 70 bird species, saw 2 puma (one up close on a hike), spider monkeys, peccaries and tracks of ocelots and maybe a margay. The guides are very dedicated to their work and on night drives Ruben is persistent in scanning with the spot light and excited to point out owls, foxes and a puma. Emil is not only a very attentive server but an expert birder and extremely knowledgeable about wildlife. The cabanas are comfortable but do expect bugs, low lighting and little airflow, the beds have netting and there is a floor and ceiling fan. We took ground transportation to the lodge which was nice to see the landscape and then flew out. We mostly walked the trails ourselves and enjoyed exploring. It had been raining so the trials were muddy and slippery. The food is amazing. Thank you for supporting Belize Bird Rescue!

The journey to the hotel was very uncomfortable and took four hours in a pick up truck. The road is very rough and bumpy which the truck seemed to exaggerate and luggage was loaded on the back seat of the passenger and therefore slid over the passenger in the back. If we had known this we would have flown to the lodge for the few extra hundred dollars. One of the attractions of stay in here was to see one of the Mayan sites but unfortunately this would have cost up an extra US$500 which we considered a rip off. The lodge offered various excursions around the lodge area which were not hugely interesting. However the guides are very attentive. We stayed in the only cabin with AC which was very comfortable and well appointed. Other people were struggling with the lack of AC in the rooms. Also the other cabins had mesh windows. Food was good and friendly and chatty waiters. As one of us was recovering from a shattered elbow we managed to persuade the reception manager to take us to the airport in a transit people carrier which was much more acceptable.

My wife and I spent seven nights at the lodge and could not have asked for more attentive and thorough care from the most excellent staff there. We are birdwatchers, and the lodge provides a unique opportunity to experience the complete rainforest ecosystem, with more than 500,000 acres of conserved land surrounding it. Wildlife was abundant; from ocellated turkeys strutting around the grounds daily, to howler and spider monkeys swinging from the branches, to impossibly lucky glimpses of ocelot and puma. There are profession bird guides on staff and they are excellent at their craft. The food was a highlight of the trip. The kitchen puts out a terrific menu every day and the quality ingredients and masterful execution is hard to believe in such a remote place. Be aware that biting insects are present when you step into the jungle. Insect repellent is available in the gift shop, but bring lightweight long pants and long sleeve shirts if you plan to hike. The “bug shield” technology found in some garments is worth seeking out.

To properly review Chan Chich I have to reveal some things about myself. I'm a serious photographer. I only go where the wildlife and environment are ethically respected. I prefer locally-owned. I'm a foodie. I like comfort. I'm up there in years. And, I'm a safety freak. Chan Chich meets absolutely all my needs. This is in a fine list of favorite places for wildlife viewing. No doubt there are many a creature to be aware of in the rainforest, but with the local guides, I felt quite at home in this peaceful kingdom. I urge anyone interested in visiting to throughly read the history and ethics of Chan Chich on their website. To learn about the various animals flying, climbing, roaming and slithering in this pristine land. Your participation in spotting wildlife will only enhance your experience. And at the end of the day, an incredible meal is prepared from the farm on the estate. Afterwards you wander back to your cabana to find your bed turned down, a cookie and a story on the bedside table. Darkness falls quickly and the comfort of your bed welcomes you to slumber until you hear a loud roar outside during the wee hours. At breakfast, you find it wasn't a puma but territorial howler monkeys. Chan Chich is one of those places to visit when you truly need to get away from the craziness of man's world and reconnect with the real. All too soon the staff take you down the 7-mile track to the Gallon Jug airstrip and a Cessna single engine is waiting to take you back to BZE to head home fully refresh. Will I return? Do hummingbirds return when the cold wind blows? Of course, I will.

Wonderful experience - 4 night stay. Beautiful room, amazing food and plenty of walks and drives both night and day. All the guides and staff were fantastic - attentive and informative. Chan Chich is in the jungle with only the estate farm nearby , roads are not always the best but adds to the fun.