Chan Chich, Belize

[juliotx]

I am writing this because there is nothing aboutChan Chich (built on a Mayan ruin and means little bird)posted in the LL Community and I wanted to let the community know of our experience.



We have been all over the world and this is absolutelyour favorite place. In fact so favorite we have been back twice and are going again in a few months. The first time we drove init wasnearing sunset when we arrived (you can getto Chan Chichbydriving or by chartered flight).Deer and oscillated turkeys in great numbers were foraging along the gravel road leading to Gallon Jug(a working farm withshade grown coffee plantation)and Chan Chich. We stopped to watch while overhead flocks of toucan and parrots flew to their roosting areas. I remember telling my husband this place is like an Eden.



We have seen jungle cats to include jaguar and ocelot. The howler and spider monkeys are not to be missed. The birding here is excellent.One's overall opportunity at Chan Chichto see most of Central American's flora and fauna is very good.



This is not a place that you would want to go simply tolounge around all day. However for those times when you have finished your horseback ride to the ruins, your trip to the escarpment toscan theland and watch the soaring birds or whatever of the many available activities you have chosen to partake; the lounging is wonderful especially around the screened pool and hot tub. The meals are delicious with choicesincluding Belizean and continental fare which are served with flair.



Last but not least is the friendliness and professionalism of the staff at Chan Chich. Chan Chich is their home and they do everythingin their meansto ensure that your experience is a pleasurablememory.

[Syrene-1]

wow, thanks for that. The place does sound like paradise and exactly the type of place I love to stay. I have been to Central America a number of times (fav places; Morgan's Rock in Nicaragua, Bosque del cabo on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica) but I have never been to Belize. I am going to copy your post and put it in my "places to go" folder.



I think that's amazing that you saw the jungle cats - I have been trying to spot them for years with NO success! Did you have a guide with you?

[juliotx]

We saw the jaguar near the coffee growing area. We have been told they like this area and have beenspotted there before. We were taking a tour of Gallon Jug farm and a guide was with us. Most of the sightings are random while exploring the area. They have a picture posted at the lodge that an archeological student had taken of one of the mayan ruins. The camera was focused at a looter's entrance to the ruin. When the film was developed and examined closing there was a jaguar lying in the foliage to the side of the entry unbeknownst to the student.Their spots camouflage well!!!!!

[Syrene-1]

I don't know how these guides are able to spot a animal hidden in a tree or whatever from 100 yards away. It amazes me. Even after they point it out to me it often takes me a while to see it.



In Africa I became (in)famous for pointing out termite mounds and tree stumps thinking that they were hidden wildlife!



Do you travel to see wildlife frequently? It is one of my passions - seeing animals in their natural habitat.