Chan Chich Lodge

We just returned from an amazing stay at Chan Chich Lodge. We were looking for a safe, comfortable lodge where we had a chance to see the incredible wildlife of Belize. Chan Chich exceeded in every aspect. The lodge, staff, guides, accommodations, and food were all exceptional. Our great experience began even before we arrived. Maria and Abdiel at reception were super helpful in corresponding while planning our trip, welcoming and orienting us to the lodge, and assisting us with anything we needed during our stay. Within moments of getting picked up from our flight at Gallon Jug we realized we were in a special place. On the drive from the airstrip our driver Manuel spotted a jaguar at a bend in the road ahead of us! Even though it was a little far and we only had a short time before the jaguar went into the jungle, it was such an amazing and memorable sighting. We stayed in the 2 bedroom villa which was perfect for our family. The villa was beautiful, very clean, and had everything we needed. Furthermore, the housekeeping staff was very polite and hard working. From the food to the service, our dining experience was superb. We ate 3 meals a day during our stay and thoroughly enjoyed them all, especially the Belizean dishes. Their farm to table tradition ensured fresh, thoughtful, and delicious meals every time, right down to their tasty house made hot sauces. Our servers Amiel and Filipe were super friendly, and the service was fantastic. Amiel is also in charge of the trail cameras and we very much enjoyed his presentation on the jaguars and other animals filmed on the property. He additionally gave us great advice on trails to hike within the grounds. Speaking of animals. Wow. The wildlife was one of the reasons we came to Chan Chich and it did not disappoint. Thanks to the skill and sharp eyes of our guides and drivers—Marcos, Luis, Ruben, and others—we saw so many wonderful animals including some bucket list ones. During our walks and drives (both day and night) we saw an ocelot, kinkajou, puma, scorpion, and countless spectacular birds including the potoo, owls, red-legged honeycreeper, several different types of parrots and many more. We realize how lucky we were to especially see the cats as that is far from a guarantee, but even without those sightings it was still so special. We appreciate the friendliness, professionalism, and hard work of everyone at Chan Chich who make it such an incredible place. Our stay went by so fast and we will definitely plan to return to Chan Chich soon.

This was my second visit to Chan Chich. I don’t think of it as an ecolodge, I consider it a sanctuary. Located in the middle of the rainforest on property bought by a Belizean back in the 1980’s to allow an abused mahogany plantation to rewild. Today the lodge is made by fallen mahogany trees; the cabanas, the beds, the table and chairs. The environment is very still and quiet and guests move through the property in reverence of the wildlife that live there and those that come and spend the winter months before making their migration back across the Gulf of Mexico into the northern neighbors. It’s a special place where the guests are listening and acknowledging the songs of various birds and stand in awe of the mighty voice of the howler monkey troop announcing their territory. You will never spend a more peaceful night than those you do in the rainforest. You’re exhausted, it’s been an exciting day looking for toucans and raptors, ocelots and tapirs. Everyone’s aware there are jaguars on the cusp, but will you see one? Maybe, maybe not, but you’ll go home fulfilled and aching for one more fry jack or a full Belizean breakfast. The journey back to BZE is a lovely flight in a 4-seater Piper (Cari-Bee) with a pilot who loves to be in the air showing off the magic of his country.

Traveling birders all know about Chan Chich. A lucky few have been there. The setting is idyllic, the birding is amazing, the hospitality is warm and professional. Rubén, our local guide, was a great spotter and a born teacher, eager to share his knowledge of birds and his Belizean history and culture. NOTE: This is a remote jungle lodge not a luxury resort. The thatched cabanas are rustic and charming, clean and well-maintained. A couple have A/C but most have ceiling fans, slatted and screened walls, and mosquito netted beds, all perfectly comfortable in March. My shower needed updating and the only chair in the room was seriously uncomfortable, but there were places to sit and lounge on the wrap-around porch, and the jungle all around.

My wife and I are avid birders and we were really looking forward to our trip to Belize and the Chan Chich lodge. Our vist was amazing the setting and location was beautiful, the staff treated us like royalty, the food was fantastic, and the local tour guides Luis and Marcos really opened our eyes to the wonderful birds of Belize. We even got a great presentation on jaguars, pumas, and ocelots by Emil who works with the trail cameras. Overall, it was a magical experience.

The options - We chose the Explorer package and it was well worth it, but we also loved simply exploring the trails near the lodge on foot. Had some of our best and most intimate wildlife encounters (i.e. howler and spider monkey families) there! We also chose to fly in and out of Gallon Jug simply to save time, the flight was an adventure in itself and featured amazing views of the rainforest The lodge - From the moment we arrived and were greeted, our stay was exceptional. Great food and options, nice and clean cottage rooms blending in with the environment and the staff was super friendly and knowledgeable. You are in the rainforest so we always had our camera ready, and the ocellated turkeys were everywhere! I chose to get up 6 a.m. everyday to experience the jungle slowly awakening. Lots of colorful birds and things to see, and you have to explore all the trails on foot to experience it! The activities - (Birding) walks, wildlife safaris, horseback riding, canoeing on the lake, all activities were great and you can't go wrong. Luis and Ruben our guides were amazing, super friendly, patient and great wildlife spotters! On our last night drive, we finally saw a puma. Don't count on it though (jaguars and pumas are elusive) but simply enjoy what nature chooses to reveal. Chan Chich is an great operation, well-run and we'd always come back!