The Concept
Read about our 2009 visit!
The Lodge & Spa at Chaa Creek sits on a private 365-acre nature reserve set along Macal River in the Maya Mountains foothills. Chaa Creek has provided a unique adventure travel experience for many modern-day explorers, while maintaining an unspoiled ambience. Chaa Creek caters to the traveler looking for both physical and intellectual challenges, and a range of activities have been designed to stimulate interest in the environment, culture and archaeology of Belize.
Accommodations Restaurant Activities Adventure Package & Rates Sustainability Statement
All guests, regardless of accommodation type or length of stay, enjoy at no extra charge:
- Entry into the 365-acre Rainforest Reserve
- Guided tours of the Natural History Centre and Butterfly Farm
- Access to the Ruta Maya Trail System
- Canoeing
- Early Morning Bird Walk with one of the Naturalist Guides
- Guided interpretive tour of the Rainforest Medicine Trail at Ixchel Farm.
The Accommodations
Chaa Creek's Cottage Collection is carefully tucked away amidst lush tropical gardens. The 23 individually designed thatched cottages reflect an atmosphere of elegance where charmingly decorated rooms and suites offer fine fabrics, furnishings and antiques. The spacious accommodations include private sun deck verandahs for viewing wildlife
The Macal Cottage is perched on the edge of a grassy knoll overlooking the sleepy Macal River, blending stylish 
simplicity to create a romantic ambiance. The spacious accommodation includes a king sized bed, oversized day bed and two private terraces for relaxing in hammocks or enjoying the outdoor Jacuzzi.
The Orchard Villa was designed with families in mind. This large thatched building transforms into a comfortable sleeping and lounge area that can accommodate a family of six includes two queen-size sleeping bays, a full bathroom and a loft upstairs with two single beds and private bathroom.
The Complete Garden Suite for those looking for an extra luxurious rainforest stay. Imagine a spacious thatched roof cottage surrounded by private tropical gardens, affording an extra measure of comfort and a beautiful, quiet ambience. The cottage consists of two separate suites (one with a private Jacuzzi) with a connecting door. The suites may be rented separately, or as an entire package.
The Macal River Camp sets high on the river's lush banks, close to the Tipu and Xunantunich. Scattered throughout tropical rainforest are ten casitas, each on a raised platform with airy peak-roofs, full screens with two or four beds and a private sheltered porch for quiet relaxation. The camp provides shared bathrooms with hot water showers.
The Tree Top Suites appear to defy gravity as they stand eye level among the upper most branches of the majestic hardwood trees. The full amenity one-bedroom suites, with their own private Jacuzzi perched upon stargazing verandas, offer the perfect romantic setting for the honeymoon couple. The suites can easily accommodate a family or group with comfortable sleeping arrangements for four.
The three bedroom Spa Villa is set within a tropical hillside garden in the foothills of the Maya Mountains features a master bedroom with a king size bed and in suite bathroom. A second bedroom with a queen and single bed and a third bedroom with a queen canopy bed share a full bathroom. Guests can enjoy a view of the lush jungle from the spacious glass walled living room and large wrap around veranda with Jacuzzi. Professional massage treatments are available in the comfort and privacy of the Spa Villa lodging. The air-conditioned Villa contains a full kitchen or guests have the choice of ordering a variety of delicious meals prepared by the lodge’s resident chef at the Chaa Creek restaurant. Top
The Restaurant
Spoil your taste buds and enjoy delectable 'Jungle Cuisine' in our romantic al fresco dining room. Enjoy the sounds of birds quarrelling in the surrounding trees in the daytime, and listen to the symphony of night sounds while you dine under candlelight.
At the Chaa Creek restaurant, we combine modern and 'old fashioned' cooking techniques with a wide variety of fresh local produce to create innovative and original, mouthwatering meals.
The Activities
Bird Watching
Our Early Morning Belize Bird Watching tour will take you around the reserve with professional naturalist guides who are experienced and knowledgeable birders they will help you spot many of the tropical avian species that abound in western Belize. The Keel-billed Toucan, Blue-crowned Mot-Mot and Black-headed Trogon as well as numerous species of parrots are just a few of the exotic species that await you.
Duration 2 hrs $150 per groups of 1-4 persons + $5 per person entrance fee
Horseback Riding
Chaa Creek maintains a stable of well-groomed riding horses that are suited for all levels of riding experience. 
Our guided rides traverse the trails of the Chaa Creek Nature Reserve through sub-tropical broadleaf forest past ancient Maya sites. As you ride along, your naturalist guide will highlight the various unique plant and wildlife species native to the reserve. Optional rides to the MAYA ORGANIC FARM and BELIZE BOTANIC GARDENS may also be arranged.
Duration 2 1/2 - 3 hrs $45 guided per person
Canoeing
You may rent a canoe for exploring the Macal River. Take a trip upstream, paddling up as far as you wish before leisurely drifting back to Chaa Creek. Then there's the downstream option of paddling and floating to San Ignacio for approximately two hours. Tie up near the historic Hawkesworth Bridge where we'll pick you up for the drive back to the lodge. Our concierge will advise you on what to bring, best times to leave and sights along the way. Top
Duration 2-3 hrs $25 self guided per person $37 guided per person
Mountain Biking
Our team of experienced and specially trained naturalist guides will lead the way and share their extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna. The trail system was designed to provide enjoyable cycling for riders of all experience levels. The designated routes will provide an exciting opportunity for beginners and adventurous thrills for the seasoned biker.
Duration 41/2-5 hrs but excursion takes the whole day $35 self guided per person
Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm
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. It begins its cycle as a pale green egg, which looks like a dewdrop, soon after it changes into a voraciously hungry caterpillar, then into the bizarre form of a dormant pupa, and finally into a dazzling beauty that delights the public in butterfly houses throughout the world. Duration 1/2 hour.
Natural History Center
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. Visitors are able to see the movement of life in Belize through the ages; from Mayan temples in the steaming jungle to modern day traditional healers.
Duration half day.
Rainforest Medicine 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.
Duration 1-1 1/2 hours.
Creatures of the Night Walk
Our experienced and knowledgeable naturalist guides will take you through trails populated by Ocelots, Howler Monkeys, Tarantulas, Patoos, Jaguarundis and many more intriguing rainforest residents. The exotic beauty of the tropical night comes alive with troops of fireflies dancing through the trees, decorating the river valley below. The light from your head lamp may capture a surprised inhabitant, while a special ultraviolet light illuminates phosphorescent insects busy at work! Duration 1 1/2 - 2 hours $12 per person
All activities + 10% GST
Specialized Adventures
The following activities are not included in packages. Due to scheduling they cannot be pre-booked but rather booked at lodge upon arrival Top
Caves Branch River Cave Expedition
Combine river cave tubing and cave exploration on this adventure where you explore spectacular crystal formations over 5,000,000 years old that cast eerie shadows into the black abyss as you explore and experience the most sacred area of the ancient Maya.
Duration Full Day. $155 inner tubing per groups of 1-4 persons, $30 Guide/Equipment/Entrance per person
All adventures + 12.5 % GST
Mountain Pine Ridge
Your adventure starts from Chaa Creek at 8:00 a.m. and in only 90 minutes you will be admiring the 1000-ft. Waterfall. You will then drive down to the Rio Frio Cave where you can marvel at the awesome corrosive power that water has on Karst Limestone. However, this is not the only attraction at this cave; there is also evidence of Mayan visitation inside! At the end of the day's trek, refreshing swims in the cascading waters of the Rio On pools will sooth tired muscles and rejuvenate the spirit. $235 per groups of 1-4 persons, $1 Entrance fee per person Top
Chaa Creek Inclusive Adventure Package
Included
- 3 nights cottage minimum stay
- All meals
- Unlimited on-site activities
Rates
Accommodation Dec 16 - Apr 30, 2011 May 1-Dec 15, 2011
Double Cottage 230 218
Child 6-18 sharing cottage 60
Child 6-18 own cottage 130
Garden Suite / Jacuzzi 255 240
Child 6-18 own Garden Suite 140
Treetop Jacuzzi Suite 305 284
Orchard Villa 305 284
Rates are per person per night, based on double occupancy. Must add 12.5% GST.
Click here to Request a Reservation
A Socially and Environmentally Responsible Lodge
MISSION STATEMENT:
“The goal of Chaa Creek is to establish a model of low-impact, sustainable development. By stimulating interest in the environment, natural history and local culture we hope to demonstrate the long term benefits of ecotourism over other environmentally damaging options for development.”
CONSERVATION PROJECTS:
At Chaa Creek we fully understand that the natural environment of Belize and the flora and fauna that it nourishes is the life giving force that sustains Chaa Creek and ultimately the well-being of our staff and their families. We realize that these resources must be protected, conserved and utilized in only the wisest manner. It is this realization and our commitment to sustainable tourism development that has prompted us to initiate and support many local conservation projects. Over the years we have partnered with numerous local and international agencies, organizations and individuals in an effort to facilitate environmental conservation and research projects. Some of the more noted projects are:
- Howler Monkey Reintroduction – in partnership with the Yerkes Primate Institute and the Foundation for Wildlife Conservation
- Birds Without Borders – neotropical migratory bird research in partnership with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee County
- Vascular Plant Cataloging – in partnership with the New York Botanical Gardens
- Agroforestry Research – in partnership with the New York Botanical Gardens
- Bay Palm Reforestation – an on-going Chaa Creek Natural History Centre project
- Archaeology Research – continuing research into the over 70 Maya sites within the Chaa Creek Nature Reserve by Dr. Samuel Connell of the University of California.
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SOCIAL COMMITMENTS:
Chaa Creek subscribes to the fundamental guidelines of ecotourism. We understand that in order to survive and prosper we must work harmoniously with the natural environment and the indigenous people of the local communities. Our staff, numbering over 100 full-time employees is entirely comprised of Belizeans from the local towns and villages. They truly make up the backbone and heart of our operation. Praises for their open friendliness and expertise are the most often heard comment from our guests.
Throughout the years Chaa Creek has continually given support to the local community; for it is the people, the local hard working, honest Belizean people who have contributed so much to the success of Chaa Creek. Without their dedicated assistance, none of what we and our guests enjoy today could have been possible. Sustainable tourism must be firmly rooted within the local community and must provide true and lasting benefit to all. This is the fundamental reason why Chaa Creek supports many community projects and social welfare programs every year. We continuously offer assistance to local schools and training centers, sporting events and teams and other youth and social groups, just to name a few. Our education scholarship program provides full board tuition assistance to ten secondary level students each year. The Belize Center for the Visually Impaired and other social welfare organizations and programs are invited to enjoy our facilities on field trips. Many times each year we provide monetary and physical assistance to local organizations and groups that are conducting community based conservation and improvement projects such as anti-litter campaigns and development of public parks. In times of need, whether from individual tragedy or natural disasters that effect us all, Chaa Creek will always respond to the call for assistance. We are committed to our service to the community and will stand firm with our neighbors to make our community a better place for all.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES:
Our written Environmental Policy sets our course and steers our daily operations. We adhere to the practice of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. A written Purchasing Policy requires our suppliers to provide environmentally safe products in reduced or bulk packaging. All solid waste is separated and then reused or recycled. Organic kitchen waste and other organic waste such as grass trimmings are composted and then used as a soil enhancer in our ornamental gardens and in vegetable production at our organic farm. Restaurant food waste is given to a local farmer to supplement the feeding of his pigs. Metal cans are crushed in a manual crusher that was designed for Chaa Creek. The crushed cans are then used as fill material in concrete building foundations. We have donated the design of this device to the Belize Ecotourism Association who promotes it as a recycling tool that is sold as a fund raiser. All glass bottles and jars that are not returnable or reusable are crushed in an electric glass crusher. The crushed glass is then used as additional aggregate when mixing cement. In an effort to reduce our paper consumption, our administrative staff is encouraged to use paper on both sides when printing or copying and to make maximum utilization of the electronic media. Cardboard boxes are flattened out and used as ground cover at our organic farm to control the growth of unwanted weeds around the vegetable plants. Remaining waste paper and cardboard are sent to a commercial recycling facility. We purchase recycled paper and our commercial printing is done on recycled paper whenever possible. The electrical energy required by the lodge is produced on-sight by well maintained diesel generators. These generators will soon be converted to run on light crude oil that is being produced in Belize by Belize’s fledgling oil industry. Use of this crude will help reduce Belize’s dependence on imported foreign oil and support the industrial development of Belize. Energy efficient lighting combined with automatic timers and the utilization of natural lighting assists with the reduction of energy consumption. Our Macal River Camp facility utilizes solar power for all of its electrical needs. Water consumption is decreased by the utilization of low-flush toilets and low flow shower heads. Waste water is treated with biologic enzymes in properly designed septic tanks and soak-aways.
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