Lodge at Chaa Creek & The Macal River Camp

Overview

Description

An adventurer's paradise, Belize is a peaceful, English-speaking, independent nation only two hours away from three major U.S. gateways. With a diversity of adventure opportunities unmatched by any other country, Belizeans have protected more than 40% of the country in parks and natural reserves.

Belize is on the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, and offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests rich with wildlife, majestic mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing experiences beyond compare. In a single day, you can go from tropical forest to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. And the people are as warm and friendly as the climate.

The Cayo District is Belize’s largest district and most-visited inland destination. It boasts several major Maya sites including Xunantunich and Caracol, and the enchanting Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve with its many waterfalls, mountain pools, and mysterious caves. San Ignacio is the Cayo District’s major town. The district is mainly populated by people of Mestizo, Maya, and Creole heritage.

The Cayo District is also the jumping-off point for day tours into the Peten District of Guatemala and the ancient Maya sites found there, including the majestic Tikal.

Rooms

23 cottages, villas and suites @ The Lodge at Chaa Creek.

10 raised platform, screened cabins at The Macal River Camp.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 120

Percentage of local employees: 100%

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 in local communities. Our staff, numbering more than 100 full-time employees, is entirely comprised of Belizeans from the local towns and villages.

Chaa Creek is fully committed to the implementation and utilization of environmentally sound and sustainable best management practices. All aspects of our operations and development must adhere to and utilize these accepted methods. It is our sincere belief that our greatest success will be achieved by physically demonstrating sound environmental and social practices and assisting our guests to fully understand the many environmental, social, and economic benefits that are achieved when development is tempered with sensible environmental and social practices.

Sustainable tourism must be firmly rooted within the local community and must provide true and lasting benefits for all. This is the fundamental reason why Chaa Creek supports many community projects and social welfare programs each year. We continuously offer assistance and sponsorship to local schools and training centers, sporting events and teams, youth groups, conservation projects, educational scholarships, and many more.

Chaa Creek participates in the Pack for a Purpose program, where guests can bring school supplies, medical supplies, and other small items from home to donate to the local community. Guests simply drop off their donation at the hotel's front desk, and Chaa Creek will deliver it for them.

Rates

$101 – $150

The Lodge at Chaa Creek: $101-$150.

Macal River Camp: $50-$100.

Our price includes breakfast and dinner. All guests, regardless of accommodation type or length of stay, now enjoy at no extra charge:

• Entry into our 365-acre nature reserve.
• Guided tours of our Natural History Centre & Butterfly Farm and the Rainforest Medicine Trail.
• Guided early morning bird walks.
• Canoeing on the Macal River.

Children under 18 years of age, sharing their parent’s room, are always free.

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.chaacreek.com/rates/ (available in English).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Belmopan (BZE)

San Ignacio is connected to Belize City via the Western Highway. Chaa Creek is located seven miles West of San Ignacio and is fully accessible year around. We provide van transport from the airport on a daily basis.

Additional Information

Awards or Recognitions

• Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2011 - Ranked #5 in Top Hotel Spas in Latin America

Date This Information Was Provided

March 2009.

Photos courtesy of Lodge at Chaa Creek & The Macal River Camp, Belize, for SustainableTrip.org.