The Top 5 Jungle Lodges In Belize

The Central American country of Belize is the new tourism hotspot for people looking for adventure without sacrificing luxury.

While the country is home to the 185 mile-long Mesoamerican Reef, the second longest barrier reef in the world after Australia’s, and offers spectacular world-class snorkeling and diving, it’s the jungles of the interior that draw adventure seekers.

Nowhere in Belize is more than 60 miles from the coast, and increasingly, beach vacationers are taking advantage of this to enjoy the amazing experience of staying a few nights in the country’s pristine jungles instead of spending all their time in beach hotels.

In recent years a number of excellent jungle lodges have opened in Belize’s interior, far from the commercialism of the beach resorts, yet most are within a two hour drive of Belize City’s international airport.

All jungle lodges offer a wide variety of jungle activities, from easy jungle hikes, horseback riding and visiting ancient Mayan ruins, to more adventurous activities like caving, zip-lining, rapelling into caves and climbing up waterfalls.  Visiting the amazing Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave is an unforgettable experience and should be on your ‘must do’ list.

Here’s a list of our top 5 favorite Belize Jungle Lodges.

 

1. The Lodge At Chaa Creek

Chaa Creek is one of the most highly rated jungle lodges in Central America.  The lodge’s 365 acres set on the banks of the Macal River house only 24 thatched roofed cottages, all of which are furnished with fine linens and unique works of art from around the world.  The cottages all feature private verandahs with beautiful views of the jungle.  The two treetop Jacuzzi suites are truly spectacular, with wide porches overlooking the river bank.

 

2. Blancaneaux Lodge

In the early 1980s, Francis Ford Coppola visited Belize, immediately fell in love with the place, and purchased the then abandoned Blancaneaux Lodge.  He used the lodge as a family retreat for over a decade before seeing its potential as an upscale jungle lodge, and opened it to the public in 1993.

Tucked away in the Maya Mountains of western Belize, Blancaneaux Lodge is a 20-room luxury resort set in the jungle.  Its remote mountain location makes the a perfect place to relax, or take part in a variety of adventurous jungle activities.

All Riverfront Cabañas at Blancaneaux Lodge feature an expansive deck with wrap-around walkway giving a spectacular view of the slowly flowing Privassion River.  The  luxury accommodations here are elegantly themed with local art and textiles and each cabaña offers a queen-size bed and hand-painted tile bath.

 

3. Dream Valley

Opened in 2013, this luxury boutique jungle lodge offers stylish accommodations in a spectacular setting on the banks of the lazy Belize River.  Located on a 60 acre private estate, Dream Valley is widely considered to be one of the best jungle lodges in the country.

Eight chalets elegantly sit along raised platforms emphasizing the panoramic view of the lush jungle.  The four deluxe rooms offer a very high standard of accommodations, while the four Dream Suites are nothing short of spectacular.  Dream Valley is also home to one of the finest restaurants in Belize’s jungle.

 

4. Caves Branch Jungle Lodge

This is a totally unique jungle lodge  set in an amazingly diverse private estate of 58,000 acres of jungle.  The comfortable accommodations are equally amazing, ranging from comfortable jungle cabanas to stunning multilevel treehouse set in the forest canopy.

All accommodations here feature a screened 4th wall open to the sounds and sights of the jungle, making for an unforgettable experience.  This is an eco-friendly hotel, where lighting is by the glow of kerosene lamps, and low voltage lights.  There is no air-conditioning, however it is unnecessary as nighttime temperatures are usually in the 70s.

 

5. Mystic River Jungle Lodge

On a steep bank of the beautiful Macal River, eco-friendly Mystic River Resort Jungle Lodge offers affordable luxury in Belize’s jungle.

Beautifully furnished by some of the finest Belizean carpenters, all eight rooms are detached units with their own fireplaces, patios providing guests with fabulous vistas of the forest and the Macal River valley, and beautiful, modern bathrooms featuring stone counters and large showers.  The creative menu at Mystic River offers a variety of excellent cuisine, prepared with ingredients from the lodge’s onsite farming operation and served in the gorgeous dining room with views of the jungle and river.

 

Belize offers visitors an amazing jungle adventure without having to sacrifice any luxuries.  Visit the Belize page of our website to learn more about this fascinating country.