About The Lodge at Chaa Creek
The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a jungle eco-lodge in the Macal River valley of western Belize, near San Ignacio in the Cayo District. Mick and Lucy Fleming opened it in 1981, and it now sits on a 500-acre private nature reserve with miles of trails, gardens and an organic farm.
What sets it apart is how much is on the doorstep: canoeing on the Macal River, horseback riding, a butterfly farm, a natural history centre and the Maya ruins of Xunantunich about eight minutes away. It suits couples and families who want adventure and nature, and travelers pairing a jungle stay with a beach stay on the cayes.
At a glance
Highlights
- Pioneering eco-lodge opened in 1981
- 500-acre private nature reserve
- Xunantunich Maya ruins about eight minutes away
- Hilltop Spa over the Macal River valley
- Farm-to-table dining from its own organic farm
Amenities
Rooms and suites
Accommodation is in three collections set through the gardens and forest:
- Cottage Collection, including Rainforest Cottages
- Suites
- Villas, including the Ix Chel Villas
Rooms have a balcony or patio, ceiling fans and free Wi-Fi. Some guests note that not every unit has air conditioning, so check the room type if that matters to you.
Restaurants and bars
Dining uses produce from the lodge’s own organic Maya Farm:
- Mariposa Dining: the main restaurant
- Open Hearth Experience: hands-on cooking
- Farm to Table meals from the organic Maya Farm
- Bar and lounge
- Private picnics and private dining
Room service, private dining and private picnics can be arranged, and some rates sold through travel sites include a full breakfast, so check what your rate covers.
Beach, pools and spa
Chaa Creek is inland, so there is no beach. There is an outdoor pool with a separate children’s pool and a hot tub.
The full-service Hilltop Spa looks out over the Macal River valley and offers massages, facials and a mud bath.
Activities and entertainment
On the reserve you can hike, ride horses, canoe the Macal River, visit the Butterfly Farm and Natural History Centre, walk the Rainforest Medicine Trail, take an organic farming tour and join a Creatures of the Night tour.
Day trips go to the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal and Barton Creek, cave tubing and zip lining, and the Maya sites of Xunantunich, Caracol and Tikal in Guatemala.
Who it’s best for
- Best for: couples and families who want a jungle adventure base, nature and history lovers, travelers combining inland Belize with a beach stay.
- Consider another resort if: you want a beach resort, all-day air conditioning or a large pool scene.
Getting there from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
The Lodge at Chaa Creek is about two hours by car from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE).
The lodge can arrange an airport shuttle on request with 48 hours’ notice, for a per-vehicle fee.
English is the official language of Belize, and the Belize dollar is fixed at two to one with the US dollar, which is accepted almost everywhere. Visitors need a valid passport. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air run short domestic flights from the international airport to San Pedro and Placencia, which saves a long drive or boat ride.
Good to know
- Check-in from 2:00 PM, check-out at 11:00 AM
- Minimum check-in age is 18; children up to 17 stay free with existing bedding
- Free Wi-Fi and free parking
- Babysitting is available for a fee
- No pets and no elevators
Location of The Lodge at Chaa Creek
FAQ about The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Is The Lodge at Chaa Creek all-inclusive?
Room rates are standard, and the lodge also sells vacation packages. Check what your rate includes when booking.
Is Chaa Creek good for families?
Yes. It has a children's pool, babysitting and plenty of outdoor activities.
How far is Chaa Creek from Belize City airport?
It is about two hours by car from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport.
Does Chaa Creek offer airport transfers?
Yes. A shuttle can be arranged with 48 hours' notice for a per-vehicle fee.
Where is The Lodge at Chaa Creek?
It is in the Macal River valley near San Ignacio in western Belize.
Does Chaa Creek have a pool?
Yes. There is an outdoor pool, a children's pool and a hot tub.
Is there a spa at Chaa Creek?
Yes. The Hilltop Spa overlooks the Macal River valley.
What is near Chaa Creek?
Xunantunich Maya ruins are about eight minutes away, and Caracol, Actun Tunichil Muknal and Tikal can be visited on day trips.
What time is check-in at Chaa Creek?
Check-in is from 2:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Does Chaa Creek have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available in rooms and public areas.
