Gaia Neighbors: Belize Resort Options

Gaia Riverlodge is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Cayo, Belize. The lodge is about an hour's drive from the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. While there aren't many resorts near Gaia, there are a few dining options within a 10-minute drive, including Montagna and Guatemaltecqua.

The resort is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Cayo, Belize

Gaia Riverlodge is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, in the Cayo district of Belize. The resort is around an hour's drive from the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, and around three hours from Belize International Airport. The drive from the airport includes an hour on an unpaved road, so the resort recommends a 4WD vehicle with high-ground clearance for anyone choosing to self-drive.

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is known for its rivers, creeks, mountains, waterfalls, cave systems, and the famous archaeological site, Caracol. The resort is also located near the Caribbean Pine Forest and Broadleaf Jungle, allowing guests to experience a variety of natural environments.

The resort offers a range of activities and amenities, including a restaurant, bar, spa, and swimming holes. The restaurant, Five Sisters, serves food made from ingredients grown on-site or sourced locally, and the bar holds a daily social hour for guests and staff to chat and enjoy aperitifs. The resort also offers excursions to nearby attractions, such as the Caracol ruins, the Xunantunich ruins, Big Rock Falls, and the ATM Cave.

The lodge consists of 16 rooms, including cabanas, suites, and villas, with distinct features such as Mexican tiles, native Belizean hardwoods, and handmade local textiles. The rooms offer stunning views of the waterfalls and mountains, and some include private terraces. The lodge is constructed with locally sourced materials and powered by a hydro-energy plant, showcasing its commitment to sustainability.

It is an ultra-remote, luxury eco-retreat with waterfall and pine forest views

Gaia Riverlodge is an ultra-remote, luxury eco-retreat nestled in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Belize. The lodge is located in a remote area, about a 1-hour drive from the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, and offers stunning views of waterfalls and pine forests.

The lodge is perched high above the Privassion River and Five Sisters Waterfall, with tall pine trees surrounding it. It is an eco-friendly property, with all electricity supplied by its own hydro power plant generated from the river. The entire property is hydro-powered and grows most of the ingredients used in its food and drink menu at a private garden onsite. The lodge has 16 rooms, including cabanas, suites, and villas, with thatched roofs, locally sourced hardwood floors, and handmade Belizean decor. The rooms offer breathtaking views of the waterfalls or mountain range and are equipped with comfortable beds, luxurious linens, and bathrooms with hand-painted Mexican tiles.

The lodge features a central lobby, restaurant, terrace, and communal fire pit, with gardens, natural landscaping, and gravel pathways connecting them. The Five Sisters Waterfall, located about 300 steps down from the lobby, serves as a natural swimming pool for guests, with hammocks and lounge chairs available for relaxation. The lodge also offers a range of treatments, including massages and facials, using natural and indigenous ingredients.

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, where Gaia Riverlodge is located, is known for its rivers, creeks, mountain scenery, waterfalls, cave systems, and the famous archaeological site, Caracol. The location allows guests to experience both the Caribbean Pine Forest and Broadleaf Jungle. The drive from the Belize International Airport to the lodge is approximately 3 hours, with one hour on an unpaved road. The lodge can arrange transfers from the airport, or guests can choose to rent a vehicle and drive themselves, with the lodge providing driving instructions and a map.

The onsite restaurant, Five Sisters Restaurant, serves delicious Belizean, Italian, and American cuisine, with ingredients grown onsite or sourced locally. The bar offers a range of drinks, including the popular Gaia Chaya cocktail, made with local chaya leaves. The social hour held in the bar area every evening is a great opportunity for guests and staff to come together and share their adventures.

In addition to the breathtaking views and luxurious accommodations, Gaia Riverlodge also offers a range of activities and excursions for guests, including visiting the Caracol Ruins, day-tripping to Tikal in Guatemala, exploring the Xunantunich Ruins, canoeing down the Macal River, and learning how to make traditional Mayan chocolate.

The resort is accessible via a 3-hour drive from Belize International Airport or a 40-minute flight to Maya Flats Airstrip

The closest airport to the Gaia Riverlodge is the Belize International Airport, which is approximately a 3-hour drive away. The route includes an hour on an unpaved road. The lodge can arrange transfers from the airport, and the cost can be added to your room bill. If you prefer to drive yourself, the lodge recommends renting a 4WD vehicle with high-ground clearance. They can provide driving instructions and a map via email.

Alternatively, you can fly to the Maya Flats Airstrip, which is a 40-minute flight from Belize City. From there, it's an hour's drive to the lodge. The lodge can also arrange transfers from the Maya Flats Airstrip.

The resort offers 16 rooms, including cabanas, suites, and villas, with prices starting from $200 per night

Gaia Riverlodge in Belize offers 16 rooms, including cabanas, suites, and villas, with prices starting from $200 per night. The lodge is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, about 1-1.5 hours outside of San Ignacio, Belize. The area surrounding the lodge features breathtaking views of waterfalls and pine forests.

The rooms at Gaia Riverlodge evoke a luxe jungle hideaway feel, with thatched roofs, locally sourced hardwood floors, and handmade Belizean decor. Guests can choose between waterfall view rooms, mountain view rooms, and garden view rooms, with prices starting from $200 per night. The rooms are minimal and do not include TVs, Wi-Fi, or air conditioning, but bug spray and mosquito nets are provided.

The lodge features a central lobby, restaurant, terrace, and communal fire pit, with gardens, natural landscaping, and gravel pathways connecting the areas. The property is hydro-powered and grows most of the ingredients used in its food and drink menu onsite. Instead of a traditional hotel pool, guests can take a short walk or ride the hydro-powered funicular down to the Five Sisters Waterfall for a swim or to lounge in a shaded hammock.

The onsite restaurant, Five Sisters Restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, with ingredients grown onsite or sourced locally. The food has influences from Belizean, Italian, and American cuisine, and the drinks feature locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also enjoy a popular and informal 'social hour' held in the bar area every evening before dinner, where guests and staff come together to chat and enjoy aperitifs.

In addition to the waterfall, the lodge offers other amenities such as a spa, sprawling grounds, and free Wi-Fi in the main building. The staff at Gaia Riverlodge are known for their exceptional service, attentiveness, and friendliness, adding a personal touch to the guest experience.

There is a range of activities and tours available near the resort, including visiting Caracol Ruins, canoeing down the Macal River, and exploring the ATM Cave

Gaia Riverlodge is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Cayo, Belize. There is a range of activities and tours available near the resort, including:

Visiting Caracol Ruins

The famous archaeological site of Caracol is located near the resort. Caracol is known for its impressive Mayan ruins, which you can explore and learn about on a guided tour.

Canoeing down the Macal River

The Macal River offers a great opportunity for canoeing and exploring the surrounding nature. You can book a canoe trip through the resort, which includes a knowledgeable guide who will share insights about the local culture and history.

Exploring the ATM Cave

The ATM Cave is a popular tour option in Belize and is located near the resort. Caving at ATM Cave involves exploring ancient Mayan sites and is often combined with other activities such as Mayan chocolate-making or tortilla-making in local villages.

In addition to these activities, there are also nearby swimming holes and waterfalls, such as Big Rock Falls and Rio On Pools, which provide great opportunities for swimming and relaxation. The resort itself offers a unique swimming experience with its natural freshwater pools, waterfalls, and beach area. The lodge also arranges tours to other nearby attractions, such as the Xunantunich Ruins and the Rio Frio Cave.

Frequently asked questions