Belize's Jungle Towns: Where To Stay

Belize is a natural wonderland of tropical islands and lush jungle scenes brimming with colourful wildlife. The country is small, but the number of top-rated attractions and amenities varies vastly from place to place.

The Cayo District is one of the most popular jungle destinations, with San Ignacio Town serving as the principal hub for ecotourism. Here are some of the best towns to stay in Belize for the jungle:

- San Ignacio – a town in Belize near the western border with Guatemala. Travellers use it as a base to visit Mayan ruins, explore the jungle, and go on cave adventures.

- San Ignacio and Cayo – Hotels and resorts in Cayo are some of the most diverse in Belize and can appeal to every type of traveller, especially those looking to experience ancient Maya sites and jungle adventures.

- Hopkins – the charming seaside village of Hopkins is home to the Garifuna culture and it's the perfect place to stay in Belize for beach and jungle experiences. It's centrally located on the coast, providing access to beach activities while allowing easy access to top mainland attractions.

- Placencia – a peninsula in southern Belize that cuts into the Caribbean Sea, making it the perfect destination for water activities such as snorkelling, kayaking and even diving with whale sharks!

- Mountain Pine Ridge – a hilly area in western Belize, home to the Blancaneaux Lodge, one of six Coppola family hideaway luxury properties. At its higher altitude, instead of being surrounded by jungle, you will enjoy beautiful vistas, hiking trails, waterfalls, and cave exploration.

San Ignacio and Cayo

San Ignacio and its twin town Santa Elena make up the largest settlement in the Cayo District. San Ignacio is the cultural and economic hub of the region, attracting locals from all over Cayo for work, shopping, and entertainment.

The town is a melting pot of cultures, with Mestizos, people of mixed Maya and Spanish descent, being the largest ethnic group in the area. Maya, Mennonite, Creole, Lebanese, Chinese, and Lebanese Maya communities also call San Ignacio home. This diverse population is reflected in the town's thriving restaurant scene, where you can sample traditional Belizean dishes like garnaches, salbutes, black relleno, panades, cow foot soup, bollos, johnny cakes, and boil up.

San Ignacio is a popular destination for eco-tourism, providing easy access to top jungle attractions in Cayo and nearby Guatemala. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Macal River to the west and lush rainforests and nature reserves nearby.

• Visit the ancient Maya sites of Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and El Pilar.
• Explore caves like the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, which features skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware, and Barton Creek Cave, popular for cave canoeing.
• Go bird watching—Belize is home to over 500 species of birds.
• Hike at national parks like the Chaa Creek Nature Reserve and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, where you can also visit waterfalls and Maya ruins.
• Enjoy soft adventures like downtown San Ignacio walking tours, canoeing the Macal River, visiting the Farmers' market, and checking out the Green Iguana Hatchery at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel.
• Experience the nightlife and entertainment scene, including restaurants, bars, and clubs.
• Shop at the clustering of shops in the downtown core.

There are plenty of accommodation options in and around San Ignacio to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some notable ones:

• The Lodge at Chaa Creek: An award-winning eco-resort located in a 400-acre private nature reserve, featuring elegant suites with stunning views, a spa, an infinity pool, and gourmet dining.
• Ka'ana Boutique Resort: A five-star resort located just outside of San Ignacio, offering sumptuous suites and elegant villas.
• Blancaneaux Lodge: An upscale lodge owned by Francis Ford Coppola, nestled in the Mountain Pine Ridge and surrounded by nature.
• Cahal Pech Village Resort: Perched on top of Cahal Pech Hill, offering spectacular views of San Ignacio, just a few minutes away.
• San Ignacio Resort Hotel: A large 17-acre estate with 24 elegantly appointed rooms and the Green Iguana Conservation Project.

Chan Chich Lodge

The lodge is built on top of a Maya site, making it the country's most remote and exotic accommodation. It is accessible by a chartered plane to the Gallon Jug airstrip or via a long drive through partially rutted dirt roads. The lodge features rustically elegant, thatched cabanas, with modern comforts such as outstanding cuisine, a tropical-themed bar, and a screened-in swimming pool with a Jacuzzi. The cabanas have spacious wraparound verandas, offering guests a chance to relax amidst nature.

The lodge also contributes directly to ongoing conservation efforts in Belize, as visitors play a vital role in protecting the natural environment and cultural heritage of the country. Chan Chich Lodge is an ideal choice for those seeking an authentic jungle retreat, combining the wonders of the ancient Maya with the thrill of wildlife encounters.

Blancaneaux Lodge

Overview

Accommodations

The lodge features a range of accommodations, including cabanas, villas, and the Enchanted Cottage. Each dwelling is rich with Guatemalan décor and thatched roofs, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. Some rooms offer private plunge pools and sweeping views of the river and waterfalls. While air conditioning is not provided, the open-plan design scheme naturally cools the rooms.

Dining

Activities

Guests at Blancaneaux Lodge can explore a variety of activities on-site and off-site. On-site, guests can hike to nearby Big Rock Falls, swim in the river, or relax in the hot pool. Off-site, horseback riding, canoeing, and exploring ancient Mayan ruins are popular choices. The lodge also offers tours of its organic garden and the nearby Barton Creek Cave, a Mayan sacrificial site.

Amenities and Guest Services

Location and Transportation

Located in the Cayo District of Belize, Blancaneaux Lodge is approximately a three-hour drive from Belize City and the international airport. Alternatively, guests can charter a flight to the lodge's private airstrip, enjoying a scenic journey over the jungle canopy.

Table Rock Jungle Lodge

Overview

Accommodations

The lodge features well-appointed and comfortable guest cabanas with hand-crafted furnishings and river stone showers. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms, including garden-view, jungle-view, river valley-view, and the two-bedroom rainforest cabin, all providing a blend of comfort and immersion in nature. The cabanas are designed with eco-friendly practices in mind, ensuring sustainability and harmony with the surrounding environment.

Dining

The lodge's restaurant, the Palapa, offers open-air fine dining with stunning views of the jungle. Guests can savor farm-to-table cuisine, featuring fresh produce from the lodge's organic farm, and indulge in tropical cocktails while taking in the beauty of the rainforest. The attentive staff ensures a personalized dining experience, accommodating special meal requirements and dietary restrictions.

Amenities and Activities

Guest Reviews

The lodge has received excellent reviews, with guests praising the tranquil atmosphere, attentive staff, and well-maintained nature trails. The eco-friendly and spacious rooms, along with the delicious food and personalized service, have also been highlighted in guest reviews. Many guests have appreciated the convenience of the lodge's location, offering easy access to both the jungle and nearby towns like San Ignacio.

The Lodge at Big Falls

The lodge features six cabanas, simply decorated with an en-suite shower room. The lodge has internet access and a telephone in the main reception. There is a large pool in the extensive grounds, and the lodge provides kayaks and rubber tubes for guests to use on the river.

The lodge is a licensed tour operator, offering a wide range of tours and activities, including birdwatching, exploring Mayan villages, visiting the Rio Blanco Waterfalls, snorkelling, and visiting local Mayan ruins.

Frequently asked questions