Hummingbird Hotspots In Belize

With over 500 species of birds, Belize is a birdwatcher's paradise. The country is home to about 26 species of hummingbirds, with dozens more migrating from North America during the winter months.

If you're looking to spot these fascinating creatures, consider visiting the Green Hills Butterfly Farm near San Ignacio, where you can find dozens of hummingbirds. Staying at lodges such as Pook's Hill or Chan Chich will also increase your chances of seeing these tiny birds, as they have feeders all over the place.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, signing up for tours on the mainland or the Monkey River Tour from Placencia can be a great option. Don't forget to ask your guide about flowering plants that attract hummingbirds!

Additionally, birdwatching is huge in Belize, so feel free to ask anyone wearing binoculars for advice. You can also look for restaurants with bird nectar feeders, as hummingbirds are more active during the early and later hours of daylight.

Happy birdwatching!

Green Hills Butterfly Farm, near San Ignacio

If you're looking for a place to see hummingbirds in Belize, look no further than Green Hills Butterfly Farm, located near San Ignacio in the Cayo District. This premier live butterfly exhibit in Belize boasts thousands of live butterflies in a 4,000-square-foot walk-in flight area, surrounded by a botanical garden with over 150 plant species. But it's not just butterflies that make this place special—it's also a hummingbird hotspot!

Green Hills Butterfly Farm is the perfect place to observe a multitude of hummingbird species up close. The farm's hummingbird viewing and photographic area make it easy for visitors to witness the beauty and elegance of these tiny birds as they float like fairies from flower to flower. And it's not just the hummingbirds that will captivate you; the farm is also home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, including ardency flowers, bromeliads, heliconias, orchids, and even jaguars!

The knowledgeable staff at Green Hills Butterfly Farm will gladly guide you through the facility, sharing their expertise on the butterflies and hummingbirds that call this place home. The tour of the butterfly flight area and the Caterpillar Centre takes about an hour, and you're welcome to take advantage of the covered picnic area and clean restrooms during your visit.

If you're travelling to Belize and are eager to witness the beauty of hummingbirds, Green Hills Butterfly Farm is a must-visit destination. It's easily accessible, located just a short drive from San Ignacio on a beautiful new highway. So, whether you're a birdwatcher or just someone who appreciates the wonders of nature, be sure to add Green Hills Butterfly Farm to your itinerary!

Pook's Hill Lodge

The lodge consists of 11 whitewashed thatched-roof bungalows, or cabanas, decorated with Mayan weavings and cooled by ceiling fans and breezes from screened windows. The rooms are simple and small, with terracotta-tiled floors, wooden furniture, and Guatemalan bedspreads. The bathrooms are also basic, with a tiny sink and a walk-in tiled shower with no door.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a free Belikin beer and can explore the modest main lodge, which houses a wooden bar and open-air lounge space. The lodge fronts the Roaring River, with two Bird Cabanas located on raised platforms across the river. The dining room is downstairs, where meals are served communally, and the lodge's library provides information on the area's bird life.

The lodge is located in a remote area, about a 90-minute drive from Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport and a 55-minute drive from Belmopan. It is accessible via a rough dirt road, and four-wheel-drive vehicles are highly recommended.

Chan Chich Lodge

The lodge has been at the forefront of private conservation since the 1980s, and its commitment to sustainability makes a stay here a contribution to the ongoing conservation efforts in Belize. Chan Chich Lodge is nestled in a vast wilderness area, providing a secluded and tranquil experience for guests seeking an authentic jungle retreat. The natural surroundings are extraordinary, with abundant wildlife and the opportunity to explore ancient Mayan ruins nestled within the jungle.

Birdwatching at Chan Chich Lodge is a highlight for many visitors, with over 370 species documented within its 30,000 acres. The diversity of species is exceptional, and the lodge's proximity to conservation lands makes it possible to spot some of the country's more rare and spectacular birds, including the Lovely Cotinga, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Agami Heron, and Rose-throated Tanager, as well as colourful toucans, parrots, and hummingbirds.

Birding tours can be taken on foot or by vehicle, and the lodge's guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, ensuring an informative and enjoyable experience. The lodge also provides checklists to help identify species quickly and correctly, and guests are encouraged to submit their sightings to the Chan Chich eBird Hotspot.

In addition to its natural attractions, Chan Chich Lodge offers luxurious accommodations inspired by traditional Mayan architecture. The Deluxe Luxury Cottage features two bedrooms and a spacious wraparound veranda, providing the perfect setting to relax and immerse yourself in the sounds of nature, including the calls of howler monkeys and birdsong. The food at the lodge is also highly regarded, with guests raving about the delicious and fresh meals prepared with love.

Ambergris Caye

For those interested in birdwatching, Ambergris Caye is a great spot to observe the Black Catbird and White-crowned Pigeon, both listed as Near-Threatened species. The mangrove habitat on the island also attracts many other bird species.

To get to Ambergris Caye, you will need to take a plane or a boat from the mainland, as it is an island. Golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation on the island, and they provide a fun way to explore the different areas of Ambergris Caye, such as Secret Beach and the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve.

With its natural beauty, diverse outdoor activities, and sophisticated lifestyle, Ambergris Caye is a popular destination for tourists and expats alike.

Caracol Archaeological Reserve

The Caracol Archaeological Reserve is a large ancient Maya archaeological site located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve in the Cayo District of Belize. It is situated approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the town of San Ignacio, in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The site was first reported by a native logger named Rosa Mai in 1937 and was later given its modern name by the archaeological commissioner A. Hamilton Anderson in 1938.

Caracol is one of the most important regional political centres of the Maya Lowlands during the Classic Period. Covering an area of nearly 25,000 acres, it is impressive not only for its size but also for its immense agricultural field system and elaborate city planning. The site is believed to have been home to 150,000 people, making it the largest Maya Centre in Belize, with a dominant place in Maya history.

The central core of Caracol consists of three plaza groups surrounding a central acropolis and two ball courts, along with several smaller structures. The largest temple at the site is called "Caana" or "Sky Place", which rises over 140 feet above the jungle floor and is the tallest man-made structure in Belize. Caana contains four palaces and three temples, with palace rooms originally coated with white stucco and decorated with red paint.

Caracol is one of the last outposts where the Keel-billed Motmot, a globally vulnerable bird species, is relatively common. Other notable birds spotted at Caracol include the Ocellated Turkey, Crested Guan, and Great Curassow. While admiring the largest Maya site in Belize, visitors may also see colourful toucans and trogons.

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