Chaa Creek Eco Resort - Jungle Lodge & Birding in Belize's Cayo District

About Chaa Creek Eco Resort

Chaa Creek is Belize's pioneering eco-resort and one of the most celebrated jungle lodges in Central America. Nestled within a 400-acre private nature reserve along the banks of the Macal River in the Cayo District, this award-winning property has been welcoming guests since 1981, long before ecotourism became a global trend.

Founded by Mick and Lucy Fleming, who arrived in Belize as adventurous young travelers and never left, Chaa Creek grew organically from a simple farming homestead into a world-class nature destination. The Flemings' vision — to share the extraordinary biodiversity of western Belize while preserving it for future generations — remains the guiding principle of the resort today.

Chaa Creek has earned recognition from National Geographic, Condé Nast Traveler, and the World Travel Awards. It holds Belize's highest Green Globe certification and has been instrumental in establishing sustainable tourism practices throughout the country. The resort's Natural History Center and Butterfly Farm serve as important educational resources for both guests and local schools.

Location

Chaa Creek is situated on the banks of the Macal River in the Cayo District, approximately 6 miles from the town of San Ignacio and 80 miles west of Belize City. The resort's 400-acre private nature reserve borders the vast Chiquibul Forest Reserve, creating an unbroken corridor of protected jungle that stretches all the way to the Guatemalan border.

The Cayo District is the adventure capital of Belize, offering access to some of the country's most spectacular attractions. The ancient Maya city of Xunantunich is just 20 minutes away, while the legendary ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal) — considered one of the top cave experiences in the world — is accessible via guided day trips from the resort.

Getting to Chaa Creek is straightforward: a 2-hour drive from Belize City's Philip Goldson International Airport along the Western Highway, or a quick 15-minute transfer from San Ignacio. For arrival details, check our Belize airport arrival guide.

Rooms & Accommodations

Chaa Creek offers a range of accommodations designed to immerse guests in the jungle without sacrificing comfort:

• Thatched-Roof Cottages – The signature accommodation, each cottage is a private retreat with screened windows that allow jungle sounds in while keeping insects out, hardwood floors, handcrafted furniture, verandas with hammocks, and en-suite bathrooms. Approximately 50 m² each.
• Jacuzzi Suites – Premium cottages featuring private outdoor jacuzzis, king beds, expanded living areas, and panoramic jungle views from wraparound decks.
• Ix Chel Villas – Spacious luxury villas set along the riverbank with private plunge pools, indoor-outdoor living spaces, full minibars, and butler service. The most upscale accommodation at the resort.
• Macal River Camp – For the adventurous at heart, elevated casitas set deep in the jungle along the Macal River with screened walls open to the forest canopy. A glamping experience that connects you directly with nature.
• Family Suites – Two-bedroom configurations ideal for families, with connecting spaces and child-friendly amenities.

All rooms include organic toiletries, bottled water, ceiling fans, and access to the resort's extensive trail system and amenities.

Things to Do

Chaa Creek is an adventure hub with an extraordinary range of activities:

• Birding – The reserve is home to over 330 recorded bird species, making it one of the premier birding destinations in Central America. Guided dawn birding walks are available daily, and the resort's certified naturalist guides can help identify species from keel-billed toucans to ornate hawk-eagles.
• Cave Tubing & Caving – Float through ancient river cave systems illuminated by headlamps, or explore ceremonial Maya caves where ancient artifacts remain in situ.
• ATM Cave Expedition – A full-day guided adventure to Actun Tunichil Muknal, one of the world's most sacred Maya caves, featuring crystal-encrusted skulls and ceramic offerings.
• Maya Ruins Tours – Guided excursions to Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and El Pilar archaeological sites, all within easy reach of the resort.
• Canoeing & Kayaking – Paddle the Macal River through pristine jungle scenery, spotting iguanas, river otters, and exotic birds along the way.
• Rainforest Medicine Trail – A self-guided walk through the resort's medicinal plant garden, showcasing traditional Maya healing plants used for centuries.
• Natural History Center – An on-site museum and educational center featuring exhibits on local wildlife, Maya history, and the ecology of the Cayo District.
• Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm – A fascinating breeding center where guests can observe the complete lifecycle of Belize's iconic blue morpho butterfly.
• Horseback Riding – Trail rides through the reserve and surrounding jungle, passing through farmland and forest.
• Hilltop Spa – A tranquil hilltop spa offering massages, facials, and body treatments using local botanicals in open-air treatment rooms overlooking the river valley.

Dining

Chaa Creek's dining philosophy centers on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many grown on the resort's own organic farm:

• Mariposa Restaurant – The main dining room set on an elevated terrace overlooking the jungle canopy and Macal River valley. The menu features a fusion of Belizean, Caribbean, and international cuisine with an emphasis on organic produce from the resort's Maya Farm. Signature dishes include Belizean-style snapper, jungle fowl with tropical salsa, and decadent chocolate desserts made with locally grown cacao.
• Che'il Restaurant – A more casual poolside dining option serving lighter fare including fresh salads, wraps, grilled meats, and tropical smoothies throughout the day.

The resort accommodates dietary restrictions with advance notice and offers packed lunches for full-day excursions. The house-made hot sauces, featuring habaneros grown on the farm, are legendary among returning guests.

Why Stay at Chaa Creek

Chaa Creek is more than a hotel — it is a gateway to understanding Belize's extraordinary natural and cultural heritage. The combination of a 400-acre private nature reserve, decades of conservation expertise, and a staff of certified naturalist guides creates an educational adventure experience that few resorts in the world can match.

What sets Chaa Creek apart from other jungle lodges is the depth of its offerings. You can spend a week here and fill every day with a completely different adventure — from exploring ancient Maya underworlds to quietly observing a rare raptor through binoculars at dawn. The resort's naturalist guides are among the most knowledgeable in Belize, many having grown up in the surrounding communities.

Chaa Creek is regularly featured in our top Belize hotels guide and pairs perfectly with a stay in Ambergris Caye for travelers who want to combine jungle and reef experiences. For those exploring the Cayo District further, see our guide to San Ignacio jungle lodges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time for birding at Chaa Creek?

Birding is excellent year-round, but the dry season (November–April) offers easier trail access and migratory species from North America. Dawn walks typically start at 5:30 AM and are the most productive.

Is the ATM Cave trip physically demanding?

Yes, moderately. The excursion involves swimming across pools, scrambling over rocks, and walking approximately 45 minutes each way through jungle terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Minimum age is typically 12 years.

Can I combine Chaa Creek with a beach stay?

Absolutely. Many guests split their Belize trip between Chaa Creek in the jungle and a coastal resort like those on the Placencia Peninsula or Ambergris Caye. The resort can arrange internal flights.

Is Wi-Fi reliable?

Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge area and most cottages. Speed is adequate for messaging and light browsing but limited for streaming. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to disconnect.

Are children welcome?

Yes, Chaa Creek is family-friendly and offers special kids' programs, nature scavenger hunts, and family-oriented tours. The Macal River Camp is particularly popular with adventurous families.