By
October 21, 2024
The Best New Belize Retreat: Chaa Creek’s Belize Rainforest Retreat
Why a Belize Vacation is a once in a lifetime experience
Belize is home to some of the world’s most captivating wildlife and untouched landscapes. It invites you to experience vibrant encounters, whether you’re observing the stunning Keel-billed Toucans, the Lessons Motmot, or the Yellow-headed Parrot high in the canopies or in the terrestrial world observing Gibnuts, White-Nosed Coatis, Jaguarundis, and even Agoutis just a few feet away.
Your vacation in Belize will offer much more than comfortable accommodations. It will give you the chance to plunge into the jungle, immerse yourself in the local culture, and create unforgettable memories.
Be Bold and book a stay in Belize's Interior: Cayo District.
Belize’s Cayo District is home to sacred caves, ancient Maya cities, lush jungles, and expansive rainforests. The district’s hub, San Ignacio, is known for its welcoming atmosphere, vibrant street-food scene, and adventurous offerings, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, groups, and solo travelers. San Ignacio is just two hours from Belize’s international gateway, Philip Goldson International Airport.
Top Maya cities include Caracol, Xunantunich, and Cahal Pech.
Notable sacred caves to explore are Barton Creek, Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave), and the Rio Frio Cave.
Consider cave tubing at Caves Branch, visiting Big Rock Waterfalls, and enjoying the Rio On Pools for water activities.
Where to stay in Cayo, Belize? The Belize Rainforest Retreat.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s intentional.
The Belize Rainforest Retreat, formerly the Macal River Camp, offers a unique combination of comfort and adventure, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a nostalgic back-to-nature experience. Located within the 500-acre Chaa Creek Reserve, it is just 20 minutes from central San Ignacio Town.
This retreat is described as a “looking glass into nature,” representing Mick and Lucy Fleming’s dedication to conservation and community. For nearly 50 years, the Fleming family has worked tirelessly to establish a legacy of conservation, community, education, and exceptional hospitality. Their success story began at The Lodge at Chaa Creek and continues with the Belize Rainforest Retreat.
What to do at the Belize Rainforest Retreat? Activities and more
When you book a stay at the Belize Rainforest Retreat, you can access a 500-acre nature reserve teeming with wildlife. Your room includes several guided activities, such as Early Morning Birding, Natural History Center and Butterfly Farm Tours, and the Maya Medicinal Trail Walk. Self-Guided activities include Canoeing and Hiking.
These activities invite you to immerse yourself in the jungle, surrounded by towering Guana Costa trees, Ceiba -the sacred tree of the Maya, and Corozo palms. The retreat features 10 spacious Eco Pods, each elevated above the jungle floor. Relax in a hammock on your private veranda, where you can listen to the melodious sounds of the Disneyesque avian community or tune in to the distant calls of howler monkeys echoing through the Maya Mountains.
What is new?
The Belize Rainforest Retreat is excited to announce that we will welcome our first guests in December 2024. Our beautifully finished property features solar energy, a refurbished alfresco dining area, and new educational programs for study abroad experiences.
These enhancements aim to make your stay even more enjoyable and memorable. To learn more about the experiences at the Belize Rainforest Retreat, please contact our travel experts at [email protected].
How to get here
If you’re traveling to Belize from the United States, Canada, Mexico, or Latin America, be aware of the following air service options for Winter 2024:
From the United States:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- JetBlue
- Southwest Airlines
- Sun Country
- United Airlines
From Canada:
- Air Canada
- WestJet
From Mexico and Latin America:
- COPA Airlines (from Panama City)
- TAG Airlines (from Guatemala City)
Once you arrive in Belize, comfortable transfers with licensed naturalist guides in modern air-conditioned vehicles can be arranged through our inland expeditions team.