Chan Chich Lodge

This was our second time at Chan Chich and it’s still as spectacular as it was in the late ‘80’s! The cabanas are comfortable, the food is very good having come from the Chan Chich property, the staff very solicitous, and the education about Belize and its wonders top-notch with the tours on the property and around Belize having very knowledgeable guides. Thank you for helping to make my education about Belize complete.

Het resort en de omgeving zijn prachtig. Grote huisjes, restaurant en terras. De natuur rondom het resort zijn prachtig. Echter, het ontbreekt wel op een aantal punten. Er zaten gaten in de klamboe, de tuinstoelen op het terras van ons huisje hadden geen kussens waardoor je erg onconfortabel en hard zat. De zitjes in de gezamenlijke tuin zijn verouderd. Het personeel is beleefd maar de relaxte, gezellige sfeer ontbreekt. Tot slot zijn de maaltijden erg duur. Voor de lunch en het dinner kun je alleen een 3 gangen dinner kiezen van USD 30,- en USD 45,-. En tot onze grote verbazing werd bij het afrekenen van de eindnota 12,5% belasting geheven over al het eten, drankjes en excursies. Dit stond nergens duidelijk aangegeven en was ook niet benoemd door het personeel.

Our family of five, The Adventure Buddies, had an unforgettable stay at Chan Chich Lodge in Belize, a true jungle paradise! From exhilarating safari rides in an open-air truck, spotting jungle cats, monkeys, exotic birds, and deer, to hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing and swimming in the jungle pool, every moment was an adventure. The all-inclusive dining was top-notch, with gourmet meals that exceeded our expectations, while accommodating for our children's tastes, and the service was truly exceptional—the staff made us feel like family. Whether exploring ancient Mayan ruins or relaxing under the rainforest canopy, Chan Chich Lodge delivered the perfect mix of adventure and luxury. We can’t wait to return!

To properly review Chan Chich I have to reveal some things about myself. I'm a serious photographer. I only go where the wildlife and environment are ethically respected. I prefer locally-owned. I'm a foodie. I like comfort. I'm up there in years. And, I'm a safety freak. Chan Chich meets absolutely all my needs. This is in a fine list of favorite places for wildlife viewing. No doubt there are many a creature to be aware of in the rainforest, but with the local guides, I felt quite at home in this peaceful kingdom. I urge anyone interested in visiting to throughly read the history and ethics of Chan Chich on their website. To learn about the various animals flying, climbing, roaming and slithering in this pristine land. Your participation in spotting wildlife will only enhance your experience. And at the end of the day, an incredible meal is prepared from the farm on the estate. Afterwards you wander back to your cabana to find your bed turned down, a cookie and a story on the bedside table. Darkness falls quickly and the comfort of your bed welcomes you to slumber until you hear a loud roar outside during the wee hours. At breakfast, you find it wasn't a puma but territorial howler monkeys. Chan Chich is one of those places to visit when you truly need to get away from the craziness of man's world and reconnect with the real. All too soon the staff take you down the 7-mile track to the Gallon Jug airstrip and a Cessna single engine is waiting to take you back to BZE to head home fully refresh. Will I return? Do hummingbirds return when the cold wind blows? Of course, I will.

If you want an authentic rain forest /birding experience, this is the place! In 3 days, we saw and photographed over 40 species of birds ( that does not include Boa constrictor, monkeys and Peccarys, or the other mammals we saw ) . The lodge setting itself had plenty of wildlife, but the outings were very special. There were organized activities from 6:30 AM till 9 PM. The staff was wonderful and amazingly knowledgable - always making sure no one felt rushed and could experience the wonderful wildlife. The food was great, as was the service in general. Even the vehicles they used for the driving tours ( day and night ) were top notch - Elevated rows of seats for optimal viewing, Bean bag camera perches, cofortable 4 wheel drives. They are thoughtful, protective of the animals and forest, and worked hard to minimize human impact. Rooms were nice. You are in the rain forest, not on the outskirts. I can't imagine anything more magical.

My friend and I stayed at Chan Chich Lodge for four nights. The estate is beautiful but our room wasn’t. We were in a basic room with two beds which was run down and freezing cold. We are not sure if this was down to our agent or the Lodge telling us it was the only room available. Unfortunately It was cold and raining when we were there, I asked for extra blankets and was given only one. There wasn’t anywhere for us to put our cases just a small cupboard which my friend used and I left my things inside my bag. When we left all our clothes and soft cases were damp including fact everything was damp including the beds and towels. When the weather is bad there isn’t a plan B so there isn’t anything to do except read. We did go on a couple of night drives and saw one Ocelot which was the highlight. We had a tour around the estate which was the most successful trip and we both really enjoyed. After the night drives we were freezing cold but unfortunately there isn’t an option to get a drink as the bar was permanently closed, there were on a few of us staying here so maybe no demand. The food is delicious all homemade, we would have liked to try the sauces made on the estate but they weren’t on the table to try with meals. Ruben and Luis were excellent guides but we didn’t see much wildlife because of the rain. We would have liked the opportunity to upgrade to a room with walls and air conditioning, also we would have rather arrived by plane instead of having to endure the road journey but this wasn’t offered to us. A lovely estate but our shabby room let it down.