Belize is famous for diving and snorkeling, but over the past decade, it’s slowly gained a reputation as an incredible rainforest destination. This is because the eco lodges and jungle resorts in Belize are some of the best in the world and are top of mind for visitors looking for immersive travel experiences.
See also: Top Beach Resorts in Belize & Belize All-Inclusive Resorts
Gone are the days when only hardcore explorers would venture into the rainforests of Belize. Nowadays, people from all backgrounds are seeking this unique experience. And with this change, hotels in Belize have responded by making sure to accommodate single travelers, families with kids, and even honeymooners keen to indulge in intimate Belizean jungle settings.
15 Best Belize Eco Lodges & Jungle Resorts |
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1. The Lodge at Chaa Creek |
2. Blancaneaux Lodge |
3. Hamanasi Resort |
4. Chan Chich Lodge |
5. Black Rock Lodge |
6. GAIA Riverlodge |
7. Copal Tree Lodge |
8. Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge |
9. Bocawina Rainforest Resort |
10. Vanilla Hills Lodge |
11. Cotton Tree Lodge |
12. Table Rock Jungle Lodge |
13. Programme For Belize |
14. Lamanai Outpost |
15. Lower Dover Field Station |
The Best Eco Lodges and Jungle Resorts in Belize
1. The Lodge at Chaa Creek
As one of the first jungle resorts in Belize, Chaa Creek has won many awards and is known as a pioneer of ecotourism in Belize. It is situated on a 400-acre private nature reserve that is just a few miles away from San Ignacio and caters to families and couples. This luxury eco resort offers many onsite activities such as a natural history museum, the medicinal plant trail, and a butterfly farm – there’s also a spa for anyone seeking some pampering.
Tip: For a camping-in-the-jungle experience, you can stay at their Rainforest Eco Pods while still having access to resort amenities.
2. Blancaneaux Lodge
Blancaneaux is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Nature Reserve and is surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, wildlife and Maya ruins. It is owned by the famous director Francis Ford Coppola – think the Godfather movies. Getting there involves a ride on a long dirt road (or helicopter flight) and they aren’t any immediate communities. So if you want to be far from civilization and tucked away deep in the forest – this is your place.
Tip: This secluded getaway is very luxurious and it’s well known as a celebrity hotspot.
3. Hamanasi Resort
Located in the quaint village of Hopkins, Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort is the perfect choice for travelers seeking an adventure outpost with rustic chic elegance. The resort specializes in scuba diving, however, its prime coastal location facilitates easy trips to Maya ruins, caves, and other mainland jungle attractions. Another major highlight of their location is that Hopkins village is home to the Garifuna culture, which is one of the most interesting cultures of Belize.
Tip: For accommodations, the treehouse rooms are my favourite since you feel as if you’re in the jungle while staying on the beach.
4. Chan Chich Lodge
As one of the most secluded jungle lodges, Chan Chich offers visitors a dense rainforest setting with miles of trails and abundant wildlife. The lodge sits on old Maya mounds deep in the jungle of the Gallon Jug Nature Reserve. Similar to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, many cats including the majestic Jaguar roam Gallon Jug but it’s not likely you will see them since they’re shy and nocturnal. However, it’s very likely that you’ll get to see Jaguar footprints during your stay.
Tip: This place is so isolated that it has its own village and community school.
5. Black Rock Lodge
Located a few miles away from San Ignacio, Black Rock Lodge is situated on a beautiful canyon overlooking the rushing Macal River. This is a great location for birders and people seeking to enjoy a little seclusion while having access to eco tours in the Cayo district. They have onsite hiking trails, a birdwatching tower, and the river is great for swimming, tubing or canoeing. The accommodations are cabins facing the water and I love their open-style restaurant perched on the hill.
Tip: Grab a deck with a couple of hammocks, read a book and feel at peace.
6. GAIA Riverlodge
As a Green Globe-certified lodge, GAIA Riverlodge is sustainable by design and its secluded location offers guests the opportunity to enjoy Belize’s famed Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, one of the most beautiful and tranquil locations in Belize. There aren’t any close communities nearby and the closest main settlement, San Ignacio, is an hour away by jeep.
Tip: GAIA is perched on top of Five Sisters Waterfalls, one of the many waterfalls found in Mountain Pine Ridge.
7. Copal Tree Lodge
Toledo used to once be the least visited area of Belize but Copal Tree Lodge is making the south receive a lot more attention. And with that attention, people are finally noticing how amazing spending time in Toledo is. In Toledo, you can find the best jungles in Belize, the Maya people, and have easy access to the sea. The lodge is particularly known for Agri-tourism – for the folks that are new to this term, that’s agricultural tourism. Fruit, vegetable, and meats throughout Belize are always fresh (farm to table) but visiting here you’ll be introduced to possibly the best food experience anywhere.
Tip: Click here for my in-depth interview with their ex General Manager.
8. Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge
The Hummingbird Highway is one of the most picturesque areas in Belize and anyone who stays at the Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge gets to enjoy it firsthand. The lodge is located on 50,000 acres of lush Belizean jungle with stunning grounds and nice views of Belize’s famed Maya Mountains. Aside from being surrounded by the mountains in Southern Belize, the Sibun River runs next to the property making the setting extra perfect.
Tip: The River House is the best accommodation since it’s located away from the main lodge and overlooks the river.
9. Bocawina Rainforest Resort
Bocawina is an eco-friendly resort in the Stann Creek District of Southern Belize. This Belizean rainforest resort is located within the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, which consists of thousands of acres of lush jungle, refreshing waterfalls, and ancient Maya sites. There, visitors can enjoy soft adventures such as hiking and birdwatching, and hard adventures such as ziplining above the rainforest canopy and rappelling down waterfalls.
Tip: The resort is only 20-30 minutes away from popular Southern Belize coastal destinations such as Hopkins and Dangriga.
10. Vanilla Hills Lodge
Located between the San Ignacio and Bullet Tree Falls in Cayo, Vanilla Hills Lodge offers budget-friendly accommodations in a cozy ranch-style setting. The lodge has various bungalow options, each offering a natural wooden interiors with a seating area, kitchenette, private bathroom with shower, and a terrace overlooking the gardens. It is popular with couples and small families.
Tip: Compared to other hotels in Belize with treehouses, this place has a treehouse bungalow that is very affordable.
11. Cotton Tree Lodge
Cotton Tree Lodge is located in Southern Belize and is the perfect escape if you’re looking for seclusion and rustic accommodations. They focus greatly on sustainable tourism and the lodge primarily runs on solar power. Here you’ll be able to make your own chocolate, eat organic fruits and vegetables and get close to nature by doing jungle activities such as river kayaking and horseback riding.
Tip: This place is big on Chocolate. Try to set up a stay when one of their events is happening.
12. Table Rock Jungle Lodge
Located in Cristo Rey Village, Table Rock is an excellent choice if you desire a beautiful riverside jungle setting with the convenience of a being 20-minute drive from Downtown San Ignacio. I’m not sure if things have changed since I last visited but when I was last there, the owners greeted me and we had some awesome conversation as I had a drink at their charming bar. Even if you don’t stay here, make reservations to visit their restaurant because they have a really great chef with a rotating menu.
Tip: Guests can take advantage of free river tubing and canoeing.
13. Programme for Belize
Known as PFB in short, this NGO manages the Rio Bravo Conservation Area located in Northern Belize. Staying options include La Milpa Field Station and Hill Bank. This location is extremely secluded and probably the best option for anyone seeking to spot a lot of wildlife and have a rugged experienced deep in the Belizean rainforest. Yes, this is a nature lover’s paradise but the best thing about here is that all revenues derived from tourism operations are re-invested into the Management and Conservation of the Rio Bravo.
Tip: La Milpa Field Station is my favourite of the two campsites.
14. Lamanai Outpost
Located in Orange Walk, you can reach the Lamanai Outpost either via a dirt road or boat ride on the New River, which is always great. The lodge is set on a beautiful lagoon surrounded by lush jungle and it is an excellent place for anyone wishing to visit the Maya ruins of Lamanai. There are tons of wildlife, especially howler monkeys which can be often seen from your room.
Tip: Ask for a lagoon view cabin and you won’t regret it. One more thing, for an amazing experience, go on the sunset airboat safari.
15. Lower Dover Field Station
Lower Dover is one of the most affordable jungle lodges in Belize – it’s surely the cheapest place to stay on this list. They have simple accommodations in a quiet and peaceful setting. By staying here you will get to explore onsite un-excavated Maya ruins, swim in the river, and interact daily with the owners. It’s located in Unitedville Village in Cayo which is between Belmopan and San Ignacio.
Tip: Apart from the cabins for couples and families, there’s a hostel-like dorm.
What is ecotourism in Belize?
In Belize, ecotourism is a form of tourism that promotes responsible and sustainable travel. It is used as a vehicle to protect and conserve exotic, often threatened natural environments, while improving the well-being of the local people. For example, eco-lodges in Belize are hotels or resorts designed to have the least possible impact on the environment, while positively contributing to local communities and conservation efforts.
The difference between Eco-Lodge & Eco-Resort in Belize
The terms eco-lodge and eco-resort are used interchangeably in Belize. I would be tempted to say that eco-resorts tend to be more upscale hotel properties than eco-lodges but this isn’t always the case. In general, most of Belize’s eco-resorts or lodges are environmentally focused and offer on-site amenities such as a spa, restaurant, bar, and activities/ tours.
Some of the resorts and lodges mentioned above are off the grid and sometimes may not provide excellent Wi-Fi. Some may also not have air conditioning, instead, they have rotating fans and the cool Belizean jungle breeze.
Dan Heimbrock says
Very nice list of truly great ecolodge resorts in Belize. A few more and we will have visited them all.
Lorenzo Gonzalez says
Really, that’s impressive. I’ve been to all except Lower Dover. 😀
Joe Awe says
Nice collection of eco lodges!
Lorenzo Gonzalez says
Thanks! Yes, the best of Belize is represented here!
Karen Claudia Tracy says
Also check out Mystic River Resort. Beautiful!!