Belize

Jean & I visited Chaa Creek in the fall of 2009. Boy, had it changed since I was there in the early 90's - back then it was a few thatched huts and outdoor deck / restaurant set on the banks of the Macal River. Of course the location hasn't changed! But there's tons more cabanas, an infinity pool that looks like it could be at a luxurious resort (which actually Chaa Creek is now), a proper restaurant aside from the bar....

While reading about the climate talks in Copenhagen, I realize how fortunate I am to have traveled to a number of places where rainforest is protected. JB Journeys is proud to offer travel opportunities to several of the world's most rich areas in biodiversity.  A few examples:

Machaca Hill Rainforest Canopy Lodge is an outpost in what is still considered 'wild Belize'. While we had read about the place and seen photos but none do justice to it. We have arrived at the end of the rainbow!

What words describe it? Pristine, untouched, tranquil, this is a true rainforest experience. And yet it is also the most luxurious rainforest lodge I have seen.

For those who want the over the water bungalow, how about the over the rainforest room? Each of the twelve rooms is suspended or perched along a hill of tall ferns and trees including cecropia, ceiba, gumbo limbo, and more species than I could ever name. The spacious rooms bring the outdoors in, as much of the room is enclosed but the porch or balcony, instead of being outside a door, is a screened-in part of the room. Thus even with all doors and windows closed the screened porch is part of the room.

All night long one hears the peaceful hoot of a Black and White or the Mottled Owl. Several times in the night troops of Howler Monkeys call. If you have not heard their sound, it is an amazing low guttural, hooting that can at first startle but later one considers how fortunate they are to be in a jungle location so remote that such wild creatures still exist. The sound could be used for haunted houses anytime. (click here for a link to Belize Zoo sounds http://www.belizezoo.org/zoo/zoo/mammals/how/how5.html)

November 2009

We rented a car in BZE and drove about 1 hour to the north to Orange Walk and then turned on a dirt/ caliche road through the farming Mennonite area. We passed about 15-20 buggies and wondered where are they all going? The carts have no lights only reflectors and as it was getting dark it was a bit scary.  TIP: Decided it was best not drive to Lamanai Outpost Lodge. Take the airport transfer to the boat dock and approach across the lagoon. The ride is 45 minutes and then 1 – 1.5 hours by boat, The arrival this way takes you into the jungle and the arrival is dramatic.Take the boat transfer to Lamanai!