Cayo District, Belize, July 30, 2009 – The Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank in conjunction with the John Templeton Foundation, and the Social Equity Venture Fund through their Pioneers in Prosperity Program has awarded Honorable Mentions to The Lodge at Chaa Creek.  The Pioneers in Prosperity Program is an international project that seeks to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs in emerging economies by identifying, rewarding, and promoting outstanding businesses who serve as role models within their …

 By Peter Tonti 
So we ventured into the unknown; Elias Matus, reservations manager for the Rainforest and Reef Resorts of Belize, my fourteen year old son, Gianni Tonti and me, Peter Tonti, CFO and Business Manager for The Lodge at Chaa Creek, in search of some hands-on experience with the island portion of our Inland/Island Adventure Package with Turneffe Flats. 
An hour and a half boat ride from Belize City led us to our destination, Turneffe Flats. We arrived around 5:00 pm, …

CHEAP FLIGHTS TO BELIZE
 
 
BELIZE–JULY 23, 2009– Nonstop flights to Belize from
Houston were just slashed to a record low price of $194
roundtrip, including taxes.
 
This fare, which is more than half off typical rates, is
good for travel on nearly all dates, Aug. 11 – Oct. 31.
 
This rate is unadvertised and could sell out very quickly.
The $194 price was still available at 8:30AM Central Standard Time.
 
To find the lowest-priced travel dates and search multiple
sites for the best deals, click below to search with …

The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize
Foam parties may be fun for some, but in case you’re not into its thriving club scene, Belize is also known for its world-class scuba diving, rainforest, and rich Mayan culture. To see it all, stay at The Lodge at Chaa Creek. The eco resort of 23 palm-thatched cottages and 10 bungalows is nestled in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, along the Macal River, on a 365-acre nature reserve.
Read more at: http://ozolife.com/daily/travel/chaa_right/

A recent visit to Chaa Creek inspired me to join TA and post a review. Not like CC needs another rave, but it deserves one. It’s a fantastic Belize resort where the owners and staff get every detail right. Service is incredibly friendly, unobtrusive, and superb. The location is great for day trips (to Tikal in Guatemala, caves, etc.), but the resort grounds are so wonderful it’s hard to leave. Food was very good, and the open-air dining pavilion was beautiful. The …

Do you know about the great blue Hole in Belize, Central America? The Great Blue Hole is a tremendous underwater sinkhole that is approximately 60 miles from Belize City. The hole is circular in shape, 410 feet deep, and 1000 feet across. The site was formed as a limestone cave system during the last glacial period when sea levels were much lower. When the ice melted and the sea level rose, the caves were flooded creating a magnet for courageous divers.
The Great Blue …

Chaa Creek’s
Exotic Lemongrass Iced Tea
 
Ingredients: 
1 cup lemongrass, chopped
3 liters of water
1 tbsp. Fresh ginger, chopped
 
Method:
Combine all ingredients in large pt
Bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes.
Strain lemongrass and ginger from water and discard.
Place strained tea in glass or plastic jug and chill.
Serve with lemon wedge.

 Mangoes

Tropical Flora

Orchard Villa

Lobster Claw

Chaa Creek Swimming Pool

Howler Monkeys

Caracol Maya Site

Rio on Pools

Butterflies at Chaa Creek

Belize Jaguar
 
Photos submitted by David and Cathy Sandhage, June 2009!

Ingredients:
2 – boneless chicken breast
1 – large carrot, cut into chunks
1 – large onion, cut into chunks
1 – large bell pepper, cut into chunks
2 – medium size tomatoes, cut into chunks
1 – stick celery, cut into chunks
2 cloves garlic, chopped
¼ tsp. Ginger, chopped
2 chicken cubes
cilantro to taste
 
1 – large can whole tomatoes
¼ cup lime juice
Pinch of thyme, cumin, oregano, black pepper and salt
½ cup corn tortillas cut lengthwise and fried crisp
 
Method of Preparation:
Trim the chicken breast removing all the fat.
In …

Many of the reviews for this place say it all – beautiful accommodations, fabulous staff, great food (come hungry!) but for anyone that is interested in horseback riding this place offers a treat for you. Granted, one often gets stuck in the “walk” rides with rank beginners but if you ask for an advanced ride and are good enough to participate with the wranglers, you will have a great adventure. We rode through beautiful scenery, were blessed with an archeology …

 DISCOVER THE AVIAN DIVERSITY OF BELIZE
With Miguel Choco, experienced birder.

“Ever seen the illusive Keel-billed Motmot?”  I have!  Join me on one of my birding expeditions and you’ll get to see that and much, much more.  I’ll take you on a seven-day expedition to six exotic locations, where we’ll do some serious birding. Whether you know anything about birds matters not, we host the novice, intermediate or professional birder. You will learn to identify birds both visual and vocal also listen …

Chaa Creek maintains a stable of well-groomed riding horses that are suited for all levels of riding experience. Our guided rides traverse the trails of the Chaa Creek Nature Reserve through sub-tropical broadleaf forest past ancient Maya sites. As you ride along, your naturalist guide will highlight the various unique plant and wildlife species native to the reserve. Optional rides to the MAYA ORGANIC FARM and BELIZE BONTANIC GARDENS may also be arranged.

VISAS
All travelers entering the country must have a valid passport (valid for up to six months after visit) and a proof of return to their country. No visas are required for citizens of the United States, United Kingdom and the majority of Caribbean Islands. Visitors from other countries must check for information about obtaining a visa. Belize allows visitors a maximum of one-month stay in the country before they require an extension.
DEPARTURE TAXES & FEES
Departure taxes that were once collected …

The Lodge at Chaa Creek in Belize, Central America is carefully tucked away amidst lush tropical gardens along the verdant banks of the Macal River in the foothills of the ancient Maya Mountains.  Individually designed thatched accommodations reflect an atmosphere of elegance where charmingly decorated rooms and suites offer fine fabrics, furnishings and antiques. These spacious cottages include private sun deck verandahs for viewing wildlife and interacting with nature.

The Chaa Creek Natural History Museum was established in 1993 to become the first one of its kind in Belize, Central America.  The centre was created with the hope of providing a much needed natural and cultural history resource for Belizeans and international visitors, as well.  The exhibits within the Centre cover a wide range of topics from anthropology to zoology and were designed and individually constructed by our staff of experienced naturalist guides.  The Centre showcases the wonders of Belize’s …

Home to the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, Belize has long been popular with scuba divers who head to the island of Ambergris Cay to float among the manta rays, turtles, dolphins, and sharks. As of late, however, travelers are heading inland to hike in a rainforest full of parrots and butterflies, visit rarely seen Mayan ruins, and canoe along the Macal River. This is where you’ll find a 365-acre nature preserve in the Cayo district called Chaa …

Covering more than 300 square miles of natural phenomena, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a spectacular range of rolling hills and jagged peak formed from some of the oldest rocks in Central America.  In amongst these granite outcrops there are also some sections of limestone, riddled with superb caves, the most accessible of which is the Rio Frio Cave with its enormous 65 feet high entrance.  Stepping stones will lead you inside and along the upper edge of …

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good
for the inside of a man.  ~Winston Churchill  

A horse is the projection of peoples’ dreams about themselves – strong, powerful, beautiful – and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence.  ~Pam Brown

Small children are convinced that ponies deserve to see the inside of the house.  ~Maya Patel

Again the early-morning sun was generous with its warmth.  All the sounds dear to a horseman were …

Have you ever wondered where chocolate comes from? Or how papayas grow? Did you know that used cardboard can be recycled as ground cover or that potatoes can really fly (well, not really but . . .)? Venture out to our Maya Farm and you will find answers to these perplexing questions and learn many other interesting facts about tropical plants and organic agriculture. There are over 60 different species of vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees in organic cultivation …

Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre) is one of the most popular Maya ceremonial caves in Western Belize and has been featured in National Geographic Adventure Magazine.  It was named after the sacrificial chamber within the cave where the remains of a young woman were found, the bones of which have been completely covered by calcite from drip water, leaving them with a sparkling appearance.  Fourteen burials have been found inside the cave and 1,400 objects including skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware …