Welcome to the heart of the jungle! At Chan Chich Lodge, we’ve been quietly hosting adventurers, nature lovers, and curious minds for decades. Nestled deep within the Maya Forest, we’re not your average jungle lodge. Here are 7 fun facts about us—some surprising, some wild, but all part of what makes a stay at Chan Chich unforgettable.
1. The Lodge Was Built to Protect An Ancient Maya Plaza
Our main lodge is nestled within what was once a Maya plaza—an extraordinary setting that we take great care to protect. Chan Chich Lodge was intentionally established here to safeguard the site from looting, which posed a serious threat to its preservation. Since then, we’ve proudly supported ongoing archaeological research and conservation efforts. Today, we continue to collaborate closely with the Belize Estates Archaeological Survey team from Texas Tech University, helping to uncover and protect the stories buried within these ancient grounds.
2. Big Cat Sightings Are Common
While sightings of the elusive jaguar are rare (though not unheard of), Chan Chich Lodge is one of the best places in Belize to encounter members of the country’s “Big Five” cats: jaguar, puma, ocelot, jaguarundi, and margay. Of these, ocelots are spotted most frequently, often on night drives or even near the lodge grounds. Our location within a vast protected corridor means that these majestic predators—along with countless other species—have the space and safety they need to roam freely.
3. We’re Mostly Off the Grid—and That’s a Good Thing
Chan Chich Lodge is mostly off-grid. This means your jungle escape is not only immersive and serene, but also environmentally conscious. Every aspect of your stay is designed to tread lightly on the Earth.
4. Over 350 Bird Species Call Chan Chich Home
Birders, rejoice. Chan Chich Lodge is a birdwatching paradise, home to over 350 recorded bird species. From the vibrant keel-billed toucan (Belize’s national bird) to the ocellated turkey, the area is a haven for both casual observers and serious birders alike.
5. Chan Chich Sits Inside a Half-Million-Acre Conservation Zone
Chan Chich sits at the heart of one of Central America’s most ambitious conservation projects. Surrounded by the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area and adjacent tracts of forest in Guatemala and Mexico, the lodge plays an active role in protecting La Selva Maya.
6. We Have a Pool!
After a long day of hiking or wildlife spotting, there’s nothing better than a dip in our jungle-surrounded pool. It’s a refreshing oasis in the middle of the rainforest and a favorite place for guests to unwind while listening to the sounds of the forest.
7. You’ll Sleep in Thatched Cabanas Among the Trees
The lodge’s accommodations blend rustic charm with modern comfort. Guests stay in thatched-roof cabanas built with local materials, offering privacy, tranquility, and a front-row seat to the wonders of the rainforest—complete with wraparound verandas perfect for early-morning birdwatching.
Ready to Experience It for Yourself?
Whether you’re here to spot wildlife, explore, or simply disconnect from the noise of modern life, Chan Chich Lodge offers an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left the jungle behind. Each visit is a chance to connect with nature, support conservation, and uncover the stories of a truly wild place.