As you look ahead to the new year, there’s no better way to refresh your perspective than by stepping into one of the most pristine and protected jungles in the world. Tucked within the vast Belize Maya Forest, in the Orange Walk district of Belize, Chan Chich Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind escape for travelers ready to trade the noise of daily life for wildlife encounters, unmatched birding, ancient Maya sites, and natural beauty in every direction.
If you’re planning unforgettable trips for 2026, here’s why Chan Chich Lodge deserves a spot at the very top of your bucket list.
A Jungle Sanctuary Like No Other
Chan Chich Lodge sits inside a 30,000-acre private reserve surrounded by half a million acres of protected forest in Belize. This rare setting means one thing for travelers: authentic wilderness, uninterrupted.
Wake up to howler monkeys calling from the canopy, watch wild turkeys strut past your cabana, and enjoy world-class birding right from your veranda. With no crowds, no traffic, and no distractions, the lodge immerses you in true rainforest serenity.
Unmatched Wildlife Encounters
Wildlife lovers will find Chan Chich to be one of the best places in Belize — and Central America — for unforgettable sightings. The region is home to all five of Belize’s big cats:
- Jaguar
- Puma (including rare black pumas)
- Ocelot
- Jaguarundi
- Margay
Guests can see big cats on guided drives, and our Trail Camera Viewings offer exciting glimpses into the wildlife that are thriving right near the lodge.
And the best part?
This ecosystem is thriving — not staged. What you see here is 100% wild, untouched nature.
A Top Birding Destination for 2026
If birdwatching is on your travel wishlist, Chan Chich is a must. With over 370 bird species recorded, including rare and elusive finds, it’s one of Belize’s premier birding destinations.
Expect to spot:
- Ocellated Turkey
- Crested Guan
- Trogons and Motmots
- Ornate Hawk-Eagles
- Parrots and Macaws
- Migratory species from North America
Take a guided early morning bird walk or explore on your own — either way, you’ll see why travelers call it a birder’s paradise. You can also take bird watching tours in our open-air safari trucks or by boating in our lagoons.
A Deep Connection to Maya History
Chan Chich Lodge sits on top of an ancient Maya plaza, surrounded by unexcavated temples and forest-covered structures. The past comes alive as you wander the on-site Archaeological Walk. If you want to explore more about the Ancient Maya you can take guided tours to places like:
- Xunantunich (Means “Maiden of the Rock”)
- The Actun Tunichil Mucnal (ATM) cave
- Tikal (located just on across the border in Guatemala)
Eco-Luxury Accommodations That Honor the Earth
The lodge’s thatched-roof cabanas are designed to blend seamlessly with the rainforest, offering a soothing retreat after each day’s adventure.
When staying with us, you can enjoy:
- Eco-friendly, spacious cabanas, with air-conditioned comfort in select cabanas
- Private verandas
- Evening Turn-down service
- Complimentary use of Bikes
- Free Trail Camera Viewing Sessions
- hammocks and outdoor seating for stargazing
- Screened in-fresh water pool on property
- We recommend disconnecting to fully enjoy the experience, but if WiFi is available throughout the lodge and in the rooms.
- Complimentary use of Yoga Deck
Sustainable practices—including LED lighting, biodegradable products, locally made furniture, and community partnerships—ensure your stay supports conservation.
Adventures That Start the Moment You Arrive
Travelers seeking memorable experiences will find endless options:
- Guided day & night safari drives
- Horseback riding through the forest
- Visits to Laguna Verde & Laguna Seca
- Medicinal plant walks
- Hiking trails around the lodge
- Farm tours
- Birding tours for all levels
Chan Chich is the kind of place where every day brings a new story.
Why 2026 Is the Year to Visit?
With worldwide interest in sustainable travel on the rise, more travelers are seeking destinations that protect wildlife, honor local communities, and offer meaningful experiences.
Chan Chich Lodge excels in all three — and 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for eco-travel.
Whether you want a romantic escape, a wildlife-watching adventure, or a restorative retreat in nature, Chan Chich is the perfect place to begin the new year.
Ready to Make 2026 Extraordinary?
Book your Belize jungle adventure at Chan Chich Lodge and step into a world where wildlife roams free, the forest thrives, and every moment reconnects you with nature.