At Chan Chich Lodge, wildlife is at the heart of every guest experience—but behind many of those unforgettable moments is someone who knows the forest just as well as the animals that call it home.
Meet Emil Flota.
From Quiet Beginnings to the Heart of the Jungle
Emil, now 48, is from San Lazaro Village in Belize’s Orange Walk District. His journey to Chan Chich Lodge began nearly two decades ago, but it didn’t start with confidence or experience—it started with quiet determination.
“I used to be a very quiet, isolated guy and very timid,” Emil says.
Years ago, his older sister worked at the lodge as a waitress. Through her, Emil got the opportunity to join the team—something he describes as the perfect fit at the time.
Today, Emil has spent over 25 years working at the lodge, growing alongside it and becoming one of its most unique and valued team members.
More Than a Bartender
Emil’s role has evolved over time. He began as a gardener, later becoming a bartender and waiter—but it was his connection with nature that truly shaped his path.
“I started to fall in love with nature,” he says.
That passion led him to pick up a camera and begin capturing wildlife as a hobby. What started as curiosity quickly turned into something much more.
Now, Emil plays a key role in managing the lodge’s trail cameras—quietly documenting the hidden life of the rainforest.
Life Behind the Trail Cameras
For Emil, no two days are ever the same.
“There is no typical day—every day is a new day, and always there are surprises with nature.”
On his days off, you’ll often find him deep in the forest, checking trail cameras and reviewing footage. It’s not just a task—it’s something he genuinely loves.
“I always get interesting videos from wildlife. I enjoy most when I just sit in a peaceful area, checking one by one the footage. I never get tired of that.”
That dedication is what allows guests at Chan Chich to see what they otherwise never could—jaguars passing silently through the night, herds of peccaries moving through the forest, or a tapir appearing unexpectedly on camera.
Face-to-Face with the Wild
Some moments, however, go beyond the camera.
One of Emil’s most memorable experiences was coming face-to-face with not one, but two apex predators.
“I encountered a jaguar and a puma face to face. The puma even started coming towards me,” he recalls.
“It’s a unique experience.”
It’s this deep, firsthand connection to the wildlife that shapes how Emil shares the rainforest with guests—not as something distant, but something real, present, and alive.
Sharing the Experience with Guests
If you’ve attended one of the lodge’s trail camera presentations, you’ve likely seen Emil in his element—walking guests through footage, explaining animal behavior, and bringing the forest to life in a way that feels personal.
His message to guests is simple: “Explore as much as possible.”
While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, Emil believes the opportunity is always there.
“The animals are around us. It’s not 100% that you will see something, but there are lots of chances.”
A Place That Feels Like Home
For Emil, Chan Chich is more than just a workplace.
“It is a unique and special place,” he says, pointing to the protected reserve and the abundance of wildlife that surrounds it.
“It’s a wonderful place to work, and I’m proud to be part of the family.”
Experience Chan Chich Through Emil’s Eyes
A stay at Chan Chich Lodge is filled with unforgettable moments—but what makes it truly special are the people who bring those moments to life.
Through Emil’s work with trail cameras, his passion for wildlife, and his quiet dedication to the forest, guests are given a rare glimpse into the hidden world of Belize’s rainforest.
It’s not just about what you see—it’s about understanding the life that exists beyond the trails.
Plan Your Belize Jungle Experience
Ready to experience the rainforest for yourself?
To learn more or start planning your stay:
+501-223-4419
[email protected]
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