A Family Adventure in Belize
Highlights
- Visit an organic cacao plantation
- Float down the Monkey River on a boat ride
- Explore the fascinating remains of Xunantunich Maya
- Enjoy a boat cruise up to Mexico Rocks
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Spot Morelet’s crocodiles on a boat ride down Monkey river
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Explore the cave rivers of the Cayo District
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Explore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
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Head into the mysterious Xibalba cave system
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–4 Punta Gorda
- Days 4–7 Cayo District
- Days 7–10 Ambergris Caye
- Days 1–4 Punta Gorda
- Days 4–7 Cayo District
- Days 7–10 Ambergris Caye
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Three nights in Punta Gorda
In the far south of Belize, Punta Gorda is even more laid back than the rest of the country with a wonderful rustic feel and lush countryside. It’s a perfect mix of reef and rainforest here, with emerald jungle covering the rolling Maya Mountains and pristine rivers running into the clear warm waters of the Caribbean.
A significant swathe of the waters in the area have been protected allowing more marine life to be visible and perfect for avid snorkelers or divers.
Where you could stay
Punta Gorda
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Overview
A truly special place, Copal Tree Lodge is simply one of our favourite lodges in all of Latin America. Perched on a hill overlooking the canopy of the lush tropical rainforest of southern Belize the hotel is centred around a main dining and relaxation area which affords great views and provides a focus for guests to meet and mingle with the excellent staff and guides.
The private cabins lean out into the canopy itself, set on stilts and with a large screened balcony one really has the feeling of being in the canopy itself. Each is very spacious and elegantly appointed including comforts such as air conditioning and a double head shower room with a floor to ceiling window to allow views of the rainforest as you bathe.
For relaxation the hotel has a pleasant pool area an outdoor fireside (where live music from local native musicians is arranged for evening drinks) and a small spa area with a good range of treatments.
The star of the show here are the activities and the people which make them happen and can be arranged around any requirements making this an ideal lodge for people of all ages, abilities and tastes.
Though very much in the rainforest, the boathouse at the banks of the lush river at the base of the hill, houses a speedboat that can whisk you to the calm clear waters of the Caribbean for snorkelling, swimming and fishing in the cayes.
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Punta Gorda highlights
For chocolate lovers
A jungle exploration
Toledo Cacao Plantation and Community Visit Tour
The Toledo District is known for its top-quality cacao, which is used to make chocolate. At the organic Agouti Cacao Farm in the village of San Pedro de Columbia, farmer Eladio Pop and his family teach chocoholics how the sweet stuff is made, from bean to bar. See first-hand how cacao is harvested, dried, roasted, and ground and have an opportunity to make hot chocolate from scratch—the ancient Maya way. You will also learn about the local area and culture.
Monkey River tour
Board a small boat and float through the lush jungle, listening to the calls of river birds and howler monkeys. Your experienced river guide will point out some of the region’s abundant wildlife including Morelet’s crocodiles, iguanas and an array of bird species. You’ll then enjoy a jungle hike to spot troops of howler monkeys, toucans, snakes and other rainforest flora and fauna. Learn about the various plants that are used in herbal medicine. before wandering through Monkey River Town, a small fishing village.
Three nights in the Cayo District
Spend your days exploring the lush interior area of Cayo, where you can truly get stuck into some outdoors activities: hike the rainforest, embark on a thrilling kayak experience or explore hidden Mayan ruins and cave rivers.
Where you could stay
Cayo District
Highlights
- Access to Chaa Creek's 400-acre nature reserve
- 10% of Chaa Creek's accommodation revenue funds environmental and community projects
- Restaurant
- Infinity Pool
- Full Spa
- Butterfly House
Overview
Started more than twenty years ago, Chaa Creek has grown organically to be one of the very best eco-lodges in Belize with a real sense of place, character and history. The lodge is set in a 365-acre private nature reserve on the banks of the Macal River.
There are just twenty three rooms ranging from garden suites to the jacuzzi cottage, all are ample in size and tastefully appointed with local hardwood furnishings and textiles. The lodgings are arranged around beautiful lush gardens dotted with royal palms and brimming with exotic birdlife. At the centre is a large infinity pool, bar and restaurant. There is also a large spa area atop the hill with an extensive range of treatments on offer. The lodge is well-positioned to explore the attractions of the surrounding area from Mayan ruins to Cave systems. Service is friendly, knowledgeable and very professional.
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The impact of your stay:
- The lodge champions sustainability through the implementation of green energy practices, ensuring the property operates in harmony with the environment. This dedication to running the lodge sustainably reflects a conscientious effort to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystems that thrive within the reserve.
- Their ‘Butterfly on the Road’ project is an inspiring initiative that extends beyond the boundaries of the lodge, connecting with primary schools in nearby communities. This educational initiative highlights the captivating life cycle of butterflies, underscoring their vital role in the environment. Students benefit from hands-on experiences that provide valuable insights into the significance of butterflies in pollination and maintaining ecosystem balance.
- The lodge contributes 5% of room revenue to social and environmental causes. These include an annual river cleanup, a successful partnership with the Yerkes Primate Institute and Foundation for Wildlife Conservation for the reintroduction of Howler Monkeys to the 400-acre preserve, and a yearly scholarship programe providing monetary aid for tertiary and secondary students’ tuition fees.
Cayo District
Highlights
- Restaurant
- Lounge
- Wine Cellar
- Organic Garden
- Spa
- Infinity Pool
Overview
This boutique resort is for those seeking a more polished hotel-style experience in the Cayo district.
Located just a short drive to San Ignacio. All rooms are comfortable and equipped with all the modern luxuries one would expect from a hotel such as air-conditioning, flat screen televisions and iPod docks.
Accommodation is in large rooms or private casitas. The hotel has a pleasant outdoor pool, spa, bar, and a good restaurant. Service is excellent, very attentive and helpful.
→ Find out moreCayo District
Overview
You’ll find the rustic Black Rock River Lodge in a stunning location on the banks of the remote Macal River in the Maya Mountains.
Composed of 13 simple cabins, a restaurant, and bar, the lodge places its emphasis on an immersive, natural experience. Each of the one-room cabins are pleasantly airy and bright, built to take advantage of the fresh mountain breezes. You’ll find inviting hammocks around the property, beckoning you to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
While you’re here, you can look forward to hiking, biking, horse riding, and tubing in the surrounding countryside.
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Cayo District highlights
Archaeological sites
Canoe adventure
An exploration of Xunantunich
Head to the Mopan river where a vehicle will transfer onto a hand cranked ferry to travel across the river, before driving to the Xunantunich Maya archaeology site. Learn about this small, fascinating site on a guided tour and enjoy amazing vistas of the surrounding rainforest landscape from atop the main temple.
A paddle down Barton Creek
Head through the Mennonite Community of Upper Barton Creek to the river at Barton Creek. Equipped with canoes and high powered lights, gently paddle along the river into the cave system known as Xibalba (she-bal-ba), which is Mayan for underworld. Stalactites hang high overhead as you float past impressive calcite crystal formations. Knowledgeable guides discuss the relevance of the cave to the ancient Mayan people and the archaeological significance of this 7.5km limestone cave system, which was used for ceremonial purposes and as a burial site by the ancient Maya people.
Three nights in Ambergris Caye
The largest of the Cayes off the north coast of Belize, Ambergris is this country’s most popular island destinations. Protected by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the waters are calm and crystal clear, making this a beautiful setting with an abundance of coral and sealife to explore.
Enjoy time at leisure at Ambergris Caye swimming, snorkelling and diving in the warm Caribbean seas, explore the reef or simply relax at your luxury hotel.
Where you could stay
Ambergris Caye
Overview
Located a short drive away from the main town, Victoria house is an wonderfully elegant beachfront property with beautiful gardens and pool area.
Service is very professional and helpful and the gardens and beach are immaculately manicured. On-site services include a dive-shop, massages, bar and a good restaurant. There are a range of different accommodations on offer from private casitas, to beachfront houses suitable for families or groups of friends.
→ Find out moreAmbergris Caye
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Overview
Set on a secluded stretch of natural white-sand beach looking out to the vast barrier reef, Matachica offers a choice of 31 intimate villas, including 30 single casitas and 1 two-bedroom villa. Vibrantly coloured with thatched roofs, the villas are spacious and privately located from each other with traditional mosaic bathrooms, air-conditioning, private patios and hammocks.
There is a welcoming bar, and drinks can be brought to you, poolside or on the beach, while the award-winning Mambo restaurant is considered one of the best in the country and offers locally inspired flavours and some surprising combinations.
As well as relaxing on the serene beach or in the Jade Spa, you can explore both land and the reef with complimentary use of sea kayaks, bicycles, snorkel gear and fishing tackle. The buzzing little town of San Pedro is just a short water taxi away and the lush jungles of Belize’s interior are also within reach.
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A private boat cruise to Mexico Rocks
Take a boat up the coast from Ambergris Caye to Mexico Rocks where a beautiful collection of Star, Elk Horn Coral, and Staghorn corals are colonised by lobsters, rays, eels and colourful juvenile fish. Shallow and protected by the barrier reef from ocean swells, this site is great for novice snorkellers with excellent visibility.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
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