Chan Chich Lodge: A Unique Farm-to-Table Experience Deep in the Belizean Jungle
Journey into the Wild
Getting to Chan Chich Lodge is an adventure in itself. After a three-hour drive from Belize City, the final 1.5 hours took us down a rugged dirt road, deep into a private jungle reserve near the Guatemala border. The remoteness of the lodge immediately set the tone—we were truly off the grid, surrounded by nature at its wildest.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed into two cozy thatched-roof cabanas—one for us and Olivia (equipped with a pack-n-play for her) and another for our two teenagers. The beds were comfortable, the bathrooms were modern, and in the evenings, the housekeepers set up mosquito nets as part of the turn-down service. Within minutes of unpacking, spider monkeys swung through the trees just outside our room. That night, after a delicious dinner, we embarked on our first night safari, eager to spot one of the big cats that Chan Chich is famous for.
Big Cat Country—But No Guarantees
Chan Chich Lodge sits in one of the best locations in Belize for spotting jaguars and pumas, and we were determined to see one. Over the course of 15 safari rides, we ventured through the jungle in comfortable safari trucks, guided by experts who knew every sound and movement in the reserve. However, despite our best efforts, we never spotted a big cat. Ironically, the one drive we skipped had a rare puma sighting!
That said, wildlife was everywhere—we saw two ocelots, tons of birds, howler and spider monkeys, and even some adorable miniature owls. The thrill of searching, the knowledge of the guides, and the immersive jungle setting made each safari ride exciting, even without a jaguar sighting. If you’re coming here, know that big cat sightings are rare and not guaranteed—if you do see one, consider it an incredible bonus!
Adventures Beyond the Safaris
When we weren’t out searching for wildlife, we found plenty to do at the lodge:
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- Swimming in the jungle pool – Warm water, a bug-free screen enclosure, and a hot tub for relaxing.
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- Horseback riding – A fun but bumpy ride through the jungle (Olivia stayed back with a staff babysitter, and we’d recommend this for kids 10 and up).
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- Farm-to-table experience – A tour of the on-site farm, where we learned how everything—from the food on our plates to the wood in our cabanas—was sourced directly from the land.
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- Exploring Maya ruins – Several hiking trails around the resort led to ancient Maya sites hidden in the jungle.
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- Birdwatching (even if you’re not into it!) – Chan Chich is a top destination for birdwatchers, and while it’s not usually our thing, seeing two species of toucans and the tiny jungle owls was a fun surprise.
Farm-to-Table Dining: A Foodie’s Jungle Dream
Every meal at Chan Chich was an experience in itself. For each meal, we had a choice of two starters, three entrees, and dessert, all made from ingredients sourced directly from the farm on the reserve. One unique feature was that we would pre-order our next meal while eating our current one, which meant our food was ready when we returned from adventures—no long waits, just fresh, delicious meals when we were hungry! This was perfect for families, allowing us to maximize our time exploring while knowing that a hot, freshly prepared meal was waiting for us. The wait staff was also wonderful in accommodating Olivia’s meals, ensuring she had kid-friendly options when needed.
Personalized Service & A Familiar Team
The staff at Chan Chich made our stay unforgettable. From the housekeeping team keeping our rooms pristine throughout the day to the knowledgeable guides who could spot even the smallest creatures in the trees, the service was top-notch. Our guides didn’t just point out animals—they shared fascinating facts and stories that made each safari ride feel like a learning experience.
Over the five days, we built a real connection with the staff, getting to know them on a first-name basis. They were incredibly accommodating, even arranging babysitting for Olivia when we needed it (though this isn’t a standard service, just an example of their generosity). Their warmth and expertise truly elevated our experience, making us feel not just like guests, but part of the lodge’s family.
Is Chan Chich Lodge Right for Families?
While we loved the experience, we wouldn’t recommend Chan Chich for families with kids under 10. The safaris require quiet patience, and we occasionally worried that Olivia’s toddler chatter might scare away wildlife. The majority of guests were older (40+), and birdwatching was the primary draw—so we definitely felt a little out of place at times.
Thankfully, the resort was incredibly accommodating and arranged a babysitter for Olivia when needed (this isn’t a standard service, but we were lucky). We stayed for five days but felt two to three days would have been enough to fully experience the lodge.
One thing to note: Wi-Fi is extremely limited—only available at the restaurant and bar, with spotty coverage in the rooms. As adults, we loved the digital detox. The teenagers? Not so much.
Final Thoughts
Chan Chich Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind farm-to-table experience deep in the Belizean jungle. While jaguar sightings aren’t guaranteed, the thrill of the search, the abundance of wildlife, and the secluded luxury in the heart of nature make it a special destination. If you’re looking for an off-the-grid adventure, this is the place. Just be sure to manage expectations, embrace the journey, and, if you have younger kids, consider waiting until they’re a bit older to fully enjoy the experience.
