Head through the jungle to the banks of the Macal River onto the manicured grounds of Chaa Creek. Tropical flower gardens surround the naturally designed lodge, spa, and conference center. You'll make your way to the cottages through the carefully landscaped complex, but their placement at its perimeter allows a jungle view from most decks--bringing the rainforest right to your door.

But if you want to really be in the jungle, the Macal River Jungle Camp is perfect. Located in a wilder, less manicured spot downriver from the main lodge, the casitas here are carved into the tropical landscape, allowing the flora to grow freely, with only a dining area and campfire ring kept clear. The rainforest sounds will wake you each morning, or lull you to sleep--toucans, woodpeckers, and armadillos visit regularly.

Thatched cottages, 21 in all, make up the upscale Lodge at Chaa Creek. Most are decorated simply yet elegantly with local crafts and textiles, Mexican tiled floors, large mahogany beds, and original artwork. Feel pampered with private bathrooms (and hot showers), electric lighting, fans, and personal verandahs; a Jacuzzi suite and another luxury suite offer a bit more.

Trade pampering for jungle ambience in the rugged, yet comfortable Macal River Jungle Camp. Ten fully screened casitas, or small bungalows, are scattered among the trees, each on a raised platform with airy peak-roofs, two comfortable beds, and a private sheltered porch. Oil lamps replace electricity, shedding a soft glow over the rainforest view. Shared toilets, sinks, and hot showers are conveniently located in a separate building.

- hiking trails
- horseback riding
- mountain biking
- canoeing/kayaking
- cave exploration
- ancient ruins exploration
- bird watching
- wildlife viewing
- spa facilities
- butterfly farm
- visit Ix Chel Farm and medicinal rainforest trail
- natural history center
- tours to special interest points and cultural centers around the area

Settle into the comfortable, homey feeling of your surroundings; all meals at Chaa Creek are served family-style in the open-air restaurant. Enjoy your choice of Caribbean, Mexican, and local Belizean dishes under a thatched canopy with your fellow guests sharing your table and tales of the day.

Meals are not included in your day rate, but include a wide variety of choices. Start with a breakfast of freshly baked banana and cinnamon bread and Guatemalan coffee, cereals, fresh jam, and juice. A heartier daily breakfast special is also an option. Stop in for lunch and snacks throughout the day (open from 10 until 5). A four-course meal will wrap up your day, graced by a selections of wines from the Lodge's own temperature- controlled wine cellar.

Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay at the Macal River Jungle Camp. Regional cuisine is prepared Mayan style over a wood stove, and served in an airy, thatched dining room. Natural dinner music is provided by the local fauna at no extra charge.

Special diets, whether vegetarian or otherwise, are gladly accommodated with advance notice.

Travelers Mick and Lucy Fleming were chatting with a farm owner at a Belize City bar back in 1977 when they stumbled upon their adopted home. In short order, they had moved out to his overgrown 140-acre farm in the Cayo District, and began working the land.

Within just a couple of years, their home-grown vegetables were being shipped, by dugout canoe, to the ready markets of San Ignacio Town, just as Mayan farmers had done 1,000 years prior. Other travelers heard about the farm, and would often trek out to visit, sometimes staying to lend a hand. As more visitors came, the Flemings' one-room farmhouse became smaller and smaller. The idea came to them to build cottages from materials found on the land. Chaa Creek Cottages opened in 1981. Farming gave way to butterfly farms, nature reserves, and natural history tours--and an eco-experience like no other.

- Chaa Creek Cottages was the first jungle lodge in Belize.
- In 1993, the Blue Morpho Butterfly Breeding Center was created at Chaa Creek to export these unique creatures to overseas butterfly houses. But it's the Chaa Creek guests who reap the immediate benefits, staring in wonderment as the large, iridescent-blue butterflies flutter by.
- Chaa Creek employees more than 70 local staff.
- Chaa Creek is currently working on a number of conservation projects, including Bay Leaf Palm Reforestation, Birds Without Borders, and Howler Monkey Relocation.
- Mayan ruins are sprinkled along many of the trails within Chaa Creek's 330-acre reserve; the large site Caracol is nearby.
- The Lodge at Chaa Creek won the 1998 American Express/Caribbean Hotel Association Green Hotel Award.

--Proximity to nearest major city: San Ignacio is about a 15-minute drive. Belize City is an hour and 45-minute drive.

-- How do I get there? You will fly into Belize City. From there you may either arrange a ride with Chaa Creek for an additional charge, or take a bus to San Ignacio. If you travel to San Ignacio on your own, you can take a taxi from there or arrange a ride with Chaa Creek (for US$32.50 for 1 - 4 persons.)

--Fixed departure dates? There are no fixed departure dates.