Accommodation rates include complimentary use of canoes, river tubes, hiking trails, pool, and limited WiFi (conditions permitting).

Room rates do not include meals, transfers or off-site activities.

Local taxes (9%) and service charges (10%) are also not included in the above rates.

Customized packages can be arranged.

Weather

Insects

Yes, there are insects, including some that can carry nasty diseases. It is important to protect yourself adequately by wearing light-weight, long-sleeved shirts and pants and by using an effective insect repellent (those containing 15%-20% Deet tend to work quite well). To ward off sand-flies, coconut oil or skin-so-soft has proven most useful.

Electricity, cell phones & devices

• This is a 100% energy self-sufficient lodge, using solar electricity backed up by generator power to offer 24-hour electricity. However, to help preserve our delicate solar-powered energy system, we do impose certain restrictions on electricity use:
  • We offer USB outlets ONLY in each guest room. There are 110V charging stations located in our guest common areas for the charging of larger items, such as laptops. We do have accommodations for our guests who need to use a CPAP machine – please ask.
  • The use of hairdryers, curling irons, clothes irons, hot rollers, and other high-wattage electrical appliances is PROHIBITED.
  • There is no air conditioning. Industrial ceiling fans are provided in all guest rooms and common areas.
  • We do not offer mini-fridges, televisions, coffee makers, or hot plates in any of our guest rooms.

Insurance

All trip participants are required to get Travel Medical / Evacuation Insurance.  We also strongly suggest that you purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance.  Some insurance packages include both bundled together.

• Passport
• Photocopy of passport
• Air tickets
• Favorite snacks for between meals
• Personal spending and emergency funds
• 1 extra set of clothes for flight home
• 1 pair sturdy shoes (not leather – leather does not like humidity!)
• 1 or 2 pair lightweight quick-dry long pants
• Underwear
• 2-3 pairs of socks
• 2 pair quick-dry nylon shorts and/or loose skirt or sarong
• 1 bathing suit
• 3 t-shirts
• 2 long sleeved shirts preferably with a collar (for protection from the sun & bugs).
• 1 fleece jacket or wool sweater (this will keep you warm even when wet)
• 1 good quality rain jacket
• 1 wide-brimmed sunhat (to keep the sun off your face and neck)
• Spare set of eyeglasses (even if you wear contact lenses) and contact lens solution
• 1 headlamp and spare batteries
• 1 liter water bottle
• Personal toiletries
• Personal medication and prescriptions
• Small personal First Aid Kit: i.e. Band-Aids, aspirin/Tylenol, scissors, tweezers, safety pins
• Sunscreen –  biodegradable
• Biodegradable soap
• Vaseline, Aloe Vera lotion, or skin care cream
• Caladryl/After Bite/Benadryl Cream or lotion to ease itching from bug bites
• Insect repellent (20 – 100% Deet)
• 2 to 3 garbage bags – serves as extra waterproofing protection and keeps wet gear separate
• Earplugs if you are a light sleeper or sensitive to wave noise and animal/bird sounds

Optional Packing List

• Camera equipment – waterproof or waterproof throw-away camera
• Binoculars
• Bug jacket
• Skin-So-Soft Avon used as a repellent
• Small day-pack (can be handy on any of our trips)

These are our sustainable practices:

• Generating 100% of our own electricity via solar panels and a highly efficient battery/inverter system.
• Supplying the majority of our running water with rainwater.
• Supplying much of the fruit served to you from our farm.
• Supplying all eggs from the free-range chickens on our farm.
• Supplying fresh herbs and select vegetables from our farm and neighboring farms.
• Minimizing the use of electrical lighting.
• Reducing the effect of light pollution, which affects bird migration and the normal patterns of nocturnal animals, by using low-wattage lighting, covered directional lighting, and fewer lighting fixtures.
• Not using high-draw electrical appliances, such as electric ovens, coffee makers, toasters, hair dryers, televisions, air conditioning, and microwave ovens.
• Adopting one mile of roadway to be kept free from litter.
• Limiting the number of electrical power outlets.
• Operating only the most energy efficient practical large appliances possible, such butane-powered clothes dryers, and ovens, and Energy Star rated refrigerators and washing machines.
• Utilizing gravity, rather than gas or electric pumps, for water flow.
• Limiting water usage and irrigating specified areas with “gray water” from showers, sinks, and laundry.
• Utilizing on-demand water pressure-activated butane water heaters, rather than constant-running tank-style water heaters.
• Cooling with ceiling fans rather than air conditioning.
• Limiting the number of cabañas and building on piers to avoid altering the landscape as much as possible.
• Recycling as many products as possible for reuse on the grounds, including food scraps, shopping bags, and containers.
• Utilizing cloth napkins, rather than paper, for dining service.
• Replanting with indigenous and endemic species of plants and trees where possible, including our Mahogany Reforestation Project.
• Clearing underbrush from forested areas and maintaining that level of forestry maintenance in order to promote the healthy growth of existing mature trees and reducing the impact of wildfires.
• Encouraging the planting of trees and plants necessary for wildlife.
• Using the minimum agricultural and horticultural chemicals.
• Where choice exists, purchasing products that harm the environment the least.
• Not keeping any wild animal captive unless in an emergency situation where there is no alternative. As soon as possible seeking an appropriate “home” for any captive animal or returning them to the wild.
• Actively discouraging hunting of protected species within the community.
• Actively discouraging the trafficking of flora and fauna, internationally, nationally, and locally.
• Actively encouraging and promoting the work of the Protected Area Conservation Trust (P.A.C.T).
• Giving preference to products that are environmentally friendly.
• Giving preference to those products that are from sustainable sources.
• Purchasing products with the least packaging possible.
• Supporting and promoting nature conservancy organizations, such as Sea to Shore Alliance (Save the Manatees), The Belizean Raptor Center, Cayo Animal Welfare Society (Humane Society), the Belize Zoo, and the Green Iguana Conservation Project.

We also donate to numerous social causes and projects:

• Pack for a Purpose
• Cristo Rey Primary School & St. Andrew’s Primary School
• Rotary Club International
• Angel Says Read, Library Donation Project
• Thomas Jackson Spring Memorial Fund to assist the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Pediatric Ward
• Local Sports and Youth groups
• Individuals with special medical needs
• Cristo Rey Village Water Board & Village Council
• Belize Cancer Society
• St. John’s College Leadership Club
• La Ruta Maya River Challenge Teams
• Marketing only regionally made products in our gift shop.
• Purchasing locally made food, beverages, and cleaning products when possible and practical.
• Hiring Belizean staff and hiring from within the two closest villages whenever possible.
• Encouraging apprenticeships for younger local workers, specifically focusing on traditional building practices, sustainable practices, and training in the tourism industry.