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	Chan Chich Lodge The Magic of the Jungle & The Mystery of the Jungle Belize "Wilderness Retreat of the Year":  Andrew Harper's "Hideaway Report" Featured by: Conde Nast and National Geographic Traveler

ABOUT CHAN CHICH LODGE - in their own words:
Welcome to Chan Chich Lodge, Belize's premier jungle lodge. Located on a 130,000 acre private nature reserve in northwestern Belize at the heart of "La Selva Maya", this is a unique destination for serious eco-tourists and novices alike.

Carefully situated in the plaza of an ancient Maya city and surrounded by pristine forest, the lodge consists of 12 individual thatched-roof cabanas and one beautifully appointed 2-bedroom Villa. With a screened-in pool and jacuzzi, fully stocked bar and excellent cuisine, your every desire will be fulfilled by the exceptional facilities and outstanding service we provide.

Come and retrace the footsteps of the Maya, wander our extensive trail system and discover the unforgettable flora, fauna and Maya history unique to this tropical paradise. With an unparalleled abundance of wildlife (and the best chance to see the elusive jaguar in its natural habitat) Chan Chich is an extraordinary destination for naturalists, birders and for those seeking an authentic retreat to the jungle.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
The 12 thatched-roof cabanas surround two central buildings that contain the reception desk, restaurant, bar, gift shop and reading room. Each cabana, beautifully finished with local exotic hardwoods, is fully screened with ceiling fans, private bath, hot & cold water, 24 hour electricity and a wrap-around verandah with hammocks. Our standard cabanas have two queen beds; our deluxe cabanas are comprised of one king bed or two queen beds with a spacious luxury bathroom, walk-in closet and mini-bar.

The Villa, situated at the south-east corner of the plaza bordering the jungle, comprises 2 bedrooms, both with king beds; A/C; 2 outdoor living areas - one screened with a private Jacuzzi and outdoor shower; and a large living room complete with bar. This is truly magnificent accommodation - perfect for a family, or friends traveling, and comes with a golf cart for your personal use.

FACILITIES:
After an exciting day of discovery and exploration, you can relax at the Lodge with an ice-cold Belikin beer at our well-stocked bar, take a refreshing dip in the pool watching the monkeys swing by, watch the sun go down in the Jacuzzi, or just lay in your hammock, margarita in-hand.

Our kitchen produces some of the finest meals in Belize and you will not find friendlier waitresses across the globe. Using fresh produce grown locally (seasonally dependent), Chan Chich offers a balance of both traditional Belizean meals and exceptional international cuisine.

LOCATION:
Chan Chich Lodge is located on Gallon Jug Estate in north-western Belize. This lies within the largest contiguous forest north of the Amazon basin. Conservation efforts to sustain and preserve the tri-national Maya Forest ("La Selva Maya") are underway with collaborative efforts undertaken in Belize, Guatemala and Mexico. Gallon Jug Estate enjoys a fortunate location at the heart of La Selva Maya, buffered on all sides by forest and/or protected areas. Thanks to the efforts of owner, Barry Bowen, to control hunting and other illegal activities over the past 20+ years, wildlife has thrived.

Gallon Jug Estate is also an important component in the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, a regional conservation effort that seeks to link green areas throughout the region to promote biological and genetic diversity as well as healthy ecosystems. With its excellent diversity and species numbers, Wildlife Conservation Society scientists believe that the Gallon Jug Estate provides a safe haven for "source" populations to disperse to outlying areas in La Selva Maya that are more impacted by human activities.

GETTING TO CHAN CHICH:
Most normally air service is used from Belize City. The flight is around 20 minutes on modern small aircrtaft.          

WHAT TO DO ONCE THERE:

Guided Walks Chan Chich Lodge has an extensive trail system of over nine miles of well-maintained trails for hiking and exploring. Directional signs are numerous and trail maps can be provided allowing you to wander the trails unaccompanied if you wish, or you may sign up for a guided tour with our knowledgeable local guides. Bird-watching Many of the visitors to Chan Chich come specifically for this activity. The Lodge boasts an enviable avifauna with specialties such as the Lovely Cotinga, Ornate Hawk Eagle and Rose Throated Tanager, as well as a host of colorful toucans, parrots and hummingbirds in its species list of over 350.		Horse-riding We have a stable of beautiful horses at the Gallon Jug farm. We offer 1, 2 or 3 hour guided rides along jungle trails and/or to remote Mayan sites, such as Punta de Cacao, hidden deep within the jungle of Gallon Jug. Canoeing Canoeing is offered on Laguna Verde, a small natural spring-fed lake approximately four miles north of the Gallon Jug farm. While canoeing around the lake it is not uncommon to come face to face with turtles, birds or even crocodiles!		Vehicle Tours Vehicle tours are offered to various locations throughout the Chan Chich/Gallon Jug area (day and night). These include the wetland habitat at Laguna Seca, Laguna Verde, the upper Escarpment, Sylvester Village, and tours of the Gallon Jug farm, in particular the coffee plantation and production processes. We also offer day-trips to La Milpa, a Mayan site located in the Rio Bravo Conservation Area run by Programme for Belize, and to the significant ruins at Lamanai, the second largest Mayan site in Belize. The Lamanai transfer may be done entirely by road, or in conjunction with a spectacular one hour boat ride down the New River from Orange Walk to the site. We highly recommend the road/river option - this is our most popular external trip.