1. The Belize Travelcast
  2. Episode 40

Chan Chich: Conservation of Belize's Natural Beauty

Cindy 58 minutes


Listen or subscribe on


In this episode, Cindy from Chan Chich Lodge joins us to speak about conservation efforts to protect Belize and Central America’s wildlife and rainforests. 

Chan Chich Lodge in the north of Belize is a pioneer for conservation. Its name comes from the Yucatec words for “little bird” and is built on what was an undiscovered Maya city. Originally a residence for archaeologists and researchers, the lodge became popular with the public as word got out about the hidden gem that is this property and people came to visit for themselves. 

Because of the location’s isolation, it is a place where guests can go to be free from distraction and reconnect with themselves and nature. It is also due to this isolation that the conservation efforts began. So far from the nearest town, the lodge started growing their own crops and keeping their own animals such as chickens all for on-site consumption. This sustainability expanded and now the lodge takes every step to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact, something that in recent years has become a trend called “ecotourism.”

St Leonard's Tours is family owned and operated by Carla & Rodolfo. Let us make Belize your backyard and lead you to unforgettable places in our comfortable air conditioned vehicles ... morewith your private, professional and knowledgeable local guides.
Cindy enlightens us on all this and delves deeper into the stories of the people who come to enjoy what the lodge has to offer, a unique experience it fights to preserve as organizations contributing to the Belize Maya Forest project. This fund seeks to protect the natural corridor connecting Belize to Mexico and Central America which is inhabited by many treasured and endangered species like jaguars and tapirs. 

With over 300 birds in the area and authentic wildlife kept untouched by man, the many trails on the property are a sightseeing paradise that can be explored via the many guided tours offered or simply at your own leisure. The lucky guest might even spot an elusive jaguar passing through. 

Let’s go to Chan Chich, where guests can know they are helping to make a difference, traveling with a purpose.

Let’s go Belizing!
Information
Recommended Hotels
Set in the plaza of an ancient Mayan city and surrounded by lush forest, this serene jungle lodge is 9 km from both the Chan Chich Mayan Ruin and the Guatemala border.... more

Warmly decorated rooms in thatched-roof cabanas and casitas have front porches with seating. There's also a 2-bedroom villa with a living room and a bar.

Breakfast is free and served in a restaurant offering regional specialties. Additional amenities include a screened-in pool and a hot tub. Bird-watching activities are offered, as well as guided walks and driving tours. Horseback riding and a safari-style night tour are available for a fee.

Chan Chich Lodge has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and garden in Gallon Jug. This 5-star resort offers room service and a concierge service. There is a terrace and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking.

At the resort, all rooms have a patio with a garden view. At Chan Chich Lodge rooms come with a desk and a private bathroom.

At the accommodation, guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub.
Gold Certified:
Yes
Area:
Orange Walk
Region:
Western Belize
Learn More
Recommended Tour Operators
 (3)
CARLA After working for 7 years in a Bank and raising her children and occasionally her husband, Carla took up her passion for sharing her wonderful country to the world. Although ... moreprimarily known for guiding at Mayan sites and caves, she’s also a keen amateur birder and loves working with her horses.

RODOLFO

Rodolfo, also known as the Backyard for his 2.5-year bike trip around South America, has been a guide for many years. His ‘other’ full-time passion has been as a high school teacher and principal. He is the proud parent of 4 children, 7 horses, and many chickens and loves exploring the outdoors.
Account Type:
Tour Operator
Gold Certified:
Yes
Service Types:
Tours | Activities

Listen or subscribe on


Cindy

0 reviews   0 comments
Overall
How did you like this episode?