Description
Perched atop the magnificent Five-Sisters Waterfalls in Belize’s famed secluded Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, GAÏA Riverlodge, named aptly for the Greek goddess of Earth and the mother of life and all creation, will fulfill its promise to reconnect you to your most authentic and adventurous self.
An hour jeep ride from the more populous San Ignacio area, guests can recharge in their private and spacious cabanas to the waterfall’s sounds. Enjoy the rainforest’s intimacy with its native birds, butterflies, and remarkable flora, set amongst the pink and orange glow of the setting sun.
Remote, private and sustainable by design, we are a proudly Green Globe Award certified hotel. We operate on hydropower and offer an electric tram to transports guests from the lodge to the river. Most of our fruits and vegetables are also farmed on-site by local staff in our Mayan organic garden.
Awards
- Conde Naste Traveler Readers' Choice Awards Number 14 Hotel in Central America, 2020
- Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice Award, 2019
Amenities & Services:
24-Hour Front Desk Breakfast Bikes Available Concierge Service Daily Housekeeping Enhanced Cleaning Free WiFi Hot Water Hair Dryer In-Room Safe Laundry Licensed Bar Luggage Storage Non Smoking Free Parking River Access Room Service Safety Deposit Box at Reception Spa Tour Desk
Activities:
Archaeology Birding Canoeing Caving Cave Tubing Hiking Horseback Riding Kayaking River Tubing Swimming Water Sports
COVID-19 Measures
Gaia Riverlodge is proud to be Tourism Gold Standard Certified.
We have implemented new safety procedures and guidelines following the Tourism Gold Standard Certification requirements. The Gold Standard program is a rigorous set of requirements created by the Belize Tourism Board and the Government of Belize in an effort to keep travelers and our local community safe in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. We have enhanced cleaning and sanitation on both properties to keep us all safe without compromising on the GAÏA experience you know and love!
Health & Safety
- Appointment a Gold Standard Manager to implement protocols and ensure compliance.
- Temperature checks for all guests, staff and vendors.
- Ensure social distancing protocols for guests and staff
- Implementation of enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures.
- Development of a response plan to manage Covid-19 suspected cases.
- Communication with guests, staff and stakeholders about Covid protocols.
- Installation of sanitation stations throughout the property.
- Deployment of technology to reduce physical contact where possible.
- Enhanced training to ensure staff members are prepared to manage new protocols.
Booking Email:
info@gaiariverlodge.com
Phone Number:
011.501.834.4005
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Our relaxed and intimate atmosphere and sustainable design merge to create a truly authentic and restorative luxury getaway for adults. Visitors can select from a variety of all-inclusive packages including signature romantic honeymoons, diving and fishing excursions, and combinations of sea and jungle adventures. For the perfect end to your day, enjoy exotic flavors at our award-winning Mambo restaurant featuring spacious open-air dining. Whether you are searching for a tranquil or adventure-filled retreat to Belize, we offer tailored experiences for every type of traveler always mindful of our guest’s yearning for privacy.
Phone Number: 011.501.226.5014
Transportation Options
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Recommended
Private Shuttle Service by Belize Ground Shuttle
Reliable shuttle service to or from BZE International Airport, catering to all destinations within Belize. Experience utmost comfort ... moreand reliability with our exclusive fleet of pristine and cozy 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans.
Our team of friendly and knowledgeable drivers is dedicated to ensuring exceptional experiences for all passengers. On top of that, we offer convenient onboard WiFi access. Our services are designed to accommodate groups of up to 16 passengers, with limited space for luggage.
Pay Only ONE Group Rate, plus additional per-passenger charges if you have more than 4 passengers. Passenger #5 to #16 will each pay the additional fee.
Please contact us via WhatsApp at +501 671-6390 if you have any questions or concerns.
For those planning to travel to the islands, we offer the flexibility to include water taxi tickets as part of your transfer package. These tickets can be redeemed at the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi terminal, ensuring a seamless transition to your island destination.
Type of Vehicle: Full Size Van
Depart (from): International Airport, Municipal Airport, San Ignacio, Placencia, Water Taxi Terminal, Hopkins, Belize City, Dangriga
Arrive (to): International Airport, Municipal Airport, San Ignacio, Placencia, Water Taxi Terminal, Hopkins, Belize City, Dangriga
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Philip S.W Goldson International Airport (BZE) to San Ignacio Town
One Way Shuttle from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) to San Ignacio Town. The shuttle departs promptly ... morefrom the airport arrivals terminal and arrives at Hode's Place in San Ignacio Town. All rides are on demand and subject to availability and flight schedules.
Hotel drop-off service is offered at an additional cost. To obtain information about the rates for different hotels in or near San Ignacio Town, please refer to the add-ons section.
All seats must be pre-booked. Daily Departures at: 12:00PM, 1:00PM, 2:45PM, 4:30PM, 5:30 PM
This departure schedule is fluid. We may leave early as soon as all passengers are on board. Sometimes we may wait for passengers who may be delayed. We don't take walk-up passengers, so it is always possible to leave earlier than scheduled.
Please contact us via WhatsApp at +501 671-6390 if you have any questions or concerns.
Other important details:
Don't worry, we won't leave without you if your flight is delayed or arrives very close to the departure time. We try to accommodate all passengers and ask for some consideration if we need to wait a few minutes for other passengers. If you have a significant delay, we may switch you to the next departure if one is scheduled. The day's last departure will wait until all passengers are accounted for.
An optional hotel drop-off service is available to hotels and destinations within the town limits of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. Please select the appropriate add-on options when submitting your booking request. If you are not sure whether your hotel is within town limits, you may contact us to inquire or you may book the regular rate and book the additional service with the driver. We also offer service to destinations beyond town limits. The additional cost is usually determined by the distance from town.
Hotels within our drop-off zone include, but are not limited to:
Ka'ana Resort
San Ignacio Resort Hotel
Cahal Pech Village Resort
Maya Mountain Lodge
Casa del Caballo Blanco
Western Guest House
Midas Resort
Western Guest House
Bellas Backpackers
D's Hostel
Aliana's Airbnb
Lucina's Airbnb
Homehill Apartments
Casia Hill Resort
Rumor's Resort
Rolson's Hotel
If you are staying at Hode's Hotel, you do not need to pay the additional hotel drop-off fee since all drop off's are at Hode's Place. This is a nice outdoor restaurant to relax, grab some food, and wait for your in-town transport or local taxi.
Type of Vehicle: Full Size Van
Depart (from): International Airport, Municipal Airport, Water Taxi Terminal, Belize City
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Recommended
International or municipal Airport pickup or drop off, to and from San Ignacio Town. We can drop you off at your hotel in San Ignacio Town or surrounding areas.
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2 hours of travel time.
Type of Vehicle: Full Size Van
Depart (from): International Airport, Municipal Airport, San Ignacio
Arrive (to): International Airport, Municipal Airport, San Ignacio
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Belize Caving Expeditions is a local, Belizean owned Tour operator focused on providing the finest quality experience to our visitors. We are experts in Belize travel and adventure ... moretours; also venturing into neighboring Guatemala to visit the famous Tikal Maya site. Our team of friendly, local Belizean guides have been leading tours into the Belizean rainforest for years and are proficient in archeology, caving expedition, jungle trekking, and canoeing. We offer a wide range of tour activities to popular sites such as Caracol, Barton Creek, Crystal Cave, and our specialty tour - the world-renowned Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave.
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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
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Kid Friendly
If you’re looking for an adventure, come and explore the fascinating St Herman's cave system located at the foothills of the Maya Mountains! Book your cave tubing today and uncover ... morethe secrets of history while immersing yourself in nature's tranquility. This exceptional opportunity provides a one-of-a-kind experience that offers an unrivaled sense of relaxation inside these timeless caves.
Type of Tour/Activity: Jungle and Rainforest Adventures
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Xunantunich was a classic period Maya ceremonial and residential center. This site is located along the western border of Belize with Guatemala on the Mopan River in the village of ... moreSuccotz. The core occupies a hilltop with six plazas that include temples and palaces. The most prominent rises 130 ft above the plaza called “El Castillo”. Vehicles use a hand crank ferry to access the site.
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Your adventure starts with an 8 am pick-up from your San Ignacio hotel. You will then have a short drive to the stables where your personal guide will enthrall you with the site's ... morehistory and fauna of the archeologically rich San Lorenzo area for approximately two hours. Once you leave the farm you then take an approximately 1-hour drive to the amazing Big Rock Falls. Once at the falls, you will enjoy your home-cooked lunch. Although the path to the falls will require some physical agility, the opportunity to witness and swim close to this spectacular 150-foot cascade is a must-see. After a few hours of frolicking in the water, you will be ready for your drive back to your San Ignacio hotel. Alternatively, you may opt to curtail your time at Big Rock Falls and enjoy the sedate Rio On Pools as well before driving to your hotel. WEIGHT limit: 250 lbs per rider
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Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is a cave in Belize, near San Ignacio, Cayo District, notable as a Maya archaeological site that includes skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware. There are several ... moreareas with skeletal remains in the main chamber. The best known as "The Crystal Maiden", is the skeleton of an adolescent (an 18-year-old girl), possibly a sacrifice victim, whose bones have been calcified to a sparkling, crystallized appearance. Recent studies, however, claim that the remains are male and not female.
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Animal life in the cave includes a large population of bats, large freshwater crabs, crayfish, catfish, and other tropical fish. Large invertebrates like Amblypygi and various predatory spiders also inhabit the cave. Agouti and otters may also use the cave. These and many other species are quite common in river caves of this size in Belize.
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Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Payment Types:
Cash Visa Mastercard American Express Local Bank Cards
Cancellation Policy
May be made more than 14 days prior to arrival with a full refund of the deposit.
Within 14 days of arrival, there is no refund but the payment will be counted in full toward a rescheduled stay within 24 months of the original stay dates.
No refund or credit for no-shows.
Our cancellation policy has been modified to reflect the state of uncertainty that we are all collectively experiencing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancellations made more than 45 days prior to arrival will receive full refunds with the exception of an administrative fee of US $100 + 9% government hotel tax per room. Cancellations within the 44 days prior to arrival, will receive a full credit, redeemable within 2 years of the arrival date of the scheduled trip.
If COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed, you and other members of your party that you have been in close contact with will required to self-isolate in your designated room. Unless you develop symptoms that require medical attention, you will be kept onsite, and staff will attend to your needs with food deliveries, clean towels, hygiene items, etc. The Minister of Health will be contacted, and contract tracing will be deployed. You will have to stay isolated for two weeks and receive two negative COVID-19 tests, before the quarantine measures may be lifted. Costs incurred during that period will be at your own expense.
Gaia Riverlodge is located in the heart of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, located approximately 1-hour drive from the nearest twin towns of San Ignacio/Santa Elena. This remote area is popularly known for its rivers & creeks, mountain scenery, impressive waterfalls, cave systems and the famous archeological site, Caracol. The location allows you to experience Caribbean Pine Forest as well as Broadleaf Jungle.
Belize’s climate is tropical all year long, so there will be sunny and rainy days and maybe a combination of both. June to November is the Caribbean Hurricane Season and you have to expect more showers. How much it will rain during a particular period, or come to that if any at all, we are of course not able to predict, especially since weather patterns have been changing significantly over the last few years. Please note that nights from November to March can be cool in the mountains and it is a good idea to bring a wrap, jacket or long-sleeved sweater.
While we do welcome families with older teens, a minimum age requirement of 10-years for children applies.
Our location is unique, but we are nestled on the mountain side and there is plenty of walking, uphill and downhill on natural ground surfaces, along with steep steps, involved to get around the lodge. Generally, Gaia is not an ideal location for anyone who has limited mobility or is physically impaired.
With prior notice, most special dietary requirements can be accommodated. Please share the information at the time of booking. Please note, however, that we are not able to offer Kosher or Halal arrangements.
The drive from the Belize International Airport (Belize City) to Gaia Riverlodge is approximately 3-hours, with one hour on unpaved road. Transfers can be arranged directly with the lodge, via reservations, at info@gaiariverlodge.com.
Of course, you also have the option of renting a vehicle and taking the adventure of driving in Belize. We will be happy to e-mail driving instructions and a map.
As per our tour policy, all tours and activities are booked/confirmed at the lodge, after your arrival. Tours may be combined with other lodge guests if your itinerary is the same and all tours are subject to change due to weather conditions.
Bikes are complimentary to all lodge guests. The front desk will be happy to inform you where they can be located on property.
There is one restaurant onsite which serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, daily. There is no need to make a meal reservation during your stay at the lodge.
There is complimentary WIFI in the main building on property, only; and there is also a guest computer with internet access. Please note, though, that there is no WIFI in our rooms.
There is no cell phone service at the lodge. However, there is a landline on property at the front desk for emergencies.
Gaia Riverlodge is home to the Five Sister’s Waterfalls and we boast the luxury of having a natural swimming pool by the waterfall, rather than a man-made swimming pool.
There are no air conditioned rooms at Gaia Riverlodge, all rooms are fan cooled, only. The lodge is powered by a sustainable hydro-power system that does not support the energy needed to hold A/C units in the rooms, however, with our unique location in the mountains and design of cabanas, the rooms are always relatively cool and even cooler in the nighttime.
Our location allows us to highlight all things natural and give our guests an opportunity to disconnect from the concrete world. So there are no appliances or electronics in our rooms. There is actually no TV anywhere in the guest area of the property.
There are no refrigerators in any of the rooms at the lodge, but the Riverside Villa has a fully equipped kitchen. Please note that due to our location close to nature, we strongly advise against storing snacks and sweets in your room to avoid inviting unwanted small visitors.
The closest neighbor is Blancaneaux Lodge which is about 10 – 15 minutes drive away.
There is an experienced night security guard on duty, daily
Yes, the age minimum is 10 years old, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Business Address
Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve
Tours & Activities Nearby
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Located in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve near the Blancaneaux Line, Kane Villas offers 3 separate vacation rentals on a 5-acre property. Each rental has a kitchen, seating area, ... morehot water, and high speed Wifi.
A balcony with mountain views is offered in each unit. Mango Villa and Pua Villa have air conditioning. The Holiday Home, called Mahalo House, has ceiling fans and stand-up fans only.
There is an outdoor pool and entertainment deck with bbq facilities on the property.
San Ignacio is 30.6 km from Kāne Villas - Mountain Pine Ridge. Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is 127.1 km from the property.
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