Staying at eco lodges is win-win 🙌 situation allowing travelers to experience culture while also contributing to the local people and their surrounding environment 🌿.
There are roughly 22 eco lodges scattered throughout Belize. These are the top 11 eco lodges that are truly sustainable and worth visiting.
While I haven't been to every single of these lodges, I've been to the most popular ones and did some intense research to make sure the list is genuine and not just green washing.
If you'd like to read more about how I came up with my rating and some background about eco lodges and eco tourism, read below. If not, just jump into the list 👌.
What Is An Eco Lodge?
Proper eco lodges are normally named because of their location – usually in the jungle or somewhere nature-focused. So, that would mean that hotel based in center of town that has energy-saving bulbs, low-flow toilets and less frequent towel washing can't qualify as an eco-lodge but are more of a green hotel.
Things to consider while staying at an eco lodge:
Pros
- Full jungle immersion with sounds
- Easy access to unique attractions
- Potential access to river
- Increased chances of wildlife spotting
- Potential access to fresh farm food
- Local cultural experience
Cons
- Ceiling fans instead of AC units
- Spotty wifi/cell phone service
- Limited access water/electricity
- Potential bad roads due to location
- Limited nearby restaurants
- Increase in bugs and mosquitos
What Makes A Good Eco Lodge?
According to the International Tourism Society, these are the internationally-recognized eco lodge guidelines.
Eco lodges must embrace these three basic principles of ecotourism:
Be in a nature-based location
Benefit the local people
Offer interpretative programs
They also need to practice at least two of the eight items below:
- Contribute to conservation of local natural resources
- Acquire water through sustainable means and reduce consumption
- Provide for careful handling and disposal of solid waste
- Utilize renewal energy sources
- Impact natural surroundings minimally during construction
- Fit seamlessly into the local physical, cultural, architectural, and landscaping contexts
- Use traditional building technology and materials when possible
- Involve the local community in the planning stages
Since there are only a few accommodations that actually check all guidelines, I still listed those that follow at least five requirements including two of the basic principles. Eco lodges come in all flavors and sizes after all and the sustainable space is still new to Belize.
Eco Tourism In Belize
According to the definition from the TIES quoted below, eco tourism is about uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel.
Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.
The International Ecotourism Society
Does Belize participate and market eco tourism? Yes and no. On one hand, it does have over 60% of land forested, a plastic ban as since 2019, banned offshore drilling and over 100 protected areas. On the other hand then it has a growing cruise ship industry that negatively affects marine life, doesn't reinforce plastic ban and does little to benefit the local economy.
With that said, let's take a look at how we can actively make a difference by staying at these eco lodges.
Here's the list of the top handpicked eco lodges in Belize: 👇
Budget Stays
Parrot Nest Lodge
- $55.00 USD
- Cayo District
- 2 Guests
- 4/5 Sustainability
Ranked as the #1 jungle lodge in Belize by the Travel Channel, Parrot Nest Lodge is a family owned and operated business. They claim to be everything but luxurious but you can expect a unique tropical experience with access to clear waters and plenty of flora & fauna.
Sun Creek Lodge
- $60.00 USD
- Toledo District
- 3 Guests
- 4/5 Sustainability
Sun Creek Lodge is off the beaten path, rustic and authentic in every sense. The cabins are thatched houses built the traditional Mayan way with an outdoor hot/cold showers. The hosts are originally from Germany but made their new home in the jungles of Belize.
Pineapple Hill
- $75.00 USD
- Hummingbird Highway
- 2 Guests
- 4/5 Sustainability
This magical Airbnb hosts screened treetop cabins over a natural jungle pool. It has a unique vibe striking a perfect balance of nature and luxury. With the ideal hosts being couples, it has a full kitchen, outdoor shower and hot water. Hiking trails are also available.
Mid-range Stays
Alma Del Rio
- $100.00 USD
- Cayo District
- 2 Guests
- 3/5 Sustainability
Located only 10 minutes away from San Ignacio, Alma Del Rio is a perfect jungle homestay experience for couples. Not only does it strike a perfect balance between rustic & luxury but it has a kitchen, solar heated water and leans towards biodegradable products.
Black Rock Lodge
- $100.00 USD
- Cayo District
- 2 Guests
- 5/5 Sustainability
Off the beaten and off the grid best describes Black Rock Lodge. While not the easiest to get to, it makes up for it by having easy access to the famous adventure-packed area of Pine Ridge. They also make a gigantic effort to be carbon neutral by having almost 100% renewable energy.
Martz Farm
- $90.00 USD
- Cayo District
- 4 Guests
- 3/5 Sustainability
If you've dreamed of staying at a homestay in a rustic tree house or a snug cabin deep in the jungle, Martz Farm might be your place. The road to get there is an adventure but you are rewarded by pristine swimming creeks, incredible birding and access to a unique pontoon boat adventure.
Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge
- $120.00 USD
- Cayo District
- 2 Guests
- 5/5 Sustainability
While not as popular as neighboring resorts and lodges, Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge takes sustainable tourism seriously. The lodge produces 85% of its electricity, hires Belizean staff, grows their own fruits, utilizes cloth napkins and has their own gravity fed showers.
Table Rock Lodge
- $175.00 USD
- Cayo District
- 3 Guests
- 5/5 Sustainability
The owners Alan and Colleen started this lodge from scratch after purchasing an abandoned farm in Belize. The lodge now generates 100% of its own electricity, supplies majority of running water with rain water and supplies much of the food from he farm.
Luxury Stays
Hamanasi
- $307.00 USD
- Hopkins
- 4 Guests
- 5/5 Sustainability
Hamanasi prides themselves on their regenerative initiatives with proactive practices like leading a volunteer green team, sourcing local products, using biodegradable bags and employing 97% of locals as staff. They also hold a Green Globe Certification.
Chaa Creek
- $389.00 USD
- Cayo District
- 2 Guests
- 5/5 Sustainability
Award-winning Luxury Lodge at Chaa Creek began in 1977 when owners Mick and Lucy moved to a jungle property close to the Macal River eventually becoming pioneers in the eco tourism. Having been here for a week, I can attest to the conservation, community and sustainable practices.
Chan Chich
- $350.00 USD
- Orange Walk District
- 2 Guests
- 5/5 Sustainability
Chan Chich Lodge is found deep in the rainforest bordering Guatemala which is probably the best chance at seeing the elusive jaguar. The lodge has practiced sustainability since the 1980s and grow 60% of their own food. Bowen & Bowen is the holding company for the lodge.
About Author
Everything written on this blog is based on first-hand experience or knowledge as a local living in Belize. No fluff, just honest information.
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