Driving deep into the woods on dirt roads with Ben in a jeep, we arrived at The Lodge at Chaa Creek's Macal River Camp. These little houses are called casitas.
Accompanied by the noises of birds, insects and the occasional dripping of water from the wet leaves, the owner of Chaa Creek made every effort to create a jungle experience for visitors without abandoning comfort and safety. Imagine listening to the howling of monkeys and panthers as you rest in this open air casitas...without electricity, alarm clocks or the noise of air conditioners.
Once before, the inhabitants were Mayans, and visitors today still have access to the Macal River and the Medicinal Trail of Belize. Go canoeing on the Macal River or mountain biking or hiking into the woods with a knowledgeable guide. Every part of the place in its natural state.
The casitas is about USD55 per person per night including hearty home cooked breakfast and dinner. Ideal for budget travelers or travelers who want to experience a night with a chance of visitation from wild animals at your window and the activities of nocturnal animals. And, waking up to the sound of birds chirping.
Check out the 'outhouse'...with the convenience of flushing toilets and hot showers...
After 'roughing it out' in the jungle, it is time to spend a night at the luxurious suites...
Jungle paradise...Belizean style...you get WiFi...no TV...outdoor showers, balcony overlooking the river, tree top and iguanas lying on tree branches....
We were in Belize for just 7 hours in October. We will be back to the casitas and the villas of The Lodge at Chaa Creek in our long term travel. Other than airfares, accommodation takes a big part of traveling budgets. Fortunately, there are many types of accommodation for travelers these days. We can swap houses, rent apartments, condos, cheap or expensive hotels and resorts, farmstay, go hosteling or even camping.
Glamping is a term used for luxurious or glamorous camping usually at an eco-friendly resort and for green vacation. These casitas in Chaa Creek can be categorized as a glamping facility...camping without roughing it out.
Have you done glamping or have a recommended place for glamping in Belize or anywhere in the world? We would like to hear from you. Please leave your comment below.
denny hagel says
I have always heard Belize is a beautiful place especially for those who love nature. Your pictures prove that to be the case! I had never heard of glamping! We often take our boat to Caledisi Island off of Dunedin for 3 or 4 day overnights...I wonder if that would be called bamping??? Ha! Great article as always Claudia! Thanks for continuing to share!:)
Claudia Looi says
Denny...bamping sounds good to me. Caledesi Island is beautiful. Lots of dolphins there.
Donovan Grant says
Never been to Belize but it does look like a place for the adventurous king. What was the weather like in October then? Still looks quite sunny compared to London....
Claudia Looi says
Tropical paradise, just like Florida. 🙂
Carol Giambri says
Claudia, love the travels for me through Belize through you. The pictures are amazing. Maybe just one I will be visiting this fabulous place.
Jennifer Bennett says
Those look amazing! I would totally love that! I just might have to add that to my bucket list!
Michele says
Sounds wonderful but all those animals might give me a scare....But thanks for sharing...something to dream about 😉
Hughie Bagnell says
Hi Claudia...Thank you for sharing! Beautiful pictures and pretty exciting! ...Thanks, Hughie 🙂
Dawn Wilkerson says
Those pictures are just breath taking!!! All of your posts just make me add a new place to visit on my dream board. I saw that you mentioned in one of the comments about the dolphins, well that puts Caledesi Island on the list! I LOVE swimming with dolphins. Only had the opportunity to do it once but I absolutely would want to do it again!
Diane DP says
I think I am going to have to wait a few years to get to Belize, but I am putting it on the bucket list!
Anisha says
Never tried clamping but looking forward to Belize in 2013! Looks like you had a great experience.
Claudia Looi says
You'll love Belize Anisha. Happy and safe travels.