Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
is one of the most impressive anywhere, with at least 24 courtyards and two ball-courts.
The site also contains one of the largest public spaces in the Maya world: the
Great
Plaza
, flanked by four temple-pyramids. The tallest structure in the group, the
Great
Temple
, rises 77ft above the plaza floor, and you can climb its steep, rocky face using
roots for handholds and a rope for support. Beyond here are some of the site's
chultunes
- cave-like, underground chambers carved out of stone.
2
Hill Bank Field Station
At the southern end of the New River Lagoon,
Hill Bank Field Station
is a former
logging camp that has been adapted to undertake scientific forestry research and
development. The emphasis here is more on extractive forest use, with the aim of
revenue generation on a sustainable basis. Selective logging is allowed on carefully
monitored plots,
chicle
is harvested from sapodilla trees and there's a tree nursery. These
and other projects are at the cutting edge of tropical forest management, and there are
often students and scientists working here. There's plenty of wildlife too, particularly
birds and crocodiles, and butterflies abound.
ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION RÍO BRAVO CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT AREA
On a tour
There's no regular public transport to the Río
Bravo Conservation and Management Area, but you can
arrange transport there via PFB, the tour companies
in Orange Walk (p.76) or by enquiring at your hotel in
Orange Walk.
Information
Before visiting, or if you want to stay at
either of the field stations (see opposite), you need to
contact the PFB o
ce in Belize City (1 Eyre St
T
227 5616,
W
pfbelize.org). There's more in-depth information on PFB
in Contexts (see p.251).
ACCOMMODATION
La Milpa and Hill Bank
T
227 5616,
W
pfbelize.org.
These two field station sites feature comfortable
cabañas
(with private bath) that are thatched with botan leaves, as
well as dorm facilities. All utilize the latest green
techno
logy, in
cluding s
olar pow
er and composting toilets.
Dorms
US$59
,
cabañas
US$72
CHAN CHICH LODGE AND GALLON JUG ESTATE
Few lodges in Belize have graced the pages of glossy travel magazin
es as m
uch as
Chan
Chich Lodge
(
T
223 4419, in US
T
800 343 8009,
W
chanchich.com;
US$530
). The
well-known lodge offers a luxury stay in the jungle while remaining true to its
conservationist roots. It sits on Gallon Jug Estate (25 miles south of La Milpa Field Station), a
130,000-acre private nature reserve created by the late Belize-born billionaire Barry Bowen.
The spacious lodge features airy, handsome thatched
cabañas
and suites, each with lovely
verandas and hammocks, set in the grassy plaza of the Classic Maya site of Chan Chich
(“little bird”). The construction of the lodge on this spot in the 1980s was controversial at
the time (all Maya sites are technically under government control), but it received
Archeology Department approval once its intent to cause minimal disturbance became
clear. Additionally, the year-round presence of visitors and staff prevents looting, which had
previously been a real problem. Staying here offers a remarkable chance to get fully
immersed in Maya history: grass-covered temple walls, crowned with jungle, tower up from
the lodge, while the forest explodes with birdcalls at dawn. The grounds also feature nine
miles of guided trails, and wildlife sightings are consistently high, including jaguars. On top
of this is an abundance of deluxe amenities, including a pool surrounded by lush greenery,
a jacuzzi and a fine restaurant that serves Belizean and international cuisine. Outdoor
activities include horseriding through the jungle, canoeing and some of the best
birdwatching in Belize.
Most guests fly in to the airstrip at Gallon Jug; the lodge can arrange charter flights (which
generally take 30min-1hr) from most locations in Belize. It can also arrange ground transfers; if
you drive yourself, note that the lodge is only accessible via Orange Walk. Call for detailed
directions, as some roads may be blocked off.
