Exploring Chan Chich Lodge- Part 2

We arrived at Chan Chich Lodge just before lunch and were met by the manager, Ben. We received a very well planned and ambitious itinerary of daily activities. We would start with lunch, an afternoon activity, sunset canoe, cocktails and bonfire, dinner, and then a night drive. Wow, I knew this was going to be great!

Phil and I stayed in a deluxe cabana that had 2 queen beds. The cabanas were quite spacious and outfitted with Belizean hardwood furniture and tile floors. There was a writing desk and also a walk-in closet. (No need to unpack, I wouldn't be staying long. Sigh.. ) The bathroom was very large and had the most amazing rainfall shower system. The beds were extremely comfy. I never even heard the rain after my head hit the pillow that night.

Our afternoon activity choices included Horseback Riding, a guided Archeology Walk, a guided Medicinal Walk, or a Tour of Laguna Seca, which is one of the two lakes on the property. I opted for a horseback ride and Phil decided to try the Medicinal Walk.

Our horseback riding guide, Emil, led us around the Gallon Jug farm area and down a forest trail. We meandered though a mango orchard and saw lots of deer and cattle along the way. The deer barely moved as our horses passed them. We also saw a gray fox cross the path ahead of us. I hadn't been on a horse in years. It was great fun, very relaxing, and I'm still sore.

Phil came back from the Medicinal Walk talking non-stop about how awesome it was. Their guide, Hilberto, has been with Chan Chich for many many years. He was well versed in all of the rainforest flora, fauna, and archeology. From wild yams and birth control  to Maya tombs and spider monkeys, this is an activity not to be missed. Phil got a great photo of a bat in one of the ruins. Priceless.

We then headed over to Laguna Verde for an evening reception. After a short drive, we arrived at this beautiful small lake with a dock. The staff had set up palm fronds in an archway as our welcome to the party. We enjoyed great conversation, drinks, appetizers, birdwatching, and canoeing. Phil and I were canoeing around the center island in the lake when he said, "Mom, I think it's better if I just do the paddling." So, lucky me, prohibited from paddling, I just sat back and enjoyed the ride.

Dinner involved one of the best steaks that I've ever had. One of my fellow colleagues mentioned that beef might be a good choice because we were on a cattle farm, after all. Good thinking, so I gave it a shot, even knowing that I'm not a very good meat eater. I can't remember the name of the dish exactly but it was a filet cut into medallions. Well, Chan Chich did not disappoint and I highly recommend the beef.

Phil and I had been eagerly awaiting the night ride for some time. Chan Chich is one of the ultimate locations for wildlife viewing in Belize. They have more jaguar and cat sightings that anywhere in the country. While even most Belizeans never see a jaguar in the wild, everyone that visits Chan Chich is hopeful. Camera ready, off we went. We saw deer, owls, a crocodile, frogs, and 2 racoons. No cats this trip.

Awakened the next morning by the cry of howler monkeys, we set off for the Morning Wildlife/Bird Walk. I'm not a birder yet, so I don't know the names of all of the birds we saw. We did see a Blue Crowned Mot-Mot, two parrots, and a toucan, among many others that I can't recall. It was pretty cool! I'm afraid that birding is going to be my next obsession, so get ready for the Belize Birding Blog.

In all, Chan Chich Lodge is one of the best experiences in Belize jungle lodges. When you're out there relaxing and taking it all in, you realize that life just doesn't get any better.