Photo Gallery
Photos by Michael O’Brien
Nestled in the middle of almost a half-million acres of rainforest, Chan Chich Lodge is simply superb - small and extremely comfortable with a very high level of service.
We’ll stay in fully-screened, thatched-roof cabanas. Each has a king or two queen-size beds, ceiling fan, private bath with hot and cold water, 24-hour electricity and a wrap-around veranda complete with hammocks…
…and a large, elegant and fully-screened swimming pool and hot tub provide welcome relaxation after a day in the field.
The abundance and diversity of wildlife at Chan Chich is difficult to imagine. As we sip our early morning coffee, Ocellated Turkeys descended from their roost trees…
…Stripe-throated Hermits begin to wake up and feed busily on flowering trees…
…Howler Monkeys roar from nearby treetops…
…and Red-lored Parrots noisily begin their day’s activities.
As we walk quiet forest trails…
…we will likely encounter the skulking Red-throated Ant-Tanager…
…and the more conspicuous Slaty-tailed Trogon…
…and we’ll hope for such prize birds as Tody Motmot…
…Bicolored Hawk…
…or Ornate Hawk-Eagle.
As wonderful as the forest trails are, birding may be equally good right in the main plaza. Fruiting trees near our lunch table often attract an astonishing array of birds including…
…Olive-backed Euphonia…
…Red-capped Manakin…
…Yellow-winged Tanager…
…and Collared Aracari…
…and flowering poinsettias nearby attract dazzling butterflies such as this Erato Heliconian.
Though most of our time will be spent within walking distance of the lodge, we’ll take short drives out to the farmlands of Gallon Jug where we may see Fork-tailed Flycatcher…
…and the wetlands of Laguna Seca which sometimes host an Amazon Kingfisher…
…or, at least occasionally, a Jabiru.
When you’ve been in paradise, sometimes it’s nice to make a clean, quick exit. Our air charter waits to whisk us to Belize City and our flights home.