Going on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t obey recommendations from the WHO, CDC and other guardians of our health.
Here at Chaa Creek, where plenty of space is a given, our “Healthy Belize” vacations have included fresh air, outdoor activities, freshly harvested food and a natural balance for years.
Below are five vacation activities that we’re confident Dr Fauci would approve of:
(In fact, we’re inviting him to Chaa Creek)
1. Birding
Getting out and about in the fresh air while looking to cross Birds of Belize off your list has several tried and true benefits, including exercise, awareness, and mental stimulation – all combined in one healthy, pleasurable activity.
With over 300 of Belize’s 608 species of birds recorded in the Chaa Creek area, and a team of specialized birding guides at your service, birding at Chaa Creek is a supremely satisfying experience. Try our early morning birding walks, guided or self-guided birding from a canoe, horseback, hike or simply walking around the tropical gardens and grounds. Who knows? you may find yourself joining the legions of dedicated birders who continue to make this the world’s fastest growing pastime.
2. Immersive Nature Hikes
There’s nothing like wandering through a pristine rainforest to put things in perspective. And there’s no better place to embark on such an easily enjoyable adventure than Chaa Creek’s 400-acre private nature reserve. With miles of signposted trails, you can get lost in nature without actually getting lost.
Look up, and you’ll see birds, and maybe monkeys cavorting in the jungle canopy. Look down, and leaf cutter ants may be crossing the trail with their green burden. Look around, and butterflies and wildlife abound.
As you walk, you’ll become more and more attuned to the amazingly rich variety of life our forests support, and discover what an interconnected world we all share.
And if that doesn’t make you feel better, you might want to check your pulse.
3. Canoeing
One of our all-time favorite activities, canoeing combines so many things – exercise, coordination, individual effort, teamwork, and discovery. You’ll find your senses coming alive as you navigate the tranquil Macal River and discover the abundant riverine life on the banks. Iguanas, countless birds and an endless variety of wildlife come to drink, bathe, fish, and share many of the same aquatic adventures we humans enjoy.
And as you paddle silently along, you become part of their world. How cool is that?
4. Learning
It’s no secret that Chaa Creek considers learning to be one of the pillars of the sustainable tourism the Fleming Family has promoted in Belize for decades. In addition to the natural world, cultural adventures abound at Chaa Creek. Some of Belize’s most stunning ancient Maya temples and ruins, such as Xunantunich and Cahal Pech are close by, and some 70 ancient Maya sites have been recorded right in the surrounding nature reserve.
For cultural-loving foodies, The Open Hearth is a representational traditional Belizean bush kitchen whose thatched-roof, open wall construction provides a venue with plenty of room and fresh air. It makes learning to cook the iconic Creole, Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo and East Indian meals of Belize enjoyable and healthy.
Then there’re the tours of the onsite Belize Natural History Museum, Butterfly Farm, Maya Medicinal Pant Trail, traditional Organic Farm, and more.
Learning as fun? You’d better Belize it!
5. Horseback Riding
If you’ve been horseback riding before, you know what a satisfying, healthy activity it is, promoting balance and coordination while gently working every muscle in your body. Now, imagine riding along miles of well maintained, secure jungle trails crisscrossing Chaa Creek’s 400-acre private nature reserve with highly skilled licensed naturalist guides adept at identifying Belize’s diverse and stunning flora and fauna.
And if you haven’t been astride before, never fear – our team of wranglers have introduced hundreds of equestrian neophytes to the joys of riding, and Chaa Creek’s diverse herd ensures a mount for every level of skill.
6. Hanging Out, Chilling Out, And Generally Relaxing
Chaa Creek is a family affair that grew and evolved organically over time. With no corporate pressure to fill space, this resulted in the casual luxury Chaa Creek is famous for – an open plan arrangement where our Belize accommodations and amenities have plenty of room between each other, and people have space to enjoy it.
Whether swimming or lounging around the pool, enjoying a book and cool drink in a hammock on your own veranda, having a pre or post-dinner stroll, we think there’s nothing wrong with doing nothing. That’s a balance we like to strike – interesting activities that expand your horizons with plenty of peaceful quality time.
There you have it – a half dozen activities that haven’t even scratched the surface of our “Healthy Belize” vacations – and all without leaving the Chaa Creek area. We’ll be back with more, and in the meantime, visit the Chaa Creek website to let your imaginations dream up some of your own adventures.
We think you’ll agree with us – the possibilities are endless.