Imagine Santa Claus, not in his traditional sleigh, but paddling a canoe down the Macal River. His mission? Delivering gifts to the jungle animals and showcasing the playful side of a Belizean Christmas. This is not your typical Christmas scene, but then again, Christmas at Chaa Creek Lodge is anything but typical.
A Jungle Full of Surprises
At The Lodge At Chaa Creek, we believe in celebrating the season with a twist. Our jungle is alive with the sounds of wildlife, and Christmas is no exception. From the early morning calls of the toucans, hummingbirds, mot-mots, parrots, and hundreds of other beautiful avian species to the evening chorus of the cicadas, the jungle is a symphony of sounds that adds a unique soundtrack to the holiday season.
Our guided jungle hikes are a favourite among our guests. These hikes and RTV Safari experiences offer an opportunity to explore the lush greenery, spot exotic wildlife, and learn about the diverse flora and fauna that call our jungle home.
Whether it’s spotting an ocelot, jaguarundi, or the margay in the wild or learning about the medicinal properties of local plants, every off the beaten path experience is uniquely wildly civilized.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. At Chaa Creek, we also offer an exhilarating tour to Shark Ray Alley. Here, you can snorkel in the warm, clear tropical waters of Belize’s Caribbean reef and seacoast, and have unique encounters with an abundance of nurse sharks and southern stingrays.
It’s a wildlife experience that truly embodies the spirit of a Belizean Christmas adventure.
Wildlife Encounters
One of the highlights of spending Christmas at Chaa Creek is the chance to have unique wildlife encounters. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to the sight of howler monkeys, native to Belize, busy about the jungle canopy. Or spotting a rare bird species while out on a morning hike.
We also offer night walks for those interested in seeing the jungle’s nocturnal inhabitants. Armed with a flashlight, you’ll get to see a different side of the jungle, one that comes alive under the cover of darkness. It’s an experience that’s both thrilling and educational.
You might even encounter lively little critters like kinkajous and coatimundis during one of Chaa Creek’s guided “Creatures of the Night” nocturnal nature walks.
A Belizean Christmas
At Chaa Creek, we embrace our Belizean heritage and this extends to how we celebrate Christmas. We invite our guests to join us in our celebrations, which include traditional Belizean Christmas meals. From the hearty rice and beans with ham to the delicious tamales and Relleno Negro, our Christmas feast is a culinary journey through Belize’s diverse cultures.
And let’s not forget about the sweet treats! Our Black Fruitcake, a rich, rum-soaked delight, is a Christmas staple in Belize. And to wash it all down, we have Rumpopo, Belize’s version of eggnog. It’s a creamy concoction that perfectly complements the festive mood.
Celebrate with Us
So why not swap the snow for sand this Christmas? Trade in your winter boots for flip-flops and celebrate the season Belizean style.
From a butterfly immersion, sunset cruises, and from exploring ancient Mayan ruins to unwinding at our luxurious lodge, we promise a Christmas experience like no other.
Join us at Chaa Creek Lodge this Christmas and let the jungle bells ring in a holiday season you’ll never forget. And don’t forget to try our Rainforest RTV Safari Tours, where you can explore the rainforest trails on an RTV offering tons of birding and wildlife encounters opportunities.