A Commitment Beyond Hospitality
For nearly forty five years, Chaa Creek has welcomed travelers from around the world to experience the beauty of Belize’s rainforests, wildlife, and culture. Yet sustainability has always included protecting the natural environment, investing in people, strengthening communities, and ensuring that tourism creates opportunities that extend far beyond the guest experience.
From the very beginning, Chaa Creek has believed that the benefits of tourism should be shared with the families and communities that help make Belize such a remarkable destination. Every horseback ride, guided excursion, meal, and warm welcome offered to guests is made possible by the dedication of the people who call this place home. Through the Chaa Creek Scholarship Program, that philosophy continues to take shape.
Today, we are proud to celebrate thirteen scholarship recipients for the 2026–2027 academic year, each representing not only their own ambitions but also the hard work and commitment of the parents, siblings, and relatives who contribute to Chaa Creek every day.
Education as an Investment in Belize’s Future
More than financial assistance, these scholarships represent an investment in the next generation of Belizean young people whose talents, aspirations, and determination will help shape the future of their communities.
This year’s recipients attend schools across the country, including Eden S.D.A. High School, Saint Ignatius High School, Mount Carmel High School, Sacred Heart College, Sacred Heart Junior College, and Mopan Technical High School. Some are taking their first steps into secondary education, while others are preparing for graduation and the opportunities that lie beyond.
At Chaa Creek, we believe that education has the power to open doors, strengthen communities, and create lasting change. By supporting these students in their academic journeys, we hope to empower the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow.
Celebrating This Year’s Scholarship Recipients
The 2026–2027 Chaa Creek Scholarship recipients are:
- Ashley Vasquez (16), fourth form, Eden S.D.A. High School — daughter of Teddy Vasquez from the Stables Department.
- Dorian Pech (17), fourth form, Eden S.D.A. High School — son of Freddy Pech from the Gardening Department.
- Pricela Mai (16), fourth form, Eden S.D.A. High School — daughter of Luis Mai from the Natural History Center.
- Byron Can (17), third form, Eden S.D.A. High School — son of Gloria Can from Spa Housekeeping.
- Kyri Marokin (15), third form, Saint Ignatius High School — daughter of Alice Tzib, AM Waitress Supervisor.
- Katherine Hob (14), second form, Mount Carmel High School — daughter of Julio Hob from the Facilities Department.
- Germy Ku (16), third form, Saint Ignatius High School — son of Anivar Pech from Maintenance and the in-house driver team.
- Bella Canto (16), third form, Eden S.D.A. High School — daughter of Miguel Canto from the Gardening Department.
- Beverly Salazar (20), second-year associate student, Sacred Heart Junior College — relative of Joshua Salazar from the Senior Front Desk team.
- Naim Wiltshire (14), third form, Sacred Heart College — son of Selvin Wiltshire, Facilities Supervisor.
- Jasmine Godoy (13), first form, Mount Carmel High School — daughter of Maria Godoy from the Concierge Department.
- Lindsey Trujillo (20), second-year associate student, Sacred Heart Junior College — daughter of Tour Guide Alexie Trujillo.
- Brianna Ramos (14), first form, Mopan Technical High School — daughter of Edvin Ramos
Through the Chaa Creek Cares initiative, support also continues for Jadel Tzib (15), a third-form student at Sacred Heart High School and the child of Elvis Tzib that formed part out our Maintenance Department.
The People Behind the Scholarships
Behind every scholarship recipient is a family story: parents beginning work before sunrise, siblings cheering each other on, and loved ones making sacrifices to create opportunities for the next generation.
These students represent nearly every corner of Chaa Creek. Their families work in the stables, gardens, housekeeping, maintenance, facilities, the Natural History Center, concierge, the front office, and tour operations. Their efforts not only create unforgettable experiences for guests but also help sustain a community built on shared values and mutual support.
Scholarships are often measured in tuition fees and school supplies, but their true impact lies elsewhere: in the confidence they inspire, the opportunities they create, and the doors they open.
Sustainable Tourism in Action
Tourism has the power to do more than create memorable experiences for visitors. When approached thoughtfully and sustainably, it can strengthen local communities, support families, and invest in education.
At Chaa Creek, sustainability has always meant caring for both the natural world and the people who call Belize home. Programs such as the scholarship initiative reflect our belief that tourism should contribute to long-term community development and create opportunities that extend well beyond our property.
By investing in education today, we hope to help create brighter futures for Belize’s next generation.
Travel With Purpose
None of this would be possible without the support of our guests.
Every stay, every guided tour, and every meal shared at Chaa Creek helps make initiatives like the scholarship program a reality. Your decision to visit Belize and experience Chaa Creek has a lasting impact that extends far beyond our trails and cottages, into the lives of the young people and families who make up our community.
When you choose to stay at Chaa Creek, your visit becomes part of something much larger than a vacation. Every horseback ride, every adventure shared with our guides, and every meal enjoyed on the property contributes to initiatives that support the people and communities of Belize.
From scholarships and educational opportunities to environmental conservation and community programs, sustainable tourism has always been at the heart of what we do. It is believed that travel should leave a positive and lasting impact on those who visit and those who call this place home.
To our guests past, present, and future, thank you for helping us invest in the next generation of Belizeans. Your support makes it possible for young people to pursue their education, follow their ambitions, and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
If you are considering a stay with us, know that your journey extends beyond the rivers, trails, and rainforests of Chaa Creek. By choosing to visit, you become part of a story rooted in conservation, community, and a shared commitment to Belize’s future.
Looking Ahead
To our scholarship recipients, congratulations on this remarkable achievement. We are proud to celebrate your hard work and dedication, and we look forward to following your journeys in the years ahead.