Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge
On the Macal River in the jungle On the 2nd mile of Macaw Bank Rd/Mistic River Rd., Cristo Rey, San Ignacio Belize
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5.0
#3 of 3 hotels in Cristo ReyLocation
4.8
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4.8
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5.0
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4.8
Family friendly, romantic destination and naturalist paradise. Bird lovers will specially love tropical gardens visited daily by close to 300 species of tropical birds including toucans and green parrots. The gardens are rich in many exotic species of plants, orchid trail and well maintained jungle trails always available to our guests. Access to Macal River gives opportunity for canoeing, tubing and swimming. Only 10 miles from San Ignacio the lodge is in the heart of Belizean rain forest of unspoiled nature and authentic vegetation. Located next to Pine Ridge Mountains National Park has no pollution. Our mission is to provide true jungle experience without harming environment. The lodge is off grid run on solar panels and has clean well water. It may not be suitable for travelers looking for entertainment and nightlife. Food is prepared from organically and locally grown fresh produce, healthy and tasty. Vegan and traditional dishes, fresh juices, fruits and home made ice creams.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Lazy river
Bar / lounge
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Public wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Special diet menus
Outdoor furniture
Laundry service
Room features
Desk
Housekeeping
Seating area
Bath / shower
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
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HOTEL STYLE
Business
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
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Location
On the Macal River in the jungle On the 2nd mile of Macaw Bank Rd/Mistic River Rd., Cristo Rey, San Ignacio Belize
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within 5 miles
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Detailed Reviews
At the end of July we decided to go on a delayed honeymoon and went to Belize. The first six days we spent at Macaw Bank and it was fantastic. We are an adventurous couple and this facility is exactly what we were looking for: in the jungle, a short distance from major sites and attractions, and far enough away from other tourists. We came to relax and have fun, and that is exactly what happened. Now for some details.
Facility: Leticia and Raul run this location to perfection. There are several jungle cabanas (lodges) on premises and when we contacted Leti (by whatsapp) ahead of time she helped us decide on the best one for us. There is a beautiful dining area, a nice green yard with hammocks, and trails that lead into the jungle and to their garden. Coming from the US, we were amazed at the flora and fauna on site, even without the winter migratory birds. They have a huge variety of life that is truly amazing.
Food: Other reviewers on here have written that Macaw Bank should sell a recipe book and we agree. My wife and I both have dietary restrictions which are unusual for standard Belizean cuisine. Macaw Bank did a great job making sure we had delicious food at every meal. They were very careful when preparing the dishes and constantly made sure what we had wasn't going to make us sick. It was great and we definitely plan on trying to reproduce some of the meals. Did I mention that a lot of the fruit are grown on site, at the garden?
Health and Safety: We felt very safe at Macaw Bank. They kept COVID safety protocols and made sure everything was clean and sanitized. The facility itself is meticulously maintained and we had no issues with bugs or other wildlife.
Activities: We booked our activities through Macaw Bank. Leti helped us plan out six full days of activities and they were all worth it. She even gave us tips on what to wear and what to bring to each one. Most recommended: horseback riding (Jose is a great guide), Xunantunich, ziplining, Cahal Pech + Iguana tour, and most importantly ATM. Other recommended activities: Barton Creek, Pine Ridge, chocolate tour, botanical gardens, Belize Zoo, cave tubing (bring bug spray), birdwatching tour, and medicinal walk. Helpful tip: the Cayo region in general does not have a lot of access to credit card payments, so Macaw Bank kept a tab for us and we paid for everything through them.
General tips: (1) bring bug spray and sunscreen, (2) don't expect to have internet all the time, especially on tours, (3) bring a camera, (4) try out the local fruit, there are a lot of them we had never heard of and they're all worth it (except for craboo)
Overall, a great way to start our honeymoon. We are very happy we went to Macaw Bank.
Facility: Leticia and Raul run this location to perfection. There are several jungle cabanas (lodges) on premises and when we contacted Leti (by whatsapp) ahead of time she helped us decide on the best one for us. There is a beautiful dining area, a nice green yard with hammocks, and trails that lead into the jungle and to their garden. Coming from the US, we were amazed at the flora and fauna on site, even without the winter migratory birds. They have a huge variety of life that is truly amazing.
Food: Other reviewers on here have written that Macaw Bank should sell a recipe book and we agree. My wife and I both have dietary restrictions which are unusual for standard Belizean cuisine. Macaw Bank did a great job making sure we had delicious food at every meal. They were very careful when preparing the dishes and constantly made sure what we had wasn't going to make us sick. It was great and we definitely plan on trying to reproduce some of the meals. Did I mention that a lot of the fruit are grown on site, at the garden?
Health and Safety: We felt very safe at Macaw Bank. They kept COVID safety protocols and made sure everything was clean and sanitized. The facility itself is meticulously maintained and we had no issues with bugs or other wildlife.
Activities: We booked our activities through Macaw Bank. Leti helped us plan out six full days of activities and they were all worth it. She even gave us tips on what to wear and what to bring to each one. Most recommended: horseback riding (Jose is a great guide), Xunantunich, ziplining, Cahal Pech + Iguana tour, and most importantly ATM. Other recommended activities: Barton Creek, Pine Ridge, chocolate tour, botanical gardens, Belize Zoo, cave tubing (bring bug spray), birdwatching tour, and medicinal walk. Helpful tip: the Cayo region in general does not have a lot of access to credit card payments, so Macaw Bank kept a tab for us and we paid for everything through them.
General tips: (1) bring bug spray and sunscreen, (2) don't expect to have internet all the time, especially on tours, (3) bring a camera, (4) try out the local fruit, there are a lot of them we had never heard of and they're all worth it (except for craboo)
Overall, a great way to start our honeymoon. We are very happy we went to Macaw Bank.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We could not have been more pleased with our recent stay at Macaw Jungle Lodge.
Lety and Raul were beyond the perfect Host and Hostess. They know exactly how to make their guests feel welcome and special, going above and beyond to please. They were eager to help with any excursion you wanted to take and provided helpful and detailed information since they have first hand experience with all of the adventures that are available.
We found that renting a four wheel drive was very helpful because a trip to the downtown area and many other places are very easy to explore on your own. But Lety is always ready and available to provide detailed directions. It rained on some of the days we were there but rain does not inhibit you from enjoying all of the adventures that are available....and there are many great things to do.
When in the jungle you are completely surrounded by beauty. The grounds are very well maintained since they take great pride in their property.
The food was absolutely delicious with much of it provided from their garden. In the seven days we were there we were not served the same meal twice. They really go out of their way to give you a variety of tasty foods.
If you are looking for a wonderful jungle experience we highly recommend Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge. It was an experience we will not soon forget.
Lety and Raul were beyond the perfect Host and Hostess. They know exactly how to make their guests feel welcome and special, going above and beyond to please. They were eager to help with any excursion you wanted to take and provided helpful and detailed information since they have first hand experience with all of the adventures that are available.
We found that renting a four wheel drive was very helpful because a trip to the downtown area and many other places are very easy to explore on your own. But Lety is always ready and available to provide detailed directions. It rained on some of the days we were there but rain does not inhibit you from enjoying all of the adventures that are available....and there are many great things to do.
When in the jungle you are completely surrounded by beauty. The grounds are very well maintained since they take great pride in their property.
The food was absolutely delicious with much of it provided from their garden. In the seven days we were there we were not served the same meal twice. They really go out of their way to give you a variety of tasty foods.
If you are looking for a wonderful jungle experience we highly recommend Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge. It was an experience we will not soon forget.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Leticia M, General Manager at Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge
Responded Jan 25, 2020
Dear John, Thank you so much for staying in our lodge and giving us opportunity to be your hosts. I am very happy that you found your experience enjoyable. Surely we do take pride in the beauty of our rainforest garden and I am glad that you were not disappointed. Our garden grows bigger every year and we are becoming more na more independent on food from outside. Thank you for your review and we are looking forward to seeing you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We've been to many mainland jungle destinations in Belize (we live on Ambergris Caye), and love the fact that the Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge is less 'luxury', and closer to nature. Our cabins was charming and comfortable, the nights were cool with breeze (and no mozzies) coming in through the screens. Leticia and Raoul were both absolutely lovely - charming and friendly hosts, knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife, great fun to chat to, and purveyors of delicious local food. What's not to love!? If you're driving, 4 wheel drive might make the road a little easier if it's bene raining. We'll be back for sure!
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Date of stay: July 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: At least one of the cabins has an outdoor shower.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a wonderful stay at Macaw Bank (Macabanc!) the week before Christmas - 2 adults and our 2 teen children. Everything about our stay was fantastic. The place is beautiful, the cabanas charming, and the food delicious. Waking up to the sound of birds and going to sleep to the sound of howler monkeys. Leticia and Raul took exquisite care of us - they provided every detail we needed and their follow through was perfection. When they said “it’s all taken care of”, it truly was. And the food, the food! Every meal was fresh and amazing - the kids ate things/tried new things they wouldn’t have gone for at home and cleaned their plates every meal. We did a day trip to Tikal, a day trip to ATM cave, and a birding walk with Raul our last morning. Everything went off without a hitch. Highly recommend this gem of an eco lodge in the Belizian jungle.
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Date of stay: December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This small inn is run meticulously by a welcoming and attentive couple. Comfy cabins on a lovingly tended wooded grounds. Nice common area. Huge trees. But what set it especially apart was the cooking of Raul. wow! Regional fare, with super fresh ingredients and a masterful touch. Significantly above the norm for this kind of place. Raul took us birding, too. We did a nature medicinal walk with a Mayan local - fun! A day of horseback to Mayan sites was very memorable indeed. Bar/alcohol options are rather limited, if that's important to you. Always cold beer available.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had such an amazing stay at Macaw Banks. It's a beautiful small ecolodge out in the jungle about 30 min driving from San Ignacio (roads were tricky, 4x4 recommended). Each cabin is fairly private and surrounded by beautiful nature - there is no AC and everything is solar powered but we stayed cool enough at night with fans.
Our hosts Lettie and Raul took amazing care of us, helping us organize any activity we wanted to do and preparing us delicious home cooked meals. They made our stay so relaxing and fun, and it was some of the best (and most vegetarian friendly) food we ate our whole trip.
We had no idea what it would be like traveling in Belize during COVID but we felt very safe at Macaw Banks where we had tons of space to ourselves, all our meals outside, and staff who were taking good precautions.
We really recommend it to anyone who wants a relaxing adventure!
Ainsley & Sophie
Our hosts Lettie and Raul took amazing care of us, helping us organize any activity we wanted to do and preparing us delicious home cooked meals. They made our stay so relaxing and fun, and it was some of the best (and most vegetarian friendly) food we ate our whole trip.
We had no idea what it would be like traveling in Belize during COVID but we felt very safe at Macaw Banks where we had tons of space to ourselves, all our meals outside, and staff who were taking good precautions.
We really recommend it to anyone who wants a relaxing adventure!
Ainsley & Sophie
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Access roads could be tough, especially in rainy season. Hire a 4x4 if driving yourself
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Leticia Martinez, General Manager at Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge
Responded Jul 4, 2021
Thank you very much for the generous review and we are very happy that you had good experience. We make great effort that our jungle garden looks good and environment intact so we thank you for the complement. The road is a jungle road and is also public road over which we have no control. We hope to see you again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
In January 2023, we booked 4 nights at a Macaw Bank with our 2 teens (boy 15 & girl, nearly 13), and it firmly sits in one of the top places we have ever stayed. Even our teens loved it—which is saying a lot.
The main reasons are the incredible managers—Raoul and Letty and the lodge's tranquil riverside jungle location. I share the top 5 things we loved most.
1. The grounds and the trail system Raoul upkeeps are beautiful, especially the trail that leads to the river and then loops back around to connect to the garden.
2. The peaceful quiet of staying further from the bustle of town. At Macaw Bank, nature and wildlife—particularly bird species that feed and congregate along the river—will surround you.
3. The rustic cabanas are meticulously clean, spaciously set apart from each other, and free of critters which must be a near herculean task in the jungle.
4. The food is excellent. Among many talents, Raoul is an incredible chef. He made our breakfast, dinners, and desserts each day. We loved every meal—especially the Belizean ones.
5. The welcome—we felt incredibly and authentically welcome by Letty and Raoul. Letty was our all-in-one resource—activity director, caregiver, tour guide, fruit and vegetable educator, and new friend.
During our stay, we went for an early AM bird walk, ziplined, visited a butterfly reserve, hiked down to a waterfall, visited Tikal, and did the ATM cave tour. I can not recommend this place more!
The main reasons are the incredible managers—Raoul and Letty and the lodge's tranquil riverside jungle location. I share the top 5 things we loved most.
1. The grounds and the trail system Raoul upkeeps are beautiful, especially the trail that leads to the river and then loops back around to connect to the garden.
2. The peaceful quiet of staying further from the bustle of town. At Macaw Bank, nature and wildlife—particularly bird species that feed and congregate along the river—will surround you.
3. The rustic cabanas are meticulously clean, spaciously set apart from each other, and free of critters which must be a near herculean task in the jungle.
4. The food is excellent. Among many talents, Raoul is an incredible chef. He made our breakfast, dinners, and desserts each day. We loved every meal—especially the Belizean ones.
5. The welcome—we felt incredibly and authentically welcome by Letty and Raoul. Letty was our all-in-one resource—activity director, caregiver, tour guide, fruit and vegetable educator, and new friend.
During our stay, we went for an early AM bird walk, ziplined, visited a butterfly reserve, hiked down to a waterfall, visited Tikal, and did the ATM cave tour. I can not recommend this place more!
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Date of stay: January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent five days here birding both on the 50 acre property and elsewhere but nowhere was as good as right by the river. We picked up nearly 50 species just in the first 3 hours of the morning. Keel-bilked Toucans, Green and Brown Jays, Collared Aracaris. Pygmy kingfishers, Yellow Tailed and Baltimore Orioles, and lots of our warblers were on vacation here too. Get Raoul, the manager to bird with you and you’ll see 5 times as much as you will on your own. Then eat breakfast and dinner there which he and Leti source from their garden and they were the best meals we had in Belize
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Leticia M, General Manager at Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge
Responded Feb 2, 2020
Thank you for your review. We do have many species of birds on the grounds of the lodge and I am happy you had good time birding. We are now planting more and more different verities of fruit trees and birds love them so we expect that that number of birds will be steadily increasing. We are looking forward to seeing you again visiting our lodge.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leticia andRaul did a great job of making certain that we felt comfortable and welcome. We did the five day package and were appropriately busy during the day with plenty of time to relax at the lodge. The lodge offered lots of beautiful natural space and flowers and birds and all of our activities were both interesting and fun. Raul was our chef as well as our natural guide and he did a great job on both accounts and Miss Letty was so fun because she helped us to experience new foods and taught us about different things related to Belizian culture.
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Every day was "the best" in Belize, and without exception, our stay at Macaw Bank was The Best. We stayed four nights and a few of the nights, we happened the be the only guests. Raul, Leticia and her sister, who was visiting from Guatamala, were indeed, top notch hosts and a wealth of information. We took some down days while there. The property is perfectly maintained, trails and lawns clear, but natural. Our cabin was situated across the dort road from the main lodge, and the 1 min walk was always a breath of fresh air. The cabin itself was solid, warm, with fans, hot water, comfortable beds and a screened porch. What more could you ask for?
We did not bird walk with Raul as many others have, but judging by his knowledge and enthusiasm, I don't think it would dissapoint.
Though Raul cooked, Leticia answered all my questions about the food and ingredients. Not being picky, always curious. Our meals were better than ever expected. I might message for a few of the recipes.....
I would recommend this stay, 100%. Friendly, comfortable, exciting. The jungle is at your door. Quite literally.
If you're reading this, THANK YOUI! We had the best time. Jess, Ryan, Emma
We did not bird walk with Raul as many others have, but judging by his knowledge and enthusiasm, I don't think it would dissapoint.
Though Raul cooked, Leticia answered all my questions about the food and ingredients. Not being picky, always curious. Our meals were better than ever expected. I might message for a few of the recipes.....
I would recommend this stay, 100%. Friendly, comfortable, exciting. The jungle is at your door. Quite literally.
If you're reading this, THANK YOUI! We had the best time. Jess, Ryan, Emma
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We use "private transport" from airport to the lodge that costs $150 and the driver can take up to 4 passengers. For larger groups, it costs $35 per person. It would require a larger vehicle. This is a prevailing price.
I am sorry, but we are in the jungle with plenty of wildlife around. We also have dogs that are friendly to people they are not used to other dogs.
It is about 10 miles from our lodge. It takes about 20 min.
I think you meant to ask the Lodge instead of me. Not sure they have the capacity you need, but you should talk to them directly. If not, Ian Anderson's Caves Branch is really nice and certainly has the capacity. You could also try Mama Noots, which is also very nice.
"Arrange your trips and transportation with the lodge and do not attempt to drive a rental car to the lodge unless it has 4 wheel drive! "Read full review
"IF you don't like the heat, better go between November and March. It gets hotter after with high humidity."Read full review
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ALSO KNOWN AS
macaw bank jungle hotel san ignacio
LOCATION
BelizeCayoSan IgnacioCristo Rey
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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Frequently Asked Questions about Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Xunantunich (5.0 miles), Green Iguana Conservation Project (5.0 miles), and Cahal Pech (4.5 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge?
Top room amenities include a desk, a mosquito net, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Benny's Kitchen, Running W Restaurant, and Chaa Creek.
Does Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Are there any historical sites close to Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Xunantunich (5.0 miles).