Staying at an eco lodge is a win-win: you get to experience local culture while supporting the people and environment that make it special.
There are around 22 eco lodges scattered across Belize. These are the top 11 that stand out for their genuine sustainability — not just greenwashing.
While I haven’t stayed at every lodge on this list, I’ve personally visited the most popular ones and have done thorough research to make sure each pick holds up.
Want to know how I came up with the rankings or learn more about ecotourism in Belize? Keep reading. Otherwise, skip straight to the list.
What Is An Eco Lodge?
Proper eco lodges are normally named because of their location – usually in the jungle or somewhere nature-focused. That means a hotel based in the center of town with energy-saving bulbs, low-flow toilets, and less frequent towel washing doesn’t qualify as an eco-lodge — it’s more of a green hotel.
Things to consider while staying at an eco lodge:
Pros
- Full jungle immersion with sounds
- Easy access to unique attractions
- Potential access to river
- Increased chances of wildlife spotting
- Potential access to fresh farm food
- Local cultural experience
Cons
- Ceiling fans instead of AC units
- Spotty wifi/cell phone service
- Limited access to water/electricity
- Potential bad roads due to location
- Limited nearby restaurants
- Increase in bugs and mosquitos
What Makes A Good Eco Lodge?
According to the International Tourism Society, these are the internationally-recognized eco lodge guidelines.
Eco lodges must embrace these three basic principles of ecotourism:
Be in a nature-based location
Benefit the local people
Offer interpretative programs
They also need to practice at least two of the eight items below:
- Contribute to conservation of local natural resources
- Acquire water through sustainable means and reduce consumption
- Provide for careful handling and disposal of solid waste
- Utilize renewal energy sources
- Impact natural surroundings minimally during construction
- Fit seamlessly into the local physical, cultural, architectural, and landscaping contexts
- Use traditional building technology and materials when possible
- Involve the local community in the planning stages
Since there are only a few accommodations that actually check all guidelines, I still listed those that follow at least five requirements including two of the basic principles. Eco lodges come in all shapes and sizes, and sustainable tourism is still relatively new in Belize.
Ecotourism In Belize
According to the definition from the TIES quoted below, ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel.
Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.
The International Ecotourism Society
Does Belize participate and market ecotourism? Yes and no. On one hand, over 60% of Belize’s land is forested, there’s been a plastic ban since 2019, offshore drilling is banned, and there are over 100 protected areas.
On the other hand, it has a growing cruise ship industry that negatively affects marine life, does little to enforce the plastic ban, and provides limited benefit to the local economy.
With that said, let's take a look at how we can actively make a difference by staying at these eco lodges.
Budget Stays
Parrot Nest Lodge
Ranked as the #1 jungle lodge in Belize by the Travel Channel, Parrot Nest Lodge is a family owned and operated business. They claim to be everything but luxurious but you can expect a unique tropical experience with access to clear waters and plenty of flora & fauna.
Additional Info
- Price
- $55.00 USD
- Location
- Cayo District
- Occupancy
- 2 Guests
- Rating
- 4/5 Sustainability
Sun Creek Lodge
Sun Creek Lodge is off the beaten path, rustic and authentic in every sense. The cabins are thatched houses built the traditional Mayan way with an outdoor hot/cold showers. The hosts are originally from Germany but made their new home in the jungles of Belize.
Additional Info
- Price
- $60.00 USD
- Location
- Toledo District
- Occupancy
- 3 Guests
- Rating
- 4/5 Sustainability
Pineapple Hill
This magical Airbnb hosts screened treetop cabins over a natural jungle pool. It has a unique vibe striking a perfect balance of nature and luxury. With the ideal hosts being couples, it has a full kitchen, outdoor shower and hot water. Hiking trails are also available.
Additional Info
- Price
- $75.00 USD
- Location
- Hummingbird Highway
- Occupancy
- 2 Guests
- Rating
- 4/5 Sustainability
Mid-range Stays
Alma Del Rio
Located only 10 minutes away from San Ignacio, Alma Del Rio is a perfect jungle homestay experience for couples. Not only does it strike a perfect balance between rustic & luxury but it has a kitchen, solar heated water and leans towards biodegradable products.
Additional Info
- Price
- $100.00 USD
- Location
- Cayo District
- Occupancy
- 2 Guests
- Rating
- 3/5 Sustainability
Black Rock Lodge
Off the beaten and off the grid best describes Black Rock Lodge. While not the easiest to get to, it makes up for it by having easy access to the famous adventure-packed area of Pine Ridge. They also make a gigantic effort to be carbon neutral by having almost 100% renewable energy.
Additional Info
- Price
- $100.00 USD
- Location
- Cayo District
- Occupancy
- 2 Guests
- Rating
- 5/5 Sustainability
Martz Farm
If you've dreamed of staying at a homestay in a rustic tree house or a snug cabin deep in the jungle, Martz Farm might be your place. The road to get there is an adventure, but you’ll be rewarded with pristine swimming creeks, incredible birding and access to a unique pontoon boat adventure.
Additional Info
- Price
- $90.00 USD
- Location
- Cayo District
- Occupancy
- 4 Guests
- Rating
- 3/5 Sustainability
Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge
While not as popular as neighboring resorts and lodges, Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge takes sustainable tourism seriously. The lodge produces 85% of its electricity, hires Belizean staff, grows their own fruits, utilizes cloth napkins and has their own gravity fed showers.
Additional Info
- Price
- $120.00 USD
- Location
- Cayo District
- Occupancy
- 2 Guests
- Rating
- 5/5 Sustainability
Table Rock Lodge
The owners Alan and Colleen started this lodge from scratch after purchasing an abandoned farm in Belize. The lodge now generates 100% of its own electricity, provides most of its running water from rainwater and sources much of the food from the farm.
Additional Info
- Price
- $175.00 USD
- Location
- Cayo District
- Occupancy
- 3 Guests
- Rating
- 5/5 Sustainability
Luxury Stays
Hamanasi
Hamanasi prides themselves on their regenerative initiatives with proactive practices like leading a volunteer green team, sourcing local products, using biodegradable bags and employing 97% of locals as staff. They also hold a Green Globe Certification.
Additional Info
- Price
- $307.00 USD
- Location
- Hopkins
- Occupancy
- 4 Guests
- Rating
- 5/5 Sustainability
Chaa Creek
Award-winning Luxury Lodge at Chaa Creek began in 1977 when owners Mick and Lucy moved to a jungle property close to the Macal River eventually becoming pioneers in ecotourism. Having been here for a week, I can attest to the conservation, community and sustainable practices.
Additional Info
- Price
- $389.00 USD
- Location
- Cayo District
- Occupancy
- 2 Guests
- Rating
- 5/5 Sustainability
Chan Chich
Chan Chich Lodge is found deep in the rainforest bordering Guatemala which is probably the best chance at seeing the elusive jaguar. The lodge has practiced sustainability since the 1980s and grow 60% of their own food. Bowen & Bowen is the holding company for the lodge.
Additional Info
- Price
- $350.00 USD
- Location
- Orange Walk District
- Occupancy
- 2 Guests
- Rating
- 5/5 Sustainability
About Author
Everything written on this blog is based on first-hand experience or knowledge as a local living in Belize. No fluff, just honest information.
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