*Mayan translation, "I am another yourself," an honoring of each other and statement of unity, and includes all species, all forms of matter and energy, rivers, stones, trees, plants etc., without separation.

Please note:  Everything you see here is REAL!  All photos, with the exception of the Orange Breasted Falcon were taken  by our guests  or by us right here at Ek' Tun . 

     EK' TUN AND THE SURROUNDING CAYO DISTRICT     

GUIDE   TO  MAINLAND  BELIZE

"Here you seem to be able to move back and forth through the centuries, above and below the earth, following the river, attuned to the "present."

  (Susan & Arnie, Berkeley, CA)

Belize Book of Lists 2000

#4 in Top 10 Jungle Lodges

Top 10 Most Romantic Places to Stay

Top 4 Great Honeymoon Ideas- enjoying nature with creature comforts and privacy

"Ek' Tun is the most beautiful property we have seen in the country"

                        ....BELIZE REPORT

    Because of our remote location, only a few travel agents have visited Ek' Tun and are authorized to represent us....     for the most accurate information and best results, book direct!   If you feel an agent is necessary, don't hesitate to ask us for the name of an authorized agent.

Cali's first litter of eleven

     Although all of Belize is beautiful, the western interior Cayo District is especially known for its spectacular geological and ecological diversity. 

     Ek' Tun is a 200-acre, neotropical rainforest retreat on the Macal River, bordering the country's largest contiguous area of jungle and reserves  which rises majestically from the northern edge of the Vaca Plateau and encompasses Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Vaca Plateau Reserve, the Chiquibul Rainforest, Maya Mountains, Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve, Bladen Nature Reserve and Columbia Rainforest in the south.

     Ek' Tun is located approximately twelve miles up river  or 15 miles by road from San Ignacio, within easy hiking distance of Vaca Falls.  There is no road or bridge to the property, and it is said in crossing the river, you can actually feel a difference in leaving civilization behind.  Ek' Tun is private, inaccessible and exclusively available only to registered guests.  With our recently implemented "ADULTS ONLY" policy, this assures a secure, restful or romantic hideaway where you can also meet the challenges of the jungle and restore your connection with the natural environment.

     The Ek' Tun grounds resemble a garden oasis in the midst of a tropical rainforest. We have miles of hiking trails, through hundreds of acres of lush, undisturbed habitat providing unsurpassed birding, hiking, and exploring.  This section of the Macal River has beautiful, secluded, sandy  beaches interspersed with black slate formations, and small rapids for exciting river activities.  The mineral pool is also  a favorite attraction, with clear, cool, mineral  water straight from the Mayan Underworld.

     Several troupes of howler monkeys travel through the area, and can sometimes be heard claiming their territory both during the day and at night.  Other interesting wildlife abounds as well, and with such  rich diversity of flora and fauna, careful observers are generally well rewarded.   We also are fortunate to include a host of personable domestic animals as family members, to the added delight of guests who are animal lovers.      

     While most of our guests spend the first few days of their stay enjoying the numerous activities and adventures here on the premises, during a longer stay there are also opportunities to take tours and excursions to a variety of attractions and activities in the surrounding area.   We have a three-night minimum, but there's more than enough to keep you active and interested for longer.... and leaving with plans to return for more.

Macal River at the edge of the Vaca Plateau - south view

Macal River   - north view

Spring-fed mineral pool

Red-Eyed Tree Frog by the pool

Toucans feasting on palm seeds

     OUR ACCOMMODATIONS    

     Our spacious, rustically elegant  cottages are furnished  with a  combination of mahogany, wicker and hand-hewn hardwood furniture.  Each has a table and chairs, sitting area and double bed downstairs, and another double bed in the upstairs sleeping loft.  They can each comfortably sleep up to 4 adults in a party. An interesting assortment of artwork, displays and reading material from and about the region add to your enjoyment.    The bathrooms are equally spacious and modern, with hot and cold water in both showers and lavatories.  Numerous windows provide scenic views and a bright, breezy ambiance, with lighting provided by oil lamps in the evening hours.  

     The cottages are situated for privacy at a distance from both each other and from the main lodge, and are constructed primarily with native materials found here on the land.  Built in the traditional Mayan style with the help of Mayan craftsmen from the nearby villages, they, and their surrounding gardens, are designed to harmonize with the pre-existing jungle environment. 

     Outside, comfortable deck chairs allow you to enjoy morning coffee or tea with the birds or a nightcap under the stars.

    Meals on the premises, both breakfast and dinner, are served at the main lodge "family style" with other guests, and with Phyllis as your attentive hostess.  Often acclaimed by guests as "the best food we had in Belize," we offer a range of healthy, satisfying meals rarely matchedat even the finest resorts.  Painstaking care with the finest, freshest and often eclectic ingredients available,  combined with the regional spices and fresh-picked Ek Tun herbs and fruits, assures each and every meal is a gastronomical event.   Local beers, a modest selection of wine and a variety of local and imported mixed drinks are also available.  From time to time we arrange a "night on the town" with dinner at one of San Ignacio's top restaurants for an additional glimpse of the local culture and characters.    

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE RESERVATIONS,

email:   info@ektunbelize.com (must be typed in)

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Please Note: If you do not receive an e-mail reply within 48 hours, it may be due to local weather conditions or technical problems.  Please resend your message and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

LAST MINUTE TRAVELERS ONLY, PLEASE CALL

011-501-820-3002

BEFORE 8:00 AM OR AFTER 6:00 PM CST.