FAQs and Miscellaneous Odds and Ends
Q: When is the best time to go to Belize? A: Unlike some vacation spots, Belize doesn't really have one season that's "better" than another...you'll always find plenty of interesting activities, and pleasant weather in which to enjoy them! Some things to remember, though..... March, April and May are usually very dry and hot, so you won't get the same feeling of being in the "rainforest" as you do at other times. The most rain occurs from September to December. It usually clouds up and rains for a while each day, but rarely does it rain for an entire day, or to the extent that it keeps anyone "indoors." Q: Do you have "off - season" rates? A: Our expenses remain the same year-round, so we do not reduce prices during the "off-season." A better way to look at it might be that we do not RAISE prices or scalp you during the "high season" as many properties do! |
Thanks to the all our guests who allowed us to use their great photos! Early morning mist hovers in the valley....
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PLEASE BE AWARE: Our remote, jungle location requires that our guests are both physically fit and in good overall health, AND have an appreciation for ALL creatures, including insects, spiders, bats, rodents, toads, lizards, geckos, frogs and snakes... there is NOTHING here to FEAR . The orphaned monkey matured as expected, is living back in the wild across the river, and is no longer on the premises (and we miss her dearly.... especially Killer, her best buddy!)
PLEASE LET ME KNOW if you are allergic to or offended by dogs and midget panthers (black house cats) getting up close and personal, or if you have concerns about drinking water, too many mosquitos, tropical diseases, parasites, etc! Again, there is no reason to worry, and the Belize jungle is one of the cleanest, healthiest and most comfortable places left on the planet.....but your peace of mind is important..... you won't enjoy being here if you harbor negative illusions about "tropical jungles!" |
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How is Ek' Tun different from the other jungle lodges along the Macal River? A: Both our accommodations and location surpass all others in the area for comfort, simplicity and low impact on our tropical environment. We are small, having only two guest cottages, so are able to personally tend to our guests. Ek' Tun was specially created in this location due to the remote and pristine nature of the land, most of which was never cleared for farming or cattle grazing. We have miles of great hiking trails, sandy river beaches, several magnificent caves, a natural mineral pool and lush tropical gardens right on the premises! We offer high quality, great tasting meals and drinks at reasonable prices, in a healthy non-smoking environment. Whether it's your first or fifth trip to Belize, Ek' Tun offers you a memorable experience!
Killer's new (play)mate, Cali
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Q: What do I need to bring? A: Packing list below:
Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing One pair long pants and long-sleeved shirt Comfortable hiking shoes with good tread Aqua shoes or Teva-type sandals Casual swimwear Daypack and water bottles Sweater, hat, bandana Sunscreen and insect repellent "D" cell flashlight or bigger (no mini mags!) Extra batteries Camera with flash, film, & extra batteries Binoculars and field guides Pocket knife Itch eraser, band-aids Extra glasses, contacts or prescriptions
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...What Our Guests Say... "This was our third time at Ek' Tun and still we are enchanted every day by the power of this place..." (Wini, Micky & Nicola, Berlin, Germany) "Our experience here was more than we dared hope for! We never thought we would see toucans in the wild, wake to the calls of parrots and breakfast to the sounds of howler monkeys!" (Jim & Mary Jane - Shawnee, KS) "...we were looking for adventure & fun & relaxation and got so much more! This was the most memorable part of our two week stay in Belize.... magnificent caves, wonderful jungle walks, a trip to Tikal, good company, excellent food..." (Jean and Henry, Seattle, WA) "...For us, Ek' Tun will not only symbolize the fact that people can be at peace with the environment, but will also remind us that our dreams of making the world a better place can become a reality if we work hard enough...." (Jim & Carrie - San Diego, CA) "....Orchids and iguanas, full moons and orange blossoms, a magical cave, reading at night by kerosene lamp.....From this passing traveler, heartfelt thanks for your care, attentiveness to all that surrounds you, for your warmth and humor, and most of all, for showing the rest of us how to blend comfort and caring for the environment. Until the next time..." (Judith, Gramercy Park, NY) "Your property is spectacular, it's amazing to have so many natural wonders in one place...." (Karen & Jade, Evergreen, CO) "Thank you so much for sharing this place with us--it is rare to find a space so well cared for and respected. The hills are full of magic, the caves and trees hold a sacred strength we can all learn from. We see Earth's imagination and intelligence here in a way that seems harder to do at home.... I know I will take this with me and continue to discover & feel the depth of the Earth and all her gifts." (Kate, New York, NY) |
The mineral pool... Q: Are there a lot of mosquitoes and biting insects to worry about? A: The Ek' Tun terrain is naturally rugged and hilly, so there is rarely any standing water in which mosquitoes can breed. At odd times during the rainy season there might be a few hovering about, but there is never a time when it can be considered uncomfortable to be out in the open. You may encounter chiggers in the grassy areas, as well as seed ticks where there are many tapir, horses or cattle. A good repellent such as Deep Woods OFF! is recommended while hiking through these areas (100% DEET not required!). Q: Is there a helpful guidebook I can buy? A: Although we are included in many of the "guides" to Belize, we were surprised to learn that not all authors take the time to actually stay at the properties they write about! We highly recommend the following guides and their authors who DID stay and write about their experience first hand:
Q: How long does it take to get to Ek' Tun from the International Airport? A: A ground transfer is usually 2 to 2.5 hours without any stops. Many guests arriving in Belize early in the day like to stop at the zoo or visit one of the ruins on the way to Ek' Tun, which adds 1 to 2 hours for each stop. You don't have to decide in advance... you'll find that our small size allows the flexibility to change your itinerary after you arrive! |
