Terra Nova Travel

The 21st century buzz word, globalization, is not a new concept.  Nationalism with its accompanying borders, the 20th century buzz word, is passé...  The countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras knew no 20th century borders during the heyday of the Mayas.  As early as 600BC the Mayan Empire began to spread throughout what we now  call Central America.  Only in the last century has the "Rosetta Stone" of Mayan hieroglyphics permitted scholarly translations of many archeological remains.  The most recent, the Temple stairs hieroglyphics of Dos Pilas, located near Tikal, was recently revealed in the aftermath of the 2001 hurricane season.

In the heart of the former Mayan Empire, Belize, has within its own borders, a number of interesting minor Mayan ruins.  Although located in Guatemala, the most impressive and largest of all Mayan sites, Tikal, is actually closer to the Belizean border than to Guatemala's capital.  For this very reason, Chaa Creek, an eco lodge situated only 2 hours by road from Tikal is an excellent location for both a jungle and archeological experience. As part of their Inland Expeditions tour series, guests can arrange in advance or on the spot a full day excursion to Tikal including transportation, entry fee, monument guide and lunch.

Garnering the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Environmental Award for 2001, Chaa Creek is striving to preserve the native habitat.  In the early 1980's Mick and Lucy Fleming ( a Brit and an American) purchased acreage west of San Ignacio.  In the ensuing years they have transformed their property into a premier eco lodge.  The accommodations are the traditional Mayan style which remains the design of choice in contemporary villages.

Utilizing  ancient materials each cottage is constructed with white washed  adobe blocks.  The  roof is thatched from the locally grown cohune (bay leaf) palm leaves. The Flemings are investigating ways to grow this endangered palm and thus maintain the traditional thatching supply.   Each cottage's electricity is generated from a central source.  Although Chaa Creek is striving for authenticity, its guests are relieved to find that proper beds with comfy mattresses have replaced traditional hammocks and that en suite bathrooms complete with sinks, showers and flush toilets have replaced the outhouse.  All rooms are tastefully decorated with colorful Mayan textiles and Spanish influenced  wood furniture, all hand crafted in neighboring Guatemala. Each cottage's veranda is equipped with a hammock and the "regulation" lime green gecko. The grounds are predominately landscaped with native species, but humble zinnias are interspersed amongst the exotic heliconia.

Over the years Mick and Lucy have slowly "developed" the property.  Catering to the outdoor set, they offer  more rustic accommodations at the Macal River Camp which is popular site for launching canoe trips. Hiking/mountain bike trails galore wend throughout the property. From Chaa Creek, an equestrian trail leads to the popular Cahal Pech Mayan ruin circuit.  Nature lovers will enjoy the crack of  dawn bird watching walks or hiking  up the hill to the Natural History Centre and the Butterfly Farm.  The farm has a fascinating display on the life cycle of the morpho butterfly. These iridescent blue butterflies are raised here for export to United States and other countries.  For the weary bodies, Chaa Creek's latest addition, the spa on Butterfly Hill, offers state of the art facilities with a panoramic view of the surrounding rain forest. ,

In the grand scheme, Mick and Lucy want to recreate a working Mayan settlement where local farmers and their families can live and work the land as their ancestors have done for over a 1000 years. The Flemings are dedicated to preserving not only endangered species, but also endangered cultures. 

Chaa Creek Jungle Lodge near San Ignacio, Belize. Mick and Lucy Fleming have dedicated their lives to the development of this eco lodge. Nature walks, canoe rides, horseback circuit to Mayan ruins, and cave exploration are all available in a natural ecological setting.

Flora and fauna on the grounds at Chaa Creek. Morpho butterflies are raised here for export.

Ambergris Caye

The renowned coral of the cayes