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Belize's Pook's Hill Lodge

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Welcome to Belize Pook's Hill Lodge — Now Jade Jungle Resort

In the Mayan mountain foothills of western Belize, there lies a 300-acre private nature reserve of prime broadleaf forest that serves as home for the Pook’s Hill nature lodge. The Pook's Hill Lodge itself is a real jungle experience, ideally situated by Five Blues Lake, The Blue Hole, Mountain Pine Ridge, Caracol and Xunantunich. It was sold in 2023 and is now known as the Jade Jungle Resort.

Location and Natural Surroundings

The lodge has two miles of frontage on the Roaring River, plus it borders the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, a 6,800-acre rainforest sanctuary inhibited by colorful toucans, hummingbirds, jaguars, and howler monkeys. Pook's Hill is one of the top Belize jungle resorts and is located at the site of a Mayan "plazuela" or "little plaza". This plazuela was an extended family homestead with a temple, feasting hall, burial grounds, and several masonry platforms that once supported pole and thatch buildings. Cultivated fields and stone dwellings surrounded the plaza.

Accommodations and Lodge Design

Nowadays, travelers partaking in Belize tours to Pook’s Hill can rent a traditional Mayan style white-washed cabana that is spacious and cool. All cabanas are built with high thatched roofs, full screens, electricity, and roomy bathrooms with hot water showers. The cabanas form a circle around the ruins of the Mayan plaza. Nestled in the hillside, the lodge’s main building is designed using traditional Mayan architecture, and provides views of the lawn, creek, and dense forest below. Lantern-lit evening meals of European and Caribbean dishes are served here, typically buffet style. There is the Verandah Bar and Lounge too, which is a large thatched open space that is comfortably furnished, providing a tranquil environment that is ideal for relaxing. Additionally, the lodge has a small but interesting library. As one of the best Belize jungle lodges, Pook's Hill delivers an authentic and immersive rainforest experience. Many travelers looking for Belize eco resorts find the lodge's harmony with nature a perfect match.

Archaeological Discovery: The Mayan Sweat Bath

Pook’s Hill is one of the best places in all of Central America to see firsthand the archaeological explorations that are unearthing the secrets of the Mayan heartland. One historic site of major importance is located right on the grounds of the lodge itself, where a team of archaeologists recently uncovered an ancient Mayan sweat bath - the first of its kind in Belize. The Mayan sweat bath was discovered in the northwest corner of the plaza by the Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance Project under the direction of Dr. Jaime Awe, a Belizean archaeologist with 22 years of field experience in Maya archaeology. According to their research, the sweat bath was located near the primary residence of the plaza and was probably used by the most exalted members of the community. The sweat bath was a common practice among the ancient Maya, as it still is among many modern Amerindians. It is suggested that male and female recreational bathing was commonplace and that the sweat baths were also used for discreet romantic encounters. It was also associated with medicinal purposes and was considered particularly important for pregnant women.

Historical Significance and Cultural Heritage

Architecture and artifacts from Pook's show signs of long-distance contact with central Mexico and with the Caribbean coast of Belize. It is found that Pook's Hill continued to flourish during the entire Terminal Classic period, 830-950 AD, when many other sites had been abandoned. Feasts of parrotfish, venison, and beverages served in molded-carved vessels were held during this time. Shortly late, though, Pook's, like many other sites, was abandoned. The investigations at Pook’s are still ongoing, and future analyses of recovered artifacts should provide further insight into ancient Mayan culture. Visitors to the Pook's Hill Lodge are welcome to tour the archaeological site and talk to the people involved in the excavations. As one of the unique lodges in Pook’s Hill, the site offers the rare chance to combine jungle adventure with rich archaeological discovery.

Activities at Pook’s Hill, now Jade Jungle Resort

Archaeology and History
  • Guided tours of the archaeological site on the grounds
  • Trips to caves in the Roaring River Valley with ancient Mayan remains
  • Day trips to Caracol and Tikal, Guatemala
Nature and Wildlife
  • Iguana Rearing and Release Program (established 1996)
    • Visitors can adopt and name an iguana for a small donation
    • Learn about local conservation efforts
Outdoor Adventures
  • Birding – Excellent for spotting toucans, owls, hummingbirds, jacamars
  • Swimming – Tube float or swim in the jungle pools along the Roaring River
  • Horseback Riding – Jungle trail riding through the river valley
  • Hiking – Several marked trails with guides available
    • River Trail (easy, 30–45 minutes)
    • Jungle Trail (moderate, 1–2 hours)
  • Caving – Visit nearby Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave), a significant Maya ritual site
These activities make Pook’s Hill one of the most exciting Belize jungle resorts, ideal for families, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts.

Travel with Adventure Life Journeys

One way to book a stay at Pook's Hill Lodge is through Adventure Life’s Belize tours. Our Trip Planners will help you curate a personalized itinerary. Adventure Life Journeys has always had a commitment to community tourism - locally initiated offerings that preserve the natural and cultural resources of destinations, while producing better livelihoods and higher standards of living for residents. Adventure Life Journeys builds environmental and cultural awareness through education, activities, and pre-departure information; providing direct financial contributions for conservation efforts; minimizing impact on the environment and the local culture; traveling in small groups; training tour guides in "Leave No Trace" ethics; seeking out excursions offered by local or indigenous people; supporting local businesses and service providers and using locally-owned services - hotels, lodges and transport companies - to ensure that as much revenue as possible stays within, and therefore benefits, local communities.

Update: Pook’s Hill Lodge Is Now Jade Jungle Resort

In 2023, Pook’s Hill Lodge was sold and is now operating as Jade Jungle Resort. This Belize eco resort continues the legacy of cultural heritage and sustainable tourism in the region. If you're searching for lodges in Pook’s Hill or Belize jungle lodges, Jade Jungle Resort is a prime choice to experience this unique area. Jade Jungle Resort combines the rustic charm of the original Pook’s Hill with upgraded eco-lodge offerings. Those seeking a Belize jungle lodge experience steeped in Maya history and pristine rainforest won’t be disappointed.
If you're looking for unforgettable Belize jungle resorts, Belize eco resorts, or Belize jungle lodges, the former Pook’s Hill—now Jade Jungle Resort—offers a truly unique adventure into the heart of the Maya world. Talk to our Trip Planner now!
 

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