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Plaza View Cabins

Jade Jungle Resort

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Located at the foothills of the Maya Mountains in Belize's Cayo District, Jade Jungle Resort, formerly known as Pook's Hill, borders the Roaring River and Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Situated within a 300-acre Private Reserve, it boasts an ancient Maya Plazeula Group. Perfectly positioned at the heart of the country, it serves as an ideal base for exploring Belize's wonders.

Jade Jungle Resort caters to adventurers, researchers, birders, families, and anyone eager to experience Belize's offerings. The adventure begins with a 3/4 mile access road winding through the rainforest, leading to private nature trails adorned with towering Mahogany, Cedar, Strangling Fig, and Ceiba trees. Home to Belizean wildlife like tapirs, jaguars, coatis, and gibnuts, the forest invites exploration and discovery.

Accommodations
The lodge surrounds a small Maya plaza with rolling lawns, leading to a river and jungle. Each of the 11 cabanas has a private bathroom, 24-hour electricity, and a fan. Enjoy a cool drink in the open bar and delicious Caribbean-style cuisine in the lantern-lit dining room.

The thatched cabanas surround a Maya site and overlook the forest canopy and creek below. The bar/veranda is ideal for birding or just relaxing in the tranquil setting.

Operated By: Jade Jungle Resort

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Rooms

Family Cabana
Family Cabana
The Family Cabana is ideal for families or groups sharing a room. Reach it by walking to the end of the Jungle View Boardwalk, crossing a private swing bridge.
-400 sqft (37 sqm)
- King and 4 Twin XL Bunks.
- Private Patio & Yard
- Ceiling Fans
Hillside Cabana
Standard Cabana: Hillside
The Hillside Units at Jade Jungle Resort offer a unique and natural experience, with stunning views of the ancient Mayan Plaza and jungle, and the sounds of exotic birds and howler monkeys.
- Interior 200 Sqft (18 Sqm)
- King Bed or 2 Twin XLs
- Ceiling Fan
Boardwalk Cabana
Elevated 12 feet above the jungle floor, offers stunning valley views.
- 400 Total square feet
- 2 King Beds or 4 Twin XLs
- Private Patio
Jungle View Cabana
Jungle View
Private thatch roof jungle hut, accessed by a private boardwalk and swing bridge raised above the jungle floor.
- 1 King Bed or 2 Twin XLs
- Private Swing Bridge
- Private Courtyard with Hammocks
- Private Garden

Itineraries

Maya Pyramid in Tikal
from $3,462
EXPLORE

Maya Route: Belize and Guatemala Adventure

11 Day Itinerary
  • Tour the city of Antigua
  • Visit a women's textile cooperative
  • Explore iconic Mayan ruins
  • Journey into Actun Tunichil Muknal
  • Swim in Rio On Pools
  • Visit scenic Lake Atitlan
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Local Market Visits, Rainforest Exploration, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level
Relaxed
This 11-day trip hits the highlights of both Guatemala & Belize! ancient Mayan ruins, colorful markets, and vibrant villages on this 11-day Belize and Guatemala tour. Walk historic Antigua, explore Lake Atitlan, visit Tikal and Caracol, and descend into sacred caves in the Belize jungle. Experience culture, nature, and archaeology along the unforgettable Ruta Maya.
Tour Details
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A group of nurse shark
from $2,577
EXPLORE

Belize Adventure - Ambergris

8 Day Itinerary
  • Zipline through rainforest canopy
  • Rappel into a collapsed cavern
  • Venture through the ATM cave
  • Snorkel Shark Ray Alley
Activities
Fishing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing, Ziplining
Activity Level
Easy Active
Enjoy this active rainforest and coastal getaway in Belize! This itinerary is perfect for those wanting to travel to Belize during the summer months. Enjoy all the adventure that the rainforest has to offer before jetting off to Ambergris Caye for some downtime on the beach.
Tour Details
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Swing bridge
from $1,174
EXPLORE

Jade Jungle Retreat

4 Day Itinerary
  • Explore ancient Maya ruins
  • Enjoy yoga sessions
  • Wander the lower trails
  • Embrace Ecotourism in Belize
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Cooking Classes, Hiking, Rainforest Exploration, Spa Relaxation, Wilderness Lodge Exploration, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level
Variable
Stay at a Belize jungle lodge with the Jade Jungle Resort 4-day adventure, formerly Pook’s Hill Lodge. Set in pristine rainforest, this eco-retreat offers Maya ruins tours, jungle hikes, and wellness experiences. Enjoy cultural immersion and comfort in one of Belize’s most unique jungle escapes.
Tour Details
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Handling an urchin while snorkeling at Turneffe Flats
from $2,726
EXPLORE

Belize Explorer

Ambergris Caye - 8 Day Itinerary
  • Canoe down the Rio Macal
  • Adventure through the ATM cave
  • Visit Tikal's towering pyramids
  • Snorkel in clear Caribbean waters
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Fishing, Rainforest Exploration, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Wilderness Lodge Exploration, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level
Easy Active
On this spectacular 8-day tour of Belize, you'll explore the Belizean rainforest and wildlife, visit Maya ruins like Tikal, go caving at Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, and end your Belize vacation relaxing on the beach and snorkeling at Ambergris Caye.
Tour Details
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Mayan ruins in the Belize rainforest
from $3,620
EXPLORE

Belize Adventure

Belize Small Group Tour - 9 Day Itinerary
  • Kayak Glover's Reef Atoll
  • Zip-line through the jungle
  • Float through a series of caves
  • Explore Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
Activities
Hiking, Kayaking, Rainforest Exploration, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Wilderness Lodge Exploration, Wildlife Viewing, Ziplining
Activity Level
Moderate
Explore the Belize Barrier Reef on a 9-day tour from your private island retreat at Glover's Reef Atoll. Here your tour includes snorkeling, sea kayaking, and hammock surfing. Then head inland to explore lush rainforest and the world of the Maya as you zip-line through the canopy, go cave tubing, and explore the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave.
Tour Details
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Xunantunich ruins in Belize
from $3,382
EXPLORE

Beautiful Belize

9 Day Itinerary
  • Discover Maya ruins
  • Canoe down the Rio Macal
  • Visit the village of Placencia
  • Relax on the beach
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Fishing, Rainforest Exploration, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Wilderness Lodge Exploration, Wildlife Viewing, Ziplining
Activity Level
Easy Active
Rich in Maya culture and natural beauty, this 9-day tour of Belize takes you into the Maya Mountains to see the ancient ruins of Xunantunich and Caracol, and to explore the underground world of mysterious caves. Then head to the beautiful beaches of Placencia where you can snorkel, dive, and dance the night away to Caribbean rhythms.
Tour Details
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Activities

"Some excursions may require pre-registration or incur additional costs. Please contact our trip planners for more details"

COMPLEMENTARY ACTIVITIES

Complimentary tours are free of charge when taken according to the set schedule. If guests prefer a different time, standard tour rates will apply. Consult a trip planner for private tour rates.

Activities at the lodge include birding, hiking, river tubing, and swimming. The lodge is within walking distance from the cave, Actun Tunichil Mucnal, the most adventurous caving expedition in Belize. Cave tubing or canoe tours on the Belize and Macal rivers or tours to Caracol, Tikal, and Xunantunich are also offered.

BIRDING
Experience premier birding at Jade Jungle Resort, attracting enthusiasts worldwide. Expert guides have identified 276 bird species, including rarities and migrants. Immerse yourself in the dawn chorus, traverse swing bridges for bird-level views, and explore trails teeming with avian life.
Schedule: Wednesday or Saturday at Sunrise
Total Time: 1 to 1.5 Hours

MAYA PLAZA TOUR
The Mayans used to inhabit the valley that is now occupied by Jade. The housing units were constructed in the vicinity of a family residential complex known as Plaza or Plazuela. During the tour, guides will narrate the stories related to the site's restoration and enlighten us about the customs and traditions of these ancient people.
Schedule: Tuesday at 7:00 PM
Total Time: 1 to 1.5 Hours

HIKING
Explore the beautiful trails at your own pace. The lower trails showcase sights of the meadow, tree swings, Bay Palm Loop, Secret Garden, a giant Ceiba tree, and three swimming holes. The upper trails, nestled under the canopy, offer stunning views of towering hardwood trees with various elevations. For safety, remain on designated trails, hydrate adequately, and return before sunset.
Total Time: 1 to 1.5 Hours

GUIDED HIKING
For those not confident about exploring the wilderness alone or desiring insights into local flora and fauna, guided hikes with knowledgeable local guides are available. Despite their modest stature, they possess unparalleled knowledge of the jungle and wildlife. Join complimentary weekly tours or opt for a private half-day or full-day tour. Tours prioritize simplicity, clarity, and informative content, devoid of unnecessary jargon or legal language. Accessibility for all is ensured by employing everyday language.
Schedule: Monday at 6:30 AM
Total Time: 1 to 8 Hours

YOGA
Begin your day with a rejuvenating morning yoga session aimed at enhancing physical and mental well-being
Total Time: 30 Minutes

TOWER FARMS
The farm boasts 50 aeroponic garden towers and garden boxes, totaling 2,200 growing ports, enabling diverse produce cultivation. Visitors can independently explore the farm, join the weekly complimentary tour for harvesting, or schedule a private tour to learn about cultivation methods at Jade Jungle Resort.
Total Time: 30 Minutes

MAYAN COOKING CLASS
Experience the traditional art of handcrafting tamales and tortillas, as practiced by the Mayans. Engage in this hands-on activity, where you'll have the opportunity to make your tortillas and tamales over a traditional fire hearth. Consult the office for the weekly schedule.
Schedule: Thursday at 4:00 PM
Total Time: 1 Hour

WATER HEATER LIGHTING
Discover the water heating process by signing up to assist the maintenance team for a day. Burn Cohune Nuts in the water heaters daily to maintain warm water temperatures. Check the office for the schedule.
Schedule: Any day at 6:00 AM or 3:00 PM
Total Time: 30 Minutes

SECRET GARDEN
Explore the Bay Palm Loop to uncover The Secret Garden, teeming with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruits. You can independently explore The Secret Garden anytime or join a weekly complimentary tour for insights and optional harvesting. For a personalized experience, schedule a private tour.
Total Time: 45 Minutes

MASSAGE (Additional cost)
Get a massage in a serene jungle setting. Local therapists offer customized massages in a thatched-roof palapa. Schedule an appointment before your vacation. On-site services are available only by appointment.

CHOCOLATE MAKING
Learn how cacao was used as currency during the height of the Maya civilization in Belize. This hands-on experience covers how cacao grows, the stages of harvesting and processing, and includes a chance to grind beans using a traditional mano and metate. Finish by making and tasting a traditional Mayan chocolate drink. Suitable for guests ages 8 and up. Can be paired with Xunantunich, Macal River, Barton Creek Cave, Cahal Pech, San Ignacio Market Day (Saturdays only), or Butterfly Ranch.
Schedule: Tuesday at 8:00 PM
Drive Time: 2 Hours
Total Time: 4 Hours
Difficulty: Low

OFF-SITE ACTIVITIES

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW 

Inclusions and costs vary by excursion and depend on whether the activity is shared or private. Consult your Trip Planner to explore options and specific details for each tour.

TKO FARMS TOUR
Take the TKO Farms tour to learn about the world's largest Soursop farm and many acres of hardwood trees like Teak, Mahogany, and Cedar. You will also get a view of the farm and try some Soursop if it's in season. 

PREMIUM TOURS

ACTÚN TUNICHÍL MUKNAL (ATM) CAVE (Additional cost)
The Mayan cave near Jade Jungle Resort in Belize is home to thousands of artifacts and human remains. Travel 20 minutes from Jade, hike 1.5 miles with three mild river crossings, swim 30-50 feet, and wade through water for about a mile. Climbing to a 12-15 foot shelf is required. Guests must be at least 5 years old and 40 inches tall with sufficient fitness and balance. 

TIKAL MAYAN CITY (Additional cost)
Explore the impressive Maya site of Tikal in Guatemala, featuring over 3,000 excavated structures and a variety of wildlife. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through the site and help spot the amazing wildlife.

CARACOL MAYAN CITY (Additional cost)
Explore Caracol, the largest Mayan city in Belize, with a guide. Learn its history and climb structures in the 77 sq. miles site occupied from 650 BC to 950 AD.

MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE (Additional cost)
Mountain Pine Ridge in Belize has natural water features like Rio On Pools and Big Rock Falls. At Rio On Pools, you can swim and have a picnic lunch. Later, head to Big Rock Falls to admire the falls, swim, or go cliff jumping.

HEAD WEST COMBO TOURS 

XUNANTUNICH MAYAN TEMPLES (Additional cost)
Explore ancient temples an hour from Jade, including El Castillo, rising 130 feet with views of Belize and Guatemala. Cross a hand-cranked ferry and tour the site with a guide.
Drive Time: 2.5 Hours
Total Time: 4 Hours
Difficulty: Low

BARTON CREEK CAVE (Additional cost)
Paddle through Barton Creek Cave by canoe to see its limestone formations up close. This guided excursion takes you along a calm waterway through the cave’s interior. Can be combined with visits to Xunantunich, Macal River, Cahal Pech, a chocolate-making experience, San Ignacio Market Day (Saturdays only), or the Butterfly Ranch.
Drive Time: 2 Hours
Total Time: 4 Hours
Difficulty: Medium

CAHAL PECH (Additional cost)
Visit Cahal Pech, a former royal acropolis and palace complex that once served as the center of an elite Maya family during the Classic Period. Explore plazas, temples, and residential buildings that reflect life in this ancient city over 1,500 years ago. Suitable for all ages.
Drive Time: 2 Hours
Total Time: 4 Hours
Difficulty: Low

BUTTERFLY RANCH (Additional cost)
Visit Green Hills Butterfly Ranch, Belize’s largest butterfly exhibit. Knowledgeable staff explain the full butterfly life cycle, from eggs and caterpillars to chrysalises and adult butterflies. View several species up close, then step into the enclosed flight area where dozens of tropical butterflies fly freely and may land on you. Suitable for all ages and especially recommended for families with children. Can be paired with Xunantunich, Macal River, Barton Creek Cave, chocolate making, San Ignacio Market Day (Saturdays only), or Cahal Pech.
Drive Time: 2 Hours
Total Time: 4 Hours
Difficulty: Low

MACAL RIVER CANOEING (Additional cost)
Canoe the Macal River with a naturalist guide and explore western Belize’s riverine landscape. Travel about an hour from the resort to begin your paddle, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as iguanas, kingfishers, and cormorants along the way. Can be paired with Xunantunich, Chocolate Making, Barton Creek Cave, Cahal Pech, San Ignacio Market Day (Saturdays only), or Butterfly Ranch.
Drive Time: 2 Hours
Total Time: 4 Hours
Difficulty: Low

HEAD EAST COMBO TOURS

  • CAVE TUBING
  • ZIP LINING
  • BELIZE ZOO
  • ST. HERMAN'S CAVE & BLUE HOLE


 

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Franny F.
Family Cabana
Belize

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