Black Rock Lodge — A Beautiful Eco-Lodge and More
The minute you turn off the highway you’ll get a feeling that Black Rock Lodge is going to be special. Slow down as cows share the dirt road. A little bit further you will pass a cliff on the left and a waterfall just inches away on your right. The road narrows even more as you ascend a steep hill towards the lodge entrance. Is this Belize or are you entering Jurrasic Park?
Read more about our overall adventure itinerary: One Week Belize Itinerary with Jungle and Island Adventures.
These are my honest opinions and recommendations — I do not receive any compensation or discounts during our travel. This story does include some affiliate links for which I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please click the links to support my blog.
Why Black Rock Lodge?
There are many jungle lodges to consider when looking for lodging in the Western Cayo District of Belize. We kept costs down by staying in San Ignacio while doing all-day tours such as the ATM Tour, exploring Mayan ruins, and the Green Iguana Conservation Project. Thus, I was looking for a lodge with an amazing jungle location + on-site activities.
Black Rock Lodge, about 30-minutes from San Ignacio, 100% nailed it. The beautiful cabins. The amazing staff. The delicious fresh organic and local food. The birds! And, this eco-lodge had a bunch of really fun activities — many that were FREE! Or, as I like to say, included. In the jungle, welcome to the jungle.
Another big bonus to consider is Black River Lodge’s location if you are departing to or arriving from the islands via air. Maya Flats Airport is only about 20-minutes away where we took a Tropic Air hopper flight to Caye Caulker. So, more time for fun and a less expensive transfer to the airport as well.
How long to stay and what to do?
I recommend two nights at Black Rock Lodge if possible. This way you can slow down a bit and add the guided Wildside Hike or a guided kayak or canoeing trip. However, it is still worth one night if that is all your time or budget can spare. Our bill for a family of five, including meals and some paid activities added up to about $500 for one night. Unfortunately, that is all our itinerary and budget allowed.
If you only stay for one night, try to arrive early and depart late so you have enough time for their many on-site activities. We arrived around noon and departed the next day at 11 AM and were able to do all of the following:
River tubing
It is about a 30-minute hike with some exploring (and goats!) along the way. Depending on the river level, you can enjoy calm tubing until the exhilarating drops at the end. There is staff to guide you out before the falls if you want to avoid that part. We liked this experience so much that we went tubing both days of our visit. It’s free!
Rope swing
The rope swing is just past where you exit from the tubing. But first, return your tubes and equipment so others may use them.
Mountain Summit and Vista Loop hike
The staff will show you where to start this moderate self-guided hike. There is a short detour to a cave that you enter through a VERY small opening. The view at the top is spectacular. Skip the Vista Loop at the top if you are short on time — you aren’t missing too much.
Night hike (extra cost)
I just knew that my boys were going to love this tour. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate. We still went out but there were not many critters to see after a strong afternoon rainstorm.
Early Morning Bird Tour (extra cost)
The Bird Tour was very educational and gets you up and out early! I really enjoyed this tour with one of my boys — the others preferred some more sleep.
Other great activities at Black Rock Lodge
With more time, I suggest booking the Wildside Hike (extra cost) because the guide will give you a lot of information about the area and point out things you may otherwise pass by. When we visited the trail was closed due to a recent storm washout. Also, there was a Sustainability Tour of the property that we missed due to some rain. With more time you may also want to inquire about yoga or biking. Or, just sit back and relax, watch the birds, and listen to the peaceful sounds of the jungle.
Visited November 2018
Noted costs are subject to change.
