Perched atop the magnificent Five-Sisters Waterfalls in Belize’s famed secluded Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, GAÏA Riverlodge.
An hour jeep ride from the more populous San Ignacio area, guests can recharge in their private and spacious cabanas to the waterfall’s sounds. Enjoy the rainforest’s intimacy with its native birds, butterflies, and remarkable flora, set amongst the pink and orange glow of the setting sun.
Remote, private and sustainable by design, we are a proudly Green Globe Award certified hotel. We operate on hydropower and offer an electric tram to transports guests from the lodge to the river. Most of our fruits and vegetables are also farmed on-site by local staff in our Mayan organic garden.
Tour the Organic Garden
Join Samuel, the expert Mayan organic farmer, doing what he does best. Witness how fruits and vegetables are organically grown and learn about Sam’s green approach.
Spa
Located in a cosy thatched cabana in the heart of the rainforest, the Gaïa Spa is one all guests should experience during their stay at the lodge. Our one of a kind massage therapist will relax both your sore muscles and your busy mind. Because we believe in the power of nature, all our ingredients are natural, sourced from the Belizean, Guatemalan and Mexican wilderness and prepared locally. Our techniques and treatments feature the best of Belizean traditions, from banana and papaya facials to traditional deep-tissue massages. The experience is restorative and the benefits will long outlive your stay with us.
Details that go the distance:
Complimentary continental breakfast a-la-carte
Complimentary tropical welcome cocktail
Complimentary private access to the Five Sisters Waterfall
Complimentary Hydro-powered mini-tram from the lodge to the waterfall (if you don't want to hike!)
Complimentary access to nature trail
Complimentary private tour of the Maya organic garden
Complimentary use of mountain bikes
Complimentary fun night time bonfire with story telling and marshmallow roasting
Complimentary parking on site
Other nature & birding walks
Natural swimming ponds
Curated tours to Maya sites, caves and surrounding activities.
Transportation from airports ($)
Full service restaurant
Full service bar
Gift shop
Matouk & Frette linens
Wi-Fi (restaurant area)
Children 10+ are welcome
The histories of ancient Maya abound in every cave, archeological site, and preserved artifact. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience our Belizean treasure and grasp how infinitely generous nature can be.
Tours and Activities at Gaia
CARACOL TOUR
Our first stop on this day tour includes a visit to the Rio Frio Cave where the ancient Mayas worshiped. This picturesque natural attraction boasts numerous formations. As we proceed, the second stop is the ancient Mayan site of Caracol, located deep in the Chiquibul Rainforest. The Mayas once ruled over the areas surrounding Tikal in Guatemala, and the ruins date back to the seventh century AD. Finally, the tour stops at Rio On Pools, where adventurers can swim in the cool refreshing waters.
Trip includes a nationally certified guide, homemade lunch, snacks, water, sodas, beer, sparkling wine, and all park fees.
MACAL RIVER & ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR
This full-day tour starts with a canoe ride down the Macal River, which flows through the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, allowing visitors to observe many native birds, orchids, and green iguanas in their natural habitat. You will then get the opportunity to experience some authentic Belizean cuisine at a local hot spot. The tour later continues to the archaeological site of Xunantunich, among the highlights of which is a wonderful view of El Castillo at 130 feet above the main plaza. This site consists of 6 major Mayan plazas and 25 temples.
Trip includes a nationally certified guide, lunch at a local hotspot/restaurant, snacks, water, sodas, beer, sparkling wine, and all park fees.
BARTON CREEK CAVE TOUR & CANOPY ZIPLINE
This full-day tour allows you to experience one of the most ancient Belizean Mayan sites by canoe. Once used as a burial and ceremonial site, original Mayan pottery and 2000-year-old skeletal remains can still be found in the cave. Discover Mayan history at Barton Creek and canoe through the ancient burial site, followed by the exhilarating adventure of zip-lining through the jungle’s canopy.
Trip includes a nationally certified guide, homemade lunch, snacks, water, sodas, beer, sparkling wine, and all park fees.
BARTON CREEK CAVE TOUR
This half-day tour enables you to experience one of the most ancient Belizean Mayan sites by canoe. Once used as a burial and ceremonial site, original Mayan pottery and 2000-year-old skeletal remains can still be found in the cave.
Trip includes a nationally certified guide, snacks, water, sodas, beer, sparkling wine, and all park fees.
HORSEBACK JUNGLE
Embark on a captivating half-day horseback riding adventure that will immerse you in the lush beauty of the rainforest. Traverse ancient Mayan plazas, marvel at the vibrant tropical biodiversity, and culminate your journey at the stunning Big Rock Falls. Delight in a rejuvenating dip in the crystal-clear waters before returning to the lodge.
Trip includes a nationally certified guide, snacks, water, and all park fees.
ZIP LINING
Gliding over 1,750 feet above the canopy of our rain forest, this tour gives you a unique perspective on Belize. Lots of fun and adventure and a real adrenaline rush!
Trip includes a nationally certified guide, snacks, water, sodas, beer, sparkling wine, and all park fees.
ATM CAVE TOUR (ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL)
Visit the cave that is described by the National Geographic Channel as "the most spectacular cave in Mesoamerica." Enter deep into the underworld (Xibalba), where you will have a firsthand view of the crystallized skeletal remains of a Maya princess which is completely intact, as well as the pottery once used to place offerings to the Gods.
Trip includes a nationally certified guide, homemade lunch, snacks, water, sodas, beer, sparkling wine, and all park fees.
EARLY MORNING JUNGLE WALK
Early risers are welcomed to join us on a guided nature walk to experience the Tropical Rainforest at one of its liveliest points during the day as the forest becomes alive at the crack of dawn. Familiarize yourself with the different calls of the animals that inhabit this natural environment. A vast array of biodiversity awaits you! This nature walk is guided by one of Gaia’s nationally certified guides.
What to Bring: Hiking shoes/well-threaded shoes, long pants recommended, bug spray, and camera.
ON-SITE INTRO TO BIRDING
Join us just after sunrise to view native and migrant birds as they begin their active day. The area boasts diverse species varying in colors and calls. Among them are Tanagers, Warblers, Flycatchers, Orioles, parrots, Toucans, and various birds of prey. This nature walk is guided by one of Gaia’s nationally certified guides. This short but sweet activity may very well inspire a fun new hobby.
ADVANCED BIRD WATCHING
Wake up at the crack of dawn to view native and migrant birds as they begin their active day. The area boasts diverse species varying in colors and calls. Among them are Tanagers, Warblers, Flycatchers, Orioles, parrots, Toucans, and various birds of prey. This nature walk is guided by one of Gaia’s nationally certified guides with additional certification in birding.
Itineraries are subject to change due to weather or road conditions, which are beyond our control. A 50% cancellation fee will be applied to all cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour.
NOCTURNAL RAINFOREST WALK
Join us in the evening after dinner for a guided walk through the tropical broadleaf forest to experience the sounds of our rainforest inhabitants at night. This local forest is home to a variety of nocturnal mammals and birds. Heighten your senses as we turn off all lights for a moment to experience a true feel for this natural habitat. This nature walk is guided by one of Gaia’s nationally certified guides. Spooky but fun!
HIKE TO XIBALBA
This half-day guided hike leads you on an expedition through the Elijio Panty National Park where you trek through both the Pine Forest Savannah and Tropical Broadleaf Forest while enjoying a vast array of flora and fauna. This forest was once roamed by the ancient Mayas and is currently utilized by present-day Shamans as a source of herbal remedies. As you hike through this pristine forest the adventure awaits you in the Mayan Underworld (Xibalba), a hidden cave that was once a Mayan ritual and ceremonial center. After exploring it all, enjoy a refreshing swim at Little Vaqueros Falls. The hike is led by one of Gaia’s own nationally certified guides and includes water and snacks.
YUM KAAX EXPERIENCE
Explore hard-to-reach places of the Elijio Panti National Park on a Polaris Ranger. This tour takes you inside two dry caves where the Ancient Mayas once performed ceremonial rituals. The world-renowned Don Elijio Panti spent many years of his life in this broadleaf forest extracting herbal remedies for the natural healing of his people. Get a firsthand try at extracting your own. The tour concludes with a refreshing swim and barbecue at the magnificent Three Basin Waterfall. Yum Kaax (Guardian of the Forest).
Itineraries are subject to change due to weather or road conditions, which are beyond our control. A 50% cancellation fee will be applied to all cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour.
MAYAN CULTURAL TOUR
Join us in the morning as we take you to the nearby Village of San Antonio where a local cultural heritage group presents both ancient and present-day Yucatec Mayan traditions. Experience how to make handmade corn tortillas, clay pottery, and local corn porridge. After these workshops, we then proceed to the Twin Towns of San Ignacio & Santa Elena, the largest urban area in Western Belize with a population of approximately 20,000. As you enter the downtown area, the agricultural market awaits you with a wide display of locally grown fresh produce.
We conclude this day’s experience by satisfying our sweet tooth. Ajaw Chocolate Center offers another great experience where guests make chocolate from scratch! Witness this traditional process brought about by the Kechi Mayas of Southern Belize where cocoa beans (natural form) are processed into chocolate. Also get a history of how much this process has evolved over the centuries from the ancient Maya to modern man.
Trip includes a nationally certified guide, lunch at a local restaurant, snacks, water, sodas, beer, sparkling wine, and all park fees
Accompanied Children 10 and over are welcome!
