Crystal Paradise Resort

Highly recommend Crystal Paradise. It's a family-run hotel. It's definitely a jungle lodge, and not a luxury hotel, but that's what I was looking for. Rooms are clean, the food is really good (do the breakfast/dinner that they offer) and there are plenty of great things to do nearby. Mayan ruins, birding, swimming in the Macal river. The staff are helpful and friendly. Great hotel

My slightly ambulatory, handicapped husband and I stayed at Crystal Paradise for a week. I had sent them a list of activities we wanted to do, and they sent me a proposed itinerary, all-inclusive, including driver, guides, entrance fees, an overnight trip to Tikal, and transportation from the airport and to our next adventure. This was very convenient and relaxing. Because birds are more my interest, while my husband prefers Mayan Ruins, we did not have the same guide daily, as birders often do. The owners of Crystal Paradise are a large family, and several brothers and a nephew were our primary guides. Every guide and driver was great. Knowledgeable, polite, helpful, etc. On a rainy day, he suggested car birding with an eventual walk down. to Laguna Aguacate. I saw 65 species of birds on that half-day trip. The rooms are comfortable, with air conditioning and fans. The food was great, esp their homemade tortillas, both corn and wheat. Other than one packed lunch, we stopped at restaurants for lunch, The best was a small place where we ate the prepared food of the day: tamalitos--sweet corn, not stuffed--and stewed chicken. The bird deck was remarkable: at least 7 different tanagers, motmots, Euphonia, daily toucans, and even a gorgeous red-legged honeycreeper. Most importantly, the people were very hospitable and kind. We arrived a day late due to a plane issue, neither our fault nor theirs. After a brief discussion, he reduced the cost by half for that day. (We had squeezed 2 activities into one day My husband walks 50-100 yards max and uses a portable travel wheelchair. They lent us their mother's walker to use at the resort. They arranged special permission to drive up to the main plazas of Mayan sites so that my husband could see them well. Re Accessibility: There's a cement walkway from the rooms/cabins to the main lodge and dining room. However, there are several sets of 2-3 stairs along the way. It would be difficult for anyone completely unable to walk. One could swim in the river but I did not. My only critique was That I recommend more lunches at holes in the wall with a plate del dia.

We arrived at Crystal Paradise and were greeted warmly, given a tour of the lodge. The room was clean. This is the jungle and do not expect a 5 star resort. But a well maintained and clean birding lodge. You can have breakfast and watch the toucans! The food is delicious! Carolina runs the kitchen and does a fantastic job! Thank you for a delightful visit!

Local hosts make this a genuine travel lodging experience. Their lodge is comfortable and basically focused on being a relaxed and restful launching point to many outdoor adventures from birding to caving, hiking and cultural activities. Alba’s selection of guides and activity arrangements were excellent and catered to our needs- no big buses. Carolita took care in accommodating my gluten free diet while sticking with her specialties of Belizean dishes. Friendly conversations, hot showers, comfortable beds and an honestly bar made this a perfect stay for us in the San Ignacio area.

This was my third visit to Crystal Paradise over the years, this time as a volunteer leader for a group of 16 members of an adventure travel club. The accomms at the lodge's thatched-roof cabanas are wonderful and sparkling clean as always. The family-style meals are excellent thanks to chef Carolita, who still makes the world's best tortillas! Many colorful birds can be seen right from the dining area and the staff will identify them for you. The members of the Tut family also made sure our visit was one for the books by arranging our daily adventures for all the amazing activities in this natural, cultural and historical region of the world. Canoeing on the Rio Macal is available right from the lodge. You can arrange for many tourist excursions with the help of the staff there. Since they are natives and helped develop these tours, they know how best to manage your schedule of fun activities. You can also arrange for birding tours with Eric Tut, a family member and renown birding guide for Belize. Once you visit Crystal Paradise, it will become your home in Belize, as it has mine!

Fully enjoyed our 3 nights stay at this amazing place. They go out of their way to make sure to meet our need. Booking Day trip was easy and they would coordinate drop-off and pick-un if needed outside the resort. Good spot for ATM cave or if planning to go to Tikal.