Belcampo Belize (formerly known as El Pescador Punta Gorda and Machaca Hill Rainforest Canopy Lodge) is a remote and unique eco-tour and fishing lodge in southern Belize. They have deep roots as a fishing lodge, set in some of the most fertile permit fishing grounds anywhere in the world and employs expert flats fishing guides. Belcampo describes the lodge as “agritourism-chic” featuring a Jungle Lodge, organic farm, and a 12,000-acre nature reserve. Belcampo Belize offers the best in local food and culture, active adventures, wildlife viewing, saltwater fly-fishing, and world-class hospitality.
(Belcampo), Punta Gorda, located at the southern tip of Belize’s infamous “Permit Alley”, is home to one of the world’s premier permit fisheries. From the riverside marina, Belcampo boats run 15 minutes down the Rio Grande to enter the Gulf of Honduras. The prime permit fishing areas begin at Sickle Cay, a half mile from the mouth of the river, and extends another 13 miles northeast to the Snake Cays. Within this area are hundreds of tiny islands, cayes with lagoon flats and pop up “pancake” flats just a short distance from the mainland. These include such notable fishing grounds as Mojo Caye, Wild Cane Caye and the Snake Cayes. The outside flats affiliated with many of these cayes tend to be gently sloping off into deeper water allowing permit to be found at all tidal stages. Just inshore from these cayes is the famed Ycacos Lagoon which, particularly on the higher stages of the tide, can be an amazing inshore permit fishery. The narrow channel into the lagoon can also be a hotspot for tarpon who will lie in wait at the mouth of the channel on the outgoing tide.
Tarpon and snook offer variety options for anglers. While not as abundant as permit, one should always keep an eye out for rolling poons or popping snook, especially when running the river to and from the permit grounds. Resident tarpon are present in the rivers and lagoons year round, and larger migratory fish are sometimes encountered between April and November. Snook fishing is best between November and March. If you wish to target tarpon or snook during your stay, Belcampo offers access to many more rivers than the Rio Grande, including Golden Stream, Deep River, the Monkey River, and Moho River.
Bonefishing opportunities are limited, with the best chances existing out at the Sapodilla Cayes, a fairly long run from the lodge. While there are decent numbers of fish there, they tend to be small. If luck is with you in the morning (and you land both a permit and a tarpon), your chances of closing out the Grand Slam are good out at the Sapodillas!
Belcampo Belize was completely revonvated in 2008 – 2009 as Machaca Hill and the new owner purchased the 12,000 acres of rainforest surrounding the lodge. When the lodge became
Belcampo, they continued to elevate their level of service and commitment to Belcampo’s keystone organic crops of cane, cacao, coffee and vanilla, and provide guests with agritourism programs that showcase these exotic ingredients at their origin. Belcampo Belize has grown from pioneering ideas of sustainable food production and agritourism to an award-winning, world-class destination, welcoming discerning travellers from around the globe. The 12,000 acres that surrond Belcampo have been classified as a private reserve to ensure that the native Belizean flora and fauna that makes this remote and virtually undisturbed wilderness area such an interesting and beautiful place to visit. The reserve surrounding the lodge also creates a unique feeling of privacy.
Belcampo Belize is situated at the plateau summit of “Big Hill or Machaca Hill” over looking the Rio Grande, the rainforest, and the Caribbean Sea. There is a private tram (or a staircase with 365 steps) to take guests from the riverside deck (which includes the waterside dining area and Maya Bar) to the lodge compound 400 feet above the Rio Grande. The lodge portion of Belcampo cosists of the main lodge bulding with The Jungle Farm Restaurant, The Rum Bar, the spa, lounge areas, a swimming pool, and observation decks with open views of the coast, the Maya Mountains and a seemingly endless pristine rainforest. There are also 16 individual, spacious suites, which are well appointed with plush beds, screened fresh-air verandas, and spa-style bathrooms with floor to ceiling tropical rainforest views.
The Jungle Farm Restaurant runs on a farm to table philosophy that creates everything in house using ingredients grown on Belcampo’s farm or locally sourced from nearby farmers, including compassionately and organically raised chickens, sheep and pigs, and a variety of organic produce including many local staples such as mangoes, passion fruit and pityia. The seafood is sourced locally from a team of fishermen who supply Belcampo with sustainable fish, conch, lobster and wild shrimp. Meals at Belcampo Belize are a blend of Mayan, East Indian, Creole, Garifuna, Latin and Indo-Caribbean inspired fare and are prepared by using traditional and modern cooking techniques. There is also the Belcampo Rum Bar, which is a great place to relax and unwind at the end of each day. A central lounge is surrounded by cool shaded decks perched within the jungle canopy. Cocktails and complimentary snacks are served each day at 6 PM.
Belcampo offers a unique array of non-fishing programs and activities, and well-trained guides focused on a providing a high level of personalized service. These activities at Belcampo Belize include birding and wildlife tours, jungle excursions, caving adventures, night time jungle hikes and drives, river tours, nighttime river cruises, snorkeling, diving, yoga, spa treatments, and explorations of the Mayan culture.
Our Services are Free!
Belcampo Belize 2018 Rates
|
Jungle Suite |
Ridge Suite |
|||
|
Package Length |
Double Occupancy |
Single Occupancy |
Double Occupancy |
Single Occupancy |
|
7-nights/6-days fishing |
$3,679 |
$6,385 |
$4,333 |
$7,693 |
|
6-nights/5-days fishing |
$3,164 |
$5,445 |
$3,724 |
$6,566 |
|
5-nights/4-days fishing |
$2,648 |
$4,506 |
$3,115 |
$5,440 |
|
4-nights/3-days fishing |
$2,132 |
$3,567 |
$2,508 |
$4,314 |
|
3-nights/2-days fishing |
$1,617 |
$2,628 |
$1,897 |
$3,186 |
|
Jungle Suite |
Ridge Suite |
|||
|
Package Length |
Double Occupancy |
Single Occupancy |
Double Occupancy |
Single Occupancy |
|
7-nights/6-days fishing |
$4,362 |
$7,751 |
$5,125 |
$9,275 |
|
6-nights/5-days fishing |
$3,748 |
$6,616 |
$4,403 |
$7,923 |
|
5-nights/4-days fishing |
$3,136 |
$5,482 |
$3,680 |
$6,571 |
|
4-nights/3-days fishing |
$2,523 |
$4,348 |
$2,958 |
$5,219 |
|
3-nights/2-days fishing |
$1,910 |
$3,213 |
$2,238 |
$3,867 |
Included in the package cost are: number of days guided fishing; number of nights lodging; 3 meals per day and after fishing hors d’oeuvres; laundry service; use of all amenities (pool, internet, tram, canoes, bikes, etc); transfers from/to Punta Gorda Airstrip; taxes / fees.
Not included in the above rate are: Air transportation to and from Belize City; Roundtrip air Belize City / Punta Gorda ($280 pp, rate subject to change); rental tackle; beverages; gratuities; additional tours/sightseeing days. Additional expenses such as transfers, hotels, meals incurred due to delays or other unforeseen events. Other expenses might include tips to baggage handlers at Belize International Airport, $1 (US) per bag is adequate and the Belize Departure Tax.