From our home base at Cotton Tree Lodge, you can participate in a variety of interesting and immersive adventures and experiences. You may explore archaeological sites, remote caves (with hidden swimming holes), learning about wild medicinal plants, and birding.

The kitchen staff provide delicious meals, and are able to accommodate special dietary needs.

Cotton Tree Lodge is our home away from home. Your lodging options include screened in open-air cabanas (riverside or garden), and Guest Rooms. Cabanas and Guest Rooms all have private bathrooms.

Cell phone reception is minimal to nonexistent at Cotton Tree Lodge. The main lodge building has wi-fi suitable for sending emails and text messaging. The wifi can be frustratingly slow for other uses such as streaming, downloading, or using the internet. Unless you have to manage more extensive email or writing, we recommend leaving the laptop at home and give yourself a break from the digital world. "What's App" is an app for smartphones that can be used to make phone calls over wifi - many find this to be more stable than cellular data to make calls and send messages while connected to a wifi network, such as at the lodge.

Cotton Tree Lodge will arrange all in-country transportation, including our flight from Belize City Airport (BZE) to Punta Gorda. Important to note: the roads in this part of Belize are bumpy. Our day trips usually involve van rides of up to an hour, often over dirt roads.

One of the most impactful elements of our trip is learning how people live in Belize. During our daily activities you will observe and learn about some of the challenges faced by these communities (for example: adequate infrastructure such as roads and internet access). If you are inspired to contribute to the community in any way, we encourage you to discuss specific needs with our hosts at Cotton Tree Lodge. 

If you wish to bring items to donate to local communities, these items are much appreciated and always needed:

wireless-compatible chromebook devices (in like-new operating condition with charging cords), books (especially children's books), art supplies, notebooks, soccer balls plus their hand-held inflation tools (pack the balls deflated).

Cotton Tree Lodge will distribute any donated items for us.

Insect repellent & sun protection

Basic first aid kit (bandaids, pain treatment such as ibuprofen, insect bite ointment), prescriptions

Binoculars, camera,sketchbook or notebook, art supplies

Casual clothing that is suitable for hot, humid, and occasionally rainy climate, light sweater or jacket

Swimsuit, water shoes (for wading), sandals or other casual daily footwear, closed toed hiking shoes or sneakers (CTL provides rubber boots for jungle and farm walks)

US currency is accepted widely: we suggest a range of $1, 5, 10, 20 dollar bills. Torn, ripped, or old bills may not be accepted.

passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your international travel

Belize is a gorgeous country! You will see beautiful forests, ocean, and wildlife. You will also witness environmental degradation from trash and other impacts. Please consider this as you pack: try to avoid bringing plastics, packing material, and other items that will be left behind and eventually become trash.

Guests are responsible for making their own international travel arrangements to and from Belize. The airport code for Belize is BZE. We recommend a US to BZE flight schedule that arrives at BZE no later than 3 pm on 2/17/2023, in order to be able to catch the local flight to Punta Gorda.

We highly recommend travel insurance that will cover the full cost of the trip in case you must cancel your plans.