Burrell Boom

This village of about 1,200 people is named after the Scottish logger who built a boom across the river to catch his logs. Today, Burrell Boom is inhabited by subsistence farmers, fishermen, cashew growers, and fruit wine makers. It is the gateway to the Community Baboon Sanctuary [1], but also conveniently close to the international airport and a good way to avoid staying in Belize City [2] if you don’t want to.

Hotels and Resorts

Black Orchid Resort (tel. 501/225-9158, www.blackorchidresort.com [3], US$120–140) is a relaxed riverside resort within striking distance of a number of area attractions. Guests rave about this place, which is a mere 11 miles from the international airport, but feels as remote as other upcountry jungle lodges.

Black Orchid’s owner, Doug Thompson, is a native Belizean who lived in the United States for 36 years, and is currently the president of the Belize Hotel Association, so he is very savvy about what guests want. He also runs a tour company to whisk you around the region (and free airport shuttle); or stay on the grounds and enjoy the swimming pool, volleyball net, shaded picnic tables, kayaks, and canoes.

Sixteen spacious rooms are comfortable, have all basic amenities, and there is an excellent on-site restaurant and bar. Ask about the Jaguar Eco-house and 3-bedroom villa for longer term rental, or for families.

A few blocks from the river, El Chiclero Inn (tel. 501/225-9005, www.elchicleroinn.com [4], US$60) is a six-room hotel known mostly for its huge American-style menu (US$8–11), with everything from chili dogs to pizza to pastas, steaks, Cajun pork chops, and cashew pie. The restaurant is open 7 a.m.–9 p.m. daily. The rooms are bright, with air-conditioning, TVs, and private bathrooms. El Chiclero is often used by business travelers as an alternative to staying in Belize City.