Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge/Tropical Education Center
Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge/Tropical Education Center
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#1 of 1 lodge in La DemocraciaLocation
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The Belize Zoo Lodge (Tropical Education Center) is an 84 acre site set on tropical savannah adjacent to the Belize Zoo in the heart of the Central Belize Corridor. It was established in 1994, and, combined with the Belize Zoo, forms one institution. The lodge provides accommodations, meals, hot/cold showers, a natural history library, and a lecture hall. Families, student groups, backpackers and campers are some of the many guests hosted throughout the year. Activities include birdwatching (over 220 species recorded), savannah trail hikes, river canoe trips, and nocturnal tours of the Belize Zoo.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Non-smoking hotel
Picnic area
Internet
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Location
Mile 29 Western Hwy, La Democracia Belize
Getting there
Philip S.W. Goldson Intl Airport
33 km•
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Belmopan Airport
26.3 km•
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Rental Cars
1 Attraction
within 10 kilometers
153Reviews9Q+A43Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
The Belize Zoo is wonderful to visit, and the nearby lodge was definitely one of our Belize highlights. We stayed in one of the cabanas, which are well-built and have mosquito netting for walls – it feels like sleeping outside. The facilities are clean, the water is warm, and the staff are friendly. They have maps and information on the local area and various trails that you can explore (watch out for micro-ticks and make sure to apply bug repellent around your socks!). The leafcutter ant trail is a real treat, definitely go check it out at night. Melvin and JC were very helpful during ourt stay, with JC even volunteering to take my girlfriend and me out for some 6am birdwatching. Would absolutely return to the Belize Zoo lodge on another visit to Belize and stay for several nights.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We loved staying at the TEC! We had a room in the Pine Cabin, which was simple and clean. There is no AC, which was a challenge in the heat, but it was worth it. The food was the best we had in Belize and my picky kid discovered a love for fry jacks and their fruit punch. The beans at our other locations paled in comparison. Juan Carlos led sunrise bird watching both mornings we stayed, plus a night hike and an extra after-breakfast bird watching one day. I learned so much about the birds of Belize. The zoo's night tour was a real highlight, including feeding a tapir and watching jaguars and margays climb the sides of their enclosures. The pool was refreshing on such hot days. Bring your bug spray and headlamps. The TEC is pretty isolated, so if you don't have a car you'll be at the mercy of catching rides, but staff was extremely accommodating with rides. Inexpensive, hardworking staff, comfortable, and a real community feeling--highly recommend staying here.
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Date of stay: March 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I don't know that I would want to stay here for multiple days. The accommodations are basically one step up from glamping. It is really hard to fit a family of four in a cabin without people doubling up in beds, which let me tell you, teenagers do NOT take well to. The dining options are pretty much "here's what we have today", though I get a sense that they will take requests and will certainly accommodate vegans based on the log. The beds are comfy, and I really did like the pond house we stayed in, which had a bed on the porch outside. Waking up to birdsong and sunrise (and a screen keeping the mosquitoes out) was pretty sweet. Plus, they've got an in-cabin coffee maker so you can sip before breakfast. The lack of AC is not bad at night, but does make it hard to keep comfy in the cabins during the day. However, they do have a pool, it is clean, it's screened and shaded, and it is lovely cold. That was an essential way to get comfortable.
Supper and breakfast are sort of included with the room; they provide them, but you are going to get charged a supplement per person for each. Supper for us was meat, potato, and veg, but they had a nice fruit punch to go with it, and there were cold beers for purchase for B$5 each. Supposed to be sodas for the kids, but they were out. Breakfast was classic Belize, fry jacks and eggs and beans, but with some good fruit alongside. Seconds are available on anything you want if you're hungry. Kids who are classic picky American eaters will need to be encouraged a bit to get their hunger to take over.
The property has some basic walking trails. It's more for birding than traditional wildlife-watching, but they're nice little walks, and for the most part have shade.
The reason you absolutely should stay one night here, however, is that it's the way to get a night tour of the zoo, which is PHENOMENAL. No more trying to find the jaguar or ocelot or margay hiding in their thickets. They come right up to you and do tricks for the guide carrying a bucket of chicken. You don't see the birds or other animals as much, so it's worth doing the day visit, but the night tour was positively the highlight of the day.
Supper and breakfast are sort of included with the room; they provide them, but you are going to get charged a supplement per person for each. Supper for us was meat, potato, and veg, but they had a nice fruit punch to go with it, and there were cold beers for purchase for B$5 each. Supposed to be sodas for the kids, but they were out. Breakfast was classic Belize, fry jacks and eggs and beans, but with some good fruit alongside. Seconds are available on anything you want if you're hungry. Kids who are classic picky American eaters will need to be encouraged a bit to get their hunger to take over.
The property has some basic walking trails. It's more for birding than traditional wildlife-watching, but they're nice little walks, and for the most part have shade.
The reason you absolutely should stay one night here, however, is that it's the way to get a night tour of the zoo, which is PHENOMENAL. No more trying to find the jaguar or ocelot or margay hiding in their thickets. They come right up to you and do tricks for the guide carrying a bucket of chicken. You don't see the birds or other animals as much, so it's worth doing the day visit, but the night tour was positively the highlight of the day.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent the last night of our Belize trip at the Pond House 1 at the TEC. We arrived by public bus and got a ride from the zoo to the lodge from a very friendly and helpful staff member. Our room was spacious, clean, and homey. There was a basic kitchen, hot water, and a nice screened in deck with a hammock overlooking the pond. We enjoyed a delicious dinner and breakfast there. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating of dietary needs. They also helped us arrange a shuttle to the Belize City airport the following morning. We would highly recommend this as a unique place to stay on your way to or from the airport. We regret not having enough time to enjoy the zoo or many trails on the property.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Pond house 1 was quiet and we enjoyed watching wildlife in the pond from our screened in porch.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We knew we wanted to visit the zoo, and when we found out they offered a night tour we spent two nights here so we could do that. Our pond house was really nice, with lot of fans and a large screened porch over the pond. And about 18 different hooks for hanging things, something that's sadly lacking in many lodgings! The food and service was excellent and everyone we interacted with was warm and welcoming. Great grounds to stroll also. Don't miss the crocodile and turtles in the pond.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was my third visit to the zoo but the first time we stayed overnight at the Tropical Education Center. I can't recommend it enough! Our lodging in Casa Lagoona (aka Pond House 2) was spacious and comfortable, with a complete kitchen and a large screened porch with hammock overlooking a small pond. Staff were attentive and genuinely friendly. The food was excellent, and dietary requirements were accommodated without compromising the quality and variety of meals. As overnight guests, we were able to book a night tour of the zoo. With a keeper, we got to meet all the nocturnal celebrities of the zoo (and feed them snacks!): Jaguars, ocelots, puma, Margays, two owl species, crocodiles, tapirs, kinkajou, and porcupine!! It was the best tour I've ever booked anywhere.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Belize Zoo Jungle lodge never disappoints. In five trips to Belize I have stayed in pretty much all of the housing options at the TEC. They are all clean, comfortable and reasonably priced. All are open air which allows you to hear the wonders of the jungle and breathe the fresh Belizean air. The food is second to none in the country. Traditional Belizean fare that is cooked fresh and from scratch 7 days a week. All of the staff are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Juan Carlos will be your host, and if you have any interest, will take his own time to bring you bird watching before breakfast or dinner. The bird watching on site is phenomenal! Boat billed-herons on the pond, Oropendolas in the palms outside of the dining hall and daily parrot migrations to name a few.
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Date of stay: March 2022
Value
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you get a chance to stay at the TEC, do it! It really is a neat place. The workers there are so great. They really do go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. Food is a little hard with picky kids but I understand they can't cater to everyone. We managed. The zoo at night is such a neat experience. The tour was really fun. I would highly recommend!!!
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Date of stay: December 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A group of 3 adults stayed overnight at the TEC Pond Guesthouse in order to do the Belize Zoo tour at night. Accommodations were rustic but very comfortable. Beds were comfortable. Had a working toilet, shower, and mini-fridge. There was no AC but plenty of fans in the room to cool it down enough to sleep at night. It got very hot during the day so it was nice to cool down in the pool. Dinner was excellent and one of the best meals we had in Belize. (Broiled Pork chops well seasonized with local spices, fluffy inside but crispy on the outside roasted potatoes, and sauteed vegetables). Great hospitable staff. They provided free transport between TEC and the Belize Zoo. They also provided a reasonable priced transfer of $75 to Belize City.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Staying at the TEC is an experience that's difficult to put into words, however it is a truly wonderful place that everybody should experience. If you are visiting Belize, you MUST go to the Belize Zoo (once during the day, and again at night) and stay at the TEC. In fact, you could spend days just at the TEC - it's truly a special place; beautiful, amazing trails, a pool, delicious meals, and awesome accommodations. Waking up in the jungle, listening to the birds, and walking to a delicious breakfast served with a smile is something everyone should get to experience. All of the staff are wonderful people - dedicated, friendly and helpful.
I also need to give a special shout out to Juan Carlos, who always goes above and beyond and is someone I consider a friend. All the best, JC!
I also need to give a special shout out to Juan Carlos, who always goes above and beyond and is someone I consider a friend. All the best, JC!
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Date of stay: December 2021
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I reserved online, and had same issue, they eventually reply. It's a great place, and once I arrived they were super friendly and helpful, giving us rides and serving our meal late in evening to accommodate the night zoo tour. Patience is all i can say, they have one manager on desk and he does multiple jobs.
The road getting there is not the best. There is a large parking lot though and I’m sure a bus can park there. Enjoy!
No bus from ladyville yes transportation between baboon sactuary and zoo
"No AC but plenty of fans. Take bug spray. Check out the leaf cutter ant mound! WOW!"Read full review
"Plan ahead for lunch & snacks, which are not included and not available for purchase. Bring a flashlight and bug spray!"Read full review
"Bug spray and good flashlights for the Nocturnal Zoo Tour. Our flashlights petered out- my fault. Good shoes for walking around, ants bite!"Read full review
"Nothing bad to say but for those looking for 5 star places, this is not it. It is however, a quaint, comfortable and quiet place to stay."Read full review
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LOCATION
BelizeBelize DistrictLa Democracia
NUMBER OF ROOMS
22
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Frequently Asked Questions about Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge/Tropical Education Center
Which popular attractions are close to Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge/Tropical Education Center?
Nearby attractions include The Belize Zoo (0.00 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge/Tropical Education Center?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge/Tropical Education Center?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge/Tropical Education Center?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge/Tropical Education Center?
Conveniently located restaurants include Cheers Restaurant & Cabanas, Amigos Family Diner, and El Rancho Restaurant, Bar and Pool.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge/Tropical Education Center?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge/Tropical Education Center have airport transportation?
Yes, Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge/Tropical Education Center offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.