Machaca Hill Lodge

Machaca Hill Lodge- Punta Gorda, Belize

Main Lodge at Machaca Hill Beautiful sunsets in Belize Machaca Hill Lodge verandah

Machaca Hill Lodge

Machaca Hill Lodge porch Scenic Garden at Machaca Hill Lodge Machaca Hill Lodge Room

Machaca Hill Lodge


typical boat at Machaca Hill Lodge

Machaca Hill Lodge, opened in 2002, is one of the finest new lodges in Central America.

If you're looking for eco adventure and some of the best Permit fly fishing in the world then you will wish to experience Machaca Hill Lodge.

Belize is a small, scenically beautiful and extremely diverse Central American country with some of the world's most pristine marine habitat.

Machaca Hill Lodge is located about 100 miles South of Belize City. The Resort encompasses 470 acres nestled in coastal mountains and Rainforest along 1.5 miles of the Rio Grande river! The river offers swift and easy access to the Flats and Cayes of the Caribbean Sea, just 30 minutes downstream.

The Fishing: The lodge offers an open-air tram that transports Guests from the main Lodge down Big Hill to the Rio Grande River below. You will be transported through the rain forest with the canopy above. On the way, you may see tropical birds such as toucans or parrots as well as our resident troop of howler monkeys!! At the bottom of the ride the guides will be awaiting you for a exciting day of fishing.
Exterior View of room at Machaca Hill Lodge
Machaca Hill Lodge is a diverse angling destination, but is probably best know for world class permit fishing. There are numerous cays and hundreds of tiny islands which you will find as soon as you enter the Caribbean Sea. Permit are plentiful. The fishing grounds of Punta Ycacos, Wild Cane Cayes, Snake Caye, Punta Negra and Port Honduras are all close by. The barrier reef flats and the Sapodilla Cayes are an 1 1/2 hour skiff ride away and offer excellent shots at bonefish. In the adjacent rivers, including the Monkey River, Deep River, Payne's Creek, Golden Stream, Boden Creek, Moho river, The Temash and the Sarstoon you will find tarpon and snook. Fresh water land-locked tarpon and bay snook are found in the inner lagoons of the Ycacos near Punta Negra.

Whether Fly or Spin fishing is your game, the availability of permit, seasonal tarpon, snook and bonefish make Southern Belize one of few locations in the world that offers a legitimate GRAND SLAM opportunity all 12 months of the year. In addition to the big-four, Machaca Hill Lodge offers an opportunity for several additional saltwater species including barracuda, jack crevelle, and snapper.

The Accommodations: Machaca Hill Lodge adventure resort comfortably accommodates 24 guest with 12 magnificently appointed individual cabanas terraced above a jungle hillside atop the Rio Grande.

Interior view of room at Machaca Hill Lodge

Each generous cabana is furnished with two queen size beds, a sitting area including a day bed and a large private bath with hand made ceramic tile. Your cabana is equipped with all the amenities including air-conditioning. However, the cool river valley evenings and ceiling fans will keep you comfortable most of the year. Each cabana comes with its own private veranda overlooking the brilliant vistas of vast jungle reserves and the wildlife corridor. The views of the jungle canopy below the lodge are beautiful. Howler monkeys, toucans, parrots, and an vast array of exotic plants, shrubs and trees surround the lodge and cabanas. All areas of the hotel have potable water at every tap!

The Large Arbor Restaurant located in the main lodge offers a balanced mixture of fresh, local seafood and Continental cuisine. Sprawling verandas on all levels offer panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and Rainforest canopy. You can look east and see Honduras and Guatemala across the Caribbean Sea or turn westward to the majestic Maya Mountains of Belize.

Other Activities: Machaca Hill Lodge offers a host of on-site activities for days when you choose to give the fishery a day off. The lodge will be happy to tailor numerous activities to suit your interests and needs. These non- angling options include canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and birding. Or just relax by the pool or sit under a palapa and read a book. You've got 470 acres of private reserve to find your spot in our tropical paradise.

You may also wish to enjoy one of the day tours to local villages, archeological and natural history sites. The lodge can arrange many specially-tailored tours and excursions for you based on your interest and time constraints. The lodge has a list of tours and excursions. The list, which includes prices and descriptions, changes with season and accessibility.
Port Honduras Marine Park Station

Fishing & Beach Picnic includes boat and guide for 8 hours, lunch and drinks. Fish the reef for your "catch of the day." Your guide will barbecue your freshly-caught fish on a beautiful, secluded beach. You may enjoy activities such as snorkeling, wading, shelling or simply relaxing in the sun while your picnic is prepared. Spend the afternoon on the beach or try more fishing!

Snorkeling: Enjoy the underwater wonders of Belize with your guide. The second largest living Barrier Reef in the world is host to a variety of species including sharks, rays, eels, grouper, parrot fish, trigger fish, sea horses, turtles, shrimp, sea fans, coral and many other wondrous aquatic life.

Manatee Watch & Snorkeling: Includes lunch and drinks. Visit Deep River and its mangrove lagoons North of El Pescador. This natural habitat for the West Indian Manatee gives you the opportunity to take pictures of and view the shy manatee. Stop for a picnic lunch at a small island with opportunities for snorkeling.

Jungle River Adventure on the Rio Grande, Moho & Golden Stream Meander up to one of these rivers where you will experience various flora and fauna. Stop in on a local riverside village. After the morning's sites, enjoy lunch or a good swimming hole

Bay Snook

Maya Ruin Sites: After a short drive visit one or both of the nearby sites of Nim Li Punit or Lubaantun. Nim Li Punit features twenty-six stella eight of which are uniquely carved and Lubaantun with its entire stone construction done without mortar.

Village Tour: Introduce your self to the Maya people of Belize. Your guide will offer you an introduction to the descendents of people who ruled this region over 2000 years ago with sophisticated calendars, written language, and detailed astronomers. Belize Maya still have very traditional ways and language that has lasted through the years. Enjoy a pleasant day of meeting new friends and learning about their ancient ways and crafts.

Waterfalls and pools:Enjoy scenic day of travel to nearby waterfalls like the Rio Blanco, San Antonio or Pueblo Viejo Falls and pools. Picnic lunch and village stops will combined with your trip to give you a great look at the interior and diverse cultures of Belize.

Caving Adventure: Tiger Cave or Hokeb Ha Cave offers you a short walk through the jungle with a guide that will lead you through an interactive walk of the local plants used for both medicinal and traditional purposes. Huge caverns with stalactites and stalagmites loom overhead while a crystal-clear blue river runs through the cave. Canoeing and kayaking trips on numerous rivers and creeks nearby can also be arranged

In conjunction with your stay in Belize Leisure Time Travel offers trips to Mayan ruins including Tikal. We can also arrange side trips to Mountain Pine Ridge, The Panti Medicine trail, Guanacaste Park, The wildlife Zoo, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the Inland Blue Hole, St. Herman�s Cave and more.

There are no set arrival and departures days at Machaca Hill Lodge.

For dates booked in 2011 the all inclusive rate from Jan. 1 - Apr. 30 & Dec 15 - 31 is $565.00 per day and from May 1 - Dec 14 is $485 per day.This will include accommodations, all meals, high tea, pre-dinner hors-de-oeuvres, full day & complimentary activities, park and entrance fees, laundry service, one spa treatment per stay, all beverages (alcholic & non-alcoholic) with exception of premium brand beverages. Not included are airfare to Belize, taxes and service charges. Belize is easily accessible by direct scheduled airline service from the United States is an easy two hour flight from Houston, Dallas, or Miami. For different itineraries click here for rates.

We will organize a Maya Air or Tropic Air commuter flight for you that can be boarded after clearing Customs and Immigration on your arrival to the country. Connections can also be made from any of the major towns in Belize if you are planning to stay somewhere else prior to visiting the lodge. The 1 hour flight offers an incredible aerial tour of the country with excellent views of the coast line, Maya Mountains, Cayes and Barrier Reef. You will even fly over El Pescador PG on picturesque "Big Hill" in the rainforest overlooking the Caribbean just north of the Punta Gorda Town. You will be met by an El Pescador Staff Member and driven approximately 10 minutes to the Resort

Click here for rates.

Sergio with Nice Tarpon Nice Permit Sergio with a nice permit


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531 N. Citrus Ave.
Crystal River, Florida 34428
352-795-FISH (3474)
1-800-771-2202
E-Mail: Machaca Hill Lodge

© 1996-2011 Leisure Time Travel, Inc. - Photos Edward Russell Johnston


Revised March 23, 2011 - html by Edward Russell Johnston

Machaca Hill Lodge- Punta Gorda, Belize