Hotel Hacienda Tijax

The place has a really distinctive feel, built right into a mangrove forest. It felt like being out in the wild, and we saw turtles and fish in the water below the walkways, plus toads and a toucan, a collared aracari, perched in a nearby tree. Among the hostels we stayed at in Río Dulce, Tijax seemed to put real effort into caring for the surrounding nature. The eco-friendly construction and work to keep the river clean help support the wildlife around the lodge. The reserve also had an impressive range of animals, which was moving to see. Our room was cozy, with a big bed, mosquito net, air conditioning, and genuinely hot shower water. There’s no kitchen, but the restaurant has a varied menu at fair prices, and we found several tasty vegan options. There’s also a pleasant pool, a big plus. We really enjoyed the activities. The walk through the private nature reserve was 85Q per person, and we saw frogs, lizards, turtles, fish, and birds. We also took the guided sunrise kayak trip to see howler monkeys for 150Q per person, which was breathtaking. You can rent kayaks to paddle on your own too, for 60Q the first hour and 40Q each extra hour.

The setting is fun and the staff were polite, but they seemed disorganized. Our bungalow was really unclean, with mildew even on the mattresses. My husband got food poisoning after eating at the restaurant.

The walkways wind through nature, making this a lovely place to properly unwind. Rooms, location, and service were all great, and the price felt reasonable for the setting and security. The food was okay. You can arrange boat trips from here to Livingston and Castillo de San Felipe Lara. The ride is worth the time and money.

The service was great, and Michele was friendly and attentive when explaining the different plants. I took a memorable jungle walk, and it’s a great spot for anyone who loves birds. The villas have an artistic feel in natural, eco-friendly surroundings, though the amenities are basic. WiFi is only available in the lobby.