Pook's Hill, Protected forest reserve in Cayo District, Belize.
Pook's Hill is a private nature reserve of about 120 hectares with thatched-roof bungalows surrounded by tropical forest in Cayo. The accommodation sits within an area where toucans, hummingbirds, and forest owls make their homes.
Archaeological excavations at this location uncovered temples, plazas, and burial grounds dating from between 830 and 950 AD. These findings include evidence of nine ancient Maya individuals who once lived here.
The main lodge serves as a meeting place where visitors share meals and learn about local ways of life through conversations with community members. This form of direct encounter allows guests to experience the living culture of the surrounding area.
Reaching the accommodation requires about a 45-minute drive on unpaved roads, so vehicles with high clearance are necessary for access. Planning your arrival from the Western Highway accordingly is important.
The property borders Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and contains simple Maya residential complexes, offering visitors direct access to archaeological finds. This location merges accommodation facilities with historical excavations on the same grounds.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
