Chiminos Island Lodge
The sudden screech of a rogue howler monkey may wake you in the middle of the night or you may be startled by a crocodile swimming past the window of you room, but this is all part of the appeal of staying at one of the world’s top eco-archaeology escapes. Chimino is an island set in a huge lagoon deep in the Guatemalan jungle. Guests stay in one of the five modern rustic houses built form local mahogany trees that had already fallen. Their roofs are draped with shaggy palm thatch. These houses stand hundred of feet from one another, overlooking the lagoon.
Colourful toucans and parrots perch on branches outside, staring in, as interested in you as you are in them. The houses may look primitive, but inside they are equipped with simple beds, hot water and bathrooms. You may feel up close and intimate with the jungle, but the owners assure guests that the bungalows are insect- and animal- proof.
A similar central building has a bar, restaurant, terrace, and hammocks. Down on the water there is a floating wooden deck for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, or fishing. The lodge cook prepares fresh fish from the lagoon for a traditional regional dinner.
Easy paths from the bungalows lead to the remains of an impressive Mayan citadel, including its defensive walls, ceremonial pyramids and palaces. It is believed it was home to a branch of the Mayan royal family between 600 and 900 C.E. Deep in the jungle, archaeologists have unearthed a court for playing ball games. Photos by: youngrobv (Rob & Ale)
