What Clothes Shall I Bring?
The lodge is an informal place. Bring what you would wear in a sunny warm climate (casual wear, sun hat, sunglasses). In addition bring:
- At least two of the following: sandals, sneakers, shoes or hiking boots. Water shoes or closed-toe sport sandals like Tevas and Keens are great for Blue Creek
- Cave exploration.
- At least one lightweight long sleeve shirt.
- At least two lightweight long pants.
Sunscreen and insect repellent (those containing DEET seem to work the best).
Do I need Warm Clothes?
It can get cool at night so bring a warmer fleece or a sweatshirt, especially if you would like to take our Jungle Night Walk.
Does it rain?
Yes, it rains often in the tropics even during the dry season (December through April) but usually not a lot and not much during the day. Bring a light waterproof jacket, if you would like.
Do I need any special gear or clothes for jungle walks or cave trips?
Clothes as mentioned above should be enough. Headlights and safety jackets for wet cave exploration will be provided. A watertight bag may be helpful but not necessary. If you have a waterproof camera, bring it!
Are there wild animals/snakes?
Yes, there are a lot of birds, butterflies, iguanas and howler monkeys that can be seen and heard around the lodge at any given time, which makes it a very special experience. There are snakes, scorpions and spiders in Belize, like for example in Florida, however, they usually stay away. Practice common sense and caution. Do not step in the pile of old leaves near trees and do not go barefoot into the bushes if you can’t see the ground.
I would like to go snorkeling. Should I bring my own gear?
You are welcome bring your own, but it will be provided if needed.
Do you provide drinking water? Is tap water drinkable?
We provide filtered drinking water for drinking. It is not recommended to drink tap water in Belize.
Is Cotton Tree Lodge child-friendly?
Yes. Families with small children often stay at the lodge.
Is there an ATM?
Not at the lodge, but there are ATMs and two full service banks in Punta Gorda. We accept all major credit cards in addition to cash.
Is there a market/store nearby to buy groceries?
We are in a remote location and food shopping/dining options outside the lodge are extremely limited.
However, our restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lunches are provided during tours. There are grocery stores, markets and restaurants in Punta Gorda, which is a 45-minute drive away.
What if I have special dietary needs?
We will happily accommodate most dietary requirement/preferences. Please discuss any special dietary needs with our front desk staff upon check-in. While we send this information ahead of time, it’s always good to clarify.
How can I go to Punta Gorda if I don’t have a car?
We offer private transfers for $55 each way.
What if I get sick?
We have a doctor on call who lives/works just 5 minutes away. There is a hospital in Punta Gorda.
Do I have to have a car for visiting the lodge?
No. Some people will rent a car but most will not. We provide transfers to and from the airport and transportation for all our tours.
Do I need to bring any converters for electricity?
Electricity is 110V and no special adapters are needed for US travelers. You can easily charge cameras, phones, iPods, etc. in your cabana.
Please note that we are off the grid and run our electricity through batteries charged by solar panels and supplemented with generator power. Don’t be surprised by a momentary loss of power as we switch between the two. Appliances like hairdryers and curling irons drain a lot of power from our system, so please consider leaving them at home. Bringing your own flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries is helpful.
Is there Internet?
If you have an international data plan, there is cell service in the main dining area. We have satellite internet service in the main lodge. There is not charge for this internet. It is slow and meant to be used for email use only. Please note that we are at a remote location, and occasionally service is interrupted.
How can my family or friends contact me if they need to?
Our front desk phone number is 670.0557 from within Belize or 011.501.670.0557 from the US. We have a phone line dedicated for guest use. The best time for your friends and family to reach you is between 6pm – 8pm, when most guests are gathered in the Main Lodge for appetizers and dinner.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is not necessary as a service charge is already included with your bill however you are welcome to leave an additional tip at your discretion. Any gratuities should be left at the front desk with management and will be distributed equally among the staff, unless otherwise instructed.