Crystal Paradise Resort

Our family of four (kids 8 and 11) stayed with the Tut family at Crystal Paradise for 4 nights, March 23- 27, 2025 . Eric picked us up from the airport and led us on 3 day trips throughout our time at Crystal Paradise. He is patient, kind, knowledgeable, and thorough. We always felt safe under his guidance. Carolita and the kitchen staff took amazing care of our picky eaters and made sure we ate delicious meals that were wholesome and nutritious for all of our day excursions. Alba is an amazing office manager, who was very responsive to all of my questions. As this was the first time our family traveled out of the country, we were nervous but excited. Eric, Alba, Carolita and the Tut family welcomed us with open arms and took amazing care of our family. We were so lucky to have found Crystal Paradise and so grateful that they took such thoughtful care of us on our first trip to Belize.

We loved our stay at the Crystal Paradise! Carolita and her family truly make you feel like you've been adopted into the clan! She and her brother Jeronie and their other siblings went out of their way to ensure we had a nice stay! We booked all our excursions through them and I would highly recommend you do this! Our ATM cave tour was cancelled last minute due to rain and they were able to make a few calls and switch our Tikal trip to that day instead, which we never could have done on our own. The cave reopened the next day and we were able to go then. It was such a blessing! The breakfasts and dinners we ate there were simple Belizian food, but so convenient. The dining area has a beautiful balcony where they set out various fruits to feed the birds, so you just sit and watch a beautiful nature show as you eat. The variety of birds is incredible! We used their canoes and canoed down the river one day. The village of San Ignacio is just a short drive or bus ride away if you want a little more action. The accommodations are simple and a bit rustic, but very, very clean and every need we had was happily met! Thank you Tut family for a wonderful trip!

My slightly ambulatory, handicapped husband and I stayed at Crystal Paradise for a week. I had sent them a list of activities we wanted to do, and they sent me a proposed itinerary, all-inclusive, including driver, guides, entrance fees, an overnight trip to Tikal, and transportation from the airport and to our next adventure. This was very convenient and relaxing. Because birds are more my interest, while my husband prefers Mayan Ruins, we did not have the same guide daily, as birders often do. The owners of Crystal Paradise are a large family, and several brothers and a nephew were our primary guides. Every guide and driver was great. Knowledgeable, polite, helpful, etc. On a rainy day, he suggested car birding with an eventual walk down. to Laguna Aguacate. I saw 65 species of birds on that half-day trip. The rooms are comfortable, with air conditioning and fans. The food was great, esp their homemade tortillas, both corn and wheat. Other than one packed lunch, we stopped at restaurants for lunch, The best was a small place where we ate the prepared food of the day: tamalitos--sweet corn, not stuffed--and stewed chicken. The bird deck was remarkable: at least 7 different tanagers, motmots, Euphonia, daily toucans, and even a gorgeous red-legged honeycreeper. Most importantly, the people were very hospitable and kind. We arrived a day late due to a plane issue, neither our fault nor theirs. After a brief discussion, he reduced the cost by half for that day. (We had squeezed 2 activities into one day My husband walks 50-100 yards max and uses a portable travel wheelchair. They lent us their mother's walker to use at the resort. They arranged special permission to drive up to the main plazas of Mayan sites so that my husband could see them well. Re Accessibility: There's a cement walkway from the rooms/cabins to the main lodge and dining room. However, there are several sets of 2-3 stairs along the way. It would be difficult for anyone completely unable to walk. One could swim in the river but I did not. My only critique was That I recommend more lunches at holes in the wall with a plate del dia.

Excellent basic accommodations. The staff is great; owner Alba is like a drill sergeant with a warm, welcoming heart. She arranged our tours and arranged for us to have Jonathan Urbina as our guide; he is an exceptional birder, able to identify each and every tweet and chirp. The food is well-prepared and nicely presented. The grounds are lovely with easy access to the cabanas. When I return to Belize, I will definitely stay at Crystal Paradise. Five stars!

Local hosts make this a genuine travel lodging experience. Their lodge is comfortable and basically focused on being a relaxed and restful launching point to many outdoor adventures from birding to caving, hiking and cultural activities. Alba’s selection of guides and activity arrangements were excellent and catered to our needs- no big buses. Carolita took care in accommodating my gluten free diet while sticking with her specialties of Belizean dishes. Friendly conversations, hot showers, comfortable beds and an honestly bar made this a perfect stay for us in the San Ignacio area.

Wonderful family owned resort. We loved it here. Food was excellent, authentic Belizian meal. The service was personalized. Alba was on top of all our tours and did not miss a thing. Abi was our guide for Caracol and was knowledgeable. Birds here are amazing with all sorts of birds coming to eat in the feeders all day long. This is a must if you are looking to stay at a family owned resort.