Copal Tree Lodge Story

Copal Tree Lodge is an eco-resort in the lush southern Belize jungle, set on lands steeped in ancient Mayan culture

The land surrounding Copal Tree Lodge has a rich history of human inhabitants dating back to the Classic Maya period around 600 A.D. when the Maya people used the Rio Grande River as a vital transportation route to the sea. 

In the 1860s, Confederates from Alabama and Texas settled in the region to grow sugar cane, raise cattle, and produce rum. Ms. Marie Louise Young, a Confederate descendant born in Belize, later purchased the land where Copal Tree Lodge is located. She raised cattle, cultivated 80 acres of sugarcane, produced aged Agricole rum, and started a distillery called "Rocky Run Rum" on the property. The original cane press can still be seen at the heart of our Agritourism Center. 

In 2001, the property was sold to the owners of El Pescador in San Pedro, and construction began on El Pescador South, a new fly fishing lodge. In 2005, an avid marine conservationist, Todd Robinson purchased the fishing lodge and became involved in regional environmental conservation. 

In 2009, the lodge was rebranded as Belcampo Lodge, and soon after, it changed again to what we now know as Copal Tree Lodge. Copal Tree became one of the largest agritourism destinations in Belize, producing key organic crops such as sugar cane, cacao, coffee, and vanilla. The farm offers educational programs to share and study these incredible ingredients at their origin. 

Copal Tree Lodge has grown from pioneering sustainable food production and agritourism to becoming an award-winning, world-class destination. With 17 suites, including four canopy suites featuring a gravity-fed rainwater catchment and filtration system, we welcome discerning, conscientious travelers from around the globe. Originally founded as a fly fishing lodge, we still proudly uphold this tradition as an Orvis-endorsed lodge, offering exceptional fly fishing experiences while staying true to our sustainable roots.