Pre-Arrival Vacation Guide

 

Welcome! 

Thank you for choosing Copal Tree Lodge.

Anticipate your arrival in beautiful Punta Gorda, Belize, where vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable experiences await. This Pre-Arrival Guide is designed to facilitate your trip planning for a seamless journey to the stunning landscapes of Southern Belize. For additional inquiries, feel free to reach out to the Copal Tree team via email at reservations@copaltreelodge.com or by phone at 1 (877) 417-9478. We're here to ensure your upcoming jungle adventure is extraordinary!

 

Arrive In Style

Traveling To Belize

Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport is easily accessible with non-stop flights from various cities in the United States, Canada, and Central America. Upon arriving at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, the preferred route to our resort entails a short commuter flight to the Punta Gorda Airstrip, followed by a lodge-branded shuttle to our eco-lodge. 

For a hassle-free beginning, we can arrange your local transportation. Simply inform us after booking your international flights, and we’ll handle the rest. Looking for a VIP arrival experience? Enjoy VIP treatment at Belize International Airport with your personal Copal Tree Lodge airport concierge! Contact us at reservations@copaltreelodge.com to add this service to your reservation.

 

Insurance & Documentation

Travel Preparations

  • Enhance your vacation experience with the security and peace of mind offered by travel insurance. Though not mandatory for Belize visits, it is highly recommended. If you would like travel insurance coverage, Muy’Ono Resorts offers plans through Generali Global Assistance.

  • All visitors are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within 90 days of arrival, along with a return airline ticket. Visas are not currently required for travelers from the U.S., European Community, or British Commonwealth for stays less than 30 days. Learn more about required documentation when traveling from the U.S. here. Please refer to your government for specific entry and exit requirements if traveling from another country.

  • Ensuring the safety of your children is a top priority while traveling. It's advisable to anticipate inquiries from the airline regarding the child or children accompanying you. Firstly, all travelers, including minors, need a valid passport.

    If a child travels with only one parent, expect authorities to request additional documentation establishing consent for the child to travel. This involves a birth certificate and a notarized letter from absent parents with permission, in addition to custody papers, adoption papers, or death certifications, if applicable.

    If the child's last name differs from either accompanying adult, having the child's birth certificate is necessary. This requirement extends to situations beyond male/female parentage, encompassing same-sex couples, guardians, or anyone whose last name doesn't match the child's. Such travelers should carry extra documentation proving their relationship to the child, like adoption papers, donor insemination records, and notarized letters from the listed parent granting travel permission.

    If you are not a parent listed on the child's birth certificate, ensure you have a notarized letter from both parents whose names are listed that authorizes you to travel with the child as well as the child’s birth certificate.

    If you have any questions about what documents will be needed when traveling, please contact your airline directly to discuss your individual situation and needs.

 

Guidelines & Policies

Vacation With Ease

  • Damage to rooms, fixtures, furnishing, and equipment, including the removal of electronic equipment, towels, artwork, etc., will be charged at replacement value. Any damage to hotel property, whether accidental or willful, is the responsibility of the registered guest for each particular room. Any costs associated with repairs and/or replacements will be charged to the registered guest’s credit card.

  • Engaging in certain guest activities, such as SCUBA diving, spearfishing, and paddleboarding, carries the potential for minor to severe injuries. These risks are inherent in the activity and acknowledged by each guest. The consumption of alcohol significantly increases these risks, and management reserves the right to limit activities at its discretion. The legal drinking age in Belize is 18. All guests, whether booked individually or as a group, will receive a copy of our travel waiver.

  • Standard reservations may be canceled or modified without penalty up to 31 days before arrival (**excluding holiday dates). **Holiday stays with arrival dates between 12/18/2024 - 1/3/2025 and 12/18/2025 - 1/3/2026 may be canceled or modified without penalty up to 91 days before arrival. Reservation is subject to cancellation and full payment is forfeited if payment is not made in full 14 days prior to arrival date Any reservation canceled or modified within the penalty window will forfeit 100% of payment. No refunds will be made if canceled during the stay. In case of inclement weather, reservations can be rebooked within a 12-month window without any refunds, exclusions may apply for rebooking during holiday dates. Please reference fly-fishing cancellation policy for detailed terms and conditions.

 

Travel Better 

Vacations That Give Back

Copal Tree Lodge takes pride in being a good neighbor, actively connecting with and supporting the surrounding Belize communities. Our dedication to hospitality goes beyond guests, reaching the heart of local causes through the Philanthropy aspect of the Travel Better initiative. This commitment aligns our property and team members with those in the Punta Gorda communities that need our support the most.

Nightly Donation Program

Through the Nightly Donation program, Copal Tree Lodge donates $5 BZD to a deserving community program, school, or non-profit organization for each night of your stay. Guests play a vital role by choosing to stay with us. During checkout, guests are encouraged to match the donation, enhancing efforts to sustain the local Belize community. We deeply appreciate guests' generous support, making a meaningful impact.

Pack For A Purpose

As proud members of Pack for a Purpose, Copal Tree Lodge invites travelers to make a lasting difference in the lives of local children and families. By saving just a bit of space in your suitcase to bring supplies, you can contribute to improving education, health, and economic opportunities in the community where we operate. Here is a detailed list of specific items required by the Punta Gorda Hospital Children’s Ward.

 

Copalli Rum

A Taste Of Copal Tree Lodge

Opened in 2018, Copal Tree Distillery crafts Copalli Rum in a zero-impact facility adjacent to Copal Tree Lodge in Southern Belize. Using native sugarcane, they support sustainable agriculture, offering premium organic spirits while preserving the local ecosystem.

Copalli Rum is always stocked at the on-site Rum Bar and included in the Farm-to-Table All Inclusive Package. Guests seeking a spirits-driven experience can head over to the Copal Tree Distillery for a rum tour to get a true taste of Belize. Take the knowledge you gained from the rum tour to a Cocktail Mixology class to fully elevate your palette.

 

Stay Connected

Picture Your Jungle Getaway

Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook to discover and share the excitement of your upcoming eco-resort experience. Join the Copal Tree community for exclusive offers, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and breathtaking moments from our luxury jungle retreat.