For the true nature lovers, Alma del Rio is simply the perfect spot to perform the Belizean verb of 'Chillaxing' . Our Charming and natural river front Eco-Houses are artfully crafted and are Casa Sophia is a 2 story house, located by the Pine-ridge road on the Macal river only 10 min from San Ignacio. Enjoy pristine views and bird life while drinking your morning coffee in our screened lounge or on our secluded river beach. the perfect gateway to experience the best of Cayo.
Alma Del Rio is the winner of the Belize tourism board award for the best small accomodations or the year!!
Casa Sophia is a unique and natural homestay. This 2 story small house is artfully crafted, overlooking the Macal river and forest canopies often visited by Toucans. Walking down a short path, there is a secluded swimming spot on a sandy island. Our place is a lot located in a small residential stretch ON the pine ridge road, with natural attractions and services close by (driving distance). The space: The top floor is a half 'open' room with a river view that serves as a kitchen and lounge area. The bottom floor can be divided into 2 compact bedrooms separated by heavy wooden doors or made into a 2-bed suite for couples or a family that would enjoy the shared space. Enjoy our rain shower, great views, and relaxing in a hammock on your porch. We have taken all the effort to ensure the 2 buildings on the property have maximum privacy. We also accommodate larger groups who can rent the entire compound: La Alma and Casa Sophia, artfully crafted houses nested peacefully in the environment. Enjoy a cup of early morning coffee in your screened lounge with a misty view of the river, often visited by many colorful birds. We planted a young food forest under the huge Guanacaste trees, and there is a small herb garden for your use. Following the path to the river, you find a secluded island with comfortable access (in season).
We offer all the amenities for you to enjoy your river experience: a cooler, a picnic mat, bamboo plates, beach towels, water shoes, and paddle boards. Enjoy complimentary tropical fruit, handmade soaps, coffee, tea, and drinking water . We offer a fully equipped kitchen, a hot and cold shower, board games, a spacious dining table, and a lounge area with a great river view. We are kids and pet friendly!! Important note: Casa Sophia is a 2-story house with rather open railings; babies or toddlers will require supervision when on the top floor. We do not have AC, but we do have a great river breeze often. by passive cooling, the temperature indoors stays comfortable. Our house is environmentally friendly: We use a solar water heater and energy efficient lighting, biodegradable products, and minimal use of plastic.
We try to offer a true jungle experience. . We often bring our dogs to the property, so if you prefer that we don't, please let us know before you arrive. Mind that living in nature proposes we do get visits from multi-legged or flying critters inside the house. The occasional bangs from falling branches, the chirps and clicks of geckos, howler monkey cries - they all add to the beautiful orchestral tune that nature plays.
The entire property is for guests.
You have a Palappa and a BBQ area just in the back of the property.
We stay in San Ignacio, always available to assist and help you have the perfect stay. Anything you need - be it an extra pillow or just some good recommendations - we are here to help.
Alma del Rio is located 2 miles from Santa-Elena towards the Pine Ridge reserve. Though a sleepy road, before you reach our tranquil home there are several great attractions - you will pass cool M farm where you can purchase fresh milk and Yogurt, Eden Valley Mayan kitchen to taste delicious locally made chocolate, 'The bluffs' bar and grill for great food, drinks and live music, Maya mountain lodge that only uses organic, fresh, local produce in their menu (vegan options available too!). 2 Min drive from our house you can find a magical waterfall. In San Antonio village, we highly recommend trying the the women's co-op restaurant -excellent traditional, hearty Mayan dishes that are some of the best in Belize.
If you travel by car, it's a easy as eating a pie; We are right on the road on the way to pine-ridge. A taxi can be arranged for around $20-$30BZ ($10-15USD). Buses pass regularly during the day between Santa Elena and Cristo Rey for $2-3BZ($1USD). Once reaching San Ignacio everything is a walking distance, but taxis are available to take you around for as low as $5BZ ($2.5US). Around us we have a couple of restaurants only a few minutes drive as well as a beautiful water fall. We have a detailed book with all the information at the house. We can help you arrage all transportation.
No smoking inside the rooms or kitchen
We ask guests to separate waste into the designated bins and follow the Bio-toilet instructions
Please be kind to the environment and our houses :)
Please be considerate to our neighbors with noise
Please turn off all fans and appliances when not in the house- fans don't keep the room cool.
Lost key fee- $20BZ
