Kiskadee Lodge

My husband and I, along with my mother, were visiting family in the Toledo district. Kiskadee Lodge was a short (5-10 minutes) drive to Punta Gorda but closer to the jungle, which is what we wanted. Kendrick, Sharely, Maria, and Amir were wonderful people - attentive, informative, and very friendly, but they made a point of giving us our privacy. We had breakfasts some of the days, and Maria and Sharely served authentic Mayan or Belizean preparations - delicious! Kendrick and Amir also gave us a personal tour around the beautiful spread-out property, which contains an believable number of fruit trees, vegetables, and jungle, as well as an interesting history. We could also hang out on the couches or hammocks in the lodge, where wi-fi is available, and Kendrick was diligent about having the wi-fi extender work for the casitas. However, be aware that southern Belize is not reputed to have a good, reliable network connection. The casitas themselves were large and comfortable, with fans, mosquito nets, a hot/cold-water shower, and two comfortable queen beds in each casita; the beds were comfortable even for very tall people. The surrounding area is breathtaking and alive with the aromas, sounds, and sights of the jungle. The pictures of Kiskadee are very accurate. We arrived in the rainy season, but perhaps the following items of note are applicable all year round: 1) bring umbrellas, a headlamp, and rubber shoes (clogs or boots) to go to and from the casitas/rooms and to walk around the local areas; (Kendrick didn't know we were prepared; the first night we had come back from visiting, he came out to the car in the pouring rain with umbrellas and lights for us, so we could make it back to the casitas. That's a considerate host!!) 2) be sure to bring cash or have PayPal ready to pay for the meals ordered plus the mandatory accommodations 9% (July 2017) tax because Kiskadee doesn't have a credit card machine; 3) the closest ATM is in Punta Gorda (use the Belize Bank; the Scotia Bank ATM doesn't always work and it charges a higher transaction fee); 4) don't forget to use bug repellent because the mosquitos and sand flies will feast on you; this is the jungle; and 5) be aware that the jungle has beasties, small and large, which are a natural part of the whole rain forest experience. We would definitely stay at Kiskadee Lodge again and highly recommend it for visitors to the Toledo District of Belize!