We are frequent travelers to Belize. When we find a hotel we like, we return to it again. We discovered Calico Jack's while researching environmentally responsible hotels in Belize. Their wonderful hotel in Maya Beach, was one of those, and we've spent many hours relaxing in their cabanas by the sea. When we heard that Chet Williams and Ydahlia Metzgen had plans to move their operations to Cayo District, we were overjoyed. Cayo has several nice resorts, but we have never found one that suited our particular idea of the perfect accomodation. We had the honor of being among the first over-night guests at the new Calico Jack's Village in El Progresso (7 mile) and we know where we will be staying whenever we visit Cayo. The graceful traditionally Maya style buildings, are set in natural gardens that echo the surrounding acres of Belizean rainforest. Calico Jack's amazing aerial zipline, caves, and ancient garden trail provide plenty of things to do right on the property. If you are planning to visit the Caracol Archeological Preserve, Calico Jack's is the perfect place to start your day! Their location is an easy drive to the Rio On Pools, and is convenient to Belize extensive caving system, canoe trips on the Macal River, and many archeological sites in all stages of discovery! You will not need to take a special tour for watching birds and wildlife, if you are staying at Calico Jack's! Bring your binnoculars and your camera! After a day of activity, the bar/restaurant is the ideal place to relax and socialize. Managed expertly by chef Abner Briceno, the food and service are both outstanding. Meals feature fresh local ingredients with up-dated traditional recipes. The entire staff is well-trained and knowledeable. They spare no effort to ensure that each guest is provided with individual attention. The construction and operation of the zipline and jungle canopy tours, meets and surpasses US safety standards. Zipline is suitable for all ages, and will be the highlight of your trip! We appreciate the cool, spacious and tastefully decorated rooms. Much of this hotel uses native rock for the beautiful floors. The attention given to even the smallest details, creates a unique experience that you are unlikely to find elsewhere in Belize.. This is mildly remote location that suits our taste for adventure, yet satisfies our desire for comfort! If you plan to visit Cayo, you should stay at Calico Jack's.

We came to Calico Jack’s to zip line through the canopy and had a blast. As first timers, we were a bit nervous, but our guides professionalism and clear explanation of the process quickly settle any qualms. We only had time to do two of the lines, but would love to go back and try the new line they opened the day before we went. The trip to the cave between the two zip lines was informative and made even more special by the enthusiasm and obvious love for the beauties of Belize shared by our guides. We also greatly enjoyed our conversation with owner Chester Williams about living in Belize.
We would heartily recommend that anyone interested in a mini-adventure stop in a Calico Jacks.

My husband and I are Belizeans but have lived in the US for 38 years. Our children were born in the US and we have traveled extensively. Belize is by far our favorite place. It's home. The beauty of Belize is captured at Calico Jacks- El Progresso , Cayo district.
The location is a little difficult to get to but well worth the bumpy ride ; we saw it as an adventure.
The beauty of this place lies in the natural fauna and flora that surrounds the 300+ acres that the resort is surrounded by. We took a trip on the zip-line. It was amazing. To zip over the jungle and look out around you is total awe. The stars at night are so beautiful beacuse of how clear the night sky is.
There are 2 Mayan caves on the property with authentic artifacts. It's a must.see. Take a hike along the medicine trrail and you will learn so much.
What the owners have done here is great. Their staff is crosstrained in all aspects of the resort.
The staff was very friendly and knowledgable and capable.Thanks can't wait to go back.

My wife and I went to the new resort being developed at Cayo, and spent a whole day walking its medicine trail, exploring one of its caves, and (madly) testing a 500 foot zip line running over the forest canopy. We had the best one day's activity in years and if we were not laughing, we were stunned into silence as we discoverd plants and trees, and bats and historical artefacts. One day of this and we felt we had spent a week trekking. We took our risks to explore unfinished features, as we know the owners. Not satisfied with that we got to sample great local food and fruit wines, which we suggested be part of any 'goody' bag offered to visitors. Fabulous!