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Ek' Tun – reviews, photos

remote location | on the Macal River, San Ignacio, Belize
Hotel amenities
Ek' Tun
Ranked #14 of 29 San Ignacio B&B and Inns
4.5 of 5 stars 33 Reviews
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33 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    27
    3
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    2
    1
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New York City, New York
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
“Great Memories!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2007

My partner and I stayed at Ek’ Tun for four nights in late March/April. I loved my stay and would highly recommend it for travelers looking for a low-key, off-the-beaten-track experience—and a romantic one at that. As some reviewers have already stated, Ek’ Tun is not for everyone. It doesn’t have the amenities that large “jungle lodges” in the district have, but that’s part of the appeal. This is like a jungle B&B, a remote and authentic one. To compare, we had lunch at the Lodge at Chaa Creek and explored the grounds…manicured lawns, spa where you can get a facial and massage, lots of families with kids, dull and overpriced Americanized food---reminded me of Florida.

At Ek’ Tun there’s no electricity in the cottages (there are only two quaint ones...we often felt we had the whole jungle to ourselves) but the main house does have power and we had no problem charging electronics. Several kerosene lamps in the cottage provide more than enough light and adds tons of ambience; lamps were always lit for us while we had dinner in the main lodge (also atmospheric with an open layout and a high, thatched ceiling). Phyllis, the owner, is a great cook and I enjoyed talking with her and the other guests during the morning and evening meals. She knows the area and Belize very well, and gave us good advice on what to do during our stay.

The river setting is beautiful and wild. There are plenty of activities to do in the area---Mayan ruin exploration, visiting the town, kayaking, walking….etc....or you could just relax and hang out by the river or spring-fed pool.

I think renting a car is a must, preferably a 4wd, because Ek’ Tun is remote, and you’ll want your own wheels once you get there to go into town (about 20-30 min away) or see other sights in the area.

  • Stayed April 2007, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask A_Travel_Opinion about Ek' Tun
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Sligo, Ireland
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
“Jungle paradise”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 April 2007
2
people found this review helpful

Ek Tun stands out as one of the most memorable places I have ever stayed. The two cottages are very well spaced so you have a complete
sense of privacy. Phyllis is a truly great host, you couldn't ask for
better. Highly recommended.

  • Liked — Remote, no tourists
  • Disliked — Nothing
  • Stayed April 2007, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask rmullan about Ek' Tun
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Peg City
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Not For Everyone”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 March 2007
5
people found this review helpful

Athough it is very beautiful there, there is no electricity what so ever. You may find this as a good thing, once you are there you will not. It's not just getting away from TV and computer. It means no light, no reading, no cold drinks, no food if your hungry between your two meals. At 5PM it is pitch black, that means there is absolutely nothing to do after that and you cant really leave because you would have to wake up the caretakers to take you over the river. Bringing you never mind your luggage and belonging from the road to your cabana is absolute hell. The food is great unless you are picky in the least because thats about how exotic it gets. The cabanas do not have any fans or anything so if it is a hot day, have fun sleeping. In the Cabanas there are 100's of spiders and spider webs. They live in the straw roof so unless you are totally in love with spiders i would reccomend not staying here. There is also a tarantula that lives outside one of the cabanas. The mosquitoes are rediculous. The activites around that area are very good but you can do them without staying in hell. All in all unless your a very outdoorsy type i would suggest otherwise.

  • Liked — The scenery
  • Disliked — The accomidations
  • Stayed March 2007, travelled with family
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
    • 1 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
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Ask Metrokid about Ek' Tun
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Midland ON Canada
1 review
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Out of the way”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 March 2007
5
people found this review helpful

It is true Ek Tun is not for everyone but I believe most of us would benefit from a stay here. You may need to be a little flexible just because not everything in the jungle can happen just as you planned but that is part of the charm. There is no rush just a sense of peace. It is a great place to escape for a time, forget about your world back home. The staff was fantastic, cottages were clean and comfortable and the food was by far the best we had in Belize. Even though Ek Tun is away from everything, it is still easy to do day trips to many great spots in and around San Ignacio.

  • Liked — Food and location
  • Stayed March 2007, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask SASFALL98 about Ek' Tun
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Chicago, Illinois
1 review
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Tropical Luxury!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 February 2007
5
people found this review helpful

My husband and I stayed at Ek' Tun for the last four days of our honeymoon in Belize. It was everything we hoped for and more!

Driving to Ek' Tun from San Ignacio, we followed the directions to the lodge driving through citrus groves, cattle farms, and teak plantations to a spot by the river (near a few waterfalls) where we parked our car and where Phyllis, the warm inn keeper, picked us up to take us across the river to the lodge.

There are two cottages on this breathtakingly property. The one we stayed in was furnished with furniture beautifully handmade by the innkeeper herself using wood from her property. Pieces of Mayan pottery, found in a cave behind the cottage, lined shelves on the wall. The thatched roof and screened windows made us feel like part of the jungle while keep enough critters out to make us feel comfortable and safe. There is no electricity in the guest cottages, so every night around 4 o'clock the kerosene lanterns are lit and cast a luminous glow. It was so secluded and romantic. The perfect honeymoon hideaway.

A short walk from our cottage, there is an amazing natural pool where Phyllis somehow channeled a waterfall to flow into a wading pool that looks like a tropical oasis.

Phyllis was so gracious and welcoming it truly felt like we were guests in her home. The food was exceptional (I believe I suggested she make a cookbook after nearly every meal). She cooked Belizean and international cuisine. Everything was fresh and flavorful. Phyllis ate with us every night and the easy, intelligent conversation made us feel like each night we were having dinner with an old friend.

I recommend Ek' Tun without reservation. It was a once in a lifetime experience.

  • Stayed December 2006, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask jbooks22 about Ek' Tun
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Additional Information about Ek' Tun

remote location | on the Macal River, San Ignacio, Belize
Price range (per night):* INR10,589 - 16,719

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