San Ignacio & Santa Elena House of Culture - 6 min drive - 2.9 miles
Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins - 8 min drive - 3.6 miles
Getting around
San Ignacio (CYD-Town Airstrip) - 24 min drive
Restaurants
The Hive - 7 min drive
Ko-Ox Han-Nah - 7 min drive
Coffee De Los Mayas - 6 min drive
The Burnz - 6 min drive
Authentic Flavours - 10 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Alma Del Rio – Eco Comfort on the Water | Private Riverfront Retreat
Alma Del Rio – Award-Winning Riverfront Eco-Retreat near San Ignacio More than a stay — a full Belize nature, wellness & cultural experience For true nature lovers, Alma Del Rio is the perfect place to practice the Belizean art of “chillaxing.” Our charming, artistic riverfront eco-homes on the Macal River are located just 10 minutes from San Ignacio on the road to the famous Mountain Pine Ridge.
Alma Del Rio is the Belize Tourism Board winner for Best Small Accommodations of the Year and a certified Health & Safety Gold Standard facility.
This unique property includes two houses, La Alma & Casa Sophia, located 40 feet apart, and can host up to 11 guests when rented together — perfect for families and groups. Immersed under huge Guanacaste trees, enjoy wildlife, pristine river views, and a secluded sandy river island and swim spot (seasonal).
The Homes
Casa Sophia (2-story) Artfully crafted with river and forest canopy views. The upper level is a half-open kitchen and lounge, and the lower level can be arranged as two compact private bedrooms or a shared family suite. Note: open railings on the upper floor — toddlers require supervision.
La Alma (single-story) Surrounded by lush greenery, with two private bedrooms and a screened back porch offering breathtaking river views — ideal for families and friends.
Both houses include rain showers, fully equipped kitchens, laundry, extra bedding upon request, river access, hammocks, and excellent privacy.
River, Culture & Wellness Follow the path to the river and enjoy: Paddle boards & inflatable double kayak Cooler, picnic mat, bamboo plates Beach towels & water shoes
Enhance your stay with traditional Maya cooking classes and on-site massage services — connecting you to local culture and deep relaxation.
Comfort & Eco Living Fast Wi-Fi, complimentary tropical fruit, coffee, tea, drinking water, handmade soaps, board games, a spacious dining table, and cozy lounge areas with river views. Kids and pets are welcome.
Each bedroom has one AC unit for extreme heat days, but most of the year the river breeze and passive cooling keep the homes comfortable.
We are environmentally friendly with a solar water heater, energy-efficient lighting, biodegradable products, and minimal plastic use.
Nature & Road Sounds (Important) This is a real jungle environment. You may see insects or small critters, hear geckos clicking at night, the occasional falling branch, and light traffic during Pine Ridge Road rush hours — all part of the natural soundtrack of Belize.
Your Hosts We live in San Ignacio and are always available to help. After booking, you’ll receive our digital guest guidebook with directions, local tips, and activity planning support. 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
The cottage features a kitchen, 3 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a sofa bed, and a fenced private yard.
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
No smoking inside the rooms or kitchen
We ask guests to separate waste into the designated bins and follow the Bio-toilet instructions
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
Events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Parties and events are allowed on site.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.
Property is also known as
268890
Frequently asked questions
What can I see within easy reach of this cottage?
This cottage is located in San Ignacio, just steps from Macal River. You'll also find San Ignacio Market and San Ignacio & Santa Elena House of Culture within a short drive.
Is there parking available at this cottage?
No, there isn't parking at this cottage.
Is a spa located at this cottage?
Spa services at the cottage include massages.
Is this cottage next to a casino?
No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?
No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.
Is Alma Del Rio – Eco Comfort on the Water | Private Riverfront Retreat good for couples?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this riverfront cottage include a kitchen as well as massages and a garden.
Does Alma Del Rio – Eco Comfort on the Water | Private Riverfront Retreat have a hot tub?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this cottage.
Does this cottage include breakfast service?
No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this cottage allow pets to stay for free?
Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cottage.
Does this cottage have connecting rooms?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this cottage.
How close is the airport from this cottage?
The closest major airport to this cottage is San Ignacio (CYD-Town Airstrip), which is 8.6 mi away (24 minutes by car). Another top airport is Belmopan (BCV-Hector Silva), which is located 24 mi away (48-minute drive).
Are there rooms with balconies at Alma Del Rio – Eco Comfort on the Water | Private Riverfront Retreat?
Yes, every accommodation at Alma Del Rio – Eco Comfort on the Water | Private Riverfront Retreat comes with a balcony with some featuring water views.
Alma Del Rio – Eco Comfort on the Water | Private Riverfront Retreat Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
10 - Excellent
4
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
David S.
Jan 18, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
The porch and kitchen became a focal point for our family, with EVERYONE spending time there instead of individual rooms. This was great because often people tend to go do their own thing, and due to the feng shui of this villa, it seemed to me that everyone was naturally drawn to the communal spaces (especially once someone misses seeing a toucan).
David S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Trey S.
Jan 15, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Everything about Alma del Rio was amazing! The houses are beautiful and the garden/forest is part of each one. We spent all of our time at the houses on the porch watching the birds and listening to the frogs and monkeys. If/when I go back to Belize I will stay her again!
Trey S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Spencer M.
May 13, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful time in nature
We loved the place, the houses were beautiful with some high quality wooden furnishings. We spent some very peaceful mornings reading and watching birds, although no toucans for us unfortunately. Overall a wonderful way to end our time in Belize. Dora was super kind and helpful at check-in. The provided guide to San Ignacio was also super helpful. check in
Spencer M.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Krysti S.
Jan 21, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Home in the Jungle
Our family of 5 (3 kids aged 17, 14 and 8) stayed at this property in early January. The property is absolutely beautiful, and the home(s) were so well cared for and gorgeous. Having the river right behind the home was fun for fishing and exploring. Also we always felt very safe not only in the area but the home also has a locked gate to enter and exit. There were all of the amenities we needed for our stay. The property is known for being environmentally friendly and is open in many ways to the outdoors. If you aren't the outdoorsy type or don't like camping this may not be for you. We loved being able to have the open showers, opening the doors to the screened porches and seeing wildlife right there. That also did present the risk of spiders and ants in the home. We were prepared and helped the spiders out and sprayed Off for the ants so it wasn't a huge deal after the first night.We aren't big planners but the owner and property manager were so accommodating. I messaged late in the evening a few times asking for help with excursions and they were so sweet and easily had things lined up for us the next day. We highly recommend the ATM tour but be sure to bring socks and read reviews. The property is very close to town with a grocery store right down the road and most of the attractions a short drive away. Overall, it was a great stay in San Ignacio and this property did not disappoint.