Type:
Not right?
by lcampbell
Port Angeles, Washington
May 12, 2004
Our Room: We loved cabin number 6. It was clean and comfortable. The porch had a chair and hammock, and was peaceful with flowers, trees, and birds dominating the view.
Private or Shared Bath? Private
The Atmosphere: We had stopped at Nu’uk Che’il for information on our way up to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and had spoken with owners Ernesto and Aurora Saqui. We found them so friendly and helpful (it turned out Ernesto is the director of Cockscomb, and he helped us hitch a ride with some of his employees) that we decided to stay a night on our way down from the preserve.
Aurora is an herbal doctor. She is a caring and wonderful person, amazing to talk to. Both are dedicating to preserving Mayan culture, and helping Mayan people and the environment.
Our great experience caused me to recommend Nu’uk Che’il to a woman I met who was interested in Mayan culture, and who was also suffering from some throat problems. Here are some quotes from her experience:
"You were right- she [Aurora} is so nice, I could sit and talk to her all day. After I unpacked, she gave me a treatment with herbal oil on my neck and pressure points on my hands while she chanted healing prayers! I could even hear her whispering my name, it was so cool."
"We [Ernesto and guest] had an intense conversation for about two hours over development projects created to promote economic growth in rural areas as well as preservation projects like Cockscomb that exposed the Maya villages to an extreme influx of tourism and cultural exchange. He was really understanding and very helpful, honestly concerned about the changes affecting the villages but willing to compromise for the sake of natural preservation."
Food and Other Amenities: There is a small "restaurant" on the property. Aurora will cook up meals for guests in the family kitchen. Good food at reasonable prices.
As I mentioned, Aurora is an herbal doctor, and you can make appointments with her for treatments. Ernesto and Aurora offer a taxi service to Cockscomb Basin, as well as to/from other places. Ask about the homestay program if you would like to stay with a local family.
There is a small gift shop, with artworks made by Aurora, her sisters, and other local folks.
I highly recommend taking a night hike up the preserve road. You can see all kinds of nocturnal wildlife. We saw nightjars (odd jumping birds) and leafcutter ants. Another guest heard a wild cat during her stay.
Location: Nu’uk Che’il Cottages is located off the main highway about 1/3 of a mile on the road to Cockscomb Basin.
Security: Very safe. I don’t think that the property of these respected community leaders would be violated.
Price: US$21.50 per night for a cabin with private bath, double occupancy. Triples are US$30 plus tax. Single bunk beds are US$10 plus tax. Camping is available for US$3.50 plus tax per person per day.
From journal The Sultry South Coast of Belize