Machaca Hill Lodge

Description:

• Formerly El Pescador South, this place has the plushest accommodations to be found in the Toledo district. The rooms are spread around 12 large individual bungalows, set on a high hillside of rich forest above the Río Grande. The bungalows feature cool red-tile floors, high-pitched ceilings, two queen-size beds, and a large veranda with an excellent view and inviting hammock. There are large and ample windows that let in plenty of light and cross-ventilation if you decide to opt out of the air-conditioning. Bungalow no. 11 is my favorite: A little larger, it sits on a high spot on the property and comes with one king bed. The kidney-shaped pool has a broad and inviting stone deck area around it, and it's also set on one of the highest points on the property, giving it excellent views all around. A tramway connects the lodge to the river below, where its fleet of fishing boats is docked. A meal package here runs BZ$140 (US$70/£37) per person per day. This place was originally geared towards fishermen, and you can still use this place as an excellent base for fishing. Fly-fishing for world-class permit is the principal game, although tarpon, bonefish, and snook can also be tackled.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010