Chaya is a plant indigenous to Belize and is believed to help with Type 2 diabetes. it is similar to spinach with more nutrients. Chaya is used in teas, stews, soups, eggs and other local Mayan dishes.
Flora
Chaya Maya Jungle Lodge is located on an 80 acre jungle sub-tropical rainforest reserve with a sustainable permaculture farm. The reserve boasts many organic local fruits and vegetables including banana, plantains, pineapple, mango, lime, avocado, pitaya, craboo, custard apples, Jamaican limes, peppers, okra, coconut, herbs, medicinal plants, tall canopy trees, bamboo, tropical flower, orchids and chaya.
Fauna
The rainforest reserve is home to Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, Jaguars, Ocelot, Tapirs, Coatimundi, Peccary, Gibnut (Agouti Paca), Armadillo, Tayra (bush dogs), Patoos, Kinkajous, deer, iguana, butterflies, fish and reptiles.
Birdwatchers (birders) will marvel at the hundreds of bird species including the Keel Billed Toucan, Parrots, Collared Aracari, Hummingbirds, Tanagers, Puff birds, Honeycreeper, Blue Crowned Motmot, parakeets, and Trogons. The rainforest nature reserve is a sanctuary habitat.
