Blancaneaux

Introduction
Interior Belize

Some people have an instinct for amazing locations—Francis Ford Coppola, for one, who recognized the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve in the Maya Mountains of Belize as the ideal spot to create a secluded one-of-a-kind retreat. As much care has gone into Blancaneaux as into one of the director’s films.

Tucked into the remote mountains of western Belize, the Blancaneaux Lodge overlooks the gentle rapids and shimmering waterfalls of the Privassion river where the flora of both the jungle and pine forest intertwine in the stunning landscape.

This is Francis Ford Coppola`s dream of a mountain paradise which he created as a place "where people can go to enjoy the tranquility of their surroundings". The result was a full-scale resort with rustic yet comfortable individual villas created from local woods and furnished with hand-built furniture and handicrafts from Belize, Mexico and Guatemala.

At the resort, attentive staff, spacious accommodations and experienced guides await you. The surrounding nature offers beautiful vistas and wonderful opportunities for hiking, horseback riding and caving. You can swim in the rivers and waterfall pools and take a canoe trips in search of orchids and bromeliads, iguanas and howler monkeys and to view the magnificent bird life. The Mayan sites of Caracol and Xunantunich are nearby. Guatemalan Mayan sites, Tikal, Topoxte and Yaxha, can also be visited on a daytrip.

Adventures abound in the surrounding 300-square-mile Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. Some of the most extensive Mayan ruins are a short drive away. Walk in the steps of the ancient Maya or explore pristine rivers in a canoe - cool off in the Lodge's river cascades - explore the forest on horseback or mountain bike - spot iguanas, rare howler monkeys and brilliant butterflies - all with the region's most trusted and knowledgeable guides. 

The Lodge's accommodations mirror the rainforest's vibrant hues. Each bungalow features a soaring hand-woven thatched roof, artisan-crafted and antique colonial furnishings and a luxurious Japanese bath with views of the jungle sky. After a day of exploration, you may unwind in the Jaguar Bar, or dine on Coppola family recipes in the Restaurant. Dine on fresh seafood, smoked meats and authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood burning Italian oven.

The Privassion River courses through the Lodge's grounds, and above the river, a kaleidoscope of forest bird life plays against the palmettos. Enjoy the jungle sounds from your private deck, or explore the rich and vibrant natural world right outside your door.

Accomodation

Rustic but far from primitive, each of the thatched-roof cabanas and villas is decorated with antiques, handcrafted furniture, and vivid local fabrics, and overlooks the pools and waterfalls of Privassion Creek. Each one also features a luxurious Japanese bath with a view of the sky, not to mention a nonstop natural soundtrack of birdcalls from the jungle outside. The lodge is both self-sustaining and eco-friendly: All its power comes from a hydroelectric plant harnessing the river’s power, and the restaurant serves specials created from its own organic garden, including authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-burning Italian oven.

A delicately balanced mix of luxurious comfort and natural beauty makes Blancaneaux Lodge a truly enchanting experience.

Lodging

Riding

Itinerary

The resort offer a wide variety of activities from mountain biking, hiking and sightseeing excursions to horseback riding excursion from our own equestrian stable. The horses are well cared for and enjoy a pleasant life.

The riding tours are simple and a great way to get out on beautiful nature trails. If we have experienced riders, then we can send them with a guide who will pick up the pace, but we do not offer separate tours for advanced riders. The destination is in a pine forest that borders a rainforest. The tours are aimed at sharing this beautiful area with our guests.

We offer several different tours that explore our surrounding nature reserves (not included):

1) Big Rock Tour – This a horse tour that leads to a large waterfall where our guests go swimming. The riding time is only about 1.5 to 2 hours, but depending on how long guests stay at the waterfall it can go for about 3 hours total

2) Rainforest Tour – this is a 2-3 hour tour that takes you on an exploration into the neighboring rainforest. This tour has several inclines that are in a very thick jungle. It is an excellent way to see the local flora.

3) Full Day Sapodilla Waterfall tour - This tour leads through the forest and jungle to a waterfall where lunch can be had and is similar to the Rainforest tour, but is a longer tour and involves stopping at a waterfall for lunch

4) Sunrise or Sunset Tours – These tours follow the same trail as the rainforest tours, but are done timed to enjoy either sunrise and sunset. This is one of the nicest ways to experience twighlight hours here in the Mountain Pine Ridge.

Other activity options during your stay (not included):

• Exploring the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve - one of Belize's oldest National Parks
• Visit Caracol - the most extensive Mayan site in Belize
• Caracol, Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools
• Visit Xunantunich, Cahal Pech & Green Hills Butterfly Farm
• Visit Tikal, Guatemala on an all day excursion
• Canoe trip in Barton Creek Cave
• Guided Mountain Biking
  

Rates and Dates for Blancaneaux

Dates Note: Daily arrivals throughout the year. Minimum 3 nights.

Other Info
Meeting: Blancaneaux
Airport: Belize
Transfer: Belize to Blancaneaux not included

Climate: