Ever heard of the expression ‘to kill two birds with one stone’? This Guatemala-Belize itinerary is a traveler’s version to just that, combining two very unique countries into a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Whilst neighboring countries, Guatemala and Belize couldn’t be more different. The former is steeped in native Mayan and Spanish colonial tradition. Whilst, the latter, is a truly laid-back Caribbean country. In addition, the native language in Belize is English. For those travelers, eager to experience the best of both countries, the famed Family Coppola Hideaways has created a 10 day Central American Safari. Here all the details of this ultimate Belize and Guatemala Travel Itinerary.
This Central America Safari offers 10 days of once-in-a-lifetime local experiences.
This ten-night escape allows you to see the best of Guatemala and Belize. This includes snorkelling the world’s second largest barrier reef, stepping back into history at the ancient Mayan site of Tikal, and exploring the abundant wildlife in the lush rainforests. Even better, throughout the trip, guests get to experience three of the Coppola’s award-winning hideaways – La Lancha, Blancaneaux Lodge, and Turtle Inn.
The Central America Safari Package Includes
Photo by Duarte Dellarole
- Two nights at La Lancha in Guatemala, four nights at Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize, and four nights at Turtle Inn in Belize. Plus receive ground transfers between each hideaway.
- At La Lancha, enjoy daily breakfast, a full tour of the legendary Maya ruin of Tikal, and lunch on the day of your tour.
- At Blancaneaux Lodge, enjoy daily breakfast, a memorable horseback ride to Big Rock Falls where you can take a dip in the cascading waterfalls, enjoy a canoe tour through Barton Creek Cave, and experience an exhilarating zip lining tour on the day of transfer to Turtle Inn (lunch included on all tour activities).
- At Turtle Inn, enjoy daily breakfast, a full day of snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea, a sunset cruise, and a visit to a Wildlife Sanctuary and Preserve (lunch included on all activities).
More About The Hideaways
La Lancha – Guatemala
Image courtesy of La Lancha
Set in the rainforest high above the shores of Lago Petén Itzá is La Lancha. The quaint, 10-room lodge is decorated with furniture, fabrics, and carvings from Guatemala personally selected by the Coppola family. Nearby is Tikal, the epicenter of Maya spirituality. Buried deep within the rainforest, the ruins include more than 3,000 structures. Here moss clings to the steps of ancient temples and plazas. With its beautiful lakeshore setting, relaxed ambiance, and close proximity to the lost world of Maya, La Lancha is an ideal destination to both enjoy a languid pace and explore the many adventures of the Petén region.
Blancaneaux Lodge – Belize
Blancaneaux Lodge within Mountain Pine Ridge.
In the early 1980s, Francis Ford Coppola visited Belize, immediately fell in love with the location. So he purchased this abandoned lodge. For more than a decade the hideaway was used as a family retreat. Finally, Francis opened his tropical paradise to the public in 1992. Today, the lodge is a 20-room luxury hideaway. Here waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools above the jungle canopy. Its remote mountain setting allows guests to explore the ancient civilization of the Maya and to return to their own thatched roof dwelling. Each is rich with Guatemalan décor and nestled in the foliage of the Mountain Pine Ridge.
Turtle Inn – Belize
Photo via Instagram @alagreutaphotography
Francis and Eleanor Coppola acquired this beachside hideaway in 2001. They created an idyllic refuge for those seeking a relaxing or adventure-filled getaway to Belize. This 25-room seafront escape delights guests with individual thatched cottages. Each is decorated with handcrafted Balinese furnishings, naturally cooled by the ever-present sea breezes. Just steps beyond your private deck, the white-sand beach dissolves into the clear Caribbean Sea. In addition to offering an ideal location to experience the sea, Turtle Inn is located a short bicycle ride or walk from the charming sea-front fishing village of Placencia. Here local artisan shops and dining spots can be enjoyed.
Spring and Summer 2021 rates for this package are now available. For more information or to book this Belize & Guatemala itinerary, visit the Coppola website.
Cover picture credit: Duarte Dellarole
