From luxury to budget-friendly, three great eco-lodges in Belize, including one owned by famous Hollywood director Francis Ford Coppola. An increasingly popular place to vacation and retire, Belize is lush, wild, English-speaking and diverse. Bordering Mexico and Guatemala on the Caribbean Coast of Central America, this small and rugged country offers eco-adventures that will truly take you off the beaten path. For budget travelers and those looking to splurge, check out these three eco-friendly lodges for your next rainforest escape.
#1 Blancanueax Lodge
A top lodge for those seeking a luxury escape, Blancaneaux Lodge is owned by famous filmmaker, Francis Ford Coppola. You may feel like you’re on a movie set at this vacation hotspot that’s particularly popular for honeymooners. In fact, this jungle was said to remind Francis Ford Coppola of the jungle where he filmed Apocalypse Now in the Philippines. It’s jungle perfect with birds that seem to fly by on cue.
Blancaneaux Lodge is located in the remote Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Western Belize. This part of the country is adjacent to the border of Guatemala and is known for its thick forests, low mountains, waterfalls and well preserved Maya sites. The lodge itself is an example of an eco-friendly, self-sustaining resort, meaning you can stay here and feel good about staying in harmony with nature.
#2 Banana Bank Lodge
Located on the Belize River, just outside of the capital city of Belmopan, Banana Bank Lodge is a family-run jungle lodge that has been welcoming guests since the 1980’s. This family-friendly and budget friendly retreat has activities for all ages, including horseback riding, visits to Maya temples, and river tubing. Popular all-inclusive options combine a resort vacation feel in a laid back Belize environment.
#3 Mountain Equestrian Trails
In the Cayo District of Belize, Mountain Equestrian Trails is an eco-lodge that’s perfect for those who want to unplug and get off the grid. Family run since the 1980’s, guests who stay here often say they feel like they’re staying in a home rather than a hotel or resort. While kerosene-lit, thatched roof cabanas do not have electricity, the main Cantina, where guests hang out, does, as well as limited WiFi.
Whether you stay one night or more, take advantage of the area’s rich nature and the unique activities like bird watching, horseback riding and caving that a vacation in Belize has to offer.
