Francis Ford Coppola's Belize/Guatemala Resort
 

Has anyone stayed in the above resort on the border between Belize and Guatemala? Supposedly guests can go to Tikal within an hour from the resort. It's an ecoresort with no electricity, so no A/C or elevators and it's built into the side of a hill, so many steps.

I desperately want to see Tikal and this seems like an interesting way to do it.

I just returned from Belize and talked in the airport with friends we'd made earlier in the trip who had spent their last week at La Lancha, the resort I believe you're talking about. They raved about it and felt it was a really great value, especially with the off season rates they paid.

If the opportunity presents itself, try to get a tour of the ruins with Roxy Ortiz at the Tikal Inn. She is a truly amazing guide, an archaeologist who is very personable and knowledgeable about the plants and animals in the park as well as the history. We were spellbound for 4 and a half hours and were happy she had lunch with us so we had more time with her.

I'm not sure if you are referring to La Lancha, about 35 mins from Tikal, also built on a hillside on the lagoon. Or Blancaneaux Lodge, their inn in Belize in the Mtn Pine Ridge, also on a hillside. Both are top notch. BL also runs day trips to Tikal, but its about 2 plus hrs drive each way.

I am sure I have heard that this resort is located in Placencia (sp?). And it is supposed to be fabulous!

There are 3 resorts, 2 in Belize and one in Guatemala - http://www.blancaneaux.com/

I would really recommend trying to stay overnight in one of the lodges in the park at Tikal. It is much quieter in the late afternoons/evenings when tour groups have left. It is a huge site and takes a long time to explore if you want to see the different temple complexes.

I have sent the drivers from Blancaneaux Lodge blow past me on the highway and there is no way I can keep up to them. So who really know how long it takes, but I really don't think they could do it in a hour from there. The more time in Tikal the better. Blancaneauz Lodge is an hour away from Carocol.

We stayed at La Lancha last summer for 3 or 4 nights. It has electricity, air-conditioning, hammocks. We liked it alot, but I'm beginning to think we like every place we stay alot. TripAdvisor and the Blancaneaux web site should tell you what you need to know about the 3 resorts. Good luck!