We just returned from a week's stay at the beautiful Mopan River Resort in Benque Viejo, Belize. This is truly a unique resort that really gets what it means to be all-inclusive! We loved having every detail planned for us and knowing that everything was already paid for, including excursions and tips. This is not a trip for people who like to be spontaneous or don't like to travel with other people. All of the meals are served communally to everyone at the same time. This provdies opportunity to visit with other people from all different places. The tours as well are always with a group. (Our one frustration - not the fault of the resort - was having some people in our groups who monopolized all of the conversation and the time of the guides).

The resort's ability to get to most attractions quickly/early allows for a really nice experience touring places like Tikal (amazing!), Xunantanich, and several different caves. Usually there was no one else or very few other people until we were well into our tours. All of the guides and drivers are very knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions. We loved our guide at Tikal!

The grounds at the resort are beautiful and very relaxing. We enjoyed sitting on our cabana's balcony and reading or just watching the river. We also really enjoyed the optional massages we both chose to sign up for (there was some confusion on the scheduling of the massage, so be sure to clarify that your time and date has been written down so you don't miss the opportunity if you choose to book one). I highly recommend taking advantage of this service!

I also really recommend doing the optional kayak trip down the Mopan River on any of the days of that involve only a half-day excursion. This was definitely a highlight for us - it was the one chance to get out on our own and just relax. The river is lovely and we had the chance to see lots of locals out fishing, washing clothes, etc.

Overall, this was a great experience. I would highly recommend Mopan River Resort for its value, well-organized structure, beautiful location, friendly people, and great food.

If you are looking for adventure during the day and to be relaxed and down-to-earth at night, this is the place for you. The property is beautiful and is a natural setting for the Belize experience. The hosts are extremely personable and all your needs are considered. Food and drinks (including the alchoholic kind) are plentiful. This is a great place for friends, families (especially teenagers), and groups. Be prepared for lots of activity during the day.

At night after dinner, things wind down quickly so don't expect night clubs and wild parties.

Kim and Ron -

I wanted to thank you for your hospitality during my recent stay there at The Mopan River Resort. I came home feeling as if I had been away visiting friends, and not just "on vacation".

As a woman traveling alone, I had some initial apprehensions about traveling without a companion to a foreign country - which all were immediately put to rest by you, your staff, your other guests and the wonderful people in the town across the river. I never felt alone (unless I wanted to be!), uncomfortable or uneasy.

You both went out of your way to make sure that I had what I needed, thank you for that!

Will you adopt me?

Now, on to TripAdvisor, to try to come up with glowing comments that are not repeated over and over. Maybe I'll just cut and paste this note. ;)

Very best,

Sherrie Allan

Mopan Resort is a once in a lifetime experience. From your arrival at the International Airport to your departure from same, nothing is left to chance. Your hosts, Kim and Ron, are very knowledgeable, caring and interesting, and have taken on the task of insuring that you will have a very rewarding and enjoyable stay.

Mopan is a bit like summer camp for adults. Each day has a planned activity or you can simply opt to remain at the resort on your private cabana deck or sit by the pool. While some of the excursions are slightly challenging physically, none of our group of six "seniors" ranging in age from mid sixties to early seventies, had any real difficulty with them. I don't think allowances were made for our abilities and never felt as if we were holding back the group. However, I will admit that not all of us made the climbs to the tops of the Tikal pyramids. Each outing was different and each was an opportunity to learn and experience something new.


One recommendation would be to plan for a bit more spending cash than is suggested. On the way back to Mopan, a couple of Gallo cervezas taste mighty good after a long day of hiking and climbing. Also, if you have not had the experience of zip lining, try it after the river tubing trip. It is well worth the extra cost.

All in all, the Mopan stay is just what we expected. It is very comfortable not having to worry about where to eat, tipping, bar bills and other extras while on vacation. You will meet people of different backgrounds but most with a common interest in an unusual and educational vacation.