- Blancaneaux Lodge • Belize
- Turtle Inn • Belize
- Coral Caye • Belize
- La Lancha • Guatemala
- Jardin Escondido • Argentina
- Palazzo Margherita • Italy
- All-Movie Hotel • USA
Nestled in the rainforest high above the shimmering shores of Lago Petén Itzá sits La Lancha, a boutique retreat where nature’s symphony blends with thoughtful hospitality. While exploring the majestic ruins of Tikal, travelers seeking accommodations that honor both luxury and authenticity discover that the journey between wonder and rest should be measured in experiences, not merely miles.
La Lancha embodies Francis Ford Coppola’s understanding that true luxury emerges from authenticity rather than extravagance. Unlike conventional Tikal inns that emphasize expansion, La Lancha maintains an intimate scale with just 10 individual dwellings, ensuring personalized attention that larger properties simply cannot provide.
Each space within La Lancha tells a story of artistic vision and cultural respect. The furnishings, textiles, and artwork that adorn the property weren’t selected from catalogs but personally chosen by the Coppola family, creating spaces that feel both distinctive and genuinely connected to Guatemala’s rich artistic heritage. Here, hospitality becomes a form of storytelling — where every detail contributes to a narrative of place and tradition.
La Lancha’s privileged position places guests just 45 minutes from Tikal National Park — the epicenter of Maya spirituality where more than 3,000 structures rise from the jungle floor, their moss-covered steps connecting the earth to ancient temples and plazas. This proximity allows for unhurried exploration of one of archaeology’s greatest treasures while returning to comfort each evening.
Situated in Guatemala’s northern Petén region, La Lancha also serves as an ideal base for broader exploration:
La Lancha’s accommodations honor their environment while providing distinctive experiences of the rainforest and lake. Rainforest Casitas offer morning birdsong and private decks amid the canopy, while Lakeview Casitas frame water views through large windows and private terraces. For additional space, Junior Suites and Lakeview Suites maintain the same warmth and authenticity.
Each dwelling features thoughtful amenities: locally made toiletries, Illy espresso makers, writing desks, hammocks, air conditioning, and refrigerators stocked with wine, water, and local Gallo beer — all enhancing rather than distracting from the natural setting.
While Tikal stands as the region’s crown jewel, La Lancha offers experiences that extend beyond archaeological wonders:
Each adventure is curated with the same attention to detail that defines every aspect of the La Lancha experience, creating memories that linger long after you’ve returned home.
La Lancha offers more than proximity to Tikal’s ancient wonders — it provides a distinctive way to experience Guatemala through artful hospitality. Our approach prioritizes authenticity over luxury trappings, recognizing that memorable stays emerge from genuine connections with place and culture.
Most importantly, La Lancha serves as a perfect starting point for broader journeys, connecting with our hideaways in neighboring Belize for those seeking multi-country exploration. Here, your Tikal adventure becomes part of a larger story — one where ancient traditions, natural beauty, and thoughtful hospitality combine to create experiences beyond the ordinary.
The Family Coppola Hideaways began when Francis Ford Coppola discovered sanctuaries that spoke to his artistic sensibilities while filming in remote locations. What started with a single lodge in Belize has evolved into intimate properties across Belize and Guatemala, each reflecting the family’s vision of hospitality as storytelling.
Unlike traditional hotel groups, we maintain deliberately small properties where every element is personally selected by the Coppola family. We view hospitality as a theatrical experience — guests are our audience, team members our cast — valuing genuine connections over formality and selecting beautiful, off-the-beaten-path locations where each guest enjoys privacy and the freedom to craft their own perfect story.
La Lancha is located just 45 minutes by car from the magnificent ruins of Tikal National Park. We arrange comfortable transportation for our guests to and from the ruins at their preferred times. Sunrise and sunset tours require earlier departures or later returns but offer incomparable experiences of these ancient stones in magical light.
While Guatemala welcomes visitors year-round, December through April offers drier conditions with comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring ruins and rainforest. The green season (May through November) brings lush landscapes, fewer visitors, and the potential for afternoon showers that quickly give way to refreshed forests and spectacular sunsets.
Bring lightweight natural fabrics, comfortable walking shoes for exploring ruins, swimwear for lake activities, and a light sweater for evening breezes. Remember sun protection including broad-brimmed hats and reef-safe sunscreen, along with insect repellent for forest adventures. A small daypack proves useful for excursions, while leaving formal attire at home embraces our naturally elegant atmosphere.