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- La Lancha • Guatemala
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Nestled high above the mystical shores of Lake Petén Itzá, La Lancha stands as an intimate Guatemala hotel that redefines hospitality through the lens of authenticity and cultural immersion. This hidden gem, part of The Family Coppola Hideaways collection, reflects filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola’s passionate vision for travel — where every detail tells a story, and every moment creates a scene worth remembering.
With dwellings thoughtfully spread throughout the rainforest terrain, La Lancha strikes a perfect balance between seclusion and connection. Our boutique Guatemala hotel invites guests to experience the region’s natural wonders and rich cultural heritage, with the magnificent ruins of Tikal just 45 minutes away. Each individual casita and suite offers its own retreat, whether nestled in the rainforest or overlooking the lake’s shimmering waters. Here, you’ll find an authentic expression of Guatemalan hospitality, from the locally crafted furnishings in your room to the traditional tortilla-making demonstrations in our restaurant.
Positioned in Guatemala’s northern Petén region, La Lancha commands a privileged location that connects guests to natural wonders and historical treasures. The hotel’s perch above Lake Petén Itzá — Guatemala’s second-largest lake — offers ever-changing views as the water shifts from cobalt blue to turquoise throughout the day. Local legend speaks of the lake’s rejuvenating powers, a belief easily understood when witnessing the serene morning mist rising from its surface.
From our unique location, guests can discover some of Guatemala’s most remarkable destinations within easy reach:
The surrounding landscape tells the story of Guatemala’s rich heritage. Across the lake lies Flores, where colonial architecture now stands atop pre-Hispanic foundations. The hotel’s position near the Maya Biosphere Reserve creates an extraordinary base for exploration, offering access to both natural wonders and archaeological treasures.
Access to this secluded Guatemala hotel has been thoughtfully arranged to maintain its hideaway character while ensuring a comfortable arrival. Most guests arrive via Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores, following a short flight from Guatemala City. From there, La Lancha arranges private transfers through the jungle landscape, with the idyllic option of a scenic boat arrival across Lake Petén Itzá for those seeking an especially memorable entrance.
Experience the essence of barefoot luxury through our collection of carefully curated accommodations: four distinct dwelling styles, each offering its own unique perspective of the surrounding rainforest and lake.
Tucked within the verdant canopy, the cozy Rainforest Casitas offer a true rainforest experience. Each Casita features a plush queen-size bed draped in locally sourced textiles, complemented by a private bathroom finished with handcrafted details. The covered deck, complete with traditional hammocks and comfortable seating, provides a private sanctuary for observing the forest’s daily rhythms and occasional visits from local wildlife.
Elevating the experience with partial views of Lake Petén Itzá, our Lakeview Casitas feature generous king-size beds and thoughtfully appointed bathrooms. The private decks become especially magical during sunset when the lake’s waters reflect the sky’s changing colors. These Casitas perfectly balance jungle seclusion with spectacular vistas.
For those seeking additional space and premium views, the Lakeview Suites offer La Lancha’s most comprehensive accommodation experience. Each suite encompasses a master bedroom with a king-size bed, a separate living room with a queen bed, and 1 1/2 bathrooms. The expansive covered deck provides an ideal setting for private dining or peaceful contemplation of the lake below. Here, the friendly howler monkeys often make appearances, adding to the authentic Guatemala hotel experience.
Our newest additions, the Rainforest Junior Suites, offer a sophisticated blend of privacy and comfort. Positioned high above the jungle floor, these suites feature a king-size bed, a living area with a sleeper sofa, and a luxurious bathroom with dual shower heads. The wooden deck, furnished with comfortable seating and hammocks, provides a tranquil space for enjoying the balmy Guatemala evenings.
Every accommodation at La Lancha comes equipped with thoughtful touches that enhance the guest experience while maintaining the property’s authentic character. Each room features these amenities:
Whether you choose a cozy casita or spacious suite, each dwelling at La Lancha provides a perfect blend of comfort and authenticity. We invite you to experience Guatemala’s natural beauty in an intimate setting that feels both luxurious and wonderfully connected to its surroundings.
At La Lancha, dining transcends mere sustenance to become a celebration of local flavors and breathtaking views. Our dining combine traditional Guatemalan cuisine with contemporary influences, all served in settings that showcase the natural beauty of our location.
Discover the diverse culinary offerings that make dining at our intimate Guatemala hotel unforgettable:
Life at this intimate Guatemala hotel flows naturally between moments of adventure and relaxation, with experiences thoughtfully designed to connect guests with both nature and culture. From traditional Maya ceremonies to bocce games, discover the unique activities that make La Lancha an unforgettable destination:
Lake Petén Itzá serves as the heart of daily life at La Lancha. Guests can explore its mystical waters through various complimentary activities:
Perched above our casitas with spectacular lake views, our pool provides a refreshing retreat after a day of exploring Maya ruins. The surrounding deck offers comfortable lounging spaces perfect for alternating between cooling dips and basking in the tropical sun.
Honoring local traditions, our temazcal (Maya sweat lodge) offers a deeply authentic cultural experience. This meditative space allows guests to participate in traditional healing ceremonies, complete with copal incense and guided spiritual journeys. A dip in our lake is highly recommended following the sauna experience.
A beloved tradition of the Coppola family, our lakeside bocce court provides a delightful setting for this classic Italian game. During cocktail hour, gather with friends and family for a friendly match while enjoying lake views and cooling breezes.
Our split-level Main Lodge serves as the heart of the property, housing our reception area, restaurant, and a charming library decorated with native art. The expanded gift shop showcases Guatemala’s artistic heritage through one-of-a-kind souvenirs, including hand-carved masks, ceramics, and authentic huipils (traditional Maya women’s garments) purchased directly from local village weavers.
As your home base in the Petén region, this Guatemala hotel provides access to some of Central America’s most significant archaeological and natural wonders. Unlike other properties that outsource their excursions, La Lancha maintains an in-house team of expert archaeologists and guides, ensuring every adventure meets the exacting standards of The Family Coppola Hideaways. This dedicated approach allows us to craft authentic, intimate experiences that truly connect you with Guatemala’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Discover the majesty of ancient Maya civilization at Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage site just 45 minutes from La Lancha. Our expert in-house guides, many with decades of experience exploring these ruins, bring the ancient city to life through several curated experiences:
Beyond Tikal, our knowledgeable team leads expeditions to numerous other significant Maya sites:
Immerse yourself in local culture through guided experiences such as:
From scaling ancient temples at sunrise or learning traditional crafts in local villages, each excursion is crafted to create lasting memories. Our commitment to maintaining our own expert team ensures that every adventure perfectly balances authenticity, comfort, and the signature hospitality that defines The Family Coppola Hideaways.
Transform your Guatemala dreams into reality with our comprehensive travel guidance. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your stay at this unique lakeside retreat.
Several major airlines serve Guatemala through La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City:
From Guatemala City, connect to Flores’ Mundo Maya International Airport via local airlines. Upon arrival, our team arranges private transfers to La Lancha, with the option of a scenic boat transfer across Lake Petén Itzá.
For a comfortable stay in our Guatemala hotel, we recommend bringing:
We accept various payment methods for your convenience:
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or family adventure, The Family Coppola Hideaways team is ready to help you select the perfect retreat start date and create your ideal Guatemala experience. Contact us to begin planning your escape to La Lancha, or book your reservation now.
La Lancha warmly welcomes families with children of all ages. Our spacious suites comfortably accommodate families, with adjoining units available for larger family groups. While we don’t have connecting rooms, our adjacent casitas provide both proximity and privacy for family stays.
Every room rate includes a complimentary continental breakfast featuring fresh coffee, juice, pastries, bread, preserves, and tropical fruit. Additional hot breakfast items are available from our a la carte menu, and room service offers cold platters and light meals for late arrivals or midnight cravings.
All tours and activities at La Lancha can be reserved and paid for prior to arrival through our team. We recommend booking popular experiences like sunrise Tikal tours and private archaeological excursions in advance to ensure availability during your stay.
Complimentary wireless Internet access is available throughout La Lancha, with strong WiFi signals in all public areas, including the reception and bar areas. Coverage extends to most accommodations, allowing guests to stay connected while enjoying their rainforest retreat.
La Lancha provides comfortable, air-conditioned cars for standard transfers between the airport and the hotel. For archaeological tours and more adventurous excursions, we maintain offer four-wheel drive vehicles to ensure safe and comfortable exploration of the region.