An intimate and romantic rainforest retreat above the shores of Lago Petén, near the Mayan ruins of Tikal.
La Lancha, a quaint, 10-room lodge decorated with furniture, fabrics, and carvings from Guatemala, personally selected by the Coppola family.
Choose from a Suite or a Casita, each with an option for either a lake view or to be surrounded by the rainforest. Every detail has been considered for optimal comfort, so you can switch off, swaying gently in a hammock on your deck. The hotel’s open air, thatch roof restaurant has spectacular views and serves authentic Guatemalan dishes.
Culture is near at hand, with Tikal, the epicentre of Mayan spirituality a short drive away. Buried deep within the rainforest, the ruins include more than 3,000 structures where moss clings to the steps of ancient temples and plazas.
What we love about La Lancha
- The proximity to Lago Petén, with its ever-changing blues and greens, perfect for taking a rejuvenating dip, or a sunset boat ride.
- The magical lakefront spot for private dining for couple, or for a family dinner up to 14.
- The impressive range of activities and on-site amenities, all with a personalised feel and deeply connected to the landscape and culture.
There is no shortage of things to do – if you can pull yourself away from lazing in a hammock on your deck, or poolside, with the view of the lake.
The lost city of Maya is a must. Tikal is arguably the most visually stunning and impressive of all the Mayan sites, with five monolithic temples pierce the jungle canopy.
A boat ride away is The Skyway – a series of six suspension bridges which allow you to explore the different strata of the rainforest. There’s even a zip line for the adventurous. The return trip includes a short stop in Flores, with its arts and crafts shops.
Close to La Lancha enjoy horseback riding or activities on Lago Petén, Guatamala’s second largest lake, include kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. For something more leisurely, at sunset take boat ride, enjoying a glass of Francis Ford Coppola wine as the sun disappears behind the forest canopy.
There is a full menu of cultural activities from tortilla-making, pottery, to Spanish language classes.
Finally, there’s Bocce – an Italian game (similar to lawn bowling or petanque) loved by all in the Coppola Family. At La Lancha, enjoy a game of Bocce before dinner, cocktail in hand, taking in the lake view.
La Lancha is located in the most northerly department of Guatemala, the Petèn, and is very close to the border with Belize.
Several airlines fly into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, and from there travel via local airlines to arrive at Mundo Maya Airport, where it is a 45 minute drive to La Lancha.
When to travel
November to April is the dry season and the best time to travel to La Lancha, with hot days and cool nights.
The upside of the wet season, from May to October, is that Mayan ruins have fewer visitors than in the high season, and the rainforest is at is lushest green. There are also sunny mornings, with showers occurring mostly in the afternoon.
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Looking for more inspiration? Learn more about our bespoke holidays and adventures in Guatemala, or discover our other luxury properties.
