La Lancha, Guatemala - A Francis Ford Coppola Hideaway

What’s not to like about this charming, intimate resort perched above Lago Petén Itzá?!? My wife and I spent two nights here at the end of the Guatemalan portion of our trip where we enjoyed meeting/conversing with other travelers while dining in the open air pavilion. There was a nice selection of delicious dishes. The pool and the lake provided ample opportunities to swim and relax. The funicular to/from the lake was fun and easy to use. We took advantage of the temescal located near the dock. And the mirador was spectacular. And the opportunity to take photos of the birds and spider monkeys was just great. Our rainforest casita was cozy with a comfortable queen sized bed. We slept well. The staff is excellent…no, superior. I misplaced a monopod (part of my photography kit) toward the end of our stay. I updated the young man at reception who asked me to stay in touch via WhatsApp. The monopod was found after we’d already arrived at Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize. The La Lancha team took the extra effort to find drivers to bring it to me. I had no expectation that they would do that, so am very thankful for their effort and kindness.

La Lancha in Guatemala is that rare find... a design-led boutique hotel that stands out completely in this region. No big resort vibes; it’s all thoughtful details immersed in jungle and Lake Peten Itza, with water so clear it rivals the Caribbean. Dipping into the lake with crisp January water temperatures (still warm enough) then hitting the traditional temazcal sauna was a highlight. Open-air rooms, carved wood everywhere, architecture that fits the Maya mountains perfectly. Nature’s right there, but it never feels too much. It perfectly lived up to the Coppola Hideaways name as a true, tucked-away gem. The staff made it extra special. The GM Noe anticipated everything I needed without me asking. Special shout outs to our server Carlos, who made every meal feel effortless. And the food was also fantastic!! Lucio the driver was a gem and Elvis at front desk was always smiling and helpful. Soledad’s open-aired massage from Mirador with panoramic views of the lake was world-class. And Tikal with guide Jose Luis? Once-in-a-lifetime.

Fabulous experience throughout. Pampered in Petén. The room was of modest size but amenity rich, including: a user-friendly coffee machine, delicious-smelling soaps, hair dryer, two yoga mats and plenty of storage space. The hotel is clearly environment conscious, going out of its way to avoid plastic and paper waste. The decor is special and well thought out showcasing the local craftsmanship. Since I was traveling alone the hotel manager arranged a personal guide who was not cheap, but well worthwhile — one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had. I peppered him with questions, which were all obliged. Some reviewers mention clunky back end issues with HQ in Belize. I managed my reservation through Expedia and messaged the hotel using the Expedia inbox which worked well. Don’t hesitate to book.

This is an incredible place to stay. From the time we arrived at the airport to the boat ride to the resort it was fantastic. We had a lake view room with an incredible view. The food was fabulous and they arranged a private tour to Tikal. The staff was amazing. I highly recommend La Lancha!

La Lancha is just magical! We arrived late in the afternoon and were greeted by staff that had cool eucalyptus cloths to wipe our face and hands and lead us to our welcome drink on the beautiful dining patio. The view is spectacular! Our room was incredible with a huge deck with views of the lake and beautiful jungle and even a monkey swinging in the trees above our deck! The grounds are amazing with multiple areas to sit and enjoy the lake and jungle foliage. The dock at the lake is picture perfect and we enjoyed paddle boarding and swimming in the warm waters of Lake Peten Itza. As it is located less than an hour from Tikal and Flores, it is the perfect location for visiting both and experiencing friendly Guatemalan culture. On our early morning visit to Tikal, the staff even packed a delicious breakfast for us to enjoy on our drive. The food was delicious at every meal as were the drinks. I highly recommend the allspice Mojito! Just delicious. I will definitely return and highly recommend this beautiful lodge.

Genuinely a hidden away paradise, what an unbelievable spot. Staff are super nice and very available when needed. Amenities on site are great (paddle boarding, kayaking, sauna etc.) but there's also options to book excursions from there to Tikal and such. Salomon was very willing to hear our broken Spanish and work with us, great guy, 10/10 bartender.

The average room is way too small and ill thought out with not much place to either lay out a case or hang clothes. Lighting rather dreadful. The staff were all lovely and helpful. I have been finding food difficult in Guatemala - just not tasty enough and all too heavy so this restaurant was okay by Guatemalan standards but probably not if you're from Europe. A lovely hotel and nicely thought out seating areas.

Don't hesitate to book at this romantic, very intimate (only 10 cabanas) unique long weekend getaway. We stayed 4 nights (perfect length) in the Junior Suites. Hug, very comfortable lodge feel. Dual bathrooms connected through Shower which was a nice touch. Cabanas are truly tucked into the rain forest - truly beautiful setting. High above Lake Peten with access to the water through 218 steps from restaurant to water or take the very unique funicular to access to lake (our choice every time). Gracious hosts starting with airport pick-up in Flores by a lovely driver named Melane who we conversed with thru Google Translator. The 50 minute ride passed quickly (we arrived at 5PM - too late for boat transfer to La Lancha. Restaurant meals were tremendous. Because of the location, every meal over 4 days was taken at the hotel. Noway, the manager, and supported by Carlos and Eduardo never disappointed. Food was presented beautifully, and grilled white fish from the lake was enjoyed on 2 separate evenings. Remember - this is a small lodge - with only 10 rooms - Atmosphere is quiet, no hustle bustle of a typical larger hotel setting. Enjoy. We took part in three different activities. Milton - contractor guide for 2 of the outings was superb - one of the best guides we have had in all our travels - Sunrise at Tikal! Suspension Bridges and Zip Lines at Ixpanpajul Park. We also enjoyed a very unique - Temazcal - Sweat Lodge - One hour of sitting in an igloo like dark candlelit setting to contemplate life while sweating profusely and sipping on teas. Tremendous Mind clearing hour. Recommended. All in all a unique getaway for 4 nights in Guatemala. Highly recommended. We have been to the Turtle Inn and Blancaneaux in Belize, and this lodge is a different type of atmosphere than the other Coppola Hideaways. All three - highly recommended - this one is the quietest due to its very intimate size.