Francis Ford Coppola's luxury lakeside lodge on Lake Petén Itzá near Tikal. Features casitas with private decks, infinity pool overlooking jungle, farm-to-table restaurant, and excursions to Tikal. Intimate and exclusive with only 10 rooms.
La Lancha Resort occupies a spectacular hillside position above Lake Petén Itzá in Guatemala's northern Petén department, roughly 30 kilometres from the archaeological site of Tikal. The property was developed by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola as part of his small portfolio of boutique lodges in Central America, which also includes Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize and Turtle Inn on the Belizean coast. La Lancha stands out for its intimate scale — only ten guest casitas — and its integration into the surrounding lowland jungle landscape.
The casitas are constructed from local hardwoods, thatch, and stone, with private wooden decks cantilevered above the forest canopy and oriented toward views of the lake and jungle. Interiors reflect a Guatemalan vernacular aesthetic, incorporating handwoven textiles, carved wooden furniture, and locally made ceramics. Rooms are categorised as Garden View or Lake View; the latter command premium rates but offer direct sightlines across the water to the forested shore.
The centrepiece of the resort's public spaces is the infinity pool, which appears to float above the treetops with the lake and jungle as a backdrop. A terrace bar serves cocktails and light bites throughout the afternoon and evening. The open-air restaurant emphasises farm-to-table cuisine, sourcing produce from Coppola family farms and supplementing with local Guatemalan ingredients. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in a thatched dining pavilion.
The resort's primary draw is proximity to Tikal, reachable by road in approximately 40 minutes. The concierge team arranges guided early-morning Tikal tours, allowing guests to enter the site at dawn before day-trippers arrive from Flores — widely considered the optimal experience of the ruins. Kayaking on Lake Petén Itzá, birdwatching in the surrounding lowland forest, and boat excursions to smaller nearby ruins are also available.
Service is attentive and personalised, consistent with the standards of a ten-room boutique resort. Nightly rates of $240 to $500 reflect the remote jungle setting and the high staff-to-guest ratio.
Amenities
- infinity pool
- restaurant
- bar
- lake access
- private decks
- jungle setting
- Tikal tours
Location
Lake Petén Itzá, Petén
16.9789, -89.8814 View on map
Highlights
- Francis Ford Coppola-owned resort set above Lake Petén Itzá, approximately 30 km from Tikal
- Ten intimate casitas with private jungle-view decks and handwoven Guatemalan furnishings
- Infinity pool overlooking the forest canopy with panoramic views across the lake
- Farm-to-table restaurant sourcing produce from Coppola family farms and local Guatemalan suppliers
- Expert concierge arranges early-morning Tikal access before day-visitor crowds arrive
Tips for visiting
- Book the early-morning Tikal excursion at least 48 hours in advance; dawn access requires pre-arranged entry tickets.
- Lake View casitas justify the premium; the jungle-framed lake panorama is particularly dramatic at sunrise.
- Pack effective mosquito repellent — the lowland Petén climate supports more insects than the Guatemalan highlands.
- Direct flights from Guatemala City to Flores (Mundo Maya International Airport) take about one hour; arrange resort transfers in advance.
- The dry season (November–April) is the most comfortable period; the rainy season (May–October) brings lush foliage but muddy trails.
Accessibility
La Lancha's hillside terrain involves sloped paths and steps between the casitas, pool, and restaurant. The property is not equipped for wheelchair access. Guests with mobility limitations should discuss specific needs with reservations staff before arrival to assess suitability.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is La Lancha from Tikal National Park?
The resort is approximately 30 kilometres from Tikal, a drive of around 35–45 minutes depending on road conditions. The concierge arranges guided transfers as part of excursion packages.
Does La Lancha include meals in room rates?
Room rates do not automatically include all meals. Packages that include breakfast or full board are available; guests should confirm meal inclusions when booking.
Is the resort suitable for families with children?
La Lancha welcomes families, though its remote jungle setting and intimate scale are better suited to older children. The pool has shallow areas and staff can arrange child-appropriate nature activities.
What airport serves La Lancha Resort?
Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores, Petén is the closest airport, approximately 45–60 minutes from the resort by road. Daily flights connect Flores with Guatemala City.