Lakeside canopy lodge
Perched on a steep hillside above Lake Petén Itzá, thatched casitas sit surrounded by dense jungle canopy and calling howler monkeys.
“cheery wooden casitas hung with traditional textiles sit on a hillside so steep there's a funicular to get guests to Lake Petén Itzá below.”
Where it shines
Notable
Thatched timber casitas decorated with hand-carved masks and regional woven textiles.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
You’re not here for the luxury, but for the setting. The immediate rainforest surroundings would be enough, but La Lancha throws in the spectacular Lake Peten Itzá…
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The Mayan ruins of Tikal sit forty-five minutes away, with rainforest birdwatching trails and lake excursions right outside.
The rooms
Each casita features Guatemalan wood carvings, vibrant handwoven textiles, and a covered timber deck with a hammock facing the lake or canopy.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A split-level freeform pool sits on stone decking beneath the thatched lodge, surrounded by dense rainforest canopy.
The temazcal and dock
Candlelit stone paths lead to a traditional Maya temazcal, and a private dock extends into the lake.
At the table
Open-air thatched terraces serve Peten regional fare and Coppola wines, and the candlelit bar pours Guatemalan rum cocktails.
How it began
Francis Ford Coppola bought the secluded property from a French couple, expanding the hillside retreat with traditional Guatemalan artisan craft.
Good to know
Stay here
La Lancha
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.