La Lancha Hotel Lake Peten Itza, el Remate, Guatemala

An intimate eco-retreat awaits you above the shores of the magical Lake Peten Itza.

The Setting

Tucked into natural jungle splendor and perched above the rejuvenating waters of Lago Peten Itza in Guatemala, you find the collection of casitas known as La Lancha. In our book, Francis Ford Coppola should be as well known for his reel of eco-luxurious boutique lodgings in Central America as his film and wine catalogue. This offering, with its breathtaking lakeshore setting, relaxed ambiance, and close proximity to the lost world of Maya, is an ideal destination to both enjoy a languid pace and explore the many adventures of the Petén region, most notably, Tikal, the center of Mayan spirituality. Bravo, again.

Sleep and Sanctuary

Above the magical shores of Lago Peten Itza you’ll find ten individual dwellings teeming with enticing rainforest charm, ranging from Lakeview Suites, Rainforest Junior Suites and Rainforest Casitas. In all you’ll find Guatemalan furnishings and locally made arts and crafts, covered decks with hammocks (for two), organic soaps and products, and sprawling to partial lake views. The non-luddites will enjoy comped Wi-Fi, fridges stocked with healthy snacks and air-conditioning. Oh, and don’t be surprised if a howler monkey or two pops by to, you know, start up a little political discourse.

Eat. Pray. Eat.

Thanks to the peaceful seclusion of La Lancha, you’re likely to spend the lion’s share of your meals under the thatched-roof palapa of the lodge’s open-air restaurant gazing at panoramic lake vistas. Seriously, thanks. Here, you’ll enjoy breakfast serenaded by the local chorus of parakeet and howler monkeys, or as the day moves along dishes like chilaquiles, fresh fish and local veggies cooked on the parilla, hand made tortillas on the comal. Afterwards, be sure to enjoy your (as they say in the movies), “martini shot” with a Guatemalan aged rum down at the lakefront bar.

The Art of De-stressing

In keeping with local traditions of Guatemala, La Lancha offers both a mirador and a temazcal. A temazcal is a traditional sweat lodge and provides a place for a meditative transforming cultural experience to detox and heal one’s soul with copal incense burning. While the mirador area is a peaceful setting to take in the views of the lake below or have a private dinner for two or indulge in al-fresco Mayan moon oil massage.

You’ll find de-stressing elements simply by the presence of Lago Peten Itza, in fact, the lake is famous for its dramatic changes in color, shifting from cobalt blue to a green turquoise hue in an instant. Some in the local community believe the cool waters contain almost magical powers, because of the powerful sense of rejuvenation many people experience after swimming in the lake. A leisurely day can be spent in the lake or on, with complimentary paddle boards, kayaks or canoes provided by La Lancha. Horseback rides through hilly pastoral lands are also at your disposal as are guided tours of the lake and Flores, as well as boat rides out to Ixpanjapul’s magnificent suspension skyways.

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  Airport Transportation

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  Baby Sitting Program

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  Pool

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  Complimentary WiFi

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  Complimentary Parking

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  Complimentary Breakfast

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  Air Conditioning

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  Spa

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  Restaurant

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  Bar Lounge

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  Room Service

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  Public Transportation

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  Mini Fridge

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  Family Friendly

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  Complimentary Coffee/Tea

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  Ipod Dock

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  Laundry Facility

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  Bath Robes

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  Complimentary Newspaper

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  Library

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  Flat Screen TV

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  Minibar

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  Fire Pits on Property

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  Baby Crib Service

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  Concierge

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  Handicap Accessible

  Hearing impaired, vision impaired

• Check In
  3:00 p.m.
• Check Out
  12:00 p.m.

Kind Eats and Drinks

• El Arbol is a delightful breakfast option for fresh fruits, salads and the like
• Mayacuna in Flores caters to vegetarians in a cozy outdoor atmosphere
• La Ville de Chef combines a peaceful environment with fresh, healthy food

Conscious Culture

• Tikal National Park dates back to the first century and is an archaeological treasure
• Uaxactun was the first astrological site of the Mayan world
• Visit the islet that holds Museo Santa Barbara for wildlife and Mayan artifacts

Mindful Adventures

• Challenge your inner daredevil at Ixpanpajul Natural Park
• Explore the charming and colorful streets of Flores
• The adventurous can try their hands on Jorge’s Rope Swing, run by a local family

Do Good for the Day

• See how you can help ARCAS Peten in their conservation efforts
• Check out Pentencino Zoo, a conservation and rehabilitation center

Be Kind to Yourself

• Set out onto Lake Peten Itza in a complimentary canoe for two
• Brush up on your Spanish with a class in neighboring San Andres
• Go for a relaxing swim in the cool rejuvenating waters of Lago Peten Itza

Lake Peten Itza, el Remate, Guatemala

By Plane

40 km/24 mi from Mundo Maya International Airport is Flores (FRS) served by American, Delta, Copa (Taxi must be negotiated prior to departure however, should range $20-$25) La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City is 514 km away and will serve all major international carriers, however connecting local flights should be arranged to FRS.

By Bus/Metro

Shuttle BP6 can be taken to Parque Nacional Tikal from FRS for $37 with a transfer back to El Remate with
13 min walk to resort. Total trip time is 4 hours and not recommended unless absolutely necessary.

By Automobile

Drive from Mundo Maya Airport is about 45 minutes. Free parking at the hotel.