Glamping Among Mayan Ruins

La Lancha is a glamping destination a world away from the norm. The rainforest setting and nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal give La Lancha a unique and wonderful atmosphere. The pace of life slows down here – it’s an ideal destination where you can’t help but be present in the moment. Let the pace of life really slow down as you explore the Petén region. La Lancha is a charming 10-room lodge and rainforest casitas hidden away in the rainforest high above the shores of Lago Petén Itzá. La Lancha is part of the Coppola Resorts family of hotels and resorts. The lodge and rooms are decorated with art and furniture from Bali. Relax and slow down, La Lancha is a refuge from hectic life.

casita

The casitas give excellent views of the the lake and rainforest and feature a queen-size bed. You’ll want to take time to relax in the hammock on the covered deck, and maybe take an afternoon nap. Visits from friendly howler monkeys right up to the edge of the deck leave no question of the natural surroundings.

deck

Tikal is the epicenter of Mayan spirituality and the most striking visual sight while staying at La Lancha. Five monolithic temples rise above the jungle canopy. Buried deep in the rainforest are the ruins of more than 3,000 structures. It’s the small details like the moss clinging to the steps of ancient temples and plazas that make you feel like a true adventurer. The temples and ball courts tell the story of a rich and powerful empire and is considered an archaeological wonder of the Americas.

room

A short distance from La Lancha, the Lago Petén Itzá can be explored by boat. In the lakeside communities of San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Flores you can walk narrow cobblestone streets lined with shops featuring local arts and crafts. Other highlights include a museum with Mayan artifacts and a very prominent cathedral.

La Lancha features an open-air restaurant situated under the main lodge’s thatched roof. Enjoy a meal and the spectacular views of the rainforest and Lago Petén Itzá. The parakeets and other wildlife provide the background ambience. The menu includes authentic Guatemalan dishes like Chilaquiles and Suban Ik. The rooftop bar serves Guatemalan rum and Belize-brewed beer – it’s a great place to quench your thirst and take in the beautiful panoramic views.

Learn more about La Lancha.

Daydreaming About Blancaneaux

A secret rainforest paradise destination need not be limited to your Friday afternoon daydreams. Neither are jungle hideaways only for secret lairs of James Bond villains. Such places actually do exist and are open to the public. Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize stands out as a special place. Francis Ford Coppola thought so too, in the 1980s when he first visited he fell in love with the place. He subsequently purchased the abandoned resort. In 1993 Blancaneaux opened to the public and the rest is history.

Hidden away in a cozy corner of the Maya Mountains, Blancaneaux Lodge is a 20-room luxury resort hotel in Belize where waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools above the jungle canopy. Its remote mountain setting makes it a perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. The region is also home to ruins from the ancient civilization of the Maya. Exploring the sacred sites and ceremonial caves is a magical archaeological and natural experience.

04Photo: Blancaneaux website

The cabañas with private decks overlook the Privassion River or waterfall. Family cabañas offer plenty of space and the Honeymoon cabañas are obviously designed to be the perfect setting for a romantic vacation. If Blancaneaux wasn’t already remote enough, the Deluxe cabañas take privacy one step further. These premier accommodations are located on the eastern end of the property and overlook the Privassion Creek.

For activities, it may come as a surprise that Blancaneaux has horse stables. You can enjoy an equestrian sightseeing tour through the lowlands of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Avid glamping enthusiasts are no strangers to horseback riding or dude ranch experiences, but the novelty is in combining it with a tropical environment.

24Photo: Blancaneaux website

Getting wet is a big deal at Blancaneaux. Thousands of streams and waterfalls begin in the nearby mountain range. Natural streams and swimming holes are supplemented by the resorts beautiful pools. Stunning hidden pools and waterfalls amongst smooth granite boulders and sandy beaches are a must for the adventurous guest. The pools are great too, especially with the ‘captains’ nearby to provide fresh towels and take drink orders. Speaking of pampering, the Waterfall Spa is set on the banks of the Privassion Creek and offers a variety of treatments, wraps and massages, as well as access to a rejuvenating hot pool overlooking cascading waterfalls.

Another unique feature of Blancaneaux is the Organic Garden. The gardener and chef consult daily about what produce is available for the daily menu. The vegetables are local and definitely fresh. The growing season is year round so with careful rotation fresh tomatoes are always available for salads and pastas.

42Photo: Blancaneaux website

The pictures of Blancaneaux really do the convincing when considering a visit. Find out more about Blancaneaux Lodge.