Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel - Jungle Luxury Between Two Lagoons Near Tikal

About Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

Hidden within a 300-acre private nature reserve in the heart of Guatemala's Petén region, Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel is a place where luxury meets the untamed beauty of the Central American jungle. Perched between two pristine lagoons — Lago Quexil and Lago Petenchel — and surrounded by tropical forest teeming with wildlife, this extraordinary 5-star property offers one of the most unique and immersive hospitality experiences in all of Latin America. From the moment you arrive along the winding jungle road that leads to the hotel, leaving the outside world behind with each kilometer, you understand that Las Lagunas is not just a place to stay — it is a destination in itself.

The hotel comprises a collection of individual bungalows and villas, many built on stilts over the lagoon or nestled among the trees at the water's edge. The architecture draws inspiration from traditional Petén construction techniques, using local hardwoods, natural stone, and thatched palapa roofs, while the interiors are fitted with every luxury amenity a discerning traveler could desire. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks bring the outside in, offering uninterrupted views of the lagoon, the forest canopy, and the remarkable wildlife that calls this reserve home — from howler monkeys and toucans to caimans and hundreds of species of tropical birds. At night, the only sounds are the chorus of frogs, the distant call of a nightjar, and the gentle lapping of water against the stilts beneath your room.

What makes Las Lagunas truly exceptional is its commitment to conservation and sustainability. The private nature reserve that surrounds the hotel serves as a protected habitat for numerous endangered species, and the hotel's operations are designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing the guest experience. Solar panels supplement the property's energy needs, wastewater is treated and recycled, locally sourced and organic ingredients feature prominently in the restaurant, and the hotel actively supports reforestation projects and community development initiatives in the surrounding area. Staying at Las Lagunas is not just an indulgence — it is an investment in the preservation of one of Central America's most precious ecosystems. And with the legendary Maya ruins of Tikal just 45 minutes away, the hotel also serves as the most luxurious base camp imaginable for exploring one of the ancient world's greatest civilizations.

Location

Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel is located on a private peninsula between Lago Quexil and Lago Petenchel, approximately 15 minutes by car from the charming island town of Flores, the capital of the Petén department and the traditional gateway to the Maya world. The Petén region is Guatemala's largest and least densely populated department, a vast expanse of tropical lowland forest that was once the heartland of the ancient Maya civilization and today remains one of the most biodiverse areas in Central America. The hotel's secluded position within its own nature reserve means that guests enjoy complete privacy and tranquility while being close enough to Flores for easy access to restaurants, markets, and cultural attractions.

The nearest airport is Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores, which receives domestic flights from Guatemala City (approximately one hour) as well as occasional seasonal flights from other Central American cities. The hotel provides complimentary airport transfers for all guests, with the drive from the airport taking approximately 20 minutes along a scenic road that passes through local villages and patches of tropical forest. For guests arriving overland, the drive from Guatemala City to Flores takes approximately eight to nine hours via the Atlantic Highway and CA-13, passing through the lush Motagua valley and the frontier town of Río Dulce — an adventure in itself. The hotel can also arrange transfers from Belize, as the Belizean border is approximately two hours to the east. Most importantly, the legendary Maya ruins of Tikal — one of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — are just 45 minutes from the hotel, making Las Lagunas the ideal luxury base for visiting this awe-inspiring ancient city.

Rooms and Accommodations

Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel offers just 19 bungalows and villas, ensuring an intimate and exclusive atmosphere where every guest receives personalized attention. Each accommodation is individually designed and positioned to maximize privacy and connection with the natural surroundings.

Lagoon View Bungalows

The Lagoon View Bungalows are the signature accommodations at Las Lagunas, and they are as magical as they sound. Built on hardwood stilts over the lagoon itself, these standalone bungalows of approximately 50 square meters offer the sensation of floating above the water while being enveloped by the sights and sounds of the tropical forest. Each bungalow features a king-size bed with premium linens and mosquito netting (more for atmosphere than necessity, as the rooms are fully screened), a spacious bathroom with rain shower and natural stone finishes, a sitting area with comfortable armchairs, air conditioning, ceiling fans, complimentary Wi-Fi, a minibar stocked with local beverages, and a private wooden deck with hammock and lounge chairs extending over the lagoon. Waking up in a Lagoon View Bungalow — opening your eyes to see the morning mist rising off the water, toucans flying past your window, and the jungle canopy reflected in the still surface of the lake — is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Forest Bungalows

Nestled among the trees at the edge of the lagoon, the Forest Bungalows offer a more grounded jungle experience while maintaining the same level of luxury as their overwater counterparts. These bungalows of approximately 55 square meters feature natural stone and hardwood construction, large windows that frame views of the surrounding forest, a king-size bed, a full bathroom with both indoor and outdoor shower options, a living area with locally crafted furniture, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a private garden terrace with seating and a hammock. The Forest Bungalows are ideal for guests who prefer to be surrounded by the dense tropical vegetation and enjoy closer encounters with the reserve's terrestrial wildlife, including agoutis, coatis, and the many species of birds and butterflies that frequent the forest floor.

Luxury Villas

The Luxury Villas represent the pinnacle of the Las Lagunas experience, offering approximately 85 square meters of living space in a standalone structure with maximum privacy and premium amenities. Each villa features a spacious bedroom with a king-size four-poster bed, a separate living room with comfortable seating and a curated selection of books about Maya history and Guatemalan wildlife, a dining area, a full bathroom with double vanities, a deep soaking tub, a rain shower, and premium natural bath products. The highlight of each villa is its expansive private deck with a plunge pool overlooking the lagoon, private dining setup, hammocks, and lounging areas. Villa guests also enjoy personalized butler service, in-room dining, a complimentary minibar replenished daily, priority booking for tours and spa treatments, and a private boat available for lagoon excursions. The villas are the ultimate choice for honeymooners, anniversary celebrations, and travelers seeking the highest level of luxury in a truly extraordinary natural setting.

Accessible Room

Las Lagunas also offers one specially designed accessible bungalow that provides barrier-free access, wider doorways, an accessible bathroom with grab bars and roll-in shower, and ground-level access to the main facilities. This bungalow maintains the same beautiful design aesthetic and luxury amenities as the other accommodations while ensuring comfort and accessibility for all guests.

Things to Do

Visit the Ancient Maya Ruins of Tikal

The crown jewel of any trip to Petén, the ancient Maya city of Tikal is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located just 45 minutes from Las Lagunas, Tikal was one of the largest and most powerful cities in the Maya world, with a history spanning over 1,500 years. The site's soaring temple-pyramids — some reaching over 70 meters in height — rise dramatically above the jungle canopy, offering breathtaking panoramic views of an unbroken sea of green stretching to the horizon. The hotel offers guided tours to Tikal that can include sunrise visits (when the temples emerge from the morning mist and the jungle awakens with the roar of howler monkeys), standard daytime tours with expert archaeological guides, and sunset tours that conclude with the magical sight of the temples silhouetted against the fading sky. A full exploration of Tikal's major plazas, temples, and palace complexes takes four to six hours, and the hotel provides gourmet packed lunches for full-day visits.

Explore the Private Nature Reserve

The hotel's 300-acre private nature reserve is a sanctuary for an remarkable array of wildlife, and exploring it is one of the great pleasures of staying at Las Lagunas. The reserve protects tropical lowland forest, wetlands, and lakeside habitats that support hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Guided nature walks led by the hotel's expert naturalist guides take guests along marked trails through the forest, pointing out wildlife, medicinal plants, ancient Maya artifacts, and the intricate relationships that sustain this complex ecosystem. Early morning walks are particularly rewarding, as the forest is most active at dawn and the chances of encountering spider monkeys, howler monkeys, keel-billed toucans, parrots, and other wildlife are highest. Night walks offer an entirely different perspective, revealing the nocturnal creatures — frogs, owls, kinkajous, and even the occasional ocelot — that come alive after dark.

Kayaking and Canoeing on the Lagoons

Guests at Las Lagunas have complimentary access to kayaks and canoes for exploring the calm waters of Lago Quexil and Lago Petenchel. Paddling across the mirror-still surface of the lagoons, surrounded by jungle and with only the sounds of birdsong and your paddle breaking the water, is a meditative and deeply peaceful experience. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for paddling, when the light is soft and golden and the wildlife is most active along the shoreline. Keep an eye out for herons, egrets, kingfishers, and the occasional Morelet's crocodile basking on the banks. The hotel can also arrange guided kayak tours that include visits to more remote corners of the lagoons, stops at small islands, and interpretation of the surrounding ecosystem by a knowledgeable naturalist.

Birdwatching

With over 400 species of birds recorded in the Petén region, Las Lagunas is a paradise for birdwatchers of all levels. The hotel's location between two lagoons and within a protected nature reserve creates an exceptionally diverse range of habitats that attract an extraordinary variety of avian species. The hotel employs specialist birding guides who lead early morning birdwatching excursions both within the reserve and to nearby hotspots, helping guests spot prized species such as the ocellated turkey (a stunning and rarely seen relative of the wild turkey found only in the Maya region), keel-billed toucans, scarlet macaws, mot-mots with their distinctive pendulum tails, collared aracaris, lineated woodpeckers, and a dazzling array of tanagers, hummingbirds, and warblers. Binoculars and field guides are available for loan, and the guides maintain a running checklist of species spotted during each guest's stay.

Visit Flores and the Island of San Miguel

The charming town of Flores, built on a small island in Lago Petén Itzá connected to the mainland by a causeway, is one of the most picturesque and historically significant towns in Guatemala. Just 15 minutes from Las Lagunas, Flores features colorful colonial buildings, waterfront restaurants, small museums, and a relaxed Caribbean-meets-jungle atmosphere that makes it a delight to explore on foot. The hotel can arrange guided tours that include visits to the town's historic churches, a walk along the lakeshore promenade, lunch at a waterfront restaurant specializing in fresh lake fish, and boat trips to the nearby island of San Miguel and other lakeside communities. Flores was the site of Tayasal, the last independent Maya city, which resisted Spanish conquest until 1697 — making it one of the last Maya capitals to fall, 175 years after the conquest of the Aztecs.

Archaeological Tours Beyond Tikal

While Tikal is the most famous Maya site in the region, the Petén is home to numerous other fascinating archaeological sites that receive far fewer visitors and offer a more intimate exploration experience. The hotel can arrange guided excursions to Yaxhá, a major Maya city dramatically situated on a bluff overlooking Lago Yaxhá (the setting for a season of Survivor Guatemala); Uaxactún, an ancient rival of Tikal with a remarkable astronomical observatory; and El Mirador, one of the largest and earliest Maya cities ever discovered, accessible only by a challenging multi-day jungle trek or helicopter flight. For guests with a deep interest in Maya archaeology, the hotel can create customized multi-day itineraries that combine visits to several sites with camping, jungle trekking, and cultural experiences with local communities.

Dining

Restaurante Las Lagunas

The hotel's main restaurant occupies a stunning open-air palapa structure overlooking the lagoon, with tables positioned to maximize views of the water and the jungle beyond. The menu celebrates the culinary traditions of Guatemala and the Petén region while incorporating modern techniques and international influences. The chef works closely with local farmers, fishermen, and foragers to source the freshest seasonal ingredients, resulting in a menu that changes regularly and always reflects the bounty of the region. Signature dishes include whole grilled lake fish with achiote and citrus, slow-braised wild boar with black bean purée, tamales de chipilín (an aromatic local herb), and desserts featuring regional fruits such as zapote, pitahaya, and guanábana. The restaurant also offers an excellent breakfast spread that combines tropical fruits, freshly baked breads, Guatemalan classics, and international options. The wine list features a carefully curated selection of international wines, while the cocktail menu highlights Guatemalan rum, tropical fruits, and herbs grown in the hotel's own garden.

El Mirador Bar

Named after the legendary lost Maya city buried deep in the Petén jungle, El Mirador Bar is the hotel's atmospheric lounge and cocktail destination. The bar features a thatched roof, comfortable seating areas, and a deck extending over the lagoon where guests can enjoy drinks while watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of amber and violet over the water. The mixology program is creative and rooted in local ingredients: try the Jaguar's Kiss (aged Guatemalan rum, cacao, chili, and honey), the Quetzal Spritz (mezcal, hibiscus, lime, and sparkling water), or the Ceiba (named for Guatemala's national tree, made with gin, cucumber, elderflower, and cardamom). A selection of local craft beers, premium spirits, and non-alcoholic mocktails ensures there is something for every taste. Light bar snacks — including ceviche, plantain chips with guacamole, and empanadas — are available throughout the evening.

Private Dining Experiences

For guests seeking truly special dining occasions, Las Lagunas offers a range of private dining experiences that transform a meal into an unforgettable event. Options include a romantic dinner for two on your private bungalow deck, illuminated by candles and tiki torches with the lagoon shimmering below; a jungle clearing dinner where a table is set in a torch-lit forest glade and a multi-course meal is prepared by the chef over an open fire; and a sunrise breakfast delivered to your deck by boat as the morning mist rises off the water. The hotel can also arrange traditional Maya cooking experiences, where a local cook prepares ancestral dishes using techniques and ingredients that have been part of the Petén's culinary heritage for millennia. All private dining experiences require advance booking and can be customized to accommodate dietary preferences and special occasions.

Why Stay at Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

• A Truly Unique Setting — Sleeping in a bungalow built on stilts over a pristine jungle lagoon, surrounded by tropical forest and wildlife, is an experience that very few places on earth can offer. Las Lagunas provides the kind of immersive natural beauty that transforms a vacation into a life-changing encounter with the wild.

• The Ultimate Base for Tikal — As the most luxurious accommodation near the legendary Maya ruins of Tikal, Las Lagunas allows you to explore one of the world's greatest archaeological sites while returning each evening to five-star comfort, gourmet dining, and the soothing ambiance of the lagoon. No other hotel in the region comes close to this combination.

• Conservation-Driven Luxury — Las Lagunas proves that luxury and sustainability can coexist beautifully. By staying here, guests directly support the preservation of a 300-acre nature reserve, habitat protection for endangered species, reforestation efforts, and community development programs in the surrounding area. This is luxury travel with purpose and positive impact.

• Extraordinary Wildlife Encounters — From howler monkeys that serve as your morning alarm to toucans that fly past your deck and caimans that glide through the lagoon at dusk, Las Lagunas offers daily wildlife encounters that feel both thrilling and effortless. The hotel's expert naturalist guides enhance these experiences with knowledge, context, and the ability to spot creatures that untrained eyes would miss.

• Intimate and Exclusive — With only 19 bungalows and villas, Las Lagunas offers a level of privacy, personalization, and attentive service that larger hotels simply cannot match. Every member of the team knows your name, your preferences, and your interests, creating a genuinely warm and personal hospitality experience that feels more like staying with knowledgeable friends than checking into a hotel.

Explore more Guatemala hotel options in our Top 10 Hotels in Guatemala guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel?

The easiest way to reach Las Lagunas is by flying into Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores, Petén, which receives multiple daily flights from Guatemala City (approximately one hour). The hotel provides complimentary airport transfers, and the drive from the airport to the hotel takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, guests can drive from Guatemala City (approximately eight to nine hours), from Belize (approximately two hours from the border), or from other destinations in Guatemala with the hotel's assistance in arranging private transportation. The hotel's reservations team will coordinate all transfer logistics prior to arrival.

Is it safe to travel to Petén and Tikal?

Yes, the Petén region and the Tikal area are well-established tourist destinations that welcome hundreds of thousands of international visitors each year. The roads between Flores, Las Lagunas, and Tikal are well-maintained and regularly traveled. The hotel provides guided transportation to and from Tikal and other destinations, and the hotel's security team monitors the surrounding area continuously. As with any international travel destination, guests are advised to exercise standard precautions, follow the guidance of local guides and hotel staff, and consult their government's travel advisories for the most current information.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Las Lagunas' private nature reserve is home to an impressive array of wildlife. Commonly seen species include howler monkeys and spider monkeys (often visible from your bungalow deck), keel-billed toucans, parrots, herons, kingfishers, and hundreds of other bird species, as well as coatis, agoutis, iguanas, and various species of frogs and butterflies. Morelet's crocodiles are occasionally spotted in the lagoons, and the hotel's night walks sometimes reveal kinkajous, opossums, and other nocturnal creatures. More elusive species such as jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs inhabit the broader region, though sightings within the reserve are rare. The hotel's naturalist guides maintain a wildlife log and can advise on the best times and locations for specific species.

Is Las Lagunas suitable for families with children?

Yes, Las Lagunas welcomes families with children and offers a range of activities that appeal to younger travelers, including kayaking, nature walks, birdwatching, and swimming in the pool. The resort's setting provides endless opportunities for nature-based education and adventure. However, parents should note that the overwater bungalows and open-water areas require supervision of young children, and some activities (such as night walks) may not be suitable for very small children. The hotel can provide age-appropriate activity suggestions and arrange babysitting services with advance notice. The Forest Bungalows or Luxury Villas are generally recommended for families as they provide more contained outdoor space.

When is the best time to visit Petén and Tikal?

The dry season from November to April is generally considered the best time to visit Petén, offering sunny skies, lower humidity, and the most comfortable conditions for exploring Tikal and other outdoor activities. December through March sees the highest tourist traffic, so booking well in advance is recommended during these months. The rainy season from May to October brings higher humidity and afternoon thunderstorms, but also lush green landscapes, fewer visitors at archaeological sites, and excellent birdwatching as migratory species arrive. Las Lagunas operates year-round, and each season offers its own distinctive appeal. The hotel's team can advise on the best timing based on your specific interests and priorities.