FAQ's

Response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic

Dear friends, partners, guests,

As the worldwide crisis caused by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic continues to unfold, we face the reality that travel has changed as we used to know it, and we take this matter seriously to protect our guests and our staff.

We are sharing detailed information here on health and safety standards we now operate under and local tourism information on arrival protocols and new departure protocols required by the CDC.

We will keep this page updated with any new information as it develops. 

REOPENING AND STANDARDS ADHERED TO AT LA LANCHA

We reopened on December 19, 2020, adhering to the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT), and Ministry of Health & Social Assistance guidelines for hotels and restaurants. These requirements focused on enhancing hotel and restaurant cleaning, health, and safety standards as well as operating procedures to ensure safe traveling with minimal impact to the guest experience.  Those standards can be found here.

GUATEMALAN ARRIVAL PROTOCOLS

Entry into Guatemala is restricted (with limited exceptions) for individuals who have visited Brazil, the U.K., and South Africa within the previous 14 days. Passengers with journeys originating in, or transiting through Brazil, the UK or South Africa will not be permitted to board flights to Guatemala. These measures are not applicable to Guatemalan nationals, diplomats or foreign nationals who are legal residents in the country who must instead self-isolate upon arrival for 10 days at their place of residence.

All passengers age 10 and over arriving in Guatemala by air and land are required to obtain one of the following:

• A negative COVID-19 PCR or an Antigen test within 72 hours prior to check in at the airport, or arrival at the land border.
• If you have recovered from COVID-19 in the past three months, a medical certificate from the healthcare facility where you received treatment showing evidence of the date of your diagnosis, and confirmation of your recovery.
• Evidence that you have received a complete COVID-19 vaccination course, with the second dose being administered at least two weeks before arrival in Guatemala.

We are sharing the latest advisories from the UK and US below, which have important information on arrival requirements and restrictions.
US : https://gt.usembassy.gov/alert-covid-19-2/
UK: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/guatemala

CDC REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL AIR PASSENGERS ARRIVING INTO THE US (EVEN FOR USA CITIZENS)
All air passengers traveling into the US, regardless of vaccination or antibody status, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery. We highlight some important information below:

Test Time Frame:


• If you are flying on a connecting flight into the USA, the 3-days test period begins from the minute your first flight departs to the USA - but only if all connecting flights are in the same record. If they are not, you need your test to be valid within 3 days of each flight segment. 
• If you are flying out of the country for less than 3 days you can take a test in the USA before you depart and use it for your return or take a rapid test before your return flight
• If your flight is delayed past the 3-day window you must take another test to board your flight. 

Test Types

• Both PCR and rapid antigen tests will be acceptable.

Exceptions
 

• Kids under 2 years do not need proof of a test.
• Documentation of Recovery within 3 months - if you recovered from Covid you do not have to test if you present both proof that you tested positive in the past 3 months before your flight and have finished required isolation, along with a letter from your doctor stating that you are cleared for travel.

Enforcement:
Airlines must confirm negative test results for all passengers before boarding. 

• Airlines must deny boarding of passengers if they do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery. 
• This applies to both commercial and private flights.

Complete details on CDC International travel guidelines are found here

COVID TESTING
Given the Center of Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. has expanded the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test to all air passengers entering the United States, (even for connecting flights to other countries and including all American Citizens), beginning January 26, we share the information with you on how testing can be easily provided here in Guatemala. 

 Important details to note on the testing offered in Guatemala:
        Laboratories, both in Guatemala City, as well as Santa Elena, Flores offer both PCR and Rapid Antigen Test. The costs vary for these by laboratories. Our La Lancha team can help make an appointment at the most suitable location, depending on your itinerary. Here is a list of the private testing locations. 

Please do not hesitate to email our front desk colleagues with any further questions to arrange for your testing. We'll be back to you within 24 hours of your email.  

GUEST FEEDBACK

We continue to collaborate as a group of hospitality minded individuals and work in concert with our colleagues to refine our offerings. If you have stayed with us before or are a partner we’ve worked with in the past, you have come to know our reputation in delivering genuine, authentic and memorable guest experiences. Following our November 1 reopening, we have received glowing accolades from guests who have stayed with us for short stays and very long residency stays. We encourage you to read over recent reviews to see how safe and cared for guests thus far have felt.

Please be safe and be well.

Can I add nights to your standard packages?

Yes, extra nights can be added to any standard package including extensions to another Family Coppola Hideaway. Please Contact Us directly for rates and availability.

Can I book tours or activities in advance?

Yes, tours and activities can be booked and paid for in advance. Please Contact Us directly for more information on pre-booking tours and Guatemala hideaway activities.

Which airlines serve Guatemala?

American Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta, Avianca (formerly known as TACA), Iberia, Spirit, United Airlines, Volaris, and Aeromexico fly into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. Connecting flights on local airlines would have to be arranged to arrive at Mundo Maya Airport.

Are children welcome at La Lancha?

Yes, children are welcome at La Lancha as well as Turtle Inn and Blancaneaux Lodge.

Are connecting rooms available for families?

Although we do not have rooms with interconnecting doors, we do have adjoining casitas at La Lancha.

Do you accept small groups or extended family gatherings?

Yes, we do accept extended family gatherings, however, we do not accept bookings for larger groups. Policies may vary depending on the time of the year. Please inquire for more information.

Is there Internet access at La Lancha?

Yes, all of our hideaways have complimentary wireless Internet access. Wi-Fi hot spots are located close to the reception and bar areas with some access available in the adjacent accommodations. Charges for use vary per location. Certain restrictions may apply.

Do you accept credit cards or traveler’s checks?

Yes, we accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. U.S. traveler’s checks and U.S. dollars are also accepted.

Is there air conditioning at La Lancha?

Yes, all casitas at La Lancha are air-conditioned.

Is breakfast included in the room rate?

A continental breakfast of coffee, juice, pastries, bread, conserve, and fruit is included in the room rate. Selections from our a la carte breakfast menus are available for an extra charge.

Are there any benefits to booking nights at multiple hideaways?

Yes, please ask what special offers may be available when you contact our vacation planning office.

What kinds of vehicles are used for transfers and tours?

We use a mixture of vehicles, although our standard vehicles for transfers are small air-conditioned cars. We also have four-wheel drive vehicles for our more exploratory tours.

Are transfers and tours private or public?

Tours are generally public allowing us to offer tours at a value. Private tours are available by request, and a surcharge may apply. Transfers are normally quoted on a private basis for one to four people.

Can I get something to eat in my room when I arrive, maybe a cold platter, sandwiches, or just a snack?

We have cold platters available 24 hours a day.