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

(updated Dec 23 2021)

**Effective November 2021, Guatemala restricted travel from several southern African nations due to concerns over the new Omicron variant. This restriction applies to people who have been present in any of these countries in the preceding 14 days. 

You must keep to the social distancing rules and wear a mask at all time in all public spaces, including at the airport. 

All travelers age 10 and over arriving in Guatemala by air and land are required to obtain the below:

• If you have received the COVID-19 vaccine, you must present evidence that you have received two doses (or one dose if vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine). The last dose must have been administered no less than 2 weeks prior to the date of travel. 
• If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 3 months, you must present a medical certificate from the health clinic where you were treated that states the date you were diagnosed with COVID-19 (including the test result), and confirmation of your recovery. 

AND

• You must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test dated no more than 3 days before the date of arrival into Guatemala. The 3 days commence from the date and time the test is conducted to the moment you check in with the airline, or arrive at the land border. This does not apply to children under 10 years of age. 
• If for any justifiable reason, the traveler does not have proof of the negative PCR or antigen test, it can be done in one of the laboratories authorized by the Guatemalan MSPAS (Ministry of Public Health and Social Wellness), upon arrival at the airport terminal, once the person does not have suspicious symptoms of COVID-19. If the test result is positive, the traveler will not be allowed to enter, unless he or she is Guatemalan, or has permanent residence in the country.

It is important to note that the use of a mask is mandatory for persons over 2 years of age. The exception is for travelers who have a certified medical contraindication for its use.

Local authorities have advised against travel if you are suffering from any respiratory disease, or presenting COVID-19 symptoms. 

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:

• You will need to get a COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the USA. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight.
• If you recently recovered from COVID-19, you may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e. your positive COVID-19 viral test results on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight's departure from a foreign country and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel).

Test Types

• Both PCR and rapid antigen tests will be acceptable.

Exceptions 

• Kids under 2 years do not need proof of a test.

Complete details on CDC International travel guidelines are found here

COVID TESTING

Our Concierge team can easily help to book in a one-day test in Santa Elena.

• The cost is USD 120.00 + 12% tax for the round trip transfer for up to 4 persons (payable at La Lancha), and USD 65.00 per person for the Rapid Antigen test (payable directly to the laboratory, who accept all major credit cards). 
• The results will be ready within 45 mins, and an electronic and printed copy will be provided.

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.  

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 and MasterCard 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.