3 Best Hotels in El Peten, Guatemala

Perhaps the best accommodations in Tikal, this lodge's cobblestone footpaths will lead you through a tamed jungle (but not so tame as to deny you a hello from a spider monkey or an iguana) to remodeled bungalows, painted with elegant interpretations of Maya motifs. The original structure was built almost 60 years ago to house archaeologists working at Tikal; those rooms are now the budget options with shared baths. If your budget allows, choose one of the bungalows or suites instead. The Jungle Lodge remains an affordable option in the park, but recent upgrades have made some rooms more luxurious—with outdoor showers, Jacuzzis, and other tropical amenities—and more expensive. The food is underflavored and overpriced: stay here and eat elsewhere (the two other park hotels have restaurants).

Francis Ford Coppola's Guatemalan lodging is decorated in exquisite taste, with rich textures and all casitas glimpsing Lake Petén Itzá; espresso makers and craft toiletries make it decadent and a combination of Balinese and local furnishings make you want to import some of the aesthetic home. The nice full-lake-view units are many steps farther down the hillside and treacherous for some. The restaurant's Guatemalan fare, such as chilaquiles, beef tenderloin served with peppercorn sauce grilled on the open parilla, is delicious; however, it's local food at resort prices. A gift shop above the restaurant sells crafts at fairly reasonable cost. A split-level pool just below the restaurant lets you cool off if you don't care to swim in the lake. You're about an hour's drive from Tikal.

Las Lagunas, lagoon-side luxury on the expansive grounds of a nature reserve with spider monkey acrobats giving frequent shows, has spacious waterfront wood cabins have soft, decadent beds and hot tubs, and the infinity pool is perfect for cooling down after a hike. A complimentary boat tour will carry you through the lagoon to Monkey Island, where you can delight in feeding the rescue critters. Certainly, the most special part of this resort is its setting, but the service is exceptional and the restaurant is world-class. A slim breakfast is included, as is an airport shuttle. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary boat tour.