places to visit in flores guatemala

Top 20 Things to Do in Flores, Guatemala

by Julie | Nov 6, 2022 | Guatemala , Travel

Are you planning a trip to Guatemala and want to see the ruins of Tikal, but you’re not sure how to do it? Or you’re not sure what else there is to do in Flores besides the ruins? In this travel guide, you’ll find a list of 20 fun things to do in Flores along with detailed info on visiting Tikal and seeing the sunrise there.

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For over 2,000 years, the Maya civilization flourished in Guatemala , Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, and southern Mexico. They created works of art and architecture to rival those of the ancient Egyptians and the Khmers of Cambodia.

At the height of its glory, all the city-states of the Maya world allied themselves to one of two superpowers—the Kingdom of Tikal in Guatemala or the Snake Kingdom of Calakmul in Mexico.

The Maya of Tikal built magnificent temples, pyramids, and palaces and carved beautiful sculptures and motifs on their temple walls. They controlled a vast trade network in jade, obsidian, and cacao that flowed from Mexico to Honduras.

The people of Tikal, like everyone else in the Maya world, used a complex calendar to guide their life, recorded their history using a sophisticated writing system, prayed to a rain god, a maize god, and a feathered serpent, and practiced bloodletting and human sacrifices to appease these gods.  They believed that the world was created by twin boys who had defeated the gods of the Underworld by playing a game with a rubber ball.

And then between 800 and 900 CE, Tikal along with the rest of the Maya city-states, mysteriously collapsed. Drought? War? Famine? Deforestation? No one knows for sure. The Maya left and the jungle devoured the temples, pyramids, and palaces of Tikal.

These magnificent structures were eventually rediscovered and today you can easily visit Tikal and see the remains of Maya’s past glory. You can climb over its temples and palaces and up to the top of its pyramids to watch the sun rise over the jungle.

In this Flores travel guide, I’ll explain how you can visit Tikal and how you can see the sunrise and sunset from its pyramids.

But where did the Maya go after Tikal collapsed?

They either migrated to the Yucatan of Mexico or the highlands of Guatemala. However, in the fifteenth century, some returned after being expelled from Chichen Itza. These were the Maya Itza, and they settled on an island in Lago de Peten Itza, 40 miles (60 kilometers) from Tikal. Today this island is called Isla de las Flores or simply, Flores .

The Itza thrived on their tiny island, building temples, pyramids, and works of art. But then in the early 1500s, the Spaniards came and conquered the Aztecs and Maya of Mexico and Central America.

There was one group of Maya that refused to be conquered, though. These were the Itza on the island of Flores. They manage to hold onto their independence until 1697 when the Spanish defeated them and destroyed their temples and pyramids. Today nothing remains of the Itza’s magnificent structures.

Today any remnants of the Maya kingdom are gone on Flores. Instead, hotels, travel agencies, restaurants, and bars catering to tourists visiting Tikal have taken their place.

Still, the island is charming but with a touch of scruffiness. There are cobblestoned streets, a quaint town square with a white-washed adobe church,  colorful buildings, and beautiful sunsets. But if you look closely, you’ll also see buildings that have been neglected over the years. They’re falling apart and their exteriors are covered in dirt and mold.

In this guide, I’ll share with you all the things you can do in Flores besides exploring Tikal. You’ll also learn how to get to Flores and how to get around the Lake Peten area.

Check out my 2022-2023 Guatemala Travel Guide for more tips, tricks, ideas, and inspiration for visiting the land of eternal spring. You’ll find over 15 travel articles to help you explore the history, culture, food, and natural beauty of Guatemala.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About flores and tikal.

• How to Get to Flores
• How to Get Around Flores
• Top Things to Do in Flores
• Where to Stay in Flores
• Conclusions

Before we start looking at what to do in Flores, let’s get some essential facts out of the way like what is the relationship between Flores and Tikal.

Located in the department (state) of Peten, Flores is the main municipality of this area of Guatemala. There are about 100,000 people living in the municipality. Flores is made up of 2 parts:

• Island of Flores (1) – This is the cultural and tourism center of the city and makes for a great place to base yourself in. There are lots of hotels, travel agencies, tour boats, bars, and restaurants on the island. Tourist shuttles arrive in Flores and depart from Flores. It’s connected to Santa Elena via a bridge.
• Santa Elena (2) – This is the commercial and residential hub of Flores. It’s located on the shore of Lake Peten. You’ll find the airport and the main bus station for buses going to the Mexico and Belize borders, Rio Dulce, Sayaxche, and El Remate in Santa Elena. Very few tourists stay here and it’s overall not a pleasant city to be in.

The island of Flores is connected to Santa Elena by a causeway.

Tikal National Park is located 40 miles or 65 kilometers from Flores. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to get there by tourist shuttle or public bus. There are 4 hotels right outside the entrance to the park.

For info on getting to Tikal, jump to the section on Tikal National Park .

The other standout feature of Flores and Tikal is Lake Peten Itza. Surrounding the lake are several towns. They have hotels and hostels that are sometimes a better value than anywhere else in the area.

• El Remate – This is a tranquil town on the eastern shore of Lake Peten. You can find many mid-range and budget hotels for great value here. It’s a great place to base yourself.
• San Andres and San Juan – Two small towns on the western shore of Lake Peten. There are only a handful of mid-range and high-end hotels here.
• San Miguel – A village across from Flores. A few mid-range hotels along the shore and on a hill overlooking the lake. Friends of mine stayed at Hotel Mayan Spirit in San Miguel and loved it.

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How to get to Flores, Guatemala

There are several different ways you can get to Flores.

• Flight from Guatemala City or Belize City (US$60 – $160)
• Tourist shuttle from Antigua, Rio Dulce , Semuc Champey, Belize, and Palenque, Mexico (US$23 – $60)
• Coach or luxury bus from Guatemala City (US$48 – $76)
• Colectivo (public minivans) from Mexico and Belize borders and Rio Dulce (US$5 – $20)

Here is a photo I took at Los Amigos Hostel of tourist shuttle prices leaving from Flores to different destinations in Guatemala , Belize, and Mexico:

Here are the important transport locations in Flores and Santa Elena:

• International Airport Mundo Maya in Santa Elena
• Public bus station in Santa Elena   – colectivos (public minivans) and public buses arrive here from Rio Dulce, the border of Belize and Mexico; expect to pay Q10 for a tuk-tuk to Flores
• Bus stop on Flores island – tourist shuttles arrive here and leave from here; catch tuk-tuks to Santa Elena

You can read about all the different ways to get into Guatemala in this article on preparing for your trip to Guatemala.

1. From Antigua to Flores

The BEST way to get from Antigua to Flores is by tourist shuttle. It’s easy, safe, and convenient.

I paid US$60 and bought my ticket from A Viajar Guatemala travel agency . You can also ask your hotel in Antigua for help in purchasing a shuttle ticket.

The shuttle picked me up from my hotel at 6:00 am, stopped in Rio Dulce to pick up more people at around 2:00 pm, and got to Flores at around 6:00 pm. The shuttle dropped everyone off at the bus stop on Flores island ( Map #3 ). I happened to be the ONLY person on the shuttle from Antigua to Rio Dulce.

There are no public buses that go directly from Antigua to Flores. You need to take a bus to Guatemala City and then transfer to another bus there. The price is actually more expensive than the direct shuttle.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Antigua, check out my guide to the BEST hotels and hostels in the city.

A word of warning about traveling in Guatemala: Bus and shuttle drivers are not always the safest drivers in Central America. They push themselves to get to their destination as quickly as possible so don’t take enough breaks. My shuttle driver drove 12 hours from Antigua to Flores taking only one break! When we got to Flores, he looked like he had been in a war. Didn’t he need to use the bathroom more than once? I also have a friend who was on a shuttle recently from Nicaragua to Guatemala and her driver fell asleep at the wheel and ended up in an accident!

2. From Guatemala City to Flores

From Guatemala City, you can either fly or take a bus.

There are several nonstop flights a day from Guatemala City to Flores. Flights leave morning, afternoon, and evening. You can book a flight with either Avianca or TAG Airlines. The flight takes 1 hour and usually costs between US$60 and $160 one way.

There are 2 bus companies that can transport you from Guatemala City to Flores in relative comfort. Buses arrive at the bus terminal in Santa Elena. The bus ride to Flores takes around 10 hours.

• Maya de Oro Bus Company – There are usually 4 buses a day (3 night and 1 day). They leave from the Maya de Oro Starbuses Terminal in Guatemala City. Take the night bus as the day bus arrives in the evening and it usually arrives late anyway. Tickets cost between US$48 and $76 depending on the level of luxury. They have both coach buses and luxury buses.
• Fuente del Norte Bus Company – Buses leave from the Fuente del Norte Bus Terminal in Guatemala City.

3. From Semuc Champey/Lanquin to Flores

To go directly from Semuc Champey to Flores, your only option is a tourist shuttle. It takes 8 hours.

I did this route from Flores to Semuc Champey and then a few days later back to Flores. My bus left at 8:00 am from the bus stop on Flores island ( Map #3 ) and arrived in Lanquin at 4:00 pm. I bought my ticket from Getaway Travels in Flores for Q175 (US$25) and the return ticket on the shuttle when I arrived in Lanquin.

To get to Flores from Semuc Champey by public bus requires a bus to Copan and then another one to Flores.

4. From Rio Dulce to Flores

You can get to Flores easily by public transport or shuttle bus from Rio Dulce . It usually takes 4 hours.

I took a tourist shuttle from Flores to Rio Dulce. It cost Q160 (US$23) and left at 6:00 am and arrived at 10:00 am at Rio Dulce Travel Agency .

When I took the shuttle from Antigua to Flores, it also stopped at Rio Dulce Travel Agency to pick up more passengers. The guy who runs the agency is helpful and professional. He helped arrange my tourist shuttle from Rio Dulce to La Ceiba, Honduras, making sure I had all the necessary documents.

An alternative to the tourist shuttle is a public bus with Fuente del Norte. You can buy tickets from the Transporte Fuente del Norte office in Rio Dulce . Across the street is another bus terminal that I’ve visited. They might also have buses to Flores.

Check out this list of 15 fun things to do in Rio Dulce . It includes a detailed guide on where to stay as well.

5. From Belize to Flores

You can get from Belize to Flores by local transport for a reasonable price or by tourist shuttle for a minimum of US$30.

It’s pretty easy to get to Flores from Belize. You can read this article on how to exactly cross the border and get to Flores from San Ignacio , Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro.

Check out this guide on how to cross the border back to Belize from Guatemala .

6. From Palenque, Mexico to Flores

I haven’t done the Palenque to Flores route, but I have visited Palenque. There’s a terrific travel agency called Tulum Travels that I used for all my tours. This agency was selling tourist shuttle tickets from Palenque to Flores for MXN$700 (US$35) in 2021. Shuttles left at 6:00 am or 9:00 am and arrived in Flores at 4:00 pm.

Check out my guide to Palenque for info on the agency.

For more information on traveling around Guatemala, you can visit my guide on everything you need to know for visiting Guatemala.

How to get around Flores

Flores is a really small island. You can easily get anywhere on foot, but if you need transport, there are tuk-tuks that park at the Flores bus stop.

To travel between Flores island and Santa Elena, you can walk or take a tuk-tuk. It cost me Q5 in January 2022.

Most people get to the attractions outside of Flores by joining a tour. Here is info on the tours that were running when I was in Flores:

Things to do in Flores – Top 20

These are the 20 top things to do in Flores. Some things you can easily do from Flores by yourself or by boat. Other things require taking public transportation, driving a car, or joining a tour.

1.      Visit the ruins of Tikal

ENTRANCE FEE : Q150 (US$20) | OPEN: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm| LOCATION: Google Maps

The main reason I visited Flores (and most people as well) was to see Tikal. It is one of THE top three Mayan ruins in the world. The other two are Chichen Itza and Palenque in Mexico.

And it was definitely worth it!

Tikal was one of the two most powerful kingdoms during the height of the Maya civilization. It built many stunning pyramids, temples, and palaces and carved some cool motifs on its palace and temple walls.

Out of the 20 Mayan ruins I’ve been to, Tikal has by far the most pyramids. It’s becoming rare these days to be able to climb to the top of the ruins, but at Tikal, you can climb to the top of 3 of the pyramids: Temple II, Temple IV, and the Lost World Pyramid.

Get there as early as you can to avoid the crowds and the heat and humidity. The place opens at 6:00 am and I highly recommend being at the ticket window when it opens at 6:00 am. Tourist shuttles leave Flores at 4:00 or 4:30 am.

The park is huge, so expect to spend at least half a day wandering around the ruins.

Sadly, you won’t find any explanations of the structures in the park, so it’s good to get a guide or use a guidebook. I recommend the book, Maya Ruins Tikal and Copan from Approach Guides , and another book from this list of books on the Maya .

I signed up for a cheap guided tour through an agency in Flores, but I didn’t like my guide, so I just wandered around on my own. My advice: Don’t skimp on the guide. Ask around and make sure it’s a good one.

Try doing a day tour with Get Your Guide . Booking through them gives you a way to complain if you’re dissatisfied with your tour.

• Tikal Day Tour from Flores with Lunch – RATING: 4.8 (40 Reviews); US$80 – CHECK REVIEWS & BOOK TOUR HERE

How to get to Tikal:

• Tourist shuttles for Tikal leave early in the morning from the bus stop in Flores ( MAP ). They arrive at the Tikal ticket booth at 6:00 am. Book the shuttle the day before through your hotel or a travel agency in Flores or El Remate.
• Take an ATIM minibus from the bus station in Santa Elena ( MAP ). They leave Flores between 6:30 am and 3:00 pm. They return to Flores in the afternoon. Ask about times. It takes about 2 hours to get to Tikal.

2.      See the sunrise or sunset over Tikal

COST FOR FOREIGNERS: Q150 entrance fee + Q100 for sunrise tour; Q100 for sunset tour | TIME OF SUNRISE TOUR : 4:00 am – 6:00 am; TIME OF SUNSET TOUR : 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

One of the most popular things to do in Flores is to see the sunrise over the Tikal ruins.

The BEST way to do this is to stay in one of the 4 hotels that are located at the entrance to the park . You can read my guide on the best places to stay in Flores and Tikal for ideas.

When I was in Flores in 2021, ONLY people staying at a hotel in Tikal could do the sunrise tour. I don’t think is the case anymore.

If you’re staying at a hotel in the park, you’ll most likely meet at around 4:00 am. If you’re staying in El Remate, expect to leave around 3:00 am and from Flores at 2:00 am. I wouldn’t do the sunrise if I weren’t staying in the park.

Most guides take you to Temple IV to watch the sunrise.

The only problem with doing the sunrise tour is that there’s a VERY good chance that it will be so foggy that you won’t see anything. However, if it’s a clear day, the view is unforgettable!

How to book a sunrise tour?

It’s actually REALLY easy to book a sunrise tour once you get to Flores or your hotel in Tikal. You can arrange it with your hotel in Tikal. Contact them before you arrive or wait until you get there to sign up.

If you’re staying in Flores or El Remate, I’m not sure if there are tours going there for the sunrise. Like I said, they weren’t when I was there, but that could have been a COVID thing. If they are, you should be able to sign up for the tour when you get there.

You cannot enter the park on your own before 6:00 am and after 6:00 pm. Instead, you must enter with a certified guide if you want to see the sunrise or sunset. Most hotels in Tikal offer the sunrise group guided tour for between US$15 – $35.

In addition to the guide, you have to purchase 2 additional tickets for a total of Q250 (US$33) :

• Normal entrance fee for Tikal National Park – Q150 (US$20)
• Special sunrise entrance fee – Q100 (US$13)

3.  Visit the Yaxha Maya Ruins

ENTRANCE FEE: Q80 (US$10.43) | BEST TIME TO SEE RUINS: 12:00 pm – sunset | LOCATION: Google Maps

If you’re looking to visit another set of Maya ruins while in Flores, then definitely do Yaxha.

This is the third largest archaeological site in Guatemala after Tikal and El Mirador. There are over 500 structures including 9 pyramids, 2 ballcourts, and 40 stelae as well as a network of causeways that connect the different sections of the city to each other and to the lake.

Yaxha, which means “green-blue-water,” is one of the few Maya sites that retained its original name. Tikal’s original name used to be the unimpressive-sounding “Mut”.

The highlight of Yaxha is being able to watch the sunset over Lake Yaxha and Lake Sacnab from the top of one of the pyramids.

How to get to Yaxha?

One of the most frustrating things about Flores is how remote the archaeological sites are and how difficult it is to get to them on your own.

Getting to Yaxha by public transportation is doable but getting back is nearly impossible, especially if you want to stay for the sunset.

The best thing to do is to join a tour or drive there on your own with your own vehicle. Many tour operators in Flores and hotels in Tikal and El Remate sell group tours to the ruins that set off at noon.

I signed up for a tour with a travel agency in Flores. I paid Q160 (US$21) for transport and a guide. It did not include the park entrance fee of Q80 (US$10.43). Unfortunately, I was not happy with the guide as he stopped telling us much about Yaxha. Actually, I think at the end of the tour, everyone was so angry with the guide that they stopped listening to him.

I spoke to other travelers who booked a private guide online and they were really impressed with him.

Book a tour with Get Your Guide and if you’re not happy, you at least have someone to complain about it to:

• Day Trip to Yaxha from Flores with Lunch – This tour starts in the morning and ends with lunch. READ REVIEWS & BOOK TOUR HERE

4.   Explore the Uaxactun Maya Ruins

COST: Q50 | OPEN: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm | LOCATION: Google Maps

If you’re a Maya nerd like me then try to make it out to the Uaxactun archaeological site.

Uaxactun used to be a rival to Tikal during the early classic period until Tikal conquered it in the fourth century and made Uaxactun its vassal. They were never able to regain their prestige.

Its original name was Si’aan K’ann, which means Born in Heaven. Its current name, Eight Stones, was named by the famous archaeologist, Sylvanus Morley.

Since Uaxactun is a pre-classic and early classic site from 800 BCE – 387 CE, the pyramids and temples aren’t in great shape and the site is much smaller than Tikal and Yaxha. But you’ll most likely be alone when visiting the tours.

How to get to Uaxactun

Uaxactun is on the same road that passes by Tikal. But getting to Uaxactun and back to Flores is a true pain in the butt. One bus leaves from the bus station in Santa Elena in the afternoon and returns in the morning, so you’ll need to stay overnight at the village of Uaxactun.

I could not find a group tour to Uaxactun and hiring a private guide was way too expensive for me.

5.  Hike or take a helicopter to the ruins of  El Mirador

COST: Q2,800 (US$365)  | TIME: 1 or 5 days | LOCATION: Google Maps | TRAVEL OPERATOR:   Operadora de Turismo Cooperativa Carmelita | TRAVEL AGENCY: Tikal Go Tours

Tikal was the #1 reason I visited Flores.

The #2 reason was El Mirador.

I am an archaeology and history nerd and I just had to see El Mirador as it is over 2,000 years old and it was THE most powerful Maya kingdom during the pre-classic period (1000 BCE – 250 CE). The tallest pyramid in Mesoamerica is here as well as some stunning reliefs that look like they could have been carved yesterday.

There’s only one not-so-tiny problem.

The ruins are really difficult to get to.

They’re so difficult to get to that you need to either take an expensive helicopter ride or hike for 5 days (80 kilometers) there and back through the jungle.

El Mirador is located in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. There are no roads going to the ruins, and there are no cities, towns, or villages within 40 kilometers of the ruins.

Most travelers who do make it out to El Mirador do it more for the experience of getting there than actually seeing the ruins.

I really, really wanted to visit El Mirador, but I was worried that I wouldn’t be physically able to do the hike or afford the helicopter ride.

In the end, I did do the hike. I actually signed up for the El Mirador tour on my first full day in Flores, and later that evening I was in a 4-wheel drive truck driving out to the start of the trail in Carmelita.

At 20 kilometers a day, it is a long and tiring hike, but what saved me was that the terrain was relatively flat and the weather was perfect. I went in December when temperatures weren’t high, mosquitoes were non-existent, and the trails weren’t so muddy.

The best time to go is December to February.

How to visit El Mirador?

• Tikal Go Tours does helicopter rides and helicopter/hiking tours – A helicopter ride is US$550; a helicopter and 1 night of camping at El Mirador is US$1200 – $1800 and a 2-day hike and helicopter ride is US$950.

• Operadora de Turismo Cooperativa Carmelita in Flores does the trek. I went with this tour operator. They were charging Q2,800 (US$365) in December 2021. I recommend paying extra for a translator as my guide didn’t know any English. If you don’t know Spanish, you won’t learn anything about El Mirador.
• Dinastía Kan is a popular tour company that does the El Mirador hike. They also have a Facebook page.

6.   Hang out at Jorge’s Rope Swing

ENTRANCE FEE: Q25 (US$3.26)  | OPEN:   9:00 am – 7:00 pm   | LOCATION: Google Maps

I highly recommend spending a day in Flores doing something that does NOT involve a pile of rocks. I mean an ancient ruin. One place worth visiting is Jorge’s Rope Swing. A VERY popular place with foreign backpackers.

Jorge’s is a small place on the shore of Lake Peten. It can only be reached by boat. There’s a restaurant that serves a handful of not-so-great dishes and beer and soft drinks, some hammocks, and rope swings that you can use to jump into the water. People basically just hang out, drink beer, lie in hammocks, swim, and jump in the water. It’s very chill.

I kayaked out to the Jorge’s at around 9:00 am. When I arrived, there were only 2 other people there. But by the time noon came around, the tiny place was packed. I left at 1:00 pm.

How to get to Jorge’s Rope Swing

You can pay a boat driver Q100 to take you there and back or you can rent a kayak from Maracuya Restaurant for Q50 a day.

7.   Get stunning views from Mirador de Canek

COST: FREE | LOCATION: Google Maps

At around 9:00 or 10:00 am, hop on a small public boat (cost Q5) and head across the lake to the village of San Miguel. Don’t stay in the village. Go left along a narrow path and through a forest. Unfortunately, there are no signs telling you where to go. Just ask the locals.

You’ll eventually come to a wooden tower in the woods. This is Mirador de Canek. Climb up the tower. Once you get to the top, you’ll find yourself above the tree tops with stunning 360-degree views of Lake Peten, Flores, and all of its surroundings.  It’s the best way to understand how big and impressive Lake Peten really is.

After climbing down the tower, continue your walk through the forest to the next thing on this list: Playa Chechemel.

8.  Go swimming at Playa Chechenal

COST: Q15 (US$2) | LOCATION: Google Maps

After taking in the views of Lake Peten from Mirador de Canek, walk for 30 to 40 minutes to Playa Chechemal, a lakeside spot where you can lie in a hammock (Q10) and hang out by the water for an afternoon.

The water is pretty clean and clear, so it’s a good place to swim. Make sure that you’ve brought some lunch with you as there are no restaurants here.

Playa Chechemal is popular with locals, so go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

How to get to Playa Chechemal and back:

• Rent a kayak for Q50 from Maracuya Restaurant or Kayaks en Flores and paddle out and back yourself
• Charter a boat for around Q200 (US$25.50)
• Take a public boat (Q5) from Flores to San Miguel and then walk for 40-60 minutes to Playa Chechemal. Stop at Mirador de Canek along the way for stunning views of Lake Peten and Flores. Then take a boat for Q20 (US$3) back to Flores at the end of your stay.

9.  Go swimming at Tres Naciones Beach

COST: Q10 | OPEN: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | LOCATION: Google Maps

Another amazing lakeside spot you can visit for a swim is at the beautiful Tres Naciones Beach. The water here is an amazing turquoise blue.

Sadly, this place is hard to get to from Flores. You need a 4×4 or a boat. It’s too far to kayak from Flores. However, it’s quite doable by kayak or canoe from El Remate. And so worth it!

Bring food as there are no restaurants. There might be a small store selling drinks and snacks, though.

10. Visit the blue waters of Crater Azul

COST: US$60 (transport and tour) | LOCATION: Google Maps

The next thing I want to mention on this list of things to do in Flores is a place I didn’t get a chance to visit because there was a transportation strike going on in Guatemala.

I’m now kicking myself that I didn’t try harder to go because the photos of Crater Azul are gorgeous. It has the clearest blue water I’ve ever seen. The water is so clear that you can the fish swimming around and the plants at the bottom.

To get to Crater Azul, you need to go to the town of Sayaxche. Then take a boat from the shore of Rio De La Pasion until you get to El Puca stream, where you’ll find the blue crater. You can get out of the boat and swim in the water.

Travel agencies in Flores offer trips to Crater Azul at a crazy price of US$60 per person. But I think you can do it on your own by going to Sayaxche by bus from the bus station in Santa Elena. Just make sure to get a bunch of people together because you need to pay a boat driver to take you to the crater. For just one person, it’ll be super expensive.

I’ve been told that it’s uber-popular with locals so to avoid the crowds, go on a weekday.

11. Go kayaking around Lake Peten

COST: Q50 (US$6.52) for all-day rental | KAYAK RENTING: Maracuya Restaurant & Kayak en Flores .

One of the top 3 things I did in Flores was to rent a kayak and paddle out to Jorge’s Rope Swing. But you don’t have to go to Jorge’s, you can take the kayak out anywhere around this peaceful lake.

It’s a great way to spend the day, and it’s a lot cheaper getting around the lake than paying a boat driver to take you somewhere.

But you need to rent the kayak in the morning before they’re all rented out by noon.

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12.  Take a boat tour around Lake Peten

COST: Q175/each (US$23)| BOAT TOUR RENTING: Google Maps

Taking a boat tour around Lake Peten is a popular way to see the different sights around the lake like Jorge’s Rope Swing, Mirador de Canek, the Petenchito Zoo/Rescue Center, or Playa Chechemal.

I didn’t do a boat tour because they were so expensive for one person and I preferred getting around by kayak.

I did run into 2 other travelers from Australia and France at Mirador de Canek who were doing a boat tour that day. They paid Q175 each for a boat ride around the lake and a stop at 3 places: Rope Swing, Mirador, and Petenchito Zoo/Rescue Center.

How to find boat tours:

• It was super easy finding boat tours. I just walked around the Malecon (the road around the island) and there were boat drivers on every side of the island calling out to me trying to sell me their boat tours.

13.  Go Ziplining at Ixpanpajul Natural Park

COST: US$10 – $75  | LOCATION: Google Maps | WEBSITE: Ixpanpajul

In my opinion, Central America is THE best place to go ziplining because of the proximity to the jungle and all the animals you can see. So if you’re sick of ancient ruins and the lake, then a trip out of Ixpanpajul Natural Park is a good way to spend the day.

Compared to Costa Rica, ziplining in Flores is also a VERY good deal at US$30.

If you don’t want to go ziplining, you can also just walk through the jungle on their 6 hanging bridges. Compared to Costa Rica, the price of US$25 is also awesome!

Ixpanpajul also has horseback riding and night tours through the jungle.

You can even stay overnight in the park in a tent, cabin, or bungalow. Not to worry if you don’t have your own tent. They rent them out for US$20 a person, which I think is pricey.

Check out their price list for activities

14.  Watch the sunset from the banks of Lake Peten

If you’re staying in Flores or even in El Remate or San Miguel (but especially Flores) and you step outside your hotel in the early evening, you cannot miss the gorgeous sunsets over Lake Peten.

When I was staying in Flores, I’d get some ice cream from this shop along the lake or some takeout and plop myself down on the edge of the lake and just watch the sun go down.  

Alternatively, you can also grab a table at one of the many restaurants and bars along the shore and watch the sunset.

15.  Have lunch or dinner at Maple & Tocino

COST: Menu | OPEN: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm  | LOCATION: Google Maps

I’m usually the type of traveler that eats local food, but the waffles and drinks at Maple & Tocino are so good that I kept on going back again and again. Plus, Flores isn’t known for having great Guatemalan food .

This amazing restaurant is located in a perfect place along the Malecon.

The restaurant specializes in waffles but they also serve crepes, sandwiches, pizza, donuts, and salads (I don’t recommend the salad, though). For drinks, they have smoothies, frappucinos, milkshakes, and these fabulous fruit drinks. All are served in these really cool tall glasses.

The staff is super friendly, and their WiFi is pretty good too.

I recommend getting the waffles cuatro estaciones (4-season waffle) and the maracuya sunset drink. So delicious! I’ve heard that the pollo con waffles (chicken and waffles) is also delicious!

Expect to spend Q56 – Q90 for an entrée like the waffles or pizza and Q20 – Q30 for a drink.

16.  Wander the streets of Flores Island

If you’re staying in Flores or San Miguel, take some time to just wander around the island. It’s small so it won’t take you long. Visit Parque Central where the main church is located. Definitely take a stroll all around the outer edge of the island. You’ll notice that part of it is sinking into the lake.  

I found that the morning was the best time to explore Flores. The island was so quiet and peaceful as most tourists were still sleeping.

17.  Grab a drink at the Sky Bar and watch the sunset

OPEN: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm  | LOCATION: Google Maps

A really popular place to watch the sunset is the Sky Bar during their Happy Hour . I just ordered a drink as I heard the food wasn’t so great. Service was fine.

When I was in Flores, the travel agencies were giving out coupons for free drinks at the Sky Bar.

18.  Grab a meal at Maracuya Restaurant

COST: Menu | OPEN: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm (Closed on W) | LOCATION: Google Maps

My other favorite restaurant in Flores was the very popular Maracuya Restaurant. Their salads are so delicious. Or maybe they just tasted so good because I’d been traveling for 8 months and I hadn’t had a salad in a restaurant since then (you shouldn’t eat raw fruits and vegetables at restaurants in Central America).

The restaurant serves more than just salads. They also have waffles, smoothie bowls, pizza, pasta, burgers, paninis, and a few Guatemalan dishes . It’s also a great place to go for vegetarian food.

Drinks aren’t as inventive as at Maples & Tocino, though. They have the typical beer, wine, cocktails, and smoothies.

Prices were about the same as anywhere else on the island. Entrees are priced from Q55 – Q90. Smoothies are from Q30 – Q35.

I also loved the restaurant’s relaxing atmosphere and friendly service.

You can rent kayaks from here at a price cheaper than anywhere else on the island.

Go for lunch or dinner. I actually wasn’t all that impressed with their breakfasts.

Here are some more restaurants that I ate at in Flores and that are still open:

• Cool Beans – popular restaurant, food was fine
• Bar y Restaurant Don Camaron – tacos were good, great location along the lake
• Restaurant Raices – popular restaurant, great location, a bit pricey
• Bamboo House Express – Chinese food, food was good and you could get chicken and broccoli dish for only Q35 – I used to order takeout from them and bring it to the edge of the lake and eat while the sun set.
• Restaurante Nakum – Guatemalan food, good food but nothing to write home about

19.  See animals at Petencito Zoo / ARCAS

COST: Q25 | OPEN: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | LOCATION: Google Maps | WEBSITE: ARCAS Guatemala

Petencito Zoo is another place I didn’t visit. I’d heard mixed reviews. Some say it’s a rescue center while others say it’s a zoo and that animals are in poor condition and in poor surroundings. On the other hand, perhaps the rescue center doesn’t have enough money for better conditions.

Boat tours often take tourists to this zoo/rescue center. Alternatively, you can walk to it from San Miguel.

According to their website, their mission is “to build a rescue center to care for and rehabilitate wild animals that were being confiscated on the black market by the Guatemalan government.” They  also say that they rescue “between 300 and 600 animals of more than 40 species per year.”

I’m not fond of zoos personally as I don’t like caging animals but I do support rescue centers. I’ll leave it up to you whether you want to check it out. A lot of boat tours stop here.

20.  Go hiking in the Biotopo Cerro Cahui Nature Reserve

COST: Q50 | OPEN: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm | LOCATION: Google Maps

If you’re staying in El Remate or you just want to go for a strenuous hike, then a great thing to do is to visit Biotopo Cerro Cahui Nature Reserve. I wish I had been able to visit the Nature Reserve.

The park has 2 hiking trails: one short and one long at 5 kilometers. It takes between 2 and 4 hours. The trails go along the lake as well as to 3 lookout points with beautiful views over Lake Peten.

There are over 40 different mammal species such as spider and howler monkeys, tapirs, and white-tailed deer.

Where to Stay in Flores and Tikal

There are several villages around Lake Peten and Tikal where you can find a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb.

You can visit my article on where to stay in Flores . I break down all the different places to stay around Lake Peten and give you the pros and cons of each place. Then I recommend 2 or 3 places to stay.

The best website for finding a place to stay in Flores and Tikal is booking.com . Their site lists over 100 hotels, hostels, and private rentals around the Lake Peten area.

Here is a list of my favorite places to stay in Flores and the surrounding area:

Budget Accommodations

Hotel Petenchel  –  Booking.com  |  Agoda

If you’re on a budget and you really want a private room, then your best bet in Flores is Hotel Petenchel. It’s clean and quiet, and it has air conditioning and hot water. I stayed at a few budget and mid-range hotels and hostels in Flores, and this was probably the best of the bunch.  RATING: 8.1   Read reviews here

Alice Guesthouse  –  Booking.com  |  Agoda

This is a SUPER popular hostel located very close to the lake in El Remate. It has both dorm rooms and private rooms. You can book a tour of Tikal through the hostel.  RATING: 9.1   Read Reviews Here

Mid-Priced Accommodations

Jungle Lodge Tikal Hostal  –  Booking  |  Agoda

This hotel is right next to Tikal National Park. If you want to see the sunrise at Tikal, this is THE place to stay. It’s the highest-rated hotel near Tikal. There are no dorm rooms.  RATING: 8.6   Read Reviews Here

Luxury Accommodations

Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel  –  Booking.com  |  Agoda

This beautiful hotel is located in a secluded area surrounded by nature. and right on the lake. Wooden cabins with beautiful views of the lake. Great food and service.  RATING: 9.6   Read reviews here

Flores and Tikal FAQs

Where can i find an atm on flores.

You can find an ATM at this convenience store .

Where can I find laundry service on Flores?

I got my clothes washed at Petenchel Laundry . They had same-day service.

Where can I find a pharmacy on Flores?

I needed to go to Santa Elena to find a pharmacy. Luckily, there are several pharmacies are within walking distance of Flores. On 1a Calle are several pharmacies . 

Where to go after Flores?

There are so many great places to go after Flores.

By far my favorite places in Guatemala are Antigua , Chichicastenango , and Lake Atitlan . If you have more time add Rio Dulce , Quirigua , and Semuc Champey to your Guatemalan itinerary.

Since you’re so close to the Belize border , head on over to San Ignacio and Caye Caulker.

Mexico is also not too far away and the ruins and waterfalls of Palenque are the closest tourist destination to the border.

For more travel ideas for the region, check out my list of the top 20 destinations in Central America .

You might be interested in…

• Best Things to Do in Antigua: History, Culture, Food & Adventure
• Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Guatemala
• Where to Stay in Antigua
• Chichicastenango Travel Guide
• Quirigua Travel Guide
• How to Cross the Border from Guatemala to Belize
• How to Cross the Border from Belize to Guatemala
• 15 Best Books About Guatemala
• 16 Best Books on the Ancient Maya
• Top 20 Things to Do in Flores
• Top 50 Things to Do at Lake Atitlan
• Top 35 Things to Do in Guatemala
• Top 20 Things to Do in Rio Dulce & Livingston
• Guatemala Packing List

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A Guide To Flores Guatemala: Why I Loved This Maya Town

The vast majority of visitors head to Flores in Guatemala for one reason only: to visit the spectacular Maya ruins of Tikal. With towering ancient temples looming out of the thick jungle, and shady paths teeming with wildlife, Tikal is one of Guatemala’s highlights, and should definitely be on your Guatemala itinerary.

Contents (click to view)

But while most people simply fly in, do a Tikal day trip, and leave again, I think that’s a mistake. Because there are loads more things to do in Flores besides Tikal, and if you have time, it’s definitely worth staying a little longer to enjoy some of them.

About my visit to Flores Guatemala

I spent three months travelling in Guatemala and as part of my trip I spent a full week in Flores – way more than most people manage. That gave me a chance to explore the options and do many of the things that the majority of visitors to Flores don’t have time for.

So here’s what I discovered, complete with my recommendations for how to spend a few days in and around Flores, Guatemala.

Introducing Flores in Guatemala

Flores is a town in the north of Guatemala. It’s known as the gateway to the Petén, Guatemala’s vast northern rainforest region, because it’s the main transport hub. If you’re travelling to anywhere in the Petén, you’ll need to go through Flores.

Flores is made up of four areas:

• Isla de Flores: This is the historic old town: a cute, colourful area clustered onto a small island in Lake Petén Itza, and connected to the mainland via a short causeway. The old town is charming, with pastel-painted houses, cobbled streets, and plenty of hotels, souvenir shops and restaurants. As a result, it’s something of a tourist hub that can feel like a bit of a bubble, but it’s a relaxed and charming place to spend a few days, so don’t let that put you off.
• Santa Elena and San Benito: These twin suburbs are located on the mainland at the opposite end of the causeway. Most tourists don’t bother crossing over, except to go to the airport, the bus terminal, or the shopping mall – other than these, there’s no real reason to visit.
• San Miguel: This is a small suburb just across the lake from the north side of Isla de Flores. It can be reached with a short boat ride, and there are a few lakeside hotels and hostels that are worth considering if you’re on a budget. There’s also an excellent viewpoint and a small beach for swimming.

A brief history of Flores Island Guatemala

Flores goes down in history as being the second oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the Americas, and the very last Maya city to fall to the Spanish.

When the Spanish army arrived in Guatemala in 1524, they began trying to conquer the Maya people. But the Maya civilisation was divided up into dozens of independent city states, so the Spanish had to battle through the impenetrable jungle terrain in an attempt to defeat them all, one by one.

It took them nearly 200 years, but eventually there was just one left, the island town of Noj Petén (Great Island).

In 1679 the Spanish army arrived on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá. They used boats to attack Noj Petén, and slaughtered many of the town’s defenders. The rest fled into the jungle, and the conquerors then destroyed the city, and built the new city of Flores over the top.

You can still see a few Maya stelae (carved monuments) dating back to before the Spanish conquest in Flores’ main square.

What to do in Flores Guatemala

Flores ended up being one of my favourite places in the whole of Guatemala. It’s a charming, chilled out town with beautiful views (including some incredible sunsets) so it’s really worth spending a few days here to explore.

Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of some of the many things to do in Flores Guatemala and the surrounding area.

1/ Explore Mayan ruins at Tikal

If you only do one thing around Flores, it has to be Tikal. Tikal was one of the greatest cities in the Maya civilisation, with magnificent pyramids, plazas and palaces, and at its height the city and the kingdom it controlled were home to an estimated 100,000 people.

Today Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Park, a vast expanse of lush green rainforest crisscrossed by shady jungle paths and dotted with crumbling ruined temples. You can easily spend a day or more getting lost here, feeling like a Victorian explorer as you investigate hidden pathways and stumble across ruins hidden in the trees.

How to get to Tikal from Flores

Most people visit Tikal on a day trip from Flores. There are sunrise, early morning, daytime and sunset tours, with transport and guide included, though note that access to the park for sunrise and sunset requires an additional ticket.

You can also get a public bus and then explore by yourself, but it’s a huge site so I think it’s better to go with a guide, so you don’t get lost and know what you’re looking at.

There’ll be a full post about Tikal coming soon, so subscribe here if you want to get an email update when it’s posted.

2/ Have Mayan temples to yourself at Yaxha

Tikal is not the only Flores Mayan ruins, and certainly not the only one worth visiting. About 20 miles from Tikal is Yaxha , which was the third largest Maya city in Guatemala, and is now another gorgeous National Park busting with ancient ruins and abundant jungle wildlife.

Since most visitors to Flores only go to Tikal, it’s worth taking the time to visit Yaxha as well, for another incredible Mayan jungle experience but without any of the crowds.

How to get to Yaxha from Flores

The easiest way to get to Yaxha is on a day trip from Flores . You can do daytime tours or afternoon tours, where you get to climb up the tallest temple and watch the sun set over the park – a truly magical experience.

I wrote a full blog post about visiting Yaxha, which you can find here: Yaxha Guatemala: The Magical Mayan Ruins You Need To Visit .

3/ Dive into the Blue Crater / Crater Azul

Visit any Flores tour company and you’ll see signs advertising something called the Crater Azul (Blue Crater). It’s a popular attraction with locals, but most tourists don’t go there because they don’t stay in Flores long enough to fit it in alongside all the other things to do.

But since I was in Flores for a week, I had time, so I went!

Despite its name, the Blue Crater is not actually a crater, but a part of the river Arroyo El Pucté. Here, the depth of the river reaches up to 8 metres, and the water is incredibly blue and clear.

There are no changing facilities or shops, just a small pontoon for swimming off, and a shady patch of forest to leave your stuff. Outdoor swimming as nature intended!

It’s a lovely place to cool off in a jungle setting with almost no one else around.  If you visit on a weekday you might even get the whole place to yourself, though I went on a Sunday when it was a bit more crowded with local people.

Read more: Crater Azul: Swimming In Guatemala’s Gorgeous Blue Crater

How to get to the Blue Crater from Flores Peten

The Blue Crater is about 1 hour’s drive from Flores, followed by a 30-minute boat ride along the river, making getting there part of the fun.

The easiest way to get there is on a day trip from Flores. I paid Q350 (£37.60 or $45.20) which included transport, drinks, the guide, and the chance to have your photo taken swimming in the clear water. It’s quite expensive compared to other day tours in the area, but it was a lovely day out.

Read more: Backpacking in Guatemala: All You Need To Know Before You Go

4/ Explore the colourful streets of the Isla de Flores Guatemala

Not everything there is to do around Flores needs to cost money. You can happily spend a couple of hours just exploring the island and old town.

The Isla de Flores is small, with a promenade running all the way round its perimeter. You can stroll the entire thing in about half an hour, and if you’re into jogging, it’s also a safe and pretty place to run laps (though you’d have to do quite a few to get any kind of distance).

Wander the cobbled back streets and you’ll find souvenir shops, tour operators where you can plan your next excursion, bars and cafes.

Read more: 30 Beautiful Pictures Of Guatemala And The Stories Behind Them

5/ See Flores’ history in the main square

The middle of the Isla de Flores is a hill, with steep streets leading up to the main square at the top. Here you’ll find a few old Maya stelae dating from before the Spanish conquest.

The white-painted cathedral (Catedral Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios y San Pablo Itzá) is also worth a quick visit. Rising above the rest of the old town, it’s one of the oldest churches in Guatemala and was built on the site of the original Maya temple. Stick your head inside to admire the beautiful stained-glass windows and a rare Black figure of Jesus.

Sadly, the rest of Flores’ Mayan history has either been taken away to museums, or was lost or destroyed after the Spanish conquest.

Read more: The Expert Guide To Xela Guatemala: Things To See And Do

6/ Enjoy sundowners overlooking Lake Peten Itza

One of my favourite things about Flores was the incredible sunsets. With its gorgeous lakeside setting, not only do you get beautiful colours, you also get fabulous silhouettes and reflections.

Many of the lakefront bars and restaurants take full advantage of the show, with rooftop terraces and happy hour specials. Watching the sun set over the lake with a drink in hand is one of the best ways to end a day in Guatemala.

7/ Swim in Lago Petén Itzá

If you’re a fan of freshwater swimming, then you’ll be pleased to hear that the lake is safe to swim in. As you walk around you’ll see people swimming pretty much anywhere, though for safety reasons it’s best to avoid swimming near where the boats arrive and depart.

There are a few jetties dotted around the perimeter of the island which you can use as a base for swimming, though there are no facilities and no security, so don’t take any valuables with you.

Read more: A Perfect Guatemala Itinerary In 10 Days, 2 Weeks Or 3 Weeks

8/ Take a boat trip on the lake

Another way to spend a chilled couple of hours in Flores is by taking a ‘lancha’ (boat) ride on the lake. Lancha drivers park their boats up at several pontoons all the way round the island’s perimeter, and will take you anywhere you want to go.

Prices start typically at about Q20 (£2.15 or $2.50) for a one-way trip, up to about Q200 (£21.50 or $25.80) for a half day tour where the driver will take you to various islands and wait for you while you look around. Places worth checking out on your lake tour could include the San Miguel viewpoint, Chechenal beach, Petencito Zoo or the Santa Barbara Museum of Mayan archaeology, a small museum on an island in the lake.

9/ Chill out at Jorge’s Rope Swing

Jorge’s Rope Swing is a privately-owned lakeside hangout spot, where you can sunbathe, swim, and get a drink or some food. There’s a swimming platform and two rope swings for jumping into the lake. You can only get there by boat – any boat driver waiting at one of the main pontoons will take you – plus you’ll need to pay for entry which costs Q25 (£2.60 or $3.20) per person.

I didn’t visit as I had heard mixed reviews, with some people saying it’s a lovely place to relax and others saying it’s overpriced. I think it could be a fun way to spend an afternoon if you’re with friends, but I thought it was a bit expensive for me to go on my own.

10/ Stroll along the lakeshore at El Remate

El Remate is a small village at the opposite end of Lake Peten Itza, about 40 minutes by road from Flores. It’s a relaxed, tranquil place, with a few hotels and restaurants and a pretty lakeshore walk with gorgeous views.

You can also visit the Biotopo Cerró Cahui nature reserve, where there are hiking trails and the chance to spot bird life.

The people of El Remate are clued up to Instagram trends, so as you walk around you’ll find loads of colourfully painted jetties, angel wings or signs to pose in front of, to give your travel pics a burst of colour. And since El Remate is much quieter than Flores, it’s also said to be an excellent place to go swimming in the lake after a hot, sweaty day of exploring jungle ruins.

How to get to El Remate from Flores, Peten

Take a tuk-tuk from Flores Old Town across the causeway to the main bus terminal in Santa Elena. From there you can get any bus heading to Tikal (they go about every half hour) and ask to be dropped off in El Remate. When you want to come back, just stand on the main road where you were dropped off and flag down any bus heading back to Flores.

Read more: A Sunrise Hike Up Volcan Santa Maria In Xela, Guatemala

11/ Walk through the treetops at Skyway Ixpanpajul

Ixpanpajul is a nature reserve covering 450 hectares of Guatemalan rainforest. It has a network of six canopy walkway suspension bridges joined by jungle trails, a jungle zipline experience, and a viewpoint. The views are stunning and if you go in the morning you should be able to spot plenty of wildlife. You can also do a horseback tour, or stay overnight (there’s a campsite and some simple bungalows). 

How to get from Flores to Ixpanpajul

Ixpanpajul is about 15 minutes’ drive from the Island of Flores and 10 minutes from Mundo Maya International Airport. During peak season you may be able to do a day tour from Flores or get a public shuttle, but the easiest way to get there is by taxi.

12/ Admire the views from Mirador del Rey Canek

The best views of the Isla de Flores can be had from the San Miguel Mirador, also known as the Mirador del Rey Canek. This is a viewpoint on the San Miguel side of the lake, just opposite the northwest tip of the island.

From the mirador you get a wonderful view of the whole lake, and you can really appreciate the beauty of Flores’s island location. Go just before sunset to enjoy magical views and listen to howler monkeys calling to each other as night falls.

How to get to the San Miguel Mirador from Flores

To get there, grab a lancha for the 10-minute shuttle across the lake. I paid Q20 each way for this. The driver will drop you off at a jetty on the other side, from where it’s a relatively easy walk up a couple of hundred steps to the colourfully-painted viewing platform. The path is easy to follow so you won’t get lost. At the bottom of the last staircase you may meet a warden who will ask you to sign a register – this is just so they can keep track of visitor numbers.

13/ Swim at Chechenal beach

From the mirador, you can also take a path down to the opposite side of San Miguel, where you’ll find Chechenal beach. The word ‘beach’ is possibly a little ambitious, but there is a small strip of sand and a rainbow-painted jetty for swimming off which is popular with local teens.

The water is clear and fresh here, and there are picnic benches and vendors selling drinks and snacks. You can also get here directly without going via the mirador, by asking any lancha driver to take you directly to Chechenal beach. Entry costs Q50 (£5.35 or $6.45) per person. 

14/ Do the 5-day hike to El Mirador Mayan ruins

For those of you who like your Maya ruins with a dose of real adventure, El Mirador is the place for you. The largest Maya site of them all, El Mirador is a magnificent complex of temples and palaces, most of which are still lost in dense jungle and have yet to be studied or restored.

There are no roads to get here, so the only way is either by helicopter, or via a challenging trek through the thick and humid rainforest. El Mirador hikes start from Flores and take 5-6 days, but according to those that have been there, are well worth it for the chance to explore Maya ruins that have barely been seen by human eyes for over 1000 years.

15/ Explore Uaxactun Mayan ruins

If a five-day jungle hike seems like too much (and I don’t blame you!), there’s one more set of Mayan ruins that are worth considering, and that’s the complex at Uaxactun.

Uaxactun is about 12 miles from Tikal and is another, smaller Maya city with plazas and temples. Although close to Tikal, the two city states were bitter rivals and warred constantly until Tikal conquered Uaxactun in 378 AD.

Today the site is not as impressive as Tikal and Yaxha, but is still worth visiting if you like your Maya ruins without the crowds.

16/ Get close to spider monkeys at Monkey Island

Monkey Island is an island in a private nature reserve that belongs to the luxury Las Lagunas hotel. The reserve covers 200 acres and includes five lagoons, one of which is where Monkey Island is located.

However you don’t need to stay in the hotel to visit, you can can also visit the nature reserve on a day trip from Flores.

The island is home to a colony of spider monkeys. You’re not allowed to set foot on the island, but you can take a boat cruise around the shore and the monkeys will come down to be fed when they hear the sound of the boat approaching. Contact the hotel for more information about how to visit.

17/ See rescued wildlife at ARCAS

ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Centre is located on an island on Lake Petén Itza, about a 10-minute boat ride from Flores.

It was founded in 1989 to combat habitat loss and the illegal pet trade, and today is home to a rescue and rehabilitation centre for animals including spider and howler monkeys and scarlet macaws. Tourists can’t visit the rehabilitation centre, but if you’re a really keen wildlife lover you can volunteer there, or there’s a nature trail where you can do a small tour in Spanish to see animals rescued from the illegal pet trade that wouldn’t be able to survive in the wild.

18/ Take Spanish lessons

Guatemala is often recognised as being one of the best places in the world to learn Spanish. It’s one of the cheapest countries to live in and travel around, and the Spanish spoken here is much clearer and easier to understand than in many other places. So if you have time, why not combine your stay in Flores with a few Spanish lessons?

Dos Mundos Spanish School offers one-to-one or group classes, and can also help you arrange tours, homestay accommodation, or volunteering opportunities.

Flores Guatemala hotels: where to stay

Budget and mid-range hotels in flores.

• Los Amigos Hostel: Frequently touted as the best place to stay in Flores, this friendly and colourful hostel deserves all the accolades it gets. With dorms for the budget-conscious as well as clean and comfortable private rooms, Los Amigos also has a buzzing bar, a restaurant serving some of the best food in town, and a in-house travel agency. I stayed here a week, and the staff were some of the friendliest and most helpful I met in my entire time in Guatemala.
• Mayan Spirit Hotel, San Miguel : I visited this one on a day trip to see some friends who were staying here. Hotels on the San Miguel side are much cheaper as they’re not on the island proper, so you get more bang for your buck. To compensate for the location, your room rate includes 2 return boat trips to Flores island between 6 am and 9 pm daily.
• Zapote Tree Inn: Also on San Miguel, this hotel has a garden full of colourful birds, a tiny pool, and gorgeous views of Flores. One return boat trip a day is included in your room rate.

Flores Guatemala luxury hotels

• Isla de Flores Hotel: The fanciest hotel on the island, Isla de Flores is the sister hotel of the atmospheric Jungle Lodge at Tikal, and staff can arrange tours and transport for you there.
• La Lancha: Located about an hour from Flores, this luxury eco retreat is owned by the film director Francis Ford Coppola.
• Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel: Another tropical paradise retreat about 10 minutes from Flores, with an infinity pool, spa, museum, and even a helipad if you want to arrive in style.

Flores Guatemala restaurants and bars: where to eat

During my week in Flores I tried to eat in a different place for every meal, so I ended up trying quite a lot of different cafés, bars and restaurants! Here are some of my favourite places – all have great views and good food, though note that service was slow almost everywhere – but that seems to be Guatemala for you!

• Maple y Tocino: Home of the best brunch in Flores. Try the Four Seasons waffle with four different toppings including bacon and egg and banana caramel for heaven on a plate.

• Secret Garden at Los Amigos: The leafy space inside Amigos hostel is chilled out eatery by day, and buzzing bar and restaurant by night. Huge portions, all delicious, and caters well to vegans and vegetarians. I’m not veggie but their spicy vegan bowl was so good I ate it twice.
• Maracuya: Secret Garden’s sister restaurant, they serve the same menu but with the addition of an airy terrace and lake views.
• Terrazzo: Probably Flores’ most popular restaurant, serving a huge range of dishes including steak, pasta and interesting salads, with fabulous lake views. The brownies and home-made gelato are legendary.

• La Casa de Enrico: Another lakeside restaurant, this time serving a modern take on some traditional Maya dishes. Worth a visit to try something authentically Guatemalan.
• Delirio Bakery: A cute-as-pie bakery with candy pink décor. Great for a light lunch, or to buy breakfast pastries for the road if you have an early start the next day.
• Casa Blanca: Located right on the water’s edge, a perfect spot for brunch or a sunset drink.

• Cool Beans Café: Budget café with a wide-ranging menu that caters well to vegans and veggies.
• Sky Bar: Rooftop bar perfect for watching the sunset with a cocktail.
• Mango’s Bar: Located in the centre of the island, with fabulous 360 degree views and plenty of choices on the menu.

How to get to Flores de Guatemala

Getting to flores by air.

The quickest and easiest way to get to Flores is to fly from Guatemala City. There are usually 4-5 flights a day from La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City to Flores’ Mundo Maya international Airport. Flights take 45 minutes and typically cost roughly US100 for a single trip.

Note that it’s a small plane and the luggage allowance is only 20 lb (about 9 kg), but excess baggage charges aren’t too extortionate. My backpack weighed 17 kg so I had to pay a $17 excess fee which I didn’t think was so bad.

Be aware that the overhead lockers are also tiny (my camera bag had to go on an empty seat as it wouldn’t fit either in the bin or under the seat), so if you’re travelling hand luggage only with a bigger backpack , you may need to check it in.

From Flores Mundo Maya airport, it’s just a short taxi ride to Flores itself.

Getting to Flores Guatemala by public bus

It’s easy to travel to Flores by public bus from Guatemala City.

Buses from Guatemala City to Santa Elena (where the Flores bus terminal is) take about 10 hours and depart a few times day. There are three different bus companies you can use: FDN (Fuente del Norte), ADN (Autobuses del Norte) or Linea Dorada. FDN also offer the ‘Maya de Oro’ 1 st class night bus service which is the most comfortable way to travel.

If you’re coming from Antigua or Lake Atitlan, it’s probably best to get a shuttle back to the city and then get the 1 st class night bus.

Getting to Flores by tourist shuttle

Another easy way to get to Flores is by tourist shuttle, which are smaller minibuses that cater to tourists only. They are safe, quick and reliable, can be booked directly through your hotel or hostel and will usually pick you up and drop you off door to door.

Shuttles to Flores run from Semuc Champey (Lanquín or Cobán), Antigua , and Rio Dulce , and typically take between 7-9 hours depending on where you’re coming from.

Adrenalina Tours offer a range of shared tourist shuttles to and from Flores, including to places in Mexico and Belize. Shuttles need to be reserved 48-72 hours in advance.

Read more: Is Guatemala Safe? 60+ Practical Tips For Safe Travel In Guatemala

How to get to Flores from Belize

If you’re coming to Guatemala from Belize, your first stop will be Flores. In fact after Guatemala City, Flores is the most popular point of arrival for visitors entering Guatemala.

To get to Flores from Belize you can either take a short flight from Belize City, take a public bus, or a tourist shuttle.

Public buses are run by Autobuses FDN and depart once a day.

Adrenalina Tours can arrange tourist shuttles from several destinations in Belize including Belize City, Caye Caulker or Belmopan.

Visiting Flores in Guatemala: FAQs

Weather in flores guatemala.

Flores is in the Peten region of northern Guatemala, which is a hot, tropical region. It’s hot pretty much all the time, but the humidity and rainfall may vary. When I went, in early May, it was about 35 degrees C and extremely hot and sweaty.

In Guatemala the rainy season is between May and October and the dry season is between November and April. If you visit Flores during the rainy season, you should expect cloudy mornings and rainy afternoons, while in the dry season you can expect it to be much drier, though still with some rain – this is the ‘rainforest’, after all!

In extreme cases during the rainy season the roads and trails around the archaeological sites may become flooded or even impassable.

Since you’ll probably be doing a lot of outdoorsy stuff while you’re in Flores, the best time to visit is definitely during the dry season, if you can.

Is Flores Guatemala safe?

Before I went to Flores, I heard a few disturbing stories about people getting ripped off. There’s even a section in the Rough Guide about Flores ‘coyotes’ (ticket touts) who will try to sell you tickets at inflated prices or to tours that don’t exist. Others may try to convince you that your bus or tour has been cancelled in order to sell you a new, fake ticket.

The easiest way to avoid being ripped off is not to engage with or give money to anyone random, and don’t buy tickets from touts on the buses. Always buy your tickets and tours from your hotel or hostel, or from one of the proper tour agencies with offices in town. And if someone you don’t know tells you something is shut or cancelled, double check before trusting this information.

I bought all my tickets either from the travel agency inside Amigos Hostel, or from Getaway Travels which has an office in the centre of the old town.

In terms of personal safety, the Isla de Flores is pretty safe. I walked around during the day with my camera out, took photos at sunset, and walked back from bars after dark by myself with no problems. Of course, you should be sensible, don’t get too drunk, and don’t walk back alone if it’s very late or you are under the influence, but as long as you are careful, you’ll be fine.

Other suburbs like Santa Elena are considered less safe, so avoid going there after dark, especially if you’re alone.

Is Flores Guatemala worth visiting?

Flores is a cute and colourful little town with some really great restaurants and bars, and loads to see and do. It’s the heart of the Maya world and it’s pretty well set up for tourism, with plenty of hotels and tour agencies. I found it the perfect balance between touristy enough to have everything you need and plenty of choice of tours, and not so touristy that everything felt fake and crowded.

I found it pretty easy to meet people to hang out with on my tours and in hostels, and I loved my time in Flores. So if you’re going to Guatemala, I 100% recommend you add it to your Guatemala itinerary .

How many days should I spend in Flores Guatemala?

Most people only stay a couple of days in Flores. They fly in, head straight to Tikal for a day, and then leave. Personally, I think this is too short, but if you’re pushed for time and that’s all you can manage, fair enough.

Realistically you’re unlikely to have an entire week to spare like I did – if you do then great! But if you can, I think three to five days would be a good amount of time to spend in Flores.

A suggested itinerary for Flores Guatemala

With so many things to choose from, there’s any number of ways you could spend a few days in Flores. Below is my suggested itinerary for a 4-day stay, though of course you could substitute these activities with others from the list above if they sound more up your street.

• Day 1: Arrival. If you’re coming on an overnight bus or a flight, try to arrive in the morning. Spend the afternoon booking your tours and exploring the town, and in the evening watch sunset over the lake.
• Day 2: Day trip to Tikal. Possibly spend the night in the jungle at Tikal and return to Flores the next morning.
• Day 3: A chilled out day around the town. Have a lazy brunch at Maple Y Tocino , spend a couple of hours in El Remate, go swimming in the lake, take a boat ride, hike up to the mirador, or visit Chechenal beach.
• Day 4: Another day tour – possibly to Yaxha , the Blue Crater, or Ixpanpajul.
• Day 5: Leave

Where to next?

If you liked this post, why not check out some of my other Guatemala posts?

• Chichicastenango Market in Guatemala: A Photo Guide
• The Expert Guide To Xela Guatemala: Things To See And Do
• The Colourful Market In Solola Guatemala: A Photo Guide
• The Thrilling Volcan De Acatenango Hike In Antigua Guatemala
• A Sunrise Hike Up Volcan Santa Maria In Xela, Guatemala

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Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.

Further Reading...

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Travel photography on the road – my photo editing workflow tips, a surprise review of eagles nest yoga retreat in lake atitlan, guatemala.

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Colorful Island Mayan Ruins Archaeological Vestiges El Mirador Lake Peten Itza Yaxha Extensions to Belize

Flores, Guatemala Travel Guide

Flores Island in Guatemala is located in Peten, one hour south of Tikal. It is surrounded by the third biggest lake in Guatemala, Lake Peten Itza. The picturesque town of Flores Guatemala offers you the chance to enjoy stunning landscapes, cultural activities, plus, it is the gateway to most of the archaeological Mayan parks around the area.

This quiet Island is one of the 25 most colorful places in the world. It hosts a big concentration of restaurants, cafés and pubs to keep you busy during your stay. Flores is the perfect place to relax for a couple of days, combining it with awesome things to do like exiting excursions to the Crib of the Mayas, one of the biggest civilizations in the history of the world.

Things to do in Flores Guatemala

Visiting the flores island guatemala.

The best way to know this beautiful island is by walking around. Flores Guatemala is the safest place in the North of Petén and is an ideal place for travelers who enjoy water sports and contact with the nature. The Flores Island in Guatemala has earned popularity throughout the years for being the ideal base before and after your expeditions to the Mayan world hidden in the jungle of Guatemala.

Flores Guatemala has a rich concentration of Mayan architectonic treasures that will take you to the ancient times. Tikal is the best known for having the second tallest pyramid of its kind, and is one of the three physical places in Guatemala protected by the UNESCO. Create memorable experiences by trekking through the jungle of Guatemala or take a boat trip throughout Lake Peten Itza.

Peten offers an enormous amount of activities and attractions to give you the best experiences and memories about the world secrets’ civilization of the Mayas. A recent investigation published in February 2018 informed about the discovery of another amazing Mayan city hidden underneath the jungle. It was revealed that only about 10% of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve has been discovered. A popular destination with great vegetation, beautiful scenery and a stunning mystery about one of the oldest ancient civilizations is awaiting your visit in the North of Guatemala.

Flores Guatemala tours to other destinations near by

Tikal Tikal is among the world’s travel wonders and many are calling it one of the most spiritually powerful spots on earth. The monumental Mayan site with its towering pyramids looms out of the thick jungle canopy like stoic sentinels of ancient mysteries.

El Mirador/La Danta In El Mirador you will find La Danta, the biggest pyramid of the world. It is located in the middle of the Guatemalan's jungle. La Danta in El Mirador is only reachable by helicopter or on land with an authorized guide. This second option will immerse you into the tropical jungle for five days, until you reach this magical architectonic treasure. Embark on this lifetime adventure and witness the beauty of nature and Mayan civilization at its purest.

Uaxactun The city where the Mayas improved their writing and astrology was exploded. This architectonic site shows notable advances in astrology and time calculation. All of the temples are connected to each other from an astronomical perspective and is here where the oldest Astronomic Observatory was built by this incredible civilization.

Yaxha This is another famous archeological site in the northeast of the region. Is the third largest city in ruins and has covered around 237 square kilometers (92 sq mi). Wander around the area and enjoy the atmosphere of ancient times, surrounded by the flora and fauna that covers this old Mayan city. Hearing the monkeys scream and searching for crocodiles inside the lagoon is one of the biggest attractions of this place.

Shopping in Flores Guatemala

Many shops in Flores Guatemala offer souvenirs, jade and handicrafts shops for you to bring back home. There a couple of malls and you will find unique replicas of Mayan treasures.

Extensions from Flores/Tikal to Belize

Belize offers unspoiled travel destinations and has evolved for practicing Eco-tourism. Visit this magnificent piece of nature and enjoy bird sanctuaries, variety of wildlife and the second largest coral reef system in the world, Belize Barrier Reef. This beautiful country can easily be combined with your Guatemalan itinerary. Unique adventures and direct contact with the nature will inspire your senses.

San Ignacio San Ignacio is the largest settlement in Cayo District and the base for tourism activities throughout the area. Be adventurous and keep yourself active by going hiking, caving, zip lining and much more. Mayan ruins are also accessible from this point and local markets will keep you entertained.

Mountain Pine Ridge This natural reserve was established to protect and manage the Belizean pine forests. It is home to an extensive fauna, including jaguars, crocodiles, toucans, parrots and many more. In Barton Creek you can find a large river that is part of this stunning reserve and is accessible only by boat. A large number of Mayan relics were found along the river, so is believed that Mountain Pine Ridge was a place used for rituals.

Dangriga Means sweet waters in Garifuna. Dangriga has earned the name of "The Cultural Capital" since it mixes a lot of cultures and traditions. Enjoy Belize's most innovative musical forms and be part of the different adventures that never fail to impress visitors.

Placencia Placencia is perfect for those who enjoy water sports and outdoor adventures. Its lagoon lies west with a view towards the Mayan hills. Once a fishing village, this Placencia earned its popularity with the tourism hitting this part of the country and now has many attractions and entertainment for all tastes.

A visit to Flores Island is included in our Guatemala Highlights package, check it out and book it!

Start planning your Guatemala vacation! Fill out our contact form and we will get in touch with you.

Flores Guatemala Map and Location

Flores Guatemala is located in the middle of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Implemented by UNESCO, this seeks to maintain the balance between human activities by including sustainability and conservation of the natural and protected areas. By bus or by car, travelers can reach from Guatemala City to Flores Guatemala in around 10 hours (normally a night bus), or by airplane, since Flores hosts the second international airport in Guatemala.

Flores, Peten

Northern Guatemala Population: 40,000 Elevation: 120 m/ 370 ft

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Things to do in Flores, Guatemala: Ruins, Rope Swings, and More

last Updated: November 29, 2023 flores guatemala

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Guatemala and looking for things to do in Flores?! Keep on reading – I just came back from an amazing few days in Flores, Guatemala, and had the absolute best time.

Towering Mayan temples. Spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Picturesque small-town charm. An impressive amount of waterfront restaurants and bars. That, my friends, is Flores, Guatemala. And as soon as I got there, I was in love with everything about it. Psst – you will too!

Located in the heart of Lake Peten, this tiny island town (known as Isla de Flores) is full of colorful colonial-style houses, cobblestone streets, and a laid-back, peaceful attitude – three of my favorite things. It actually reminded me a bit of Guatape in Colombia , another colorful town set on a lake with loads of charming character.

Most people head to Flores as a base for exploring the nearby Tikal National Park, one of the largest and most important Mayan archaeological sites in the world. But I promise you – there’s many more things to do in Flores than the impressive ancient ruins! This Flores blog posts proves just that!

To say I loved this tiny island (Isla de Flores) is an understatement – I could have easily stayed a week and gotten into a routine of strolling the colorful, cobblestoned streets, having brunch overlooking the lake, and watching the sunset with a watermelon juice in hand every single night. So much pure joy; I never wanted to leave!

There’s just something so special about this tiny island, I can’t put my finger on it. And that just means I’ll be back – hopefully sooner than later!

Flores Trip Planning Logistics

Where is flores, guatemala.

Flores is a small area located in the Petén area of Guatemala, in the far north of this spectacular country (where you’ll find all those lush rainforests)! It’s not too far from the Belizean border, and many actually combine these two countries into one extended trip.

There’s technically three “neighborhoods” in Flores (Isla de Flores, Santa Elena, and San Miguel). While I’m sharing a bunch of things to do in Flores (and nearby), this guide mainly focuses on Isla de Flores – where all the cute and colorful homes are! 

• Isla de Flores: Where I stayed and loved; oh so charming and picturesque.
• Santa Elena : Isla de Flores is connected to the mainland of Guatemala by a causeway/bridge that leads to the neighboring town of Santa Elena. This is where all the major transport of the area is found (airport, bus station, etc).
• San Miguel: Located across the lake from Isla de Flores, and where many top attractions are found (including the famous rope swing!).

If you look on a map, you’ll notice Isla de Flores is an island (!!!) in Lake Petén Itzá (surrounded by dense jungle), and located in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Because of this, expect lots of pretty water views (and sunrises and sunsets!). I totally took full advantage of this.

But one of the best parts about Flores’ location?! The fact that it’s only about 40 miles (65km) southeast of Tikal – yes, those crazy impressive Mayan ruins you’ve heard so much about. Easily one of the most popular things to do in Flores; more on that later!

Psst – You may also hear about El Remate, San Andreas, and/or San Jose. Those are other areas around the lake. I’ll be touching upon El Remate below as it makes for a great day trip from Flores if you’ve got the time.

Distance from other areas of Guatemala

Yes, it’s true… Flores is hella far from the rest of the country’s hotspots. Like, it’ll take you 13 hours on a GOOD day (meaning no traffic and no construction and everything going completely perfect) to get from Antigua to Flores by shuttle. Just keep this in mind when planning your Guatemala itinerary !

• Guatemala City: 500 kilometers (310 miles)
• Antigua : 335 kilometers (208 miles)
• Lake Atitlan : 420 kilometers (260 miles) 
• Semuc Champey : 250 kilometers (155 miles)

Hint, hint: it doesn’t have to be that horrible (aka you don’t need to sit your bum on a bus for over a dozen hours). Way more info below.

How to Get to Flores

Flores is quite far from other popular areas of the country, which is why many people unfortunately don’t include the island on their Guatemala itinerary. Don’t be one of them! I loved this tiny island oh so much, and would hate for you to miss it!

Traveling from Belize to Flores, Guatemala

Not everyone visiting Flores realizes this, but Belize is actually just an hour and a half away! Meaning you can totally make your way from Belize to Flores in just a few hours. Tourist shuttles are super popular from both Belize City and San Ignacio (in Belize), and plenty of people visit both Caye Caulker and Flores in one longer combo trip – that’s what I did!

From Belize City

Flores is a super common stop (on the backpacker trail) after Belize, so there’s tons of tourist shuttles from Belize City. A public shuttle (what I used) will take around 5-6 hours or so to reach Flores (typically with a short stop in San Ignacio). 

You’ll see plenty of companies offering shuttles directly from the ferry terminal, but if you wanna arrange something in advance, check out these companies: 

• Marlin Espadas
• Mayan World 

They’re all kinda the same and should cost between $20-40USD, no more. I booked with the company Marlin Espadas, and am happy to report I made it to Flores safe and sound. A friend I met in Caye Caulker recommended this company to me, and I was able to book it a few days prior.

I searched far and wide, but I couldn’t find any shuttles from Belize City that left later than noon. Keep that in mind if you’re hoping to take a shuttle directly after your flight to Belize. It ain’t possible – I tried (which is why I decided to make Caye Caulker the first stop on my trip).

Note that you can technically fly from Belize City to Flores, but you’ll need to make a stop in Guatemala City (which is totally out of the way). I think it’s faster (and honestly simpler and way cheaper) to just take a shuttle bus.

Sitting on a bus for 6 hours is no joke. While the shuttles are relatively comfortable, they’re basic with zero amenities. Bring your own entertainment, snacks, and drinks. My shuttle had no bathroom, just FYI, so go ahead of time (there’s a bathroom at the border crossing thankfully).

My 12pm bus from Belize City arrived in Isla de Flores around 6pm or so – way too late to check off anything on my list of things to do in Flores. Plan to get some dinner and have a chill night.

From San Ignacio

Similar to the shuttles from Belize City, tourist shuttles from San Ignacio to Flores take about 4 hours and cost about the same. You’ll want to book these in advance, although there’s always shuttles running a few times everyday!

From Caye Caulker

If you’re on the island of Caye Caulker , you first need to ferry yourself over to the mainland in order to get on a shuttle from Belize City to Flores. Make sure to account for the ~45 minute ferry ride when planning your transport. I promise it’s super easy!

I actually visited Flores as an add-on to my Caye Caulker trip, and it worked out great! I took a 10:30am ferry from Caye Caulker to Belize City in order to make my 12pm shuttle bus to Flores. Super simple and efficient!

Some important notes and tips traveling from Belize to Guatemala:

• Regardless of where you’re coming from in Belize, you’ll need to cross the Guatemala-Belize border at Melchor de Mencos. Like literally cross it, on foot. Expect to get out of your shuttle in Belize, go through two immigration stations (exiting Belize and entering Guatemala), and walk out into Guatemala. 
• Melchor de Mencos is the only major border crossing between Guatemala and Belize. Because of this, it sometimes gets super busy (meaning you may need to wait in line for an hour or so). Don’t make any important plans/reservations that day – you’ll likely be arriving in Flores pretty late (I arrived just after sunset taking a 12pm shuttle).
• During the immigration process, you’ll need to pay a 40BZD ($20USD) Belize exit fee (unavoidable even if you’re headed back to Belize later on and flying out). I read on some older blog posts that only cash is accepted, but I was able to use my credit card to pay the exit fee, just FYI!
• After the border crossing, make sure to find the right bus afterwards! Sounds silly but they all look alike! I recommend sticking with a few people from your bus so you’re all together. Depending on the day, it can get kinda hectic and you can easily get confused.
• Don’t be alarmed if your shuttle bus driver changes at immigration. You may have one driver from Belize to the Guatemalan border, than a different driver once you cross into Guatemala. This is normal and happened to me both ways (Belize City to Flores, then back again).
• You’ll need your passport – you’re traveling from one country to the next! Don’t forget it; you won’t be allowed to exit Belize and enter Guatemala!

Traveling from Guatemala City or Antigua to Flores, Guatemala

What’s crazy is that it’s actually easier to get to Flores from Belize, haha – yes, even if you’re already in the country of Guatemala! That’s because Flores is really far north from the other major tourist spots in Guatemala (including Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Semuc Champey, etc).

Thankfully, there’s two ways of getting from Guatemala City/Antigua to Flores – the horrendous, 13-hour long way, or the short, 45-minute way! Take your pick!

Tourist shuttles

Feeling brave and got lots of extra time? You can totally book yourself a shuttle bus from Antigua (or Guatemala City) to Flores – but it’ll take at least 13 hours . No, thanks! If you’re tight on time and trying to cram everything into your Guatemala itinerary , I definitely don’t suggest this option!

Flying from Guatemala City to Flores

Phew – a much quicker way! Enter, the airport, haha! Since Flores serves as a regional hub for tourism and transportation in the Petén department, it has its very own (albeit very, very small) airport – Mundo Maya International Airport. It offers domestic flights to and from Guatemala City and other nearby destinations, with the flight from Guatemala City to Flores taking less than an hour or so.

Look at TAG airlines and Avianca – there’s a few flights per day, so if you book well in advance you’ll have some options. TAG has numerous nonstop flights a day, and last I checked, Avianca has at least one. If you’re flexible on time and book in advance, you may even be able to get a flight for $50! Can’t beat that.

Obviously if you’re in Antigua, you’ll need to make the 45 minute drive to the Guatemala City airport – keep this in mind.

How to Get Around Flores

Walk : Isla de Flores is small enough that you can easily explore it on foot. Note that the streets are paved with slippery (and uneven) cobblestones, so I’d 100% recommend having comfy shoes. Sandals don’t really work too well over here – I found out the hard way, whoops. 

Regardless of all that, I loved wandering the island, enjoying the picturesque streets, colorful buildings, and waterfront views. Easily the most convenient way to get around.

You can get basically anywhere on the island in no more than 15 minutes walking. And don’t worry, it’s nearly impossible to get lost considering it’s tiny size, but with the maze-like streets, you’ll definitely want a map if you’re looking for something specific! 

Lanchas : Like in Lake Atitlan , lanchas (small boats) serve as a primary mode of transportation. If you want to explore Lake Petén Itzá (which you totally should), you can hire a lancha to take you around the island, making stops at the different tourist attractions nearby. There’s a whole bunch of things to do in Flores that are off the island, so plan a ½ day to explore via boat.

The cost will highly depend on how many stops you wanna make, and how many friends you’re sharing the boat with! I didn’t see any public schedules or anything of that sort, which makes me think the boats work more like private taxis. 

You’ll find lanchas at various points around the lake, with plenty near Maracuya (my favorite cafe on the island) and along the waterfront of Calle Sur (near the Yo Amo Petan sign).

Tuk-tuks and taxis : Small, motorized tuk-tuks (kinda like rickshaws) are super popular over here (like in other parts of Guatemala). You can easily find them near the central square and other busy areas. Always make sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before getting in. 

Tuk-tuks are particularly useful if you’ve got heavy luggage or need a quicker ride to a specific spot on the island. But really, besides this, I think walking is just easier, and of course cheaper!

Taxis are also available on the island, but they’re way less common compared to tuk-tuks (and not as fun!).

When to Visit Flores, Guatemala

Flores has a tropical climate with high temperatures throughout the year. Meaning, it never really gets chilly, but like other spots in Latin America, Flores experiences two distinct seasons: wet and dry. 

TLDR: Visit from November to April for the best weather and little to no rain! 

Dry Season (November to April)

The dry season is considered the peak tourist season on Isla de Flores, and the best time to come to experience all the things to do in Flores. Makes sense – the weather’s nearly perfect, with sunny skies and minimal (if any) rainfall. Temperatures are warm, ranging from around 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), but nothing too scorching. 

It’s the best time to explore the island and its surroundings (no rain and the humidity isn’t terrible yet). However, this just means that it’s also the busiest time of year, so expect accommodations and attractions to be more crowded.

For reference, I visited Flores towards the end of the dry season in early-April, and had picture-perfect weather. Sunny blue-sky days and comfortable temps without an ounce of rain. I didn’t find the island to be particularly crowded, and hardly saw anyone wandering the streets in the AM.

Rainy Season (May to October)

Rainy season obviously brings more precipitation to the region (hey, it’s called the rainy season for a reason!)! But this just means the vegetation is oh so lush and the landscapes are a vibrant green. Thankfully, it usually doesn’t rain all day, with afternoon showers or short bursts of rain interspersed with some sun.

Do note the malecon and surrounding streets may flood if there’s a lot of rain. Bring appropriate footwear!

Temps remain warm at 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), but humidity levels are unfortunately much higher, making it ultimately feel much hotter and stickier. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, come prepared with rain gear and prepare to sweat. A LOT.

Hurricane Season

Thankfully, Isla de Flores is not typically affected by hurricanes. However, it’s important to note the official hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin runs from June 1st to November 30th. While the risk of direct impact is low, it’s always a good idea to monitor weather forecasts and stay informed during this period.

Regardless of when you’re visiting, pack light and breathable clothing, ALWAYS use sunscreen, and make sure to stay hydrated. All so, so, so important! You don’t wanna pass out on your trip and miss out on all the fun things to do in Flores because you weren’t being smart about the sun!

How Long to Stay in Flores

The majority of visitors spend just one night in the area. Why? Because they’re using Flores simply as a base for visiting Tikal. You can even take a day trip to Tikal from Antigua if you’ve got no time. 

BUT I highly recommend staying a bit longer. Flores is a great addition to your Guatemala itinerary (or even your trip to Caye Caulker ) if you’ve got a few days. You can most likely see everything (including a day trip to the Mayan ruins of Tikal) in 2 full days. Or you can stay a bit longer and really experience all the best things to do in Flores, like I did!

For reference, I had 4 nights and 3 full days in Flores, which I found was pretty much perfect. I was able to get all the touristy activities out of the way (Tikal, the mirador, rope swing, etc), and had an extra full day for another day trip (I picked the stunning Crater Azul).

Where to Stay in Flores

When researching hotels in Flores, you’ll see a whole bunch of guesthouses, charming boutique hotels, and inexpensive hostels. Most people prefer to stay on Isla de Flores itself (as it’s the most convenient for all the best things to do in Flores), but note that you can also stay in Santa Elena or elsewhere along the lakefront. 

Isla de Flores

For such a tiny island, there’s quite a lot of accommodation options! I was pleasantly surprised and very impressed at my choices – albeit booking kinda late so some were already sold out.

I was soooo lucky that I scored a private room at Los Amigos Hostel (with a stunning view of sunrise over the lake), and I swear it’s the most eclectic hostel I’ve ever stayed at. Oh so colorful and hip and fun with such good vibes.

The garden restaurant on site looks straight out of a jungle – don’t miss one of their famous smoothie concoctions here! Los Amigos gets booked up fast (it’s crazy popular for a reason, probably the #1 spot in all of Flores), so reserve your bed or private room ASAP. There’s also a travel agency right inside the hostel if you’ve got time for extra activities. 

I originally wanted to stay at the hip and trendy Hotel Isla de Flores , but the rooms were already all sold out. If you want beautiful lake views, check out Hotel Peten and Casazul (I almost stayed here!). 

Hotel Casa Turquesa is another great option that doesn’t break the bank, but do note it’s next to a nightclub with music blasting until around 10pm-ish so keep that in mind. Definitely not as bad as my experience in Tulum though (that music didn’t stop until 3AM, damn)!

Santa Elena

Just across the causeway from Flores is the larger town of Santa Elena. While it’s not directly on Isla de Flores, Santa Elena has a wider selection of accommodations and amenities (with many hotels being slightly less expensive). 

If you’re looking for a more local and less touristy atmosphere, Santa Elena is it. You can easily walk over to Isla de Flores, or take a quick tuk-tuk ride. However, being the commercial and residential center of Flores, it’s not a super attractive city. Tourists don’t typically choose to stay here, although it is convenient for transportation purposes as the airport and bus terminal are over here.

Check out some popular spots to stay in Santa Elena , highly recommended if you’ve got an early morning flight.

Lakefront hotels in San Miguel, San Jose, and San Andreas

If you’re looking for a super scenic stay with the utmost peace and quiet, consider a lakefront hotel on Lake Peten Itza off the island itself. There’s some really unique hotels and resorts that offer stunning views and direct access to the water – some with infinity pools over the lake! 

Note that in order to explore Isla de Flores, you’ll need to take a lancha. And some of these hotels are pretty far. Take that into account if you plan to head to the island a bunch of times. 

Here’s a few inns and boutiques that look pretty cool around the lake:

• Zapote Tree Inn
• Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Villa Maya
• Bolontiku Hotel Boutique

A few more things to know about Flores

Language in flores.

Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, and I always recommend knowing some basic Spanish phrases when visiting the country. Make an effort; the locals will totally appreciate it! I tried brushing up on my Spanish before I left, and found it super handy.

Many individuals in tourism (at hotels, restaurants, shops, etc) speak some degree of English, and many younger locals speak some level of English as well. However, fluency levels definitely vary, so knowing some Spanish to effectively communicate will be helpful!

Local Currency in Flores

Like the rest of Guatemala, Flores uses the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). At the time of writing (April 2023), the quetzal is equivalent to 12 cents USD (or 1 USD = ~ 7.7Q). At first I found it kinda difficult to convert, but semi-figured it out within a few days. I thought of prices in 100Q’s and used that as my base, so for example: 

• 50Q ~ $6 USD
• 100Q ~ $12 USD
• 200Q ~ $25 USD

It takes a bit of practice but after a day or two you’ll be able to do the conversion quickly in your head. And if not, there’s always currency conversion apps (no shame).

There’s only a few ATMs on the island, and they frequently run out of cash. Aim to carry enough cash with you for your few days in Flores, juuuust in case. If all else fails, there’s more ATMs across the causeway in Santa Elena at the Maya Mall.

Some other FAQs about Flores:

• Plumbing and infrastructure : While the infrastructure is decent, it’s not uncommon for the island to lose power. During my 3 days in Flores, the entire island lost electricity a few times. Just something to keep in mind. They’re all very used to it, and the power typically comes back within an hour or so.
• Food and drink: Skip the night market on the bridge connecting Isla de Flores to the mainland. I heard it’s not very sanitary and I wouldn’t risk the possibility of getting sick. Plus, stick to purified or bottled water in all of Guatemala, and be cautious about eating uncooked veggies/fruit.
• Can you swim in the lake? Technically you can (it’s a natural freshwater lake afterall), but you won’t really find too many people swimming. Why? There aren’t many points of access into the lake. For the most part, Lake Petan is pretty clean, but always avoid swimming after a heavy rainfall – runoff can negatively affect water quality. If you wanna go for a refreshing swim, I recommend heading over to Playa Chechenal via lancha.

Safety in Flores

I traveled solo to Flores, Guatemala, and felt relatively safe my entire trip there (4 nights). While you need to be careful like you would in any other destination, Flores is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Of course you should take necessary precautions, like being aware of your surroundings, avoiding isolated areas at night, and keeping expensive electronics hidden.

If you do find yourself in danger, get in contact with Guatemala’s National Tourist Assistance Program ( PROATUR ). They provide 24-hour emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists. 

PROATUR also provides additional security in locations frequented by tourists. The call center is staffed with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. Keep that number handy – better safe than sorry!

What to Pack for Flores

Isla de Flores is super casual, and I was comfortable in sundresses, shorts, and tanks every day. Since Flores has a tropical climate, you’ll wanna pack lightweight and breathable clothing – think loose-fitting cotton dresses, linen pants/shorts, and t-shirts/tanks. 

In terms of footwear, you’ll 100% want and need comfortable walking shoes. Flores is a super walkable island, so bring comfortable shoes or sandals for exploring the streets. 

There’s so much uneven ground and plenty of slippery cobblestone, so make sure you pack shoes with a good grip and lots of ankle support. You’ll definitely want sneakers for a day of wandering around the archeological sites of Tikal.

Besides your typical topical light-weight clothing, here’s a few other things you’ll wanna pack for your trip:

• Bathing suit/s (if you’re planning to swim in the lake or the hotel pool)
• Polarized sunglasses (better for blocking out the harsh UV rays)
• Beach bag and/or backpack : make sure it’s large enough to fit a beach towel or two!
• Hat/s: The sun is strong here! I love taking a wide-brimmed sun hat for the beach and a fun trucker hat when hiking/hanging around.
• A waterproof kindle or other e-reader for reading at the beach, along the lake, and/or hotel pool (I’d be worried a physical book may accidentally get wet!)
• Your hotel may give you towels, but we love traveling with a sand-free beach mat
• Reusable water bottle : better for the environment and a must for the lake/beach! 
• Sunscreen: The sun can be crazy intense in Flores, so be sure to slather on that sunscreen! 
• Aloe Vera Gel : always have some handy in case you get a sunburn; aloe will give the burn some much-needed relief
• Dramamine : This will help with motion sickness if you’re planning to take a ride on a lancha (necessary to get to some of the #1 things to do in Flores)
• Bug spray will come in handy during Flores’ humid months (June to October), and calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream is good to have on hand for when you undoubtedly get bitten
• Portable battery charger : Charge your phone on the go and never run out of battery! I always need to borrow my friends so I’ve finally made it a habit to start bringing my own.
• Noise-canceling headphones: Great for both the plane and the lake/beach! I’m obsessed with my AirPods and Noah loves his Bose Quiet Comforts .
• Foldable tote bag: If you’re planning on doing some shopping in Flores (you must!), bring your own fold-up tote bag as not all street vendors give out bags. I love this collapsible reusable tote bag (hardly takes up any room in your suitcase and it’s so lightweight)
• Some meds for an upset stomach/antidiarrheal medicine (just in case you accidentally drink the water or something doesn’t agree with you – bound to happen, just be prepared)
• I totally wish I had binoculars for Tikal – there’s so much wildlife to see!  
• Rain gear: If you’re visiting during the rainy season (May to October), pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho to stay dry during occasional showers. A small travel umbrella is great to have on hand as well!
• Daypack or Backpack: A must on a day trip to Tikal. Make sure it’s large enough to hold a camera, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and a rain jacket (in rainy season).

Best Things to do in Flores

Finally, what you probably came here for: my favorite things to do in Flores… and a few others I wish I had time for!

Wander the Cute Colorful Town of Isla de Flores

Out of all the things to do in Flores, simply wandering around town was my favorite. It’s true – most people head to Flores simply to visit the Mayan ruins of Tikal, but the colorful island is definitely worth checking out too! And when I say colorful, I really mean it!

I was in heaven strolling around the charming island, checking out the colonial-style architecture, ALL of the colorful doors and buildings, and of course admiring the beautiful views of the lake from the malecon (the lakefront boardwalk surrounding the island).

Plus, the tiny island of Flores (Isla de Flores) is super small so you can practically see all of it in a single morning or afternoon. I must’ve walked every single street a few times during my 3 days in Flores! And I just couldn’t get enough – I definitely took way too many photos! 

There’s no reason to really plan out your walk in advance – just take your camera, throw on some comfy shoes, and start walking. I promise you’ll come across everything you need to see.

Stroll the Malecon

Flores is an island after all, so you betcha there’s lots of beautiful water views of Lake Peten Itza! One of the best views is by simply walking the perimeter of the island, on the malecon. The malecon in Flores is a scenic promenade that runs the circumference of the island – and due to Flores’ small size, it takes less than ½ hour to walk around the whole thing.

Malecons are essentially boardwalks next to the water, and the term is commonly used in Mexico, Guatemala, and other Spanish speaking countries. You’ll find restaurants and cafes along the malecon (I loved CasaBlanca, NATIVO, and Maple y Tocino), many with outdoor seating with gorgeous lake views. Plus some street vendors selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and snacks.

Most of the path in Flores is paved and well-maintained, and it’s super easy to navigate. However, when I visited, the malecon was flooded in a few spots, so I had to maneuver my way around them. Just something to keep in mind, and maybe don’t wear your favorite sandals/shoes since you may get a tad wet.

One of my favorite times of day to hang at The Malecon? Sunset! If you come to the west side of the island, you’ll find tons of locals hanging out, drinking a beer or two, and witnessing a breathtaking sunset over Lake Petén Itzá.

Visit the Impressive Ruins of Tikal 

Ohhh, Tikal! Easily one of the best things to do in Flores, so naturally, you MUST NOT MISS IT! These impressive Mayan ruins are probably the main reason you came all the way up to Northern Guatemala afterall!

Imagine this: Towering ancient temples amongst the thick jungle landscape. Listening to howler monkeys wake up and then watching them play in the trees. Climbing up ruins before sunrise in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle. Watching colorful toucans and parrots fly from tree to tree. That’s Tikal for you, and it’s absolutely extraordinary.

This complex of over 3,000 Mayan ruins deep in the rainforests of northern Guatemala is 100% pure magic. It’s one of the major sites of Mayan civilization, inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. (so yes, a very long time ago).  

I’m sorry Chichen Itza, but Tikal is easily one of the best sights in all of Latin America, and a definite highlight of Guatemala. I can’t imagine a complete Guatemala itinerary that didn’t include the impressive Tikal. 

Tikal is absolutely enormous, and you can spend hours exploring and climbing the temples, plazas, and other ruins that date back to over a thousand years ago. One of the most iconic structures is the Temple of the Giant Jaguar (Templo 1), which towers over the jungle (but you unfortunately cannot climb this one). 

I also checked out the Gran Plaza, surrounded by impressive ruins such as Templo II (Temple of the Masks) and the central and north acropolis. I loved the Plaza of the Lost World and feeling so tiny beneath Templo 5. 

But Tikal isn’t just about the fascinating history – it’s also a nature lover’s paradise! The surrounding jungle is home to a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, and colorful parrots (I saw a whole bunch!). You might even catch a glimpse of a jaguar or a puma if you’re lucky. 

And while there’s lots of day trip options, if you want a magical experience like no other, I highly recommend heading to Tikal for sunrise. 

Yes, we had to wake up at 3am and were exhausted the rest of the day, but listening to those howler monkeys wake up in the jungle and wandering around the almost-completely empty sites was simply breathtaking. An experience I’ll never forget. 

Book your sunrise tour to Tikal here (don’t wait on this – this is a small-group tour with space for a max of 9 guests).

If your idea of fun doesn’t include an early morning wake up call (hey, I get it!), you can certainly visit later in the morning or midday. Just note it’ll undoubtedly be much, much more crowded, and a lot hotter and stickier. 

Because of that I recommend taking a sunset tour to Tikal instead – you’ll get the best of both worlds; no waking up early, fewer tourists, and even cooler temperatures. I honestly kinda wish I did this – me and mornings don’t get along, haha.

Ride on a Lancha

You’re on an island – get out on the lake itself for a few hours! Lanchas (small boats) are commonly used for boat tours around the lake, and I recommend hiring one for a few hours to take you around. These tours offer a scenic and leisurely way to explore the surrounding area, enjoy the natural beauty, and learn about the local ecosystem.

Cost and stops : Cost depends on how many and what stops you want to make, and will typically cost less per person the more people joining you! I took a scenic trip on Lake Peten with a few girls I met at my hostel, and we each paid about 200Q ($25) to go to Jorge’s Rope Swing, the mirador, and Playa Chechenal with a local on his boat. These are the most common stops, and all boat drivers will know exactly what you mean when you ask to go here.

Psst – You can also visit ARCAS (an animal sanctuary) and the Zoologico Petencito Flores Peten (Flores Zoo), but we decided to skip these as I had heard mixed reviews and I don’t find zoos of any nature to be ethical. 

For a PRIVATE, customized 5 hour tour, we thought the price was more than fair (after haggling a tiny bit). We even watched the sunset on the boat as we were heading back to the island – so super spectacular and one of my favorite memories in Guatemala.

Where to find the lanchas : all around the perimeter of the lake! We hopped on a boat right outside of Maracuya, but there’s more along the malecon – take your pick!

Like taxis, always negotiate price and activities/stops before getting into the lancha. Don’t want there to be any surprises after you get in!

Jorge’s Rope Swing

Jorge’s rope swing is by far one of the best things to do in Flores for adrenaline junkies. And totally a hidden gem. We spent over 2 hours here and easily could’ve stayed longer!

What’s better than swinging out over the water on a rope swing, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding jungle. The entire establishment is actually a family business, and they sleep there at night! Just imagine waking up to peaceful sunrises on the lake every morning, without a soul in sight.  

And don’t worry – it’s still super fun even if you don’t jump into the lake. Watching all those brave souls was good enough for me! There’s hammocks and areas to chill out, places to sunbathe, plus beers and snacks for purchase. And it’s only a five minute lancha ride from Flores!

• Getting here : If you’re not spending the day activity hopping via lancha (like what we did), you can get to the rope swing by one of the boatmen waiting by the lake. The ride takes less than 10 minutes and costs about 50Q ($7) roundtrip. Head to the area on the island near Maracuya, as it’s closest to the rope swing so you’ll get the best prices.
• Cost : The family who lives here charges just 25Q (~3USD) for entry, which I found extremely fair and affordable. Bring some cash for a few beers and snacks… mmm.. those fries were more than delicious after a day out in the Guatemalan sun.

Admire the Views at Mirador de Canek

Want 360 degree views of Flores?! Head to Mirador de Canek! This scenic lookout point/observation deck has panoramic views of Lake Peten Itza and the surrounding jungle, and it’s absolutely gorgeous, especially on a sunny day. 

You’ll need to do a short hike to get up here (don’t be like me and wear sandals…), but it’s not too bad! The views from the top are well worth the effort! Expect a moderate and quick 15 minute hike up from the lakeshore, then a few flights up on a colorful wooden staircase painted with Guatemalan jungle animals and temples.

Note you’re technically supposed to remove your shoes to climb up the viewing platform, but we didn’t know this so kept our shoes on – whoops. Wear socks if you don’t wanna be barefoot.

I heard it’s especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, although we didn’t wanna make the trek back in the dark. Coming for sunrise? You may even hear the sounds of the incredible howler monkeys out in the jungle (like I did during sunrise at Tikal!).

• Getting here : Since the mirador is located in a remote and serene part of San Miguel (across the lake from Isla de Flores), you’ll need to hire a lancha. Tell the boat driver you wanna go to the mirador and he’ll know exactly where to take you. Expect to pay about 50Q per person roundtrip. I’d definitely ask the driver to wait for you since you won’t be able to get a boat back.
• Cost : free!

Relax at Playa Chechenal

Flores doesn’t have any real beaches, so that’s where Playa Chechenal comes in!

This is one of the only true beaches near Isla de Flores located on the shores of Lake Peten Itza, and it’s packed with locals enjoying the sun. 

I was honestly a bit disappointed with Playa Chechenal, as it was crazy crowded when we visited and there were no picnic tables near the water left for us. I think I’m spoiled with the beaches in Greece , Hawaii , and San Diego though! Plus, the beach was super rocky and it really hurt walking into the water! 

We loved hanging out on the rainbow dock taking pictures though, haha. If you just want a quick look at it and aren’t planning to swim for long, I’d say an hour or so at Playa Chechenal is enough.

• Getting here : You can take a lancha directly from Isla de Flores (for about 25Q per person), or make the 40 minute drive from Santa Elena. 
• Entrance Cost : 10Q per person

Watch Sunset from a Rooftop Bar

One of my all time favorite things to do in Flores was to watch the sunset – each and every night! With a drink in hand, of course (this is vacation after all!). Such a breathtaking experience watching the sky melt into the lake, with all the colors and boats zipping through the waters. Super romantic, too!

Since Flores is located on a tiny island, you can easily head to the west side in just a few minutes from wherever you happen to be. There’s a small cluster of bars with perfect views of the water. No excuses to miss sunset when it takes just 5-10 minutes to walk there!

In my opinion, here’s the best spots to watch sunset in Flores:

• Sky Bar: I came here not once, but twice to watch sunset – the location was THAT good! Come early as this place gets pretty packed, and be sure to wear sunscreen (the sun seems to set directly on the rooftop). You’ll need to walk up and up and up – but I promise the unobstructed views of the lake are worth the climb!
• Mangos Bar: Located on the roof of Hotel Isla de Flores, this place is such a vibe. Live music, a fun party-like atmosphere, and lots of boozy cocktails. Food is kinda expensive for what it is, so I’d come for drinks and the view only. 
• Terrazza : Right next to Sky Bar, this Italian restaurant is perfect for sunset if you’re hungry for some seafood pasta and homemade pizza! I sat here with a watermelon juice in hand and loved the views.
• From the Malecon : If all else fails, head to the malecon for sunset! Locals love to hang around here, so it’s definitely a great spot for some people watching as well. Just make sure to sit on the west side of the island so you can actually watch the sunset (sunrise happens to the east of course!)!

Take a photo with the Yo Amo Petan Sign

Your typical souvenir photo and one of the quickest things to do in Flores. You’ll probably pass it while wandering around the malecon! The sign translates to “I Love Petan” in English (the area where Flores is located). Find it located right at the waterfront near the bridge to Santa Elena. 

Psst: Taking a shuttle or signing up for a tour to Tikal? The Yo Amo Petan sign is a popular spot to meet the shuttles and tours.

Day Trip to Crater Azul

Imagine a breathtaking underwater “forest” with tons of natural plant life. Crystalline clean waters in a peaceful, tranquil surrounding. Swimming alongside tiny fish in water so clear and blue it’s indescribable. 

That’s Crater Azul in a nutshell – and it’s absolutely amazing.  

Better yet – it feels completely isolated from everything – a whole world away from the charm of Isla de Flores and definitely from the utter chaos of Guatemala City. And because of its location hidden inside the jungle, Crater Azul is hardly touristy – mostly locals come here, probably because it’s only really reachable by boat. 

I had an extra day in Flores, and opted to take a day trip to Crater Azul. Yes, it took a while to reach and there honestly wasn’t tons to do besides swim, but it was just oh so pretty! Look at those photos – so, so, so blue!

Read Next: My Honest Review of Crater Azul near Flores, Guatemala

• Getting there : It takes about 2 hours to get from Flores to Crater Azul, via highway and then a boat ride down the Passion river. 
• Cost : I paid about $45USD for a full day at the Crater, including transportation and lunch. You can certainly get there for less if you’ve got your own vehicle. 
• Worth it? I only recommend making the trek out to Crater Azul if you’ve got AT LEAST 3 full days in Flores. Anything less and you’d be better off allocating that time to Tikal and exploring the island itself.

Hang out at Maracuya

This magical spot deserves its own bullet point on my list of favorite things to do in Flores, because well, I just loved it so much! There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular restaurants and cafes on the island – it’s oh so charming with great decor and super photogenic food. 

It’s the atmosphere that makes the place so special – the whole place is a vibe. The lake’s right there (sit upstairs for sweeping views), there’s a butterfly sanctuary you can take your coffee into, and a water gazebo right on the lake. Easily one of the prettiest restaurants I’ve ever been to – with tons of tropical flowers, ample seating areas, and even hammocks to rest on.

I only had a smoothie here but everything on the menu looked delicious. Next time I’ll come hungry! I peeped my neighbors food and damn the portions were a nice size and oh so pretty – many with flowers decorating the plates.

Maracuya is located on the eastern side of Flores, which is way more serene and peaceful than the busy western end. There’s no sunset here, but come during the day for beautiful lake views!

Explore El Remate

El Remate is a small rural village located on the eastern shores of Lake Petan Itza, not far from Flores. It’s known for its scenic beauty and quiet environment – expect lots of lush vegetation, picturesque views, and a super tranquil atmosphere. 

From the looks of it, El Remate is a super chill area with a few restaurants and cafes right on the lake. It’s more of a locals area, and there’s not a ton to do besides eat and take a walk on the lakefront. El Remate is becoming a popular spot to stay (as you’re closer to Tikal), but I’d prefer to stay in the colorful town of Isla de Flores myself.

El Remate is located on the main road about halfway between Flores and Tikal. I had planned to head to El Remate after my sunrise morning mission at Tikal, but was honestly way too tired after my 3am wake up call, so relaxed by my hotel’s pool instead.

• Getting there: El Remate is about 30km west of Flores, and it’s easily accessible by road in about 40 minutes (no need to take a lancha here – it’ll take longer and be way more expensive). Regularly scheduled shuttle buses leave Flores for El Remate; look out for travel agencies in Flores, and/or ask your hostel/hotel.
• Cost : Expect fares from Flores to El Remate to run about Q30 per person on the low end.

Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts

There’s a few shops around town, but in all honesty, I found them to be kinda lacking. A bunch of other Flores travel blogs claimed there’s tons of small arts and craft shops literally lining the cobblestoned streets, but that wasn’t the case when I visited. Unless I completely missed them, which is very much possible! I did find a few on the street close-ish to the Yo Amo Petan sign on Calle Centro America.

Unfortunately you won’t find any huge textile markets in Flores, and I felt the shops were better in both Antigua and Lake Atitlan , so I didn’t buy anything. If you’re headed to other spots in Guatemala, do your shopping elsewhere.

Where to Eat in Flores

I was pleasantly surprised by all the foodie options in Flores – I found a whole slew of cute brunch spots, plenty (and plenty!) of rooftop bars, some chic bakeries, and even a great taco stand. For such a small island, I never ran out of places to try. Here’s my faves:

• Maracuya : The best place on the island to stop for some brunch, or simply a smoothie and/or snack. I sat on the airy terrace overlooking the lake, but there’s also a bunch of other spaces to hang out in, including a real-life butterfly exhibit!
• Sky Bar : By far the best place on the island to come for sunset. It gets crowded so come early to claim your spot. The food was honestly nothing too special – but let’s face it, you’re coming for the view!
• Terrazza : Probably the best Italian spot on the island! Come for the fresh pastas and pizzas. I came here one night to watch sunset and ordered a refreshing watermelon juice — it was downright HUGE! No complaints here!

• Maple y Tocino : Another favorite of mine – a great spot for a lazy lunch with a perfect view of the lake. My avocado toast with beans and plantains was delish; next time I wanna try the epic Four Seasons waffle. 
• Los Amigos Restaurant : With its jungle-like atmosphere and huge menu, this was one of my favorite spots! It’s apparently only available for guests of the hostel, but I’m pretty sure if you ring the buzzer and ask to sit, they won’t say no. They’ve got a little bit of everything, and a solid choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. My smoothie bowl was top notch and oh so filling.
• Delirio Bakery : As soon as I saw this airy, pink cafe, I knew I had to pop in. And what a great choice I made – indulging in some passion fruit pie was the perfect break from all my exploring. 
• Tacos Los Peces : Looking for a quick, low-key casual meal? Head to Los Peces right in the square! We grabbed some tacos and tostadas, and sat on a bench in the park — did some people watching and indulged! Super cheap and tasty; great for backpacker budgets.

Hope this helps you plan your future trip to Flores! Which of these fun (and tasty!) things to do in Flores are you most excited for?!

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How to Spend 3 Fantastic Days in Flores, Guatemala / Full Itinerary and Things to do in Flores

• Last Updated: September 24, 2023

A lot of people would visit Flores with the primary intention of touring Tikal National Park . And although Tikal is a must-do, Flores itself has so much to offer that you should definitely spend some time exploring it.

I stayed in Flores for almost a week, and I really enjoyed my time there. But if you are tight on time, I would say three full days spent in Flores is a sweet spot. This will give you enough time to see Tikal, explore the island of Flores and even take a short trip to the beach.

Yes, you heard it right – to the beach 🙂

I put together this little 3-day Flores itinerary for you so you can choose and pick things you would like to do and make the most of your stay.

In this Flores travel guide, you will find everything you need to know to make your stay awesome. All the great things to do, important tips and much more!

So let’s go!

Table of Contents

Short Overview of Flores Island, Guatemala

Flores is an island located on the third biggest lake in Guatemala, Lake Peten Itza, just a little over one hour away from the famous Tikal Maya Ruins. It is one of the most colourful towns in Guatemala and offers a big concentration of great restaurants, bars, and coffee shops but most importantly, it is surrounded by stunning Guatemalan nature. 

While in Flores, you can visit two different Maya Ruins – the famous  Tikal  as well as  Uaxactún but also marvel at the beautiful lake and enjoy multiple activities. It is a very colourful and vibrant town, yet it retained its chilled atmosphere even though it became a very popular backpacker destination. 

The island of Flores is connected to the mainland by a short causeway. On the other side, you will find a bigger suburb of Santa Elena where you can stock up on anything from a big supermarket, get a sim card, withdraw cash – basically everything you might from a bigger town. 

Is Flores worth visiting?

Although many travellers treat Flores as a short stop or a base for visiting Tikal ruins, there is so much more to this colourful and vibrant town. Flores has excellent restaurants and hostels and is surrounded by a beautiful lake and lush forests. It is colourful, vibrant and offers plenty of great things to do! Flores is definitely worth visiting!

You could spend a day on one of the best beaches in Guatemala (yes, you heard me right!), kayak on the lake or even take an amazing five-day trek to El Mirador hidden Maya city. With so many exciting things to do, you should definitely give Flores a bit more than just a one-day stopover visit.

I liked Flores so much that I extended my stay. It was a great place to chill, catch up on work and do some fun activities in the meantime.

How to get to Flores, Guatemala

Flores is often either the first or the last stop on many travellers’ Guatemalan itineraries , mostly due to its proximity to the Mexican border. Many travellers would carry on toward Mexico or would make it the first stop in Guatemala after crossing the border.

As with most destinations in Guatemala, it is not difficult but rather lengthy to reach Flores.

You can get to Flores from most backpackers’ hotspots simply by booking a seat on a shuttle or a public bus. Yet be prepared that the journey will take time, and most likely, you will arrive during the late afternoon or evening hours.

To get to Flores from Antigua, I recommend booking a direct shuttle. This is the most popular way of getting to Flores from Antigua; however, the journey takes around 9 to 10 hours. The cheaper option is to board an overnight bus and arrive in Flores in the morning. An overnight bus is a good option if you don’t have much time to spend in Flores and the busses are very comfortable. The bus will stop at the bus station just outside of Flores island (Santa Elena). From there you can take a tuk-tuk to Flores Island.

The best way to get to Flores from Lanquin/Semuc Champey is to book a shuttle from your hostel in Lanquin (between Q220 and Q260, depending on your haggling skills). In theory, this journey should take between 6 to 8 hours but could be more as road works are a frequent occurrence on this route. 

You can also get to Tikal from Rio Dulce if you are exploring this part of Guatemala or travelling from Honduras or Belize. It is very straightforward to get to Tikal from Rio Dulce. Just book a shuttle from there (between Q175 and Q225), and around 5 hours later, it will drop you right in front of your hotel in Flores. You can also check out the options on the GuateGo website.

I would say that apart from the overnight bus from Antigua, the best way to get to Flores from any other destination in Guatemala is by booking a direct shuttle. The roads leading to Flores are among mountains. It takes pretty long to get there, and changing busses or hopping on a chicken bus can be adventurous yet very tiresome and might take forever. 

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How long should you stay in Flores, Guatemala

If you’d like to visit Tikal Maya Ruins and explore what Flores town has to offer, you should stay in Flores for a minimum of 3 full days. This is a perfect amount of time to plan your Tikal trip, spend time relaxing by the lake and explore some great restaurants and activities in the town of Flores.

I spent eight days in Flores and could easily stay for more so if you think you might like it as much as I did and would like to make other day trips, five days in Flores would be the best!

Suggested 3 days itinerary for Flores, Guatemala / Things to do in Flores

Day 1 - things to do in flores.

Spend the first day exploring Flores. There are several things you can do in Flores, Guatemala, on your first day.

But firstly book your Tikal tour for the next day. You can do it either from your hostel or one of many tour offices located on the island.

Once your tour is booked its time to explore Flores. Here are all the awesome things you could do:

• Explore the town and take tonnes of pictures. Flores is incredibly colourful and very easy to walk around. In fact, you can walk around the island in less than an hour. But don’t be fooled. Although it is a small town, there is plenty to see and many great places to stop for a coffee or a meal.
• Be sure to stop at Maracuya. This is a great bar/restaurant with a fantastic ambience and a spectacular lake view from its upper floors. They serve great Michelada and delicious pizza too!
• Take a lancha (local boat) to Museo Santa Barbara, which is located on a tiny island. This little island hosts a small and enjoyable museum with a collection of many Mayan objects from the nearby ruins. Rent a kayak and explore the lake Peten Itzal. It’s a beautiful lake providing picturesque views and a great way to spend the morning. You can also book it in the afternoon and marvel at the incredible Flores sunset.
• In the afternoon or during the evening, you can walk along the promenade and stop for dinner in one of the great restaurants or grab some tacos or burritos. I had very reasonably priced and tasty tacos at El Takaso on Calle del Sur. Right next to it, you can also grab a delicious burrito.

Day 2 - Things to do in Flores

There are a few things that every visitor to Guatemala should do or see. Tikal National Park is one of them – no questions asked.

If you are heading to Flores, it is probably because you want to visit Tikal.

Tikal is not only one of the most significant archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. It is one of the most important archaeological sights, period.

Located in the middle of the Guatemalan rainforest, Tikal is one of the best excavated Maya ruins in the world. With over 3,000 structures on the site and many still buried and not completely excavated, travelling to Tikal is a great adventure. If you would like to read a complete guide on visiting Tikal, read my post here. You will find all the important information there, including prices and whether you should take a tour or do it independently.

You should return from your tour in the afternoon – around 5 pm.

After you return and are refreshed, have a cocktail at one of Flores’s rooftop bars. There are few to choose from, and given the beautiful sunset that Flores enjoys nearly every day, you should enjoy it at least once. A few of the best rooftop bars in Flores, Guatemala, include the famous Sky Bar and Maracuya, but the Mamitas bar opposite the Ramada Hotel is pretty cool with great service and views.

Day 3 - Things to do in Flores

So you decided to stay one more day in Flores? Excellent choice! Now, you could do a few really exciting things. 

Take a trip to the  Playa El Chechenal  beach and explore the pueblo of  San Miguel . After the Tikal trip, this was a definite highlight of my stay in Flores.

El Chechenal beach is located on the Tayasal Peninsula, in the San Miguel Petén village – on the shores of the same Lake Petén Itzá. This is a very popular tourist destination due to the beauty of the turquoise colour of the lake and its white sand. You would not believe that it is a lake! Some claim that it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Guatemala.

It is easy and inexpensive to get to Playa Chechenal from Flores.

Please don’t believe the boat drivers that the only way to get to the beach is by paying Q100 for the direct boat. You can take a local boat from in front of Sabana Hotel for Q10 and ask to be taken to San Miguel. From San Miguel, you can take an enjoyable 20-minute walk to the El Chechenal beach. 

Make sure you explore the village of San Miguel!

San Miguel is a charming, tranquil and colourful village located on the opposite side of the lake. Take a walk around – it is adorable! I took tonnes of pictures there! 

Continue up towards the El Chechenal. It is very straightforward to get there – the way is signposted, and it is a lovely 20-minute hike in the forest. After around 15 minutes, you will see a hanging sign telling you to turn right – don’t miss it ( I did, hahaha). From there, it is only a couple of minutes, and you will arrive at the beach. 

I couldn’t believe it was a beach on the lake. I’ve had the best swim since I left Colombia – the water was crystal clear and at a perfect refreshing temperature. There are few tables where you can sit in the shade or have a picnic. I spent the whole afternoon there and loved it. There is a small entrance fee of Q10 to enter the beach as this is private property.

On the way back, stop at the Mirador Rey Canek. From there, you can see the entire island of Flores and the Mundo Maya International Airport. This viewpoint is an actual tree tower.

If you’d rather spend a day not doing much but still enjoying the views and lounging by the lake, you can spend a day at Jorge’s Swing Rope , and this, unfortunately, will cost you a bit more. But there is no hiking involved – just pure relaxation. The only way to get there is to take a lancha from Flores promenade – but I was told you could also kayak there. I wasn’t brave enough to do it. The lancha shouldn’t cost you any more than Q100 both ways  (I checked at the beginning of 2023 and you still shouldn’t pay more than Q100), and the entrance fee to Jorge’s rope swing is Q25 (Updated 2023). 

This charming place belonging to Jorge and his family offers an excellent way to spend a day chilling and enjoying great views of the lake. There is a rope swing hanging over the lake and hammocks, a sun lounging area, and a restaurant. It is a lovely way to spend a day, especially after trekking in Tikal National Park.

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Even more things you could do in Flores in case you had a little bit more time:

Yes, there is more! I told you you have to book more nights in Flores!

Explore the Ruins of Uaxactún – Tikal ruins are significantly larger and more impressive. Still, the Uaxactún Ruins provide a totally different experience, and if you have extra time, you should definitely visit.

The best way to visit Uaxactún ruins is to stay a night and see the ruins first thing in the morning. The atmosphere of the ruins in the morning and the fact that those are much less crowded than Tikal provide a magical experience. 

There is an afternoon bus from the main bus station in Santa Elena (across the bridge from Flores) – this is the best way to get to Uaxactún by public transport. Stay overnight at Uaxactún village and wake up early the next day to see the majestic, misty ruins.

The return bus to Flores leaves at 7 am so you would have to stay one more night at Uaxactún village. That is why visiting Uaxactún ruins is only a great option if you have a lot of spare time or plan to skip Tikal altogether. I definitely recommend consulting this trip at your hotel as it is not so straightforward. 

You can also camp at Uaxactún ruins, which could make for a fantastic adventure. Worth considering, for sure!

Given the inconvenient bus situation taking an organized tour from Flores might be the best option to visit Uaxactún in a day. 

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Hike to El Mirador

One of the very popular and incredible things to do in Flores is taking a five-day trek to El Mirador. It is a 40km hike through the Guatemalan jungle. Hiking to El Mirador is an incredible adventure, and in the end, you will discover one of the largest and oldest Mayan cities in the world. 

I have not done this trek myself but spoke to a few people who did, and I was told it’s a mesmerizing experience. This trek needs to be done as a part of an organized trip, and prices start at around $400. The price will go down if you are in a group. I was also told that it is possible to take the hike without the tour – I would, however, not recommend it. The tour company will provide camping arrangements, food and of course insurance. When hiking in the jungle, I would choose to do it this way. 

If hiking El Mirador is what you want to do, you will be able to book a tour from Flores. Or you can pop into the Los Amigos hostel. Take a look at their tours here. 

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Take a trip to Ixpanpajul Natural Park

Ixpanpajul Natural Park is located around half an hour drive from Flores. It is known as an eco-adventure park, and it is also famous for its incredible fauna and flora.

At the park, you will enjoy walking along the suspension bridges, skywalks, zip-lining, and fantastic views over the Peten region. It is actually one of the highly recommended things to do in Flores, and if you enjoy nature and are a bit of an adrenaline junky – you will love it! Visiting Ixpanpajul Natural Park is definitely a great day trip, and it can be booked from Flores, or you can also book a day trip here.

Important tips for your stay in Flores

You can walk over to Santa Elena for some grocery shopping, phone top-up and general supermarket errands. I had lost my memory card adapter, and I managed to buy a new one there at a very reasonable price. There are two larger shopping centres located in different parts of the town – one of them directly on the other side of the bridge. The tuk-tuk ride between then costs Q10 but you can easily walk to the first one

I personally don’t have issues using the ATM , but I have used the one in the shopping centre in Santa Elena. But you will not have to stock up on cash before arriving in Flores.

Flores is hot and humid. And so is Tikal. Really! It’s a tropical area, so pack sunscreen and a mosquito repellant.

Don’t let the lancha drivers scam you. I was told to pay Q100 to go to the beach. I then found out at my hostel that I could just pay Q10 to go to San Miguel and walk to the beach for free. Haggle, haggle and haggle if you choose to take a boat trip.

Important note when booking your hostel – some hotels are located on the other side of the lake – please check the hostel location before booking. You will want to be situated on the actual island of Flores. Otherwise, you will have to take a daily lancha in order to get to all the restaurants, bars and tour offices. If all you want is peace, tranquillity and you don’t mind limited restaurants – you can book your accommodation there. There are few cute waterfront restaurants, and you’d be closer to the beach – so it’s all a matter of your personal priorities.

Is Flores Guatemla safe?

Flores in Guatemala is a small chilled town on a lake and pretty safe to explore alone. I felt very safe, and I walked everywhere alone, including barrio Santa Elena. Of course, you need to be mindful, don’t walk around in the middle of the night and always be aware of the surroundings – but this is the case everywhere, really. Still, I would say that Flores was one of the safest places I travelled to during my time in Guatemala

Where to stay in Flores, Guatemala

Los Amigos Hostel is undoubtedly the best place to stay while in Flores, Guatemala. It is a true secret garden of Flores and one of the best hostels I stayed in during my trip to the country.

They have a great choice of dorms and private rooms, one of the best kitchens I have seen and the general vibe is wonderful. It is a great place to meet other travellers as well. This is my personal recommendation.  

Other popular lodging choices in Flores include  Hotel Peten Express , which has both dorms and private rooms and a swimming pool. La Terrazza Hostel also has good reviews, but I personally don’t know anyone who stayed there, nor have I seen the hostel myself.

Flores was one of my favourite destinations in Guatemala and together with Tikal Ruins, it makes a must-do stop during your Guatemalan journey. I hope this article will help you plan your trip, and please make a comment below if you think I have missed something important or you’d like to share your own experience. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Until then, happy travelling and enjoy Flores!

Exploring more of Guatemala?

Be sure you read my other Guatemala posts! My guide to solo travel in Guatemala and a list of the most epic backpacker hostels in Guatemala will help you plan your Guatemala trip

Are you wondering how to spend an amazing time in Antigua Guatemala on a budget? In this article, I will tell you how!  

I hope you are heading towards Lake Atitlan because this place is just magical! Here you will find a complete guide to things to do and towns around Lake Atitlan .

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you purchase the product or make a booking via one of my links, I will receive a small commission. Please know that I will never recommend or promote a product I don’t believe in or haven’t used. This way, you are supporting this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

My favourite Travel Resources 

• For most of my accommodation, I use Bookings.com  and  Hostel World . With both booking platforms, you will often get free cancellations and access to tons of reviews. Read them! You will also get the most extensive selection of all types of accommodation. I hardly ever look elsewhere. If you are travelling in Asia – Agoda is definitely worth checking out!
• Make sure you download Google Maps and, for each new destination, download an offline map of your location and surrounding area. This way, even without the internet or Wi-Fi, you will be able to get to navigate around the town.

Moovit is also an excellent and very underrated travel and journey-planning app. It works great in many countries and will show you all possible routes by public transport, including the timetables.

For busses, I mainly use  Busbud  or  Omio  and  Flixbus to travel in Europe. 

123Go   — Great for tickets for trains, buses, ferries and charters in Southeast Asia! The best way to buy your ticket for the overnight Bangkok train! Rome2rio   – Another great journey-planning app. If your way of travel is mainly public transport  – you will use this app for sure!

 The travel insurance I use is Heymondo , and their plan suits me perfectly. They have clear policies with no deductibles, the price is excellent for what they offer and the price doesn’t go up when you are over 30 years old. They have a dedicated, easy-to-use app and free assistance calls.

I can get a cover for a month or three months and I know I can travel with peace of mind and get the best product for my money. And it also covers COVID-19.

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• I carry two debit cards with me. Given I don’t have a permanent country of residence,  Revolut  and Wise  work fantastically. In case one gets frozen, stolen or simply lost, I have a backup. The great thing about both cards is that you can freeze them straight from your phone and transfer money between them in case you need to. You will also get a great exchange rate and create separate foreign currency accounts. 
• I booked most of my tours via either  Get Your Guide  or  Viator . You can also book locally, but I advise you to ask around and follow the local recommendations. 

For more travel tips and recourses, visit Pati’s Travel Tips page!

6 thoughts on “How to Spend 3 Fantastic Days in Flores, Guatemala / Full Itinerary and Things to do in Flores”

Actively planing my first solo trip to Flores, staying a week! I booked Hotel Sabana, thank you for this resource

You are most welcome Jennah! Have a wonderful time!

I see your Flores and Tikal post was updated 21st Jan 23…I am here today ( 24th Jan) and prices are all increased since your original post. Just for your information ? and for fellow travellers. Also Don Cenobio is a cool and more chilled hostel with the most amazing sunrise terrace view!

Thank you, Fabiana! I will update the prices by the end of this month. And thank you for the hostel recommendation too! I hope you enjoyed Flores as much as I did 🙂 Happy travels!

Great post, I loved Tikal, the most amazing sunsets in Guatemala

Hey Wes, I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Flores has pretty good sunsets too 🙂 Happy travelling and stay safe!

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Hi, I’m Pati. A traveller, photographer (aspiring), dreamer and hopeless believer in magic. I caught the travel bug in my forties – and not planning to look back any time soon. I travel solo and on a budget and I try to spend as much time and effort as possible to truly immerse myself in the country I am visiting.

Whether you are like me and decided to change your life around a new dream or just wandering (because not all who wander are lost) – I am here to tell you that everything is possible. 

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Top Things to See and Do in Flores, Guatemala

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Flores is a picturesque town on a small island on Lake Peten Itza, Guatemala . Connected to the mainland by a short causeway, Flores island is tiny – you can walk around it in about 20 minutes – and comes complete with some seriously beautiful views. Due to its proximity to Tikal National Par k, Flores has become a backpacker hotspot, but there’s more to this tiny town than meets the eye. Let’s take a look at the top things to do here.

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Eat Pupusas

Pupusas are thick corn tortillas that are stuffed with a variety of fillings — usually refried beans and cheese and sometimes pork — and then fried until the surface is crisp and the inside squashy. Served with salsa and cabbage, pupusas are deceptively filling and very cheap. While they’re traditionally from El Salvador, pupusas are are everywhere in Guatemala now, and Flores is home to one of the country’s very best pupusa restaurants.

Uaxactún is a Mayan ceremonial centre. While the pyramids and temples here have been uncovered, they haven’t been restored to the same extent as Tikal – more on that below – so it feels a little wild. This is the oldest astrological observatory from the Mayan world, and it’s designed so that, at sunrise on equinoxes and solstices, the sun appears to rise out of the central temple.

Try Jorge’s Rope Swing

On the north shore of the lake is Jorge’s rope swing, which you can reach by public boat or kayak. It’s run by a local family and is a great place to hang out: you can jump into the lake from the rope swing and eat in the small restaurant, and if you don’t fancy heading back to town after, you can sleep in one of the hammocks outside.

Visit Ixpanpajul Natural Park

Ixpanpajul is a natural park about 15 minutes from Flores. Here, you can hike through the dense jungle, swing through the forest on a zip-line, walk along the sky way and go horse riding. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for local wildlife! There’s a decent pick-up service from Flores, too.

Learn Spanish

Thanks to the clear local accent, Guatemala is one of the best places in the world to learn Spanish. If you want to brush up on your skills in Flores, Dos Mundos is a community-based language school programme . If you’re serious about improving your Spanish, you can stay for a week with a local family: four daily hours of classes, lodging and three meals a day costs just $200.

Visit Yaxhá

Yaxhá is the third-largest Mayan ceremonial city in Guatemala, and was once home to a population of more than 20,000. Over 400 buildings, five acropolises and three ball courts have been discovered here, and you can spend hours wandering around the pretty area. From Temple 216 you can admire stunning views of Lake Yaxhá.

Rent a Canoe

One of the best ways to explore the lake is by renting a canoe. You can easily do this out of Flores, but the shore by El Remate is also a great place to paddle. You’ll be able to hire a canoe for under $2 per hour. Be careful paddling in the afternoon, as the winds can pick up and it can become quite choppy.

Hire a Boat and Swim

If canoeing isn’t for you, why not hire a small covered boat to explore the lake? You can sail over to the town of San Jose in about 40 minutes while you enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery. Take a few snacks and some drinks and make an afternoon of it. Lake Peten Itza is also great spot for a dip; if you don’t have a boat there are several public piers on the north side of the city that are perfect for jumping off. On a hot day, not much beats leaping in the lake for a refreshing swim.

Check out Petencito Zoo

Animal lovers should pop over to Petencito Zoo , a conservation organisation and animal rehabilitation centre. Here, you can stroll along some lovely trails and meet animals that are either recuperating after sickness or injury, or are unable to be released and live in the zoo.

Visit Tikal

And then, of course, there’s Tikal . Dating from the 1st century, Tikal flourished between 200 and 850 AD and is the largest excavated Mayan site in the world. It’s home to the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas, Temple IV, from where you can enjoy incredible views of this jungle-swathed ancient kingdom.

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Flores Guatemala Travel Guide | What to do, See, Eat & Stay

Flores Guatemala is a colorful island town amidst the picturesque Lake Petén Itzá. The main reason that travelers end up in this town is to visit Tikal but there are a handful of other things to do in Flores, Guatemala that you might just want to stick around for a few days.

Flores boasts cobblestone streets, brightly colored buildings, and a relaxed atmosphere. Wandering through the narrow streets, you’ll encounter a blend of local life and tourist-friendly establishments, from artisan shops to lively cafes.

As I mentioned earlier, Flores serves as a gateway to the ancient Maya wonders of Tikal. The lakeside promenade offers stunning views and the sunsets over the lake create a tranquil ambiance.

In this article, I’ll go over all what to do in Flores Guatemala, list a few of the best places to stay in town and add any useful tips that will help you in planning a trip to this charming, island getaway.

For full transparency,  I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post which gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. If you find this post useful, you can also treat Jess to a cup coffee by clicking the icon on the bottom of the page. This will allow me to continue to create more content for you to enjoy ☕️. 

Table of Contents

Is Flores Guatemala Worth Visiting?

Before we get started with the list of the best things to do in Flores Guatemala, you may be wondering is Flores Guatemala worth visiting?   There’s nothing like being on the water, whether it’s an ocean, lake or river – it just soothes me.

Since I slow travel, Joe and I spent a week on this colorful island and although a bit slow at times, we really enjoyed our time here. If you have been bumping around Central America for a while and need a place to kick back and relax, Flores is right up your alley.

If you are strapped for time and only have a week or two in Guatemala, I would use Flores as most do, to visit Tikal and continue on with your travels.

So to sum it up, Flores is definitely worth visiting. Stay a few days to enjoy the island and its surroundings if you have the gift of time. If however, time is not on your side, there are so many other awesome places to visit in Guatemala that I would pass in and out of Flores for Tikal and be on your way.

Things to do in Flores Guatemala Quick List

Below I have a listed the top things to do in Flores for easy viewing. If you’d like more information on a certain activity, click on the blue links below for more details that specific thing to do in Flores, Guatemala.

• Take a Boat Tour around the Lake

Jorge’s Rope Swing

• Sunset from a Rooftop Bar

Shop the Waterfront Popup Shops along the Malecon

Day trip to tikal, wander the ruins of uaxactún.

• Ixpanpajul Nature Park 
• El Mirador Del Rey Canek Viewpoint
• Playa Chechenal Peten
• Yaxha Ruins
• Kayak, SUP or Jetski on the Lake
• Crater Azul

5 Day Jungle Trek to El Mirador

Map of Flores, Guatemala

Okay, in the section I want to just briefly talk about Flores and the surrounding locations. Flores is connected to the mainland by a causeway. San Miguel is across the lake from Flores which I labeled on the map above.

Some of the things to do in Flores and places to stay are located in San Miguel, which means that you first have to take a water taxi to San Miguel from Flores. Just know that Flores is tiny, you can walk the entirety of the island in an hour.

14 Things to do in Flores, Guatemala

Take a Boat Tour around Lake Petén Itzá

Of course one of the best things to do in Flores is to take a boat tour around the island. You can just walk up to any of the boat drivers that are waiting at the docks to shuttle people from Flores to San Miguel and ask to take a tour with them.

Tours are priced per hour and not by person. Boat tours around Flores Island should cost 100Q for a half hour or 200Q for one hour. Some of the places that you will get to explore on a boat tour include:

• El Museo 

One of the coolest things to do in Flores is swing Jorge’s Rope Swing. This small bar and restaurant is home to a rope swing and diving platform that offers a unique and refreshing way to experience the lake waters.

The main attraction is the rope swing. Adventurous souls can take a leap into the lake waters below. The surrounding area is dotted with hammocks, which creates a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenic views.

This activity in Flores is actually located in San Miguel so you must take a water taxi to get there and it should cost 25Q. Then it will cost another 25Q to enter which comes out to be about $9 including return transportation.

This is perfect way to spend an afternoon geared towards travelers looking for an exhilarating and laid-back adventure on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá.

Enjoy Sunset from a Rooftop Bar

What better way to end the evening than at a rooftop bar for sunset. Flores has a couple pretty nice rooftop bars in town to enjoy. Mango’s Rooftop Bar is located on top of Hotel Isla de Flores. The vibes are fun, the seating is comfortable, staff is friendly and drinks are flavorful.

The Sky Bar is another popular rooftop bar in Flores that is closer to the water, has epics views and tasty drinks. An honorable mention is Restaurant San Telmo .

Every afternoon the malecon aka boardwalk along the lakeside comes alive with popup stalls full of food and crafts. If you have been aching to try some traditional cuisine, this is a great place to sample the local flavor.

This is also a great place to snag a souvenir to bring home or if you just to be in the middle of the action. The market starts in the afternoon around sunset and goes into the night. This is a popular thing to do in Flores for locals and tourists alike.

No trip to Flores can be complete without an exploring Tikal, Flores is the unofficial gateway to exploring the ruins after all. Situated in the lush Petén rainforest in the northern park of the country, Tikal are remarkable remains of the ancient Mayan civilization.

Encompassing over 575 square kilometers, the park is centered around the iconic archaeological site. The park features towering pyramids, majestic temples, ball courts and ceremonial plazas.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tikal National Park not only preserves the architectural marvels of the Maya but also showcases the vibrant biodiversity of the surrounding jungle. Think howler monkeys, toucans and the adorable coatis.

Tikal is an hour and a half from Flores and is the most convenient option is to see Tikal is on a tour. All tour agencies in town offer trips to Tikal, so you can book a tour once you’ve arrived or book one online here to get the logistics out of the way. The price will cost the same if you book in person or online.

There are a few different tours to choose from, a sunrise tour, a midday tour or a sunset tour. If you are keen on doing a sunrise or sunset tour, you will need to buy an additional entry ticket for those times on top of the classic entry ticket. You also cannot explore Tikal during these times without a guide.

Here are some top Tikal Tours to check out:

• Tikal Sunrise, Archeological focus and Wildlife Spotting
• Tikal Sunrise from Flores /More Archaeological Tour /2 Tours
• From Flores: Tikal Sunrise Extended Private Tour
• Tikal Exclusive Tour from Flores all-Inclusive
• 2-Day Trip to Tikal and Yaxha Ruins

I know there is a bit of confusion when it comes to buying tickets and tours for Tikal which explain everything in complete detail in this post below. Also for a more intimate experience you can book a stay at a hotel inside the park to get an early jump on exploration.

🐒 Read Full Post:   Everything you Need to Know about Visiting Tikal National Park

If you are looking for a less crowded ruin, then look no further than Uaxactùn. Located about an hour north of Tikal, Uaxactùn boasts well-preserved Mayan structures.

The site is renowned for its astronomical observatory, where ancient Mayan astronomers tracked celestial events with remarkable accuracy. Exploring Uaxactùn allows you to marvel at remote pyramids with absolutely no one around.

The lush jungle surroundings and sounds only enhance the mystical atmosphere. The Uaxactùn ruins are best explored on a tour from Flores.

Book a Tour →

Ixpanpajul Nature Park

Ixpanpajul Nature Park is a zip-lining & nature park located about 15 minutes from Flores. Ixpanpajul Nature Park is an ecological haven that offers the perfect blend of adventure and serenity. This where the canopy meets adventure.

Towering treetop walks provide a unique perspective of the vibrant flora and fauna, allowing you to really appreciate the biodiversity of the region. This is what to do in Flores for the adventurous souls, as the park features seven thrilling zip-lines that offer a bird’s-eye view of the canopy.

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Hike to El Mirador Del Rey Canek Viewpoint

Another thing to do in Flores that is actually on San Miguel is to hike up to El Mirador Del Rey Canek Viewpoint.  Ask any of the boat taxi drivers to take you to where the trail starts , they will know where it is.

The  trail takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the top.  Once you make it to the top of El Mirador del Rey Canek, named after a legendary Maya ruler, hikers will be rewarded with panoramic vistas of Lake Petén Itzá, the island of Flores and the surrounding landscapes.

I never personally made it to the top of this viewpoint as it rained all three days that I stayed on San Miguel, but if you are looking for something to do around sunset, the El Mirador Del Rey Canek viewpoint is a great option.

Swim at Playa Chechenal Peten

If you are traveling to Flores in the hot, hot season and need a reprieve from heat then head to Playa Chechenal Peten for a swim. This tranquil beach is also located on San Miguel and offers a peaceful escape.

Think sandy shores, swaying palm trees and cool waters.  This is great if you are seeking a quiet day by the water or a scenic spot to enjoy the sunset. You can find its location here on google maps.

Explore Guatemala’s Best Kept Secret the Yaxha Ruins

Another Mayan ruin you can explore near Flores is Yaxha, the third largest ruin in Guatemala, with only Tikal and El Mirador being larger. The expansive complex boasts majestic temples, palace structures and ceremonial ball courts, all surrounded by verdant flora and teeming wildlife.

Climbing the huge pyramids reward visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and dense canopies, providing a unique perspective on the once-thriving city. The site’s historical significance, coupled with its natural beauty, creates a harmonious blend of cultural exploration and appreciating for Guatemala’s history.

This is one of Guatemala’s best kept secretes and it’s not far from Tikal, which makes it easy to visit both ruins in a day if you hire a private driver. Or you can visit Yaxha and Tikal on a 2-Day Tour like this one.

Book a Yaxha Sunset Tour →

Kayak, Stand Up Paddle or Jetski the Lake

The most common way to see lake Peten Itza is via boat but there are other ways to experience the lake. You can rent a kayak, rent a stand up paddle board or even a jetski.

Whether leisurely paddling along the shoreline or venturing into hidden coves, this thing to do in Flores offers a peaceful escape. Plus you’ll have access to areas that are difficult to reach any other way!

Kayaks and paddle boards can be rented along the shore and should cost around 70Q-100Q for the whole day or 25Q for an hour. Jet skis will cost a little bit more.

Crater Azul Guatemala

If you need a break from temple hopping then look no further than Guatemala’s Crater Azul. This secluded natural wonder is tucked away in the dense jungle.

It’s possible to get to the blue crater Guatemala by a 4×4 vehicle but it’s more dependable to get here via boat which you can do on a tour. Getting here is part of the fun as there’s tons of birds and wildlife to see.

This pristine crater lake will captivate you with its intense blue hues, reflecting the surrounding greenery like a precious gem nestled in the wilderness. This beautiful cenote is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and is a must do if you love diving into the unknown.

Sadly, the reason that many of these animals can’t be released back into the wild is due to a variety of reasons but the common theme is that they were all involved in the illegal wildlife trade. You can even volunteer at the center, which you can find more information about here .

Finishing off our list of things to do in Flores is the 5 day jungle trek to El Mirador. El Mirador is the largest pyramid complex by volume in the world. This trek in Guatemala takes adventures to Mayan ruins dating back thousands of years.

The journey takes 5 days, 2 days to hike on a mostly flat path to El Mirador, 1 day to explore the complex, and 2 days to hike back the way you came. You’ll be camping beneath the starlit canopy, witnessing the sunrise over the ancient ruins and climbing La Danta (one of the largest pyramids in the world), which is something that most travelers to Guatemala don’t get to experience.

I always try to do one trek in each new country that I visit. Joe and I had the El Mirador Trek booked but had to cancel last minute do to some personal issues so unfortunately I didn’t personally get to complete this trek but trust me, I’ll be back to do it one day hopefully soon.

The trek cost 2800Q per person which is about $350 USD. Plus if you want a bi-lingual guide, it will cost another $200 USD. This hike in Guatemala costs more than your average tour but is something not to miss if you love hiking and adventure. Treks to El Mirador can be booked once you’ve arrived in Flores at any of the local tour agencies.

If money is no issue, you can book a helicopter ride to these secluded ruins instead. I can only imagine how amazing it is to see the jungle and El Mirador from the sky.

Book a Helicopter Tour to El Mirador →

Where to Stay in Flores Guatemala

The first place I stayed at in Flores wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either so I’m not going to recommend it.  The second time in Flores after spending two nights in Tikal at Jaguar Inn for New Years I stayed at Los Amigos Hostel and I can see why it’s one of the most popular places to stay in Flores.

If I were to visit Flores again and booked my accommodations in advance, this is where I would stay.

• Hotel Casona de La Isla – Pool, hot tub and lakeside views.
• Hotel Casa Azul – 50 shades of blue and a west facing hotel with a pool.
• Hostal Casa de Grethel – Secluded and serene hostel located on San Miguel.
• Zapote Tree Inn – Views of the lake, a pool and a terrace in San Miguel.
• Los Amigos Hostel – Centrally located with dorms and privates available. Plus an excellent bar and restaurant.
• Hotel Tikal Inn – Located inside Tikal National Park. Restaurant, swimming pool, and steps away from the entrance.
• Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal – Located inside Tikal National Park . Jungle atmosphere and outdoor swimming pool.  Fall asleep to the sounds of howler monkeys & birds.
• Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel – Swimming pool, hot tub & heliport.

📚 Read Next: 15 Charming Hotels in Flores

Restaurants in Flores Guatemala

The restaurants in Flores don’t compare to the outstanding restaurants in Antigua but here are a few that I enjoyed.

• Teengo’s – Cheap tacos and plate lunches.
• Restaurants Tipico Imperio – Great views and decent vegan and vegetarian options.
• Maple y Tocino – Amazing brunch spot right on the water.    This was my favorite place to eat in Flores.   Must try the waffle breakfast sandwich, fresh donuts & avocado toast.  Plus coffee ☕️.
• Captain Tortuga’s – Nice spot on the waterfront, perfect for drinks at sunset.
• Casa Blanca – Lovely views from this lakeside restaurant.
• Maracuya – Traditional Guatemalan cuisine and cocktails on the lake.

How to Get to Flores Guatemala

• Antigua to Flores
• Guatemala City to Flores
• Lake Atitlan to Flores
• Coban to Flores

This is a long and exhausting ride but the most economical option.

How to get to Flores from Guatemala City? If you are traveling from Guatemala City and don’t want to take a bus, you can fly domestically to Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores. This is the quickest option and also the most expensive choice.

🛵 Read Next: How to Get to Flores, Guatemala (coming soon)

Best Time to Visit Flores Guatemala

The best time to visit Flores is during the dry season , which typically runs from November to April. The weather is drier, with sunny days and lower humidity. This season is much more comfortable for hiking and exploring Tikal.

Dry season also coincides with busy season so if you want a less crowded experience, the shoulder months of November or April are best for visiting Flores.

📌 Read Next: 30 Guatemala Travel Tips to Know Before you Go

Flores Guatemala Travel Vlog

Would you rather see what visiting Flores is like? Joe and I spent 7 weeks in Guatemala and 1 of those weeks we were in the Peten region.  We filmed a couple vlogs while we were here about the best things to do in Flores and about visiting Tikal.

Check them out after you read this post and please subscribe or give us a thumbs up. It doesn’t cost you anything and really helps us be able to continue creating free content for you to enjoy 🙂.

🎥 Watch our Guatemala Series on YouTube

Onward Travel from Flores Guatemala

• Journey southeast to Lanquin to see one of Guatemala’s most beautiful natural wonders – Semuc Champey.
• Head east and cross the border to Belize to explore San Ignacio.
• Hit the beaches of Caye Caulker, Belize
• Travel east to Rio Dulce – a picturesque river area surrounded by dense rainforest.
• Fly to Guatemala City and travel an hour to Antigua for a taste of colonial charm.
• Traveling west, you’ll find Lake Atitlan , surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages.
• Cross the border into Honduras to explore the ancient Maya ruins of Copán.
• Head north into Mexico to explore pristine beaches.

I spent 7 weeks traveling all around Guatemala.  Check out the guides below for inspiration and help in planning your trip.

Guatemala Travel Tips

📍Plan your Trip: 30 Guatemala Travel Tips to Know Before you Go 15 Cool Places to Visit Guatemala 20 Epic Things to do in Guatemala 🗺 How long to travel Guatemala? 1-3 Week Guatemala Itinerary 🛺 How to Get Around: Guatego for shuttles throughout the country Uber or tuk tuks for shorter distances 🛂 Visas: Up to 90 Days on arrival for most countries. ☔️ Best Time to Visit: Dry season which typically spans from late November to early April. 💰 Average Daily Budget:  Expect to pay 50-60 USD’s a day for basic accommodations, sit down meals and entrance fees. ⛺️ Guatemala Accommodation Guides: 14 Best Hotels in Antigua Best Places to Stay in Lake Atitlan 11 Charming Places to Stay in El Paredon 15 Best Places to Stay in Flores 🪂 Highlights Watching Volcan Fuego Erupt at Night Eating your way through Antigua Roasting Marshmallows on Pacaya Volcano Roaming Around Tikal Trekking to El Mirador Semuc Champey Chichicastenango Market Surfing in El Paredon Boat Cruise along the Rio Dulce Soaking up Caribbean Life in Livingston Lake Atitlan Hiking the Highest Peak in Central America The Colonial City of Antigua 🧳 What to Pack : What to Pack for Guatemala 🎥 Watch our Guatemala Series on YouTube 📧 Get on my Email list to see what I’m up to and all the best travel content!

More Guatemala Travel Guides ↓

🛺 Check out the guides below to help plan your transportation around Guatemala.

How to Get to Antigua 

How to Get to Lake Atitlan

How to Get to Semac Champey

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10 best things to do in flores (guatemala) in 2024.

When backpacking through Guatemala , one place you really must visit is the charming island of Flores.

Located in the northern end of Guatemala, it’s relatively easy to get to if you're backpacking through the country.

The island has grown increasingly famous in recent years for being close to some of Guatemala's biggest Mayan ruin sites. However, this place has so much more to offer! 

As well as Mayan ruins, there are plenty of things to do in Flores , and it has proved to be the ideal place to stay for people of all ages.

Whether you're looking to relax and enjoy the epic sunsets or you'd prefer an adventure, Flores has something for everyone! 

After spending 2 nights here, here is my go-to guide on what to see and do in Flores...

Travellerspoint

How to get to and from Flores

The most common method of getting to and from Flores is by minibus! 

If you’re backpacking through Guatemala, then you will use minibuses to get to and from all major cities, as very rarely do they offer bus services.

We took the minibus from Palenque in Mexico and it cost us a grand total of 600 Mexican pesos. From there, we travelled from Flores to Lanquin, which cost us Q100.

These seem to be the going rates and you can get these prices in most tour agencies!

That being said, some will try to rip you off so, like when you visit any country, it’s worth shopping around first to get a good price.

You'll often find that hotels and hostels in Guatemala offer the same price, if not better, than tour agencies.

Just bear in mind that you will be grouped together with passengers who bought their tickets from all kinds of different companies. The actual tour agents themselves don’t operate the buses.

Instead, they get a commission for selling on behalf of the minibus owners.

As such, make sure you check with your tour operator which minibus company you should ask for when you arrive.

All buses pick up and drop off from the same point, which is just over the bridge when you enter Flores. They are not allowed to go any further. To help, the tour companies will pick you up at and drop you off at your hotel in a smaller car (for free).

Read Also: Our Epic Trip Planning Guide

Getting around Flores

The most popular way to get around Flores is simply by walking!

It's not a large town by comparison to others in Central America, so you won't have problems getting around.

However, just keep in mind that lots of the things to do in and around Flores are situated out of the town centre. If you're planning to take tours then your transport will often be included.

If you're looking to visit the sites yourself, then there are some other transport methods that you can use...

Other ways of getting around Flores:

• Auto-rickshaws - a cheap way to get around
• Local minibuses - run to surrounding areas, so great for a day trip
• Boats - these can be used for tours but you'll need to haggle a price!

Where to stay in Flores

Flores isn't particularly big, but that being said, there are plenty of different hotels and guest houses to choose from.

Location is important so far as you are willing to pay a little extra to have a nice view.

We booked into Hotel Villa del Lago which turned out to be a very nice hotel, with great views from the balcony, which made for the ideal spot to work from during the evening.

The rooms are clean, if not a little dated, and the staff are friendly enough.

If you are interested then you can check out the best prices for this hotel on Booking.com .

Here are a few more good value accommodation options for Flores…

• Budget choice: Casa Maya Itza - This place was booked out when we visited, or else it would have been our choice!
• Mid-range accommodation: Casa de Grethel - It’s in an excellent location, just over the water in San Miguel, right on the water's edge! They also have dorm rooms available for just $13 a night per person.
• Luxury hotel: Hotel Casona del Lago - This hotel is set right on the edge of Lake Peten Itza and has fantastic facilities including a swimming pool, hot tub, and bar.

Note: For all of the properties listed above, I’ve included links through to Booking.com . If you click one of these and book through that link, then we get a small commission, at no added cost to you. So thanks ahead of time for helping support our blog! :D I recommend Booking.com as we use them all over the world as they offer the best prices and have the widest range of accommodation almost everywhere.

Read Also:   Where To Stay In Flores, Guatemala

10 Best Things To Do In Flores, Guatemala

1. visit the tikal ruins.

It makes sense to start with perhaps the most famous Flores attraction, Tikal Ruins . These ruins are located in Tikal National Park, and are located roughly 1.5 hours from Flores.

These famous Mayan ruins draw in thousands of tourists to the island every single month and it's not hard to see why! 

We took a day tour with a guide and I highly recommend doing this as well as it gives you the opportunity to learn all about this iconic site. They'll show you the best way to get around the ruins, and give you a deep insight into how the temples were built and used daily by the Mayan community.

The site itself is incredibly large, and there are dozens of temples and monuments that have still not been excavated.

Cazzy’s complete guide to the Tikal Mayan ruins answers any more questions you might possibly have; such as how to get there and how much they cost to visit.

We highly recommend heading with this tour , which includes your entrance ticket and transport there and back.

Alternatively you can join this private sunrise tour of Tikal. This all-inclusive tour is a really memorable way of seeing the ruins with nobody else around, and you’ll really get to feel what life was like here all those years ago.

Tikal ruins are located some 64 km north of Flores , and you can find local colectivos heading to the site frequently (if you prefer to go independently).

2. Check out the Uaxactún Ruins

The Uaxactún Ruins are less famous than those at Tikal, but even more impressive in some ways.

They haven't been excavated or renovated as much as the ones at Tikal, so they have a much more rugged feel.

Once again, it’s worth getting a guide if you choose to visit, so that you can gain deeper insight into the 8 major sites that have been categorized in Uaxactun.

You can head to the ruins with this private tour , which includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll also have lunch included as well as your own knowledgeable guide who will teach you everything you need to know about this incredible sight.

You might even want to consider spending a night in one of the guest houses located near to the Tikal ruins. That way, you can visit Tikal one day, enjoy sleeping in the jungle for the night and then explore Uaxactun the next day, which is about 23 km further along.

There are a limited number of properties to choose from, but they are actually surprisingly modern and great quality! I would recommend checking out the listings on Booking.com .

Here's some information about visiting the Uaxactún Ruins for you! 

You can get to Uaxactún Ruins from Flores in just under 2 hours , and if you're already in Tikal then it will take around 30 minutes by car.

3. Enjoy the Sunset from a Rooftop Bar

The first night we arrived in Flores we really weren't too sure what to expect. All we knew was that we were hungry and wanted to find somewhere to grab a drink!

So we headed up to the center of Flores and saw a small bar/restaurant located down near the edge of the lake.

Only once we got to the rooftop bar did we realize how incredible the views are around Flores!

We sat down, ordered a couple of frozen blue Margaritas and watched the sunset.

Simply relaxing with some food and drinks from any one of the bars and restaurants is easily one of the best things to do in Flores. However, that first restaurant proved to be our favorite place to eat here.

If you’re interested in trying it out, it's called Sky Bar Flores and they offer 2-for-1 frozen blue Margaritas for just Q30 between 5pm and 9pm.

They are located on the west side of the island , and are open all days of the week from 11:00am until 1:00am (although they do close a little earlier from Monday until Thursday).

4. Head up to El Mirador Del Rey Canek

If you’re looking for another great way to enjoy the views out over Flores, then you should head up to El Mirador del Rey Canek .

It's located just over the water near to a small village called San Miguel.

The easiest and cheapest way to get here is to catch one of the ferry boats which seem to leave all throughout the day. They stop at docks located all around Flores, so speak to your hostel/hotel owner about the best one to use to get across the water.

The hike up to El Mirador takes maybe 15 to 20 minutes from where you get dropped off, so be sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen (given how hot it can get here).

There’s not too much uphill walking as the actual platform is a sort of tree house building that rises up through the surrounding canopy. It's only small, but you get to enjoy some great views back out over the lake and to Flores.

You can check out the location of El Mirador Del Rey Canek here , where you may also want to visit nearby Tayazal along the way.

5. Have a go on Jorge’s Rope Swing

Whilst on this side of the water, it’s worth heading over to another one of the best things to do in Flores, which is Jorge’s Rope Swing .

It’s good fun and is a simple swing operated by a family who live nearby.

Of course, you can jump from the rope swing and into the water, a great way to cool off on a hot day; especially if you've just come back from El Mirador.

They also have a restaurant and hammocks by the water, so it's a great place to relax and unwind and simply enjoy the peacefulness of the area.

The boat from Flores takes around 30 minutes to reach the island , and we recommend going early in the day as small crowds do form in the afternoon (you’ll sometimes have to queue to use the rope swings!).

It’s important to note that the site is officially open from 9:00am until 7:00pm all days of the week.

6. Sail on over to Museo Santa Barbara

Another place you can sail to when in Flores is the Museo Santa Barbara , which is located on a small island off the Western coast of Flores.

It’s certainly not the largest museum in Central America , but it’s still well worth the visit for the modest collection of artifacts they have on display.

This includes a number of Mayan relics, many dating back almost 2000 years!

Although it’s not as grandiose as other museums, this small island plays host to some of Guatemala’s most treasured findings, with as many as 5,700 pieces on display.

The island also has a small café, and it’s possible to sit and relax here and enjoy the peacefulness of this secluded spot.

Getting there only costs Q10, and you get a ferry that leaves from behind Hotel Santana.

You can see the location of the Museo Santa Barbara here . Keep in mind that the opening hours are from 10:00am until 8:00pm all days of the week.

7. Take a peaceful walk around the Island

The island of Flores isn't particularly big and you can easily walk around it in as little as 20 minutes. It's a really nice walk, especially on a calm, clear sunny day.

Maybe we were just lucky when we visited Flores, but the weather was impeccable and the early evenings were particularly nice.

The views in this area are breathtaking, so during your trip make sure you leave some time to just wander around the island. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Take your camera, snap some photographs, stick them on Instagram to make your friends back home jealous!

We recommend starting on a loop from the main bridge that connects Flores to the mainland, which makes it impossible to get lost along the way. You can also head up the central hill to visit the small plaza .

8. Go Ziplining in Ixpanpajul Natural Park

If walking round Flores isn't your thing, then here’s something a little more high octane.

In the Ixpanpajul Natural Park you’ll find plenty of activities to get your heart racing.

One of the most popular tours to this park includes ziplining and you can book a half day tour from many of the tour agencies dotted all around Flores. They drive you deep into the jungle, before you come to the various ziplining wires.

We’ve ziplined across a few places now, most notably Vang Vieng , and it’s always good fun!

It’s worth mentioning that there are other things to get up to in Ixpanpajul Park, including hiking and horseback riding.

I recommend speaking to a tour agency to see what’s available as a package deal. Most things in Flores are surprisingly affordable, so you won't have to worry about emptying your wallet! 

You can also visit the park independently without a tour, with the shuttles leaving Flores between 8:00am and 2:00pm daily (you can ask your accommodation provider to help book this for you).

Here's some more information about what else you can get up to in Ixpanpajul Natural Park !

The site is located just 13 km east of Flores island , and in a colectivo it will take around 20 minutes to get to.

9. Take a 5 day Jungle Trek to El Mirador

Though this is something we didn’t get to do when in Flores, I would seriously consider returning one day to do it.

We learned about this epic trekking opportunity from our guide at Tikal park, who has spent years taking guests for 5 day hikes through the jungle to El Mirador .

This Mayan site houses the world’s 8th largest pyramid, called La Danta. It’s worth noting that this is also the largest Mayan Pyramid in the World, so it’s well worth visiting if you wish to fully immerse yourself in Mayan history.

Typical trips last either 5 or 6 days, with 4 days spent walking (2 there and 2 back) with another day spent exploring el Mirador.

If you want to book yourself onto a tour, then many people wait until they arrive in Flores.

However, it's possible to find out more beforehand and start contacting tour agencies which require a minimum number of people before they can take you.

For a better idea of what to expect and how to contact tour operators, I recommend checking out this incredibly in-depth post here .

Another incredibly memorable way of visiting these ruins is by booking an overhead flight tour from Flores . Here you will board your own private helicopter, where you’ll get an unmatchable bird’s eye view of the archaeological site. You’ll also have lunch and drinks included in the experience.

10. Visit Actún Kan Municipal Regional Park

If you're looking for things to do in Flores, then make sure you head to Actún Kan Municipal Regional Park ! 

This park is home to Actún Kan, an impressive cave system that actually connects to Jobitzinaj Cave.

Located just south of Santa Elena, this natural cave has a lot to offer and there are two tour options available; the short tour and the long tour.

The short tour is self-guided so you can wander around and admire the unique geology yourself. Or, you can choose the long tour but be prepared to pay more as you'll need a guide for this option.

If you do prefer having a guide (which of course is useful to learn all about the site), then we recommend heading on this day tour from Flores . You’ll also have your entrance ticket and round-trip private transportation from Flores included too.

No matter which one you choose, you'll get to see stalactites and stalagmites during your time in Actún Cave.

If you're lucky you might get to spot the bats that call this place home too! 

Actún Kan Regional Park is located just a short 15 minute drive south of Flores island , and is open from 8:00am until 5:00pm all days of the week.

Other things to know about Flores, Guatemala

You probably shouldn’t visit the zoological park.

When researching the best things to do in Flores, one of the things I saw mentioned a few times on other blogs and Tripadvisor was the Zoologico Petencito .

We have mixed views on Zoos and tend to prefer animal sanctuaries that deal with caring for or housing animals that are ill, disabled or unable to live on their own in the wild.

According to descriptions of this zoo, they are supposed to do just this and help get animals ready for lives back in the world.

But upon digging a bit deeper into other people’s reviews, it turns out that conditions here are anything but ideal.

Many animals are caged up in areas far too small and dirty and they seem bored and almost lifeless.

This is a far cry from what we encountered in the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre in Cambodia, which is my base standard for a great wildlife centre.

As such we decided to give it a miss, and perhaps you should too if you aren't happy to support such zoos.

Getting cash out can be a nightmare

There are two ATMs on Flores island, one of which hardly ever works apparently and the other of which would not work for us on the first night.

In order to get cash out, you will, therefore, need to head out over the bridge towards the Burger King.

Just next to the Burger King is a shopping centre and downstairs on the right is an ATM.

This worked for us the first night, however, when we went to use it again a couple days later it wouldn't work. And neither did 4 other ATMs located further away inland.

Apparently, this is common across all of Guatemala where ATMs almost all stop working for periods of time, either because they run out of cash or for other unexplained reasons.

My point is, when in Guatemala I recommend getting out as much cash as possible whenever you find one that does work.

It also helps to save money as all ATMs have a fixed withdrawal fee, usually around Q31, regardless of how much you withdraw.

Flores Travel Tips/FAQ

When is a good time to visit flores.

Generally, you can visit Flores at any time of year although the weather will change depending on the season!

The best weather often occurs between February-May , although the warmest months tend to be between April-September. If you're heading to Flores in June or September then you'll need to be prepared to encounter plenty of rain too.

How long should you spend in Flores?

We stayed in Flores for 2 nights, but this really wasn't enough time to make the most of what Flores had to offer.

If I could do it again, I’d stay for 4 nights and have plenty of time to see and do all of the things discussed here, and still have chance to relax and unwind a bit more; before heading off on another long minibus ride through Guatemala.

If you’re pressed for time, then I’d recommend 2 nights as a bare minimum, and 3 if you can spare it.

What is a good budget for Flores?

Like many other places in Central America, Flores is very cheap and is the perfect destination for budget backpackers! 

You'll find plenty of fantastic accommodation options that are extremely affordable and the food here is cheap too, especially if you're eating the local dishes.

Although you can splash the cash if you wish, you can easily get by on around $25 per day.

Can you just book a tour for Flores?

You won't find tour options that will show you the whole of Flores, so you're best to just explore the popular sites yourself. However, you will find tours available for specific attractions and these are worth doing.

Examples of these tours include this private sunrise tour of Tikal and this VIP tour of Yaxha ! 

Just keep in mind that you'll find tour operators in Flores who offer other tours, but make sure you always check what's included.

Where to go after Flores?

As you can see there are tons of fantastic things to do in Flores, and we can guarantee that you won't want to leave.

At least, this was the case for us!

I would love to go back and spend at least a few more nights here, relaxing and enjoying the great views and cocktail deals! Maybe one day...

If you’re feeling a bit worn out from constantly travelling from place to place across Central America, then I highly recommend using Flores as a place to regroup and rest up before moving on.

Then you've got plenty of more adventures waiting for you, as you could head to Antigua , Lake Atitlan , or Semuc Champey !

If you’ve got any more questions about what to do in Flores and how to make the most of your time here, then just let me know in the comments below.

Here's some of our other guides that you might find helpful: 

• Our Backpacking Guatemala Travel Guide
• Getting Around Nicaragua: A Complete 2022 Guide
• The Best Things to do in El Salvador

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Archaeology tours.

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• Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Isla de Flores
• Los Amigos Hostel
• Hotel Casona de la Isla
• Hotel Casona del Lago
• Los Amigos Restaurant
• Cool Beans Cafe
• La Casa de Enrico Restaurante
• Restaurante Maracuyá
• Jorge's Rope Swing
• Ixpanpajul Nature Park
• Ruinas de Uaxactun
• Petencito Zoo
• Estación Biológica Las Guacamayas
• Tikal Small Group all Included From Flores
• Tikal Exclusive Tour from Flores all-Inclusive
• Bus transfer from Flores, Guatemala to Belize City
• 5-Day Trekking To El Mirador From Flores - All Included Camping Tour
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By: Maddy Cornelius · Last Updated: October 9, 2023

Flores, Guatemala Travel Guide: Best Things to Do & See

Looking for a quick travel guide to Flores, Guatemala? You’ve come to the right place.

In the middle of Lake Petén Itzá, surrounded by the jungles of northern Guatemala, you will find a charming island that feels more like it should be floating somewhere in the Caribbean Sea. With its rainbow-colored colonial Spanish architecture, cobblestone laneways, upbeat vibes, and happy hours around every corner, Flores (or in Spanish: Isla de Flores) is a great place to slow down and slip into island time.

After spending three days in Antigua , we made our way to Flores to chill out, and of course, to visit Tikal , one of the most important and impressive ancient Maya cities.

In this quick guide to Flores, Guatemala, I’ll detail how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do.

A Quick Guide to Flores, Guatemala: The Island Gateway to Tikal

How to Travel to Flores, Guatemala

When it comes to how to get to Flores, there are three options you can choose from.

Local Chicken Buses

The first and cheapest option is to take multiple local chicken buses, from main hubs such as Guatemala City. You will need to change buses many times, and you should expect to be hot and sweaty, uncomfortable, squished, and spending a lot of time standing up. The journey will take forever , but hey, it’ll be an adventure. (Overall, this is not recommended!)

Tourist Shuttle

If you’re backpacking, your hostel should be able to arrange a tourist shuttle to Flores for you. Shuttles to Flores run from many areas in Guatemala, since Tikal is a must-see on pretty much everyone’s lists. Prices and route lengths will depend on where you are. As an example, a tourist shuttle from Guatemala City takes about 8 hours, and costs about $30 USD. If it’s an option, I’d recommend taking first class, so you can get some sleep!

Check out bookable shuttle options to/from Flores here!

By far, the most expensive option is to fly from Guatemala City to Flores, which is the option we chose. We were pressed for time, and didn’t want to spend precious hours on a bus. The flight from Guatemala City to Flores takes one hour and costs roughly $200 roundtrip. From the airport, you can take a shuttle or taxi to town. Click here to book your flight through Skyscanner .

If you prefer land transportation via a bus or shared minivan, you can book your ride online. Click here to explore daily routes going to/from Flores.

Where to Stay in Flores, Guatemala

Since Flores is such a small island, there aren’t many accommodations to choose from (and there are even less options that you might actually want to consider)!

We decided to stay at  Hotel Casa Amelia , a cute little hotel perfectly located along the boardwalk. Our room was basic, yet clean, and had air conditioning and two comfy beds (only half of the room pictured above). We paid $50 USD per night (which is on the high end for Guatemala), during peak holiday season.

Click here to book your stay at  Hotel Casa Amelia , or click here to find other great deals on Flores accommodation !

What to Do in Flores, Guatemala

As a small island, there is not a whole lot to do in Flores – just enough to fill one or two days.

With such beautiful architecture, lake and jungle views, you could easily just relax, roam around a bit, and take it all in. But if you’re after something more, I’ve got you covered.

1. Jorge’s Rope Swing

No doubt, the most popular thing to do in Flores is to spend a few hours at Jorge’s Rope Swing , swinging, swimming, and having a few beers. Fun for all ages.

Just ask a boat driver to take you there, and pay him a few quetzales. Too easy!

2. Relax & Soak in the Views

My favorite thing to do in Flores was to simply walk around, take in all of the beautiful architecture, check out the (limited) shops, and admire the lake views. It’s also very enjoyable to take a little joy ride in a boat around the lake.

3. Enjoy Happy Hour

There are happy hour deals almost everywhere you look in Flores – and they seem to last all day! Take advantage of this, and have a few beers. Especially if it’s hot and humid like it was when we visited!

4. Visit ARCAS

In Flores, there is a zoo called Petencito Zoo. Many travelers have stated that conditions are poor, and it’s not something you’d want to contribute your money to. I haven’t been, so I can’t say for sure.

Instead, visit ARCAS , which is “a non-profit Guatemalan NGO formed in 1989 by a group of Guatemalan citizens who became concerned as they saw their precious natural heritage – especially their wildlife – rapidly disappearing before their eyes.”

I don’t know how we found out about this place (as they don’t have an online presence, not even on TripAdvisor), but I am so glad we did! There, we spoke to volunteers about the horrors that native animals go through as they are snatched from the jungle and illegally bought/sold as pets. ARCAS is there to rescue, rehabilitate, and eventually return these beautiful creatures back to the wild, where they belong.

ARCAS is free to visit, as it’s not necessarily a tourist attraction. However, you should consider donating whatever you can to the cause! While conditions here aren’t exceptional, you can find comfort in the fact that this organization’s heart is in the right place, and they are doing everything they can for the animals.

While there, you will come across beautiful jaguars, caiman, monkeys, birds, and more.

5. Explore Tikal

And of course, while in Flores, you can’t miss a day trip to Tikal – which is likely the entire reason for your visit!

I recommend making the sunrise trip there, which your hotel/hostel can help you arrange.

We woke up around 3:00 am, to catch the 90-minute shuttle to Tikal, to watch the sunrise at 6:00 am from the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas. Pretty amazing, if you ask me. The best part of the entire experience was listening to the terrifying sounds of howler monkeys greeting the new day, waking up the birds and the rest of the jungle.

Then, we spent the rest of the day exploring the ancient ruins and looking for monkeys swinging from the treetops and birds resting in the jungle canopy.

CLICK HERE to book your All-Inclusive Private Full-Day Tour to Tikal from Flores .

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Well, there you have it! That’s my quick guide to Flores, Guatemala, a charming colonial island in the middle of Lake Petén Itzá.

From playing on Jorge’s Rope Swing, to discovering the magnificent ruins of Tikal , Flores is a must-visit on any Guatemala itinerary.

Want more Central America content? Check out these guides!

• Why Visit Belize? Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Travel to Belize ASAP!
• Top 10 Reasons to Visit Guatemala ASAP!
• Three Days in Antigua, Guatemala
• Why You Must Visit the Chichicastenango Market in Guatemala
• 10 Reasons to Vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica Right Now

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Have you been to Flores, Guatemala? Do you have any tips to add? If you’re going, do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments!

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About Maddy Cornelius

Hey! I'm the cook, world explorer, chief wordsmith, and photographer behind Maddy's Avenue. A California native, I've lived in many countries around the globe, but I'm currently traveling through Latin America. Slowly. Running two businesses. Livin' the "digital nomad" life. I’m here to learn, grow, and explore this planet - ever in search of bold flavors and epic adventures. My goal? To inspire you to live a bold life: to discover yourself and the world around you at greater depths – one forkful, or one plane ticket, at a time. Thanks for being here!

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7 Wonderful Things to Do and See in Flores, Guatemala

Flores, Guatemala is the city nearest to Tikal and there are many wonders to discover. Read all about the best things to do and see in Flores.

I arrived in Flores, Guatemala late at night after crossing the Belize border (one of the easiest border crossings ever!) and hopping on a chicken van that takes about two to three hours depending on how many times it breaks down in the middle of the road.

As soon as I boarded a Tuk-Tuk to reach the island of Flores from the nearby town of Santa Elena I was surprised by the pitch-black darkness that surrounded the place.

Turns out there was a strong wind that knocked down the power cable at the bridge so I had to walk all the way to the dock of Flores in order to take a boat to my hostel, located in San Miguel, a piece of land directly across from Flores.

The pitch-black boat ride with only one candlelight to lead the way remains one of my favorite experiences of my Central American journey!

The Island of Flores, Heartland of the Peten Region

The morning after the blackout, the first ray of sun hit the island of Flores and that’s when I knew it: Guatemala is definitely one of the most beautiful and overlooked places in all of the world!

Sure, most visitors will only spend a few hours exploring Flores since they will only use it as their base to visit the nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal but hey, it’s their loss.

Last week I spent one complete day discovering the hidden beauty of this small lovely town. Here are a few of the main attractions I found.

The 7 Best Things to Do and See in Flores, Guatemala #01: Relax at the Peten Itza Lake

Flores is one of the most peaceful touristy towns since most visitors are absent during the day so you can take advantage of that to enjoy unrivaled views of the Peten Itza Lake (if the name sounds familiar to Chichen Itza it’s no coincidence, it’s a Mayan name).

My favorite spot is this place located on the Santa Elena-Flores bridge. I definitely love the effect of the sunken wooden bridges and the reflection of the water.

The 7 Best Things to Do and See in Flores, Guatemala #02: Visit the Mundo Maya International Mall

Yes, I know what you’re thinking “A shopping mall, really?”. This mall located just after the Santa Elena-Flores bridge is actually home to some amazing replicas of the Mayan statues that can be found in Copan.

If you cannot make it there, at least you can enjoy these impressive monoliths located outside the mall!

The 7 Best Things to Do and See in Flores, Guatemala #03: Take a Boat to San Miguel and back

For the small price of 5 quetzals (less than 1 USD!), you can take a shared boat to San Miguel, where you can go to any nearby hill to get a panoramic view of Flores.

My favorite part, however, is the boat ride back to Flores. Seeing this wonderful city from the middle of the lake is a breathtaking experience!

The 7 Best Things to Do and See in Flores, Guatemala #04: Visit the Mayan Ruins of Tikal

From Flores, a one-day trip to Tikal is extremely easy to arrange. You can go either by local bus or by tourist van. Prices are not that different but you’ll definitely save a lot of time by taking the tourist van.

My best advice for ways to go from Flores to Tikal is to book a shuttle with Guatego in order to book it in advance and choose your preferred time.

Trust me when I say that waking up at 3 am to take the first shuttle in order to see the sunrise at Tikal is one of the most magical experiences ever.

The 7 Best Things to Do and See in Flores, Guatemala #05: Enjoy Local Life at the Main Square

Did you know you can eat and drink like a king for only 20 quetzals (3 USD)? The street food vendors and the small restaurants in the main plaza of Flores (just follow the white church and you’ll be there in seconds) are where the locals eat and drink so everything is super cheap.

I remember I had lunch at a small restaurant called El Mirador. Watching the Guatemalans go crazy due to the Champion’s League was a very good local experience!

They sure scream louder than the howler monkeys!

The 7 Best Things to Do and See in Flores, Guatemala #06: Go Bird-Watching at the Lake

Sure, you won’t find any exotic birds here in Flores (for that you have to go to Tikal) but you can certainly find many interesting photo opportunities thanks to the sunken wooden bridges and the amazing reflections at the lake.

Even a boring bird can create a very unique photo!

The 7 Best Things to Do and See in Flores, Guatemala #07: Explore Flores by Night

If you’re lucky, you will see some unique water reflection effects thanks to rain and floods. Yes, I know that sounds awful but floods sure bring out some of the best photo opportunities. Take this one for example!

Magical, isn’t it?

How Many Days Should You Spend in Flores?

That is entirely up to you. My personal recommendation would be to spend two nights and two days. On day one I explored Flores itself while on day two I went to Tikal before boarding the night bus all the way to Antigua, Guatemala.

I know most people only spend one night and one day here since it IS a very small town (you can walk from one end to the other in 10 minutes) but trust me, you’ll end up loving it!

I hope you have enjoyed this article about the Best Things to Do and See in Flores. Don’t forget to subscribe in order to get more awesome updates and tips straight to your e-mail!

Have you ever been to Flores? Would you like to? What were some of your favorite things to do and see in Flores? Share your thoughts and let me know what you think!

Until next time, my friends!

Guatemala /Jun 08, 2020

Top things to do in flores.

Few holidays to Guatemala don’t include time spent in Flores and, with so much to see and do, it can often be a case of deciding what you’re going to miss out on.

Detailed below therefore is our opinion as to ten of of the top things to do in Flores .

Without doubt the biggest draw in the Peten region, the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Mayan site of Tikal is located around an hour’s drive from Flores. Such is its appeal that many visitors simply fly down from Guatemala City for the day although, unless you’re in a crazy rush, that’s not something we would ever suggest.

Ixpanpajul Natural Park

Less than 30 minutes’ drive from Flores, Ixpanpajul Natural Park is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, especially in regards to birdlife, although most visitors, and especially families , are drawn by the Skyway walk or, for the more active, the Tarzan Canopy zipwire adventure.

On a similar scale to Tikal, but with much less in the way of excavation having been undertaken, the main draw of a visit to Yaxha is the comparative lack of visitors. Visitors will often have large parts of the site entirely to themselves.

Monkey Island

Located just a short drive from Flores, and set within the vast grounds of Las Lagunas hotel , Monkey Island is a popular add-on to a visit to Tikal although it’s also well worth visiting in its own right.

Lake Peten Boat Trip

You don’t have to get in a car to enjoy Flores and its environs as, from the island, it’s both easy and great fun to negotiate a private jaunt on Lake Peten with one of the numerous water taxis. An hour should be enough but it’s entirely up to you.

Ceibal & Pasion River

For those who like being on the water, and who haven’t tired of visiting Mayan ruins, a trip to Ceibal along the Pasion River is a great day out. It’s around an 90 minute drive from Flores to Sayaxche, the start point for the journey, and chances are you’ll have the ruins entirely to yourself.

Aguateca & Laguna Petexbatun

Like the aforementioned trip to Ceibal & the Pasion River, this full day trip involves driving to Sayaxche from where one heads in the opposite direction to beautiful Laguna Petexbatun and the atmospheric Mayan ruins of Aguateca . It is also possible to turn this into an overnight trip with accommodation at Chiminos Island Lodge .

Petencito Zoo

Located on two islands just east of Flores, tiny Petencito Zoo is probably better described as a rescue centre for abandoned and injured wild animals. Although limited in scale and in need of investment as far as the enclosures are concerned, it’s well intentioned and the setting is lovely. (Photo Courtesy of Martin Haeusler).

Flores Night Market

Although Isla de Flores isn’t short of bars and restaurants, if you want to sample local, authentic and cheap Guatemalan cuisine then be sure to take in the Night Market. Make sure you turn up before it gets dark too, as the sunsets can be amongst the most spectacular in Guatemala.

Isla de Flores

Quite aside from the region’s numerous attractions, Isla de Flores itself is a delightful place to while away one’s time. Impossibly picturesque and charmingly laid back, it also boasts a decent spattering of bars and restaurants, making it a great place to simply hang out and soak up the atmosphere.

In addition to these ten recommendations, one of the most adventurous options for things to do in Flores is to trek through the jungle to the great Mayan city of El Mirador. It’s not somewhere we’ve made it to yet but you can read all about it here from Karolina Mackova .

For ideas as to how you can incorporate Flores into your holiday, please visit our Guatemala Itineraries page, give us a call on 01580 764796 or drop us an email via [email protected]

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11 EPIC Things to Do In Flores Guatemala!

Not sure what to do in Flores, Guatemala? Worry not, we are here to help.

Often known as the gateway to the rainforest department of Petén , Flores is a small picturesque town situated on Lake Peten Itza.

Our initial thought of this island as nothing but a base to visit Tikal Mayan Ruins , one of the most extraordinary Mayan Ruins in the world. But after visiting ourselves, we were totally wrong about Flores.

Besides Tikal, there were so many other things to do in Flores – from the historical buildings to delicious restaurants and many other incredible activities to experience the beauty of this region. Every day we discover new attractions around the island.

That is why we have written this guide on the 11 best things to do in Flores Guatemala, so we can share our experience and help you plan the perfect trip to Flores!

What To Do In Flores: 11 Best Things To Do In Flores Guatemala

1. visit the hidden gem yaxha ruins.

El Mirador is a large pre-Columbian Maya settlement deep inside the rainforest of the Peten Department. The only way to reach it is via a 5-day jungle trek . (Or a helicopter ride but we won’t count that!)

As one of the oldest Maya cities, El Mirador is still in the beginning stages of excavation . Most of the historical structures are still hidden in the jungle , waiting for archaeologists to uncover them.

When hikers finally arrive though, they will have the opportunity to stand on top of La Danta , one of the pyramids in El Mirador and the  tallest pyramid built without metal in the western hemisphere !

A guided tour will explain to you the fauna and flora of the region, as well as provide you with three meals a day and a tent to sleep in every night. However, the trek to El Mirador is no walk in the park. Some days you might have to walk up to 8 hours a day !

If you plan on visiting El Mirador, make sure you include some nice hiking boots in your  Guatemala packing list !

7. Have An Adventure At Ixpanpajul Natural Park

If you are traveling to Flores with kids (or kids at heart), then make sure to visit Ixpanpajul Natural Park. Featuring family activities such as zip-lining and horseback riding , it is the perfect place to take your kids to experience some outdoor activities .

Besides its iconic canopy zip-lining, Ixpanpajul Natural Park features a lush hiking trail and six suspension bridges for visitors to explore. These trails explore some of the most incredible wildlife and flora in the region!

Ixpanpajul Natural Park is located 20 minutes away from Flores by car, but luckily, there are shuttle buses from Flores that take you to the entrance of the park!

8. Check Out The Uaxactun Ruins

Uaxacatun Ruins is one of the newest attractions in Flores, Guatemala. If exploring all the Mayan ruins only piqued your interest, then consider giving Uaxactun Ruins a visit.

Uaxactun Ruin’s most unique features are the astrological Mayan pyramids used to conduct the primitive form of astrology . Uaxactun Ruins are also located next to a small Guatemalan village in the jungle, and it is interesting to see people living around the ruins.

There is also a small landing strip at Uaxactun Ruins. That is because  Wrigley’s Chewing Gum used the trees in the area to make their gum.

The only con of visiting Uaxactun Ruins is how difficult it is to get there. It is located 23 kilometers further away from Tikal Ruins, which is already over an hour away. It would be a very long day trip from Flores Guatemala, though a very rewarding one.

Because of this reason, it is recommended to spend one day exploring Tikal, stay at one of the jungle lodges inside Tikal National Park, and then head to Uaxactun the next day. Your accommodation should be able to arrange a tour guide and transportation for Uaxactun for you.

9. Catch the Sunset From a Rooftop Bar

One of my favorite things to do in Flores Guatemala is to simply sit at a rooftop bar and admire the beautiful sunset. Though the island of Flores isn’t very big, there are plenty of amazing places where you can have panoramic views of Lake Peten Itza.

The stunning views make it perfect for watching the sunsets , which are somehow always so colorful and vivid in Flores. There is nothing like sipping an aguardiente (local Guatemalan liquor) with coke while watching Mother Nature work its magic!

I had a great time at Sky Bar , thanks to its west-facing rooftop. However, there are plenty of rooftop bars along the west side of the island worth checking out! These bars also become some of the best places for nightlife in Flores later at night!

Looking for more epic lake views in Guatemala? Make sure you check out Lake Atitlan !

10. Explore The Santa Barbara Museum (Museo Santa Barbara)

Museo Santa Barbara is a small museum located on a tiny island off the western coast of Flores. This museum has a large collection of Mayan artifacts that were used in daily life, many of which were found nearby.

When we visited, we found that the collection was a bit disorganized as there wasn’t tons of information. It was cool to see some ancient ceramics and obsidian stones that were used for rituals and ceremonies. The museum also had an entrance fee.

The tiny island that Museo Santa Barbara resides on is also home to a restaurant, Hotel Santa Barbara, and a radio station. We thought that just the peacefulness and seclusion of the island were worth the trip itself. It also helped that the views of that small island were incredibly beautiful.

If you want to visit the museum (or just the island), then you must take a 5-minute boat ride from Flores Island.

11. Stroll Around The Colonial Streets of Flores

Many people come to Flores to enjoy the sweeping views of the lake and to go to Tikal, skipping out on the beauty that is Flores Island itself. Similar to Antigua Guatemala , Flores is filled with colonial-style buildings, many of which have distinctive red roofs and colorful facades.

Combined with the cobblestone streets, Flores is very photogenic. Don’t forget to take your travel camera with you!

Because Flores is so small, it only took me about an hour to literally every single street. There are a few attractions noteworthy on the island, namely the Parque de Flores, a park located in the middle of the island, and the Catedral de Flores!

How To Get Around Flores?

Getting around Flores is actually quite simple. The island of Flores is quite tiny, and visitors might only take a few hours to walk around the island. Even if you are planning on going inland (where Zone 1 is and where the locals live), it is still walkable.

However, those that don’t want to walk can take one of the mototaxis, or tuk-tuks, that are readily available on the island. This also goes if you want to get to the airport.

And if you want to venture further out, you can catch one of the buses from the minibus terminal or long-distance bus terminal. These can take you to places such as Tikal, El Remate, or even Guatemala City!

How Many Days To Stay In Flores, Guatemala

With so many attractions in Flores and so many spots to relax, you can spend weeks in Flores. But what is the ideal time to stay in Flores if you just want to see the best of it?

Generally speaking, 3 full days is just enough time to explore everything Flores has to offer – from the majestic Tikal Mayan Ruins to the relaxing Jorge’s Rope Swing and more.

Three full days is the perfect amount of time but if you are arriving in Flores late in the evening, you might want to stay a day longer.

Day one should be spent properly relaxing and exploring the Flores island. Visiting Jorge’s Rope Swing and then watching the sunset with a cold drink in your hand.

Day two should be spent exploring the Tikal Mayan Ruins. As I said, I highly recommend you to go for the sunrise tour and then spend a few hours exploring the massive archaeological site independently.

Day three is perfect for exploring San Miguel Island. Check out the viewpoint, walk around the island, and relax on Playa Chechenal Peten! You could also explore Santa Elena or go to other Mayan ruins.

Safety In Flores, Guatemala

Flores is often the first stop in Guatemala for backpackers and they are usually not accustomed to Guatemala’s safety yet. Luckily, Flores Island is a very safe location in Guatemala, both day and night . However, the same thing cannot be said about the inland area, Santa Elena and San Bendito .

Though both of these places offer a more authentic Guatemalan experience filled with noise, poverty, street food and markets, you should exercise increased caution in these areas. Visit in the daytime and be aware of your belongings. Watch out for pickpockets.

At night, don’t even consider stepping off of Flores Island and going inland, it is much more dangerous at night. There really isn’t a reason to do so at night as well.

Where To Stay In Flores, Guatemala

Best Hostel In Flores –  Los Amigos Hostel

Los Amigos Hostel is by far the best hostel in Flores, Guatemala. Featuring its own affordable tour agency and an amazing garden/lounge area for socializing , Los Amigos is more like a home than a hostel. After a tiresome day exploring the best attractions in Flores, come back to Los Amigos and relax at their fabulous restaurant and bar! The multitude of pets such as rabbits, turtles, and others gives it a very cozy vibe.

Best Luxury Hotel In Flores –  Hotel Isla de Flores

Hotel Isla de Flores is probably the best hotel in Flores, Guatemala and it is easy to see why. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted by the friendliest staff and entertained by the creative interior decor . The rooms and beds are probably the biggest you will find in Flores.

However, my favorite part has to be the swimming pool and bar on the roof, the perfect place to watch the sunset and chill!

Visiting Flores Guatemala FAQs

Can you swim in flores guatemala, is flores guatemala worth visiting, what is flores guatemala known for.

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If you were wondering what are the best things to do in Flores Guatemala, we hope our guide answered exactly that. Besides the elephant in the room (Tikal Ruins), Flores actually has a lot of other attractions, such as Jorge’s Rope Swing, admiring the colorful buildings, and more! Any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at  no extra cost to you ! The money will help run this site! Thank you !

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Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog!

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A Backpackers Guide To Flores, Guatemala

• Last Updated March 18, 2024
• Guatemala , Central America

In the centre of Lago Petén Itzá lays Flores, an island town of red corrugated rooftops and colourful, painted buildings. The island, connected to the mainland town of Santa Elena by a causeway, was the last major Mayan outpost to resist the incoming onslaught of the Spanish conquistadors until finally falling in 1697, having its huge Pre-Colombian pyramids destroyed in the aftermath. Today Flores is visited by travellers from all over the world due to its proximity to Tikal, the most famous Maya ruin in Guatemala. It is one of the safest spots in all of Petén and an attraction in itself – the colourful, red-roofed colonial buildings cobbled streets are worth visiting.

Where to Stay in Flores

Most travellers head straight to Los Amigos as soon as they make it to the island. As the main backpacker hub, it has pretty much all the amenities you could want; internet access, book exchange and on-site bar/restaurant. The best thing about this place? It has an open courtyard filled with trees, fountains and hammocks giving you the feeling that you’re hanging out in the jungle. One word of advice though – They have been known to over-inflate the prices of their tours and transport at the in house travel office so it may be worth shopping around in town before booking anything here.

Ciao Cacao Hostel & Cafe

Ciao Cacao Hostel & Cafe offers a spacious tropical garden where guests can relax in hammocks and enjoy vegan treats from the cafe, including coffee, smoothies, and homemade ice cream. The hostel contains have a cosy indoor common area covered with eclectic art & decorations, a unique – if basic – loft dorm, and one private room.

Hotel Mirador del Lago

I arrived in Flores a little too late to get a space at Los Amigos – the only room available was a 300Q per night private. Refusing to pay this, I lugged my backpack back to the main drag and wandered into Hotel Mirador del Lago to meet the slightly odd owner of this place who shuffled through the narrow corridors and ushered me into a dingy, basic, twin room. However, the water is hot and a private room only cost 140Q a night, 70Q each. The hotel’s bar has a great view out over the lake and you can use their kayaks for free. If you don’t mind sparse rooms with the occasional ant infestation, this place is great for the price.

Things to do in Flores

The majority of travellers use Flores as a base for exploring the ruins of Tikal or adventurous treks around Peten. However, Flores isn’t just a place to rest your head after a day of sampling Mayan architecture – It has it’s charms and is worth digging in to a little deeper.

Walk the Island

Due to the compact nature of Flores, it only takes around 15-20 minutes to walk the perimeter of the island. It’s worth a wander to see the colourful houses and hang out with locals in Parque Central. In the early evening, the island’s residents usually go for a dip in the lake so why not join them to wash away the dirt and sweat after a day of trekking around Tikal.

The majority of hostels and hotels will let you take a kayak for free so make the most of this and go for a paddle around Lago Petén Itzá.

Jorge’s Rope Swing

Jorge runs a small bar and restaurant on the North shore of the lake, a short boat ride or kayak away from Flores. The main reason to come here: The awesome rope swing that Jorge has set up. Jorge runs a boat service from Flores at Q30 each both ways for two people, five or more Q20 each. There is a charge of 10Q to use the rope swing.

The main reason for most backpackers making their way to Flores, Tikal is one of the most impressive sets of Mayan ruins in all of Central America. Tikal is thought to have existed since the 4th century BC and reached its peak as the capital of one of the most powerful Mayan kingdoms by 200 AD. Eventually, the Mayan collapse took its toll on the city. It was conquered by Teotihuacan in the 7th century and gradually declined as its population left, forced out by the Mayan’s infighting and the sites environmental decline. The city wasn’t rediscovered by the Guatemalan government until 1848 when a team was sent to begin archaeological digs and restore the ancient structures.

Nowadays only 10% of the 57,600-hectare site has been uncovered. Hidden beneath those jungle canopies are countless other buildings waiting to be discovered. It adds to the sense of adventure to know that there could be hidden ruins at every turn. However, what has been discovered is impressive enough – The site is scattered with huge temples (the 5 most impressive are the imaginatively named Temples I – V), houses, altars and plazas.

A huge number of agencies in Flores will offer a tour to Tikal, usually with a guide (which is definitely recommended). It’s best to shop around as there are huge discrepancies in the prices offered by these companies. Be aware that the official entrance price is 150Q for a day ticket with an additional 100Q if you want to arrive for sunrise, before opening hours – don’t let agencies overcharge you for entry. Generally expect to pay 100Q per person for transport and a guide.

El Miridor is one of the oldest Maya cities and has the biggest pyramid in the world. Before embarking on this trip be aware that it is no walk in the park; it is a 5 or 6-day hike with some days consisting of an 8 hour/30km trek through dense jungle. Los Amigos offers trips at $ 250 USD per person for groups of two people and more. The price to go solo is $ 500 USD. This includes 3 meals a day, camping gear and mules to carry luggage and equipment

Museo Santa Bárbara

Located on an islet to the west of Flores, this tiny museum hosts a small selection of Maya artifacts from nearby archaeological sites, plus some old broadcasting equipment from Radio Petén (88.5 FM), which still broadcasts from an adjacent building. To visit, you will have to contact the museum ahead of time to arrange to be picked up at the dock behind Hotel Santana (10Q per person).

Where to Eat & Drink in Flores

With the island being the size that it is, it’s pretty easy to stumble across a cheap cafe or restaurant. Both Los Amigos and Hotel Mirador del Lago have eateries on-site but if you want to go further afield, here are some places I can recommend.

A colourful little restaurant decorated with antiques and trinkets from all over the world. Owned by Argentine chef Silvana, it serves great vegetarian and vegan options as well as cuisine from all over the world. Probably the best place I ate in Flores.

San Telmo Restaurant

While most bars are content on serving bland and gassy 333 Lager, the guys at Pasteur are doing something a little different – brewing award-winning craft beers. Head down the alleyway and up the steps into this small but sleek and modern bar where the owners brew using local ingredients such as jasmine and lemongrass to create some unique and delicious brews. I couldn’t keep away and stopped by a couple of times to make sure that I had sampled every beer at least once before leaving the city.

Great cafe with an outdoor space that serves large, cheap breakfasts, good coffee and smoothies. I didn’t eat lunch or dinner here but I heard great things. The hammocks out back afford great views of the lake so it would be a shame not to hang out in one while sampling the cafes craft beers.

If you’re looking for a vegan treat while on the island, Ciao Cacoa offers homemade vegan icecream and smoothies that you can stuff your face with while relaxing on a hammock in their tropical garden.

Street Food

For a cheaper option, there are  street food  sellers on the island. Each day at around 4 pm stalls will be set up on the west side of Flores selling various dishes and drinks at a good price. If you wander down Calle 15 de Septiembre from mid-afternoon you may also stumble across women selling tortillas at around 5Q ($0.70/£0.55).

There is a fairly well-stocked supermarket “Fotomart” at Calle 30 although I found the prices to be a little expensive. If you’re willing to walk a little further there is another supermarket across the causeway on the ground floor of the Mundo Maya International mall.

Getting There

From Belize The tourist buses leave from the water taxi terminal in Belize City at both 9.30am and 2.30pm, stopping only at the Belize – Guatemala border and then once again in Santa Elena. from Santa Elena you will be transferred to a minibus for the drive over the causeway. It takes around 5 hours at a cost of ~$15. Our bus driver insisted that the border officers on the Guatemala side of the crossing would ask you for a small (unofficial) fee and that if you refused, your passport would be detained. In reality, I was asked for this payment but pretended to not understand – the guard eventually gave up and handed me back my documents. Result.

From Within Guatemala As with most destinations in Guatemala, it is relatively easy to reach Flores. Most hostels and hotels on the backpacker trail will offer the option of booking a seat in a minibus at a price that is often the same as taking the local option, sometimes cheaper.  I found that hostels in Lanquin, Antigua and  Lake Atitlan  all offered fairly reasonably priced transport. Minibuses from Semuc Champey/Lanquin take around 8 hours at a cost of anywhere between 80 and 125Q.

Buses If you are heading to Flores by public bus from either Lake Atitlan or   Antigua , you will need to hop in a collectivo or chicken bus to the terminal in Guatemala City. Make sure that you buy your tickets from the official office in the station and not from touts – they will often sell you the worst seats at inflated prices.

You will have the option of first-class or second class busses. It’s recommended that you take the first class if you can afford the slightly higher price as the bus won’t stop along the way to pick up people waiting by the side of the road and should arrive a couple of hours faster.

Linea Dorada runs a first-class service from Guatemala City at 10 pm every night, arriving in Santa Elena for 6 am ($30). Cheaper options leave at 6.30 am, 11 am and 8 pm ($24).

Tips & Advice

ATMs The two ATMs in Flores – next to Hotel Petén and at the supermarket – allow cash withdraws from Visa cards. There is also an ATM in Green Monkey Hostel although I am not sure what cards this accepts. If you have a Mastercard or Maestro card you may have to cross the causeway to use the ATM in the supermarket on the ground floor of the Mundo Maya International mall. There are also a few banks in the shopping centre.

Scams Be aware that when travelling in from Belize you will be transferred to a minibus to cross the causeway on to the island. The minibus company will then drop you off outside their ticket office and try to sell you tours. Do not buy tours from them. They severely mark up prices and a couple of people I met ended up paying double the price I paid for a trip to Tikal.

Someone known locally as Scarface due to the prominent scar across, you guessed it, his face has been known to sell fake or overpriced tickets to unsuspecting tourists. If a huge scar across a face doesn’t signify a villain, I don’t know what does. He often hops aboard incoming tour buses to try and peddle his tours. Avoid at all costs.

Always shop around different agencies for tours or  book online  to avoid scams.

Dave McClane

David McClane is a photographer and travel writer based in Leeds, UK. Since first picking up a camera on a yearlong journey through Central and South America in 2014/2015, He has carefully documented his travels through almost 50 countries.

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8 responses.

Wow so crazy to see you write about ‘Scarface’! My boyfriend had called the man the same thing yesterday. We came into Santa Elena on a local bus and it was storming and suddenly we were told by the driver it was time to get off and two men (including Scarface) grabbed our bags off the bus and put it into their taxi but we thought it was just a transfer due to the storm, we had no choice. He tried to sell us tours and got annoyed when we refused and then we realised we were being tricked, he stopped the car and demanded 100Q, when the trip normally costs about 10Q in a tuk tuk. We tried to argue out of it but he was very rude and aggressive and especially didn’t enjoy that I (a woman) argued back. Sneaky bastard!! We were quite upset about the experience. To other travellers arriving at Flores, just get off the bus yourself and don’t accept anything until you get your bearings. Then get a cheap tuk tuk over the bridge. Screw you ugly scar face mean man!!

Oh no! That’s terrible! We were lucky in that the bus we caught from Belize provided its own minibus to get over the bridge and onto the island so we only had to deal with Scarface when he tried to sell us tours to Tikal. Unfortunately, some people bought tickets from him at double the price. I hope it hasn’t soured your experience of Guatemala!

Thanks, I’ll be sure to avoid scar-face altogether 😉

This was an amazing travel guide and it really helped me when I was planning my trip to Guatemala. I was in Flores in the fall and absolutely loved the town. It was such a joy to explore and photograph! Thanks for sharing this.

I’m glad it helped! It’s a great little place to wander around isn’t it? The fact that it’s so tiny makes it even better

What a fantastic well detailed guide. I have always wanted to go to Guatemala, but I am too scared to backpack. Your guide makes me feel a little better about going.

You really should go! There is such a great infrastructure for backpackers there that you wouldn’t have any trouble. Keep an eye out as i’ll be writing more about Guatemala soon but if you decide to go at some point and need tips, feel free to email me!

Great post here:) have a good sunday! Xx finja | http://www.effcaa.com

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The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide to Flores, Petén, Guatemala

The beautiful Flores, Guatemala is a magical place full of color, culture, nature, and delicious food! It opens its doors to tourists every year, and you can become one of them, too!

Next, find a traveler’s guide to Flores, Guatemala, and discover everything about this amazing destination for your next trip!

What is Flores Island?

For starters, Guatemala is divided into 22 departments, and one of them is Petén. Petén’s capital is Flores, which makes this area one of the most visited ones in the department. In Flores, you’ll find what’s known as Flores island ( Isla de Flores), a town surrounded by Lake Petén Itzá. However, although it’s known as an isla, it isn’t properly an island, it is a peninsula. It is linked to the mainland by an artificial isthmus (created by men) to communicate the town with the areas of Santa Elena and San Benito, two municipalities in Petén.  

The Isla de Flores in Petén is one of the most colorful destinations in Guatemala. It’s mainly characterized by its terraces with an extraordinary view and its gourmet food restaurants. It is also known as a gateway to nearby Mayan ruins. In fact, since Flores has a great location in Petén, tourists opt for staying there and then go to the ruins in Tikal. It’s the perfect place to discover nature while taking time to connect with it, relax, and enjoy your time surrounded by a unique culture. Totally worth it!

Tips for visiting Flores, Guatemala

Now, check the following guide to have the best time at Flores, Guatemala!

Flores, Guatemala: Hotels

Looking where to stay in Flores? I provide you with five great options! Chem them out.

1. Hotel la casona de la isla

This is one of the most colorful hotels on Flores Island. This destination has a beautiful outdoor pool with an unobstructed view of nature. It is undoubtedly ideal to get out of the routine and forget about everything. It has parking, special packages, restaurants with a buffet, free wi-fi, outdoor pool, laundry service, and much more.

Prices: from 390.00 quetzales a night (around 50.00 US dollars)

Website: They don’t have a private website. However, you can book your stay via different online travel companies. 

2. Hotel Isla de Flores

The style of the Hotel Isla de Flores is unique in the region. Its walls have picturesque and colorful designs, perfect for taking incredible pictures. Its rooms have a direct view of Lake Patén Itza and its terrace pool is great to watch the sunset while you relax. This hotel will make you live a unique experience!

Prices: from 850.00 quetzales a night (around 110.00 US dollars). 

Website: Find them on Instagram and Facebook ! 

3. Hotel Petén Express

Hotel Petén Express has a beautiful pool with one of the best views of Lake Petén Itzá. This is a unique place to live a well-deserved, carefree vacation. They have a restaurant outside, where you can enjoy many services in the same place. With rooms to rest, observe the view and enjoy a well-deserved rest on the shores of the lake.

Prices: simple room – 47.00 US dollars a night. Double room – 55.00 US dollars a night. 

Website: They don’t have a private website. However, you can still book your stay ! 

4. Hotel Casa Turquesa 

Hotel Casa Turquesa will undoubtedly be one of your favorite places on Flores Island. They provide a perfect space to rest. Its facilities are colorful, with fresh colors and a beautiful terrace with an unobstructed view. You will find a restaurant, lounges, rooms, an outdoor pool and much more.

Prices: from 382.00 quetzales a night (around 49.00 US dollars). 

Website: Find them in Hoteles de Petén !

5. Hotel Santana

You are going to love Hotel Santana! This place represents the picturesqueness of the island with an outdoor pool for you to enjoy the weather. It also has a refreshing outdoor pool. The balcony forms a panoramic view that you will surely love, you can go out to enjoy a unique sunset.

Prices: From 600.00 quetzales a night (around 78.00 US dollars). 

Website: Find them on Instagram and Facebook !

Flores, Guatemala: Things to do

What about entertainment? Here are a few ideas of what to do in Isla de Flores .

1. Take a walk around the island 

The island is small and easy to navigate on foot. It will not take you more than 3 hours to see all the interesting places that you can visit. You can start at the highest part (127 meters), which is the center of the island. Here you will find the church, a square, a small park, and a basketball court. Then, you can go down the streets while you see the colorful buildings. At the end, you will reach the edge of the lake and you will be able to enjoy the beautiful view.

 2. Visit Tikal 

The most famous ruins in Guatemala, in Tikal , are an hour away from Flores. Many tourists stay on the island and go visit Tikal for a day, perfect idea! If you decide to do this, go first thing in the morning, this way you’ll discover the ruins without crowds of people and you’ll avoid the super hot weather of noon. The heat in this area is of high temperatures and the humidity can reach 80%, so the earlier you get the better. You can’t lose this experience, Tikal is amazing! 

3. Mirador Rey Canek

This is a viewpoint located on the Tayazal Peninsula with spectacular views of the island of Flores. you can reach it in about 15 minutes on a quiet boat ride on the lake. Without a doubt, a must-see in Flores.

4. Petencito 

Petencito is a zoo run by the public University in Guatemala, Universidad San Carlos . The main idea is to preserve the animal and natural heritage of the area. It has a lagoon surrounded by interpretive trails and viewpoints. You can get there in 15 minutes by boat, and in 20 minutes by car from Flores.

Flores, Guatemala: Weather and environment

Since the weather is an important factor to take into account when traveling, here’s what you need to know about the weather and environment in Flores, Guatemala. 

The zone’s climate is tropical-hot and humid in the lower parts. The average temperature is 25 degrees celsius (77 Fahrenheit) and the maximum is 42 degrees Celsius (107.8 Fahrenheit). The hottest season is between March and June. 

It has two weather seasons in the year: a wet one, from May to December, and a dry one, which begins in January and ends in April. Regarding rain, the rainiest month is September, and the one with less rain is February.

Since Petén is home to tons of flora and fauna, insects like mosquitoes are part of your stay here. Bbring repellent with you and it’ll be fine. 

Flores, Guatemala: Great Restaurants

Do you enjoy food as much as I do? Isla de Flores has delicious restaurants you must try! Here are a few ideas. 

1. Restaurante Casa Blanca 

Casa Blanca Restaurant is a place with a privileged location, from where you can enjoy beautiful views and sunsets by the lake. In addition, they have air conditioning, making it an ideal place to cool off from the heat of Petén. They also have an outdoor pergola to rest after a day of activity. Delight yourself with Casa Blanca’s international menu, they offer a variety of dishes at a good price.

Prices: Dishes from 40.00 quetzales (around 5.00 US dollars). Beverages from 10.00 quetzales (around 1.30 US dollars). 

2. Maracuyá 

Maracuyá is a healthy corner that offers different foods and drinks prepared with quality raw materials. In this space you will be able to find everything from vegetable juices, fruits, smoothies, vegetarian food, and much more. The best thing is that the restaurant has a beautiful view of Lake Petén Itzá and a fairly complete menu of the day.

Prices: Dishes from 35.00 quetzales (around 4.50 US dollars). Beverages from 15.00 quetzales (around 2.00 US dollars).

3. San Telmo 

San Telmo is one of the most colorful and picturesque restaurants on Flores Island. From sweet crepes to flavorful salads, this destination has it all. The best thing is that their tables are surrounded by nature with an unforgettable view of Lake Petén Itzá. The house’s specialty is natural water-based drinks. Delicious!

Prices: food from 35.00 quetzales (around 4.50 US dollars). 

4. Maple & Tocino

If you are an exotic desserts and milkshakes lover, you have to visit Maple & Tocino on Flores Island. It is a delicious restaurant with an innovative atmosphere, full of light, decoration and best of all, a lot of chocolate. The site is full of colors, with a terrace area for you to enjoy the view while trying different and innovative flavors. Impressive!

Prices: Milkshake maple & tocino 29.00 quetzales (around 3.05 US dollars).  Pizza from 47.00 quetzales (around 6.00 US dollars). 

5. Restaurante Achiote 

This restaurant is characterized by serving typical and international food, with dishes from the region and hand-made accompaniments. The best thing is that they have a menu of specialty drinks and coffee grown in Guatemala. Its facilities are perfect to have a pleasant evening full of details.

Prices: dishes from 45.00 quetzales (around 6.00 US dollars). 

Flores, Guatemala: Flights

Mundo Maya International Airport, also called the Flores airport, is the second most important airport in Guatemala and is located in the city of Santa Elena, municipality of Petén. 

Although it is better (cheaper) to find a flight from Guatemala City to Flores airport,  there are also options from other countries.  Here are approximations of prices from both Guatemala and other cities: 

• From Guatemala City to Flores: options around 195.00 USD and 205.00 USD
• From El Salvador to Flores: from 269.00 USD
• From San José, Costa Rica to Flores: from 267.00 USD
• From Los Angeles to Flores: from 475.00 USD
• From New York JFK to Flores: from 483.00 USD
• From San Francisco to Flores: from 571.00 USD 

Practice Your Spanish! 

Want to visit Flores, Guatemala? Go ahead and practice your Spanish conversational skills before your trip! We’ve been providing reliable service to Spanish learners for more than 10 years – sign up for a free class with our certified teachers from Guatemala and come to Guatemala speaking like a pro! 

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Flores Guatemala: Wander and Explore this Colorful Island in a Day

Posted on Published: March 21, 2019  - Last updated: November 6, 2019

Categories Blog , Central America , Guatemala , Travel Guides

What to do in Flores Guatemala in a day.

For many travelers, Flores Guatemala is a base for exploring Tikal National Park. Visitors might be tempted to only spend the night in Flores before and after going to Tikal without properly visiting it. However, it’s a destination in its own right and I urge you to spend the day there. You won’t need more than a day to wander around Flores; more than a day might be too long because the island of Flores is pretty tiny. If you love charming little towns, spectacular lakeside views, and colorful houses, you’ll surely fall in love with Flores like I did. Here are some of the best things to do in Flores, Peten, Guatemala.

Table of Contents

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How I Visited Flores Guatemala

Unlike many backpackers and tourists that are traveling around Guatemala, I chose to visit the country as a volunteer at ARCAS , a wildlife rehabilitation center. We’d work every day from 6:30am until 3:00pm, and then we’d have some free time for the rest of the day. As ARCAS is directly across the water from Flores, we could take a water taxi across to the island in about 10 minutes. 

We traveled to Flores on a few occasions. Of course, the Mundo Maya International Airport in located in Flores Guatemala, which is how I traveled to (and from) the region. You can easily get from Guatemala City to Flores by flying to the Mundo Maya International Airport (and from Flores to Guatemala City).

We also went to Flores to catch a shuttle bus to Tikal National Park. Other times, we simply went across to visit an ATM or buy snacks at the grocery store. However, my favorite visits to Flores involved wandering around, acting like a tourist, and just stopping for a beer at a local bar.

Spending the Perfect Day in Flores

Keeping in mind that I visited Flores on several separate occasions for only a couple of hours at a time, I’ll combine everything I did into one ideal day for your trip. This is the best of the best when it comes to visiting Flores Peten Guatemala. Base yourself here for one night, perhaps after arriving at the airport. Take one day to explore Flores, and then move on to Tikal. Then, I recommend spending the night at a hotel in Tikal National Park so you can see explore Tikal by day, and also participate in the sunrise hike there the following morning.

Flores is a quaint and charming island town on Lake Peten Itza. It’s a very small island that takes only around 15 minutes to walk around completely. The circular streets of Flores all meet at the top of a hill, at the center of the island. There’s a square at the middle with a large, white church at its center. Every day, when our small group of volunteers with Animal Experience International took the water taxi from ARCAS to Flores, we admired the buildings lining the shore with this lovely church right at the top. Whether you reach the island by tuk tuk, water taxi, or on your own two feet, here’s a list of what to do in Flores Guatemala.

Stroll the Streets

There’s really nothing like wandering the streets of Flores Guatemala. This was one of my favorite things to do in Flores. It might not seem like much, but there are so many bright and colorful homes wherever you look. Flores is very safe and quiet. We maybe ran into a few locals going about their day as we walked around and up the winding cobblestone paths.

All of the streets eventually lead to the middle of town, which happens to be raised up on a hill. You’ll find Parque Central there, a popular park and meeting place with the church at its focal point. From the top of the town, it’s easy to admire the brightly painted houses jetting out from the park from all directions.

Some buildings are hotels, featuring idyllic balconies covered in flowers. Some of the houses are souvenir shops featuring traditional clothing items strung through the doorways. Many colorful buildings are restaurants or even family homes. Tuk tuks meander through some of the main streets, although there wasn’t too much traffic or cars. On our last day in town, which happened to be a Sunday afternoon and evening, we mostly witnessed families spending time together with their children splashing about in the lake. I was surprised that there weren’t that many tourists, considering how picturesque Flores truly is.

Visit Parque Central

Parque Central, or Central Park, features a small gazebo at the very top of the hill. This is a central meeting place for residents and tourists alike. I noticed that there were also several carved stones featuring inscriptions surrounding the gazebo that looked quite similar to ones we saw at Tikal. I wish I knew the meanings behind them  (please feel free to share that info with me if you know more about them!) . There’s also a basketball court where many kids were playing and skateboarding. 

Admire the Church

At the top and middle of Flores, you’ll find the white cathedral, Nuestra Senora de Los Remedios. It’s a brilliant and beautiful church. We ducked inside for a few moments to admire its interior, too. 

Take the Ferry to San Miguel

I saw many people taking the ferry boat back and forth from San Miguel (it allows a few cars on it, too!), although we didn’t end up going there ourselves. If you find yourself with some extra time in Flores, you can take a short boat ride to San Miguel across the lake. From there, go for a short hike up to the lookout tower named El Mirador for a scenic view of Flores.

Spend the Afternoon at ARCAS

While you’re in Flores, why not make an afternoon trip over to the education center at ARCAS ? While many people opt to visit the more popular, touristy Zoologico Petencito, I recommend supporting the Kinkajou Kingdom at ARCAS as it’s an incredible non-profit organization focused on rescuing animals. You’ll see lots of wonderful creatures that are living their best lives with the best care possible.

You won’t be able to visit the main rehab center because many of these animals are under quarantine. Plus, they’re being rehabilitated to be released back into the wild, so their interaction with humans is limited to workers and volunteers. However, there are many animals at Kinkajou Kingdom (the education center) that are unable to be released back into the wild. They live peacefully at the education center, and visitors are more than welcome to pay them a visit.

You can take a guided tour of Kinkajou Kingdom and see many beautiful animals that are native to Guatemala. Plus, any proceeds go towards helping ARCAS save animals that are the victims of wildlife trafficking. To see a video of many of these lovely creatures, check out my Guatemala travel vlog about volunteering in Central America.

To plan your visit, please contact ARCAS for more information. Many water taxi operators will take you across to Kinkajou Kingdom for a small fee, although I recommend getting in touch with ARCAS in advance of your visit to be sure. There’s also a brand new dock surrounded by tranquil waters where you’re welcome to go for a swim. It’s a great swimming spot where many volunteers loved to go after their daily work, and tourists are welcome to swim there, too.

Appreciate the Beautiful Sunset

At the end of the day, there are such brilliant sunsets on the west side of Flores. One of the best things to do in Flores is one of the simplest: look out to the horizon and watch the sun go down. There are many patios and cafes on the island where you can watch the sunset, or you can even admire it from the water’s edge.

If possible, I also recommend that you watch the sunrise from the opposite end of the island. Sunrises in Flores are equally as gorgeous.

Food and Drink

As a bohemian town with hippie vibes, it’s not surprising that Flores has a number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. There are two entirely vegetarian restaurants in town, and several with veg-friendly options. There are numerous places to enjoy delicious coffee (made with Guatemalan beans, of course!) and refreshing pints of beer.

Dine at a Vegetarian Restaurant

Our group dined at a vegetarian restaurant called Legumbres Mayas . It was a darling little spot where fresh air flowed through the restaurant and you could escape the heat of the day. The menu is entirely vegetarian, and the staff are quick to point out which meals are completely vegan. You’ll find breakfast meals, vegetable dishes, pasta, pizza, and a variety of cold drinks.

I’m pretty sure everyone at our table ordered a pasta dish of some sort. My pasta dish with garlic and olive oil was super tasty, and others in our group got avocado pasta and fresh pasta with tomatoes and basil. My mojito with coconut rum was very refreshing and delicious, too! The prices here are very reasonable for the portion sizes, and I’d dine there again in a second.

Enjoy a Delicious Cup of Coffee

I discovered two great coffee spots in Flores Guatemala. First, there’s the Bo Cafe right on the island itself. They have many espresso based beverages, served both hot and cold. Unfortunately, they don’t have any plant-based milks there. I ordered a hot coffee on one occasion, and an iced coffee another day. Both were very flavorful and hit the spot.

Another wonderful coffee place in Flores is actually just as you exit the island at the shopping mall. I’m not sure that it’s named anything other than “Coffee Shop”, but I really loved their coffee, too. While the employee there didn’t speak any English (and I sadly don’t speak any Spanish), we got by with a series of hand gestures and smiles. I was smiling the most when I received and tasted the delicious coffee because I am a self-professed coffee addict.

Savor a Beer on a Patio

Be sure to order a refreshing Gallo beer when you’re in Flores, Guatemala. There are numerous bars and cafes around the island that serve this light tasting lager. It’s pretty much the go-to cerveza in Guatemala; you’ll see it everywhere. I’m sure you’ll be able to stumble upon more exciting micro brews elsewhere in the country, but you really can’t go wrong with a Gallo beer on a hot day!

My favorite place for enjoying a beer with a view was at the San Telmo Bar and Restaurant . It has a charming little terrace facing the lake, and it’s a bright pink building (so you can’t miss it!). Plants, found objects, and art was plastered all over the walls. I adored the decor inside the restaurant, but the patio is where you’ll want to be. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset, too!

Go Grocery Shopping

Back on the mainland (where you can find that coffee place that I mentioned), you’ll also find the Maya Mall. If you need groceries, head straight to the grocery store at the Maya Mall as they’ll have everything you need. It was awesome for picking up snacks, too. If you need to take money out of the bank, there is an ATM and a bank location at the mall. You can purchase your tickets to Tikal in advance at the bank to save yourself some time.

Where to Stay

Spending the night in Flores Guatemala is relatively inexpensive, even if you’re staying at one of the nicest hotels on the island. There are tons of hostels and places to stay overnight as it’s catered entirely for tourists on their way to Tikal. I recommend staying right on the island of Flores for the best experience, although you can stay in nearby Santa Elena on the mainland if you choose.

Hostels at Bargain Prices

If you don’t mind sharing a dorm room (or even booking a private hostel room), hostels are such a bargain in Flores. For dollars a night, you can stay in a comfortable hostel right on the island. The hostels Ciao Cacao , Casa Itzayana , and the Casa Ula Hostel all have great ratings, they’re super cheap, and they’re right in the middle of the action.

Hotels at Fantastic Rates

Now, hotels really aren’t that much more expensive than hostels in Flores, and you can find a great deal. I recommend taking a look at Hotel Santana , the Hotel Casa Amelia , or the Flores Hotel Boutique . They’re all highly rated, beautiful properties, in a great location.

Or if you’d rather, look into volunteering at ARCAS like I did and spend every night at their volunteer house .

Want to see more photos of Flores, Guatemala? Check out our travel photography album . You can also click the “buy” button by any photo to purchase prints, canvas photos, housewares, and more.

I hope that I’ve convinced you to stay a little while in Flores on your way to Tikal. So many people will spend a night in Flores without really exploring it properly, or heading straight to Tikal only stopping for an hour or so. It’s such a great spot to unwind and relax, especially after a flight or a lengthy travel day. You can also go for a swim there or even participate in some water activities. No matter what you decide to do in Flores, I am sure you will have a wonderful time wandering around and exploring this bright and colorful town.

Have you ever traveled to Flores, Peten, Guatemala? What’s your favorite colorful town in the world?

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Brooke of Passport Couture

Thursday 28th of March 2019

I haven't heard of Flores--it looks like an incredible place to unwind and enjoy life. I love all of the colorful buildings and the food looks delicious! I have many reasons for wanting to visit Guatemala, and now Flores is a reason to add to my list. :)

Flores looks like such a homely town and the colorful buildings do reflect its name meaning flowers! I wouldn't mind staying here an extra day or two just to slow down my pace of travel.

Monday 25th of March 2019

Your pictures are fantastic! The colorful buildings are so charming and quaint. Looks like a great place to visit!

• Destinations
• Travel advice

Top 5 things to do in Flores, Guatemala

• January 4, 2021

Table of Contents

Flores is a small village located on an island in a lake. Many travelers visit Flores to travel to the ancient Mayan city of Tikal. On arrival in Flores, it seems to be a destination where you can quickly see everything because it is not that big. We stayed 2 days in Flores and we can tell you that it is a nice destination to visit.

If you want to know things to do in Flores, where you need to stay, where you can eat well, and more useful tips, you are on the right page. Discover all our tips for Flores, Guatemala here.

Things to do in Flores?

Flores is a small village where you can do some fun activities. The main activity that you should not miss is visiting Tikal. Many travelers visit Tikal and then continue their journey. This is of course fine, but Flores is more than just a base for a visit to Tikal. Read below our 5 recommended activities to do in Flores, Guatemala.

Tip: use the map below to see where the best things in Flores are located. Click on the top right corner to enlarge the map. If you click on the star symbol next to the title, you can save this map to your Google Maps account. You can show or hide different categories on the map. You can use this map to navigate when you are in Flores.

#1 Visit Tikal from Flores

Guatemala’s most popular activity and the best thing to do in Flores is to visit the world-famous ancient Mayan city of Tikal. Travelers all over the world travel to Guatemala specifically to visit Tikal. Tikal is about 1-hour drive from Flores.

We have written an article about Tikal where you can read about the best way to visit Tikal if you need a guide, where to stay, and more useful tips. In short, you can read below how you can visit Tikal from Flores. You can read detailed information about Tikal here.

From Flores, you can visit Tikal with this tour . The advantage of the tour is that a guide is present to give you information about the complex. Everything is also arranged, such as transport, which is easy.

It is also possible to visit Tikal independently if you prefer. You can buy tickets for Tikal on the spot at the entrance.

How to get to Tikal: You can buy a bus ticket for Tikal at one of the travel agencies in Flores. The buses leave in the south of the island just before the bridge towards Tikal. A return ticket costs 80 quetzals ($10 per person).

#2 Enjoy the sunset in Flores

A fun activity to do when you are in Flores is to enjoy the sunset. There are a few important Flores tips that you should follow to get the most out of it.

You can buy a drink and snacks at one of the supermarkets before the sun goes down. Then walk west to find a place to sit with a view over the water and the setting sun. Flores is an island surrounded by water, so the sunset is beautiful because the horizon is not blocked.

If you prefer, you can also visit one of the bars which have an open terrace from where you enjoy the view. We spent one evening at Sky Bar and recommend it. You can sit here comfortable, the view is beautiful and the cocktails are delicious. We recommended trying the mojito cocktail.

#3 Relax by the water at Jorge’s rope swing

If you’re staying a bit longer in Flores, it’s fun to visit Jorge’s rope swing. Here you can relax by the water, but the main reason to visit it is because of the rope where you can drop yourself into the water at a great height. If you do it right you can reach a height of about 10 meters above the water.

At Jorge’s rope swing they have a small restaurant where you can order food and drinks. By boat, you can sail from the north of the island to Jorge’s rope swing for 25 Quetzal ($3 per person). Tickets can be bought on-site for 30 Quetzal ($4 per person).

#4 Take a walk on the island

Flores is a small island where you can take a nice walk. Before you start the walk, we recommend that you first visit café Cool Beans. Here you can enjoy the best coffee in Flores and you can get a free hiking map of Flores. If you follow this map you will visit the main attractions on the island.

During this walk, you will walk along the water, through narrow streets, and pass typical Latin American squares. When you go for a walk at dusk you will see many swallows. Be careful where you walk because of the poo of the swallows.

#5 Visit Yaxha

If you want to visit more places of the Maya besides Tikal, this is possible by visiting the ruins of Yaxha. Just like Tikal, Yaxha is a large complex, only Yaxha is a lot less touristy. In addition, it is located along the water, so you can also see animals that live along the water. The complex seems to be very unspoiled in terms of nature and is recommended to visit for travelers who love to discover more cultures.

We did not visit Yaxha because a visit to Tikal was sufficient for us. We recommended visiting Tikal because the history and buildings are way more impressive. Our advice is to determine on the spot whether you want to visit Yaxha after you have visited Tikal. If you would like to know more about a Yaxha tour you can read more information via the link.

How many days do you need for Flores?

Flores is not a huge place but there are still a few things that are worth doing. We recommend staying 2 days (2 nights). In 2 days you can visit Tikal as a day trip and do the other activities in and around Flores.

When your schedule allows it, you can consider extending your stay by 1 night to a total of 3 nights. When you prefer to do slow travel then it is worth considering this because of the long travel times in Guatemala. In our opinion, this is not necessary but that is up to you.

Where to stay in Flores?

Even though Flores is a small island, there are plenty of options for finding suitable accommodation. This is because Flores is one of the most popular destinations in Guatemala as it is the best place to visit Tikal.

Based on the price-quality ratio, we recommend the following two accommodations. Due to the popularity of Flores, it is recommended to book accommodation as soon as you can.

Budget + great value for money: Hostal Don Cenobio

If you are on a budget, Hostal Don Denobio is a good place to stay. From the roof terrace of the hostel, you have a nice overview of the area. You can stay in a dorm or a double room. Both options are good. Many travelers are positive about this hostel because of the staff, they do everything they can to make your stay as pleasant as possible.

Comfortable rooms + good breakfast: Hostel Villa del Lago

We stayed at Hostel Villa del Lago and recommend this hostel. The nice thing about this accommodation is that they have two roof terraces from which you have a beautiful view over the lake. The rooms are also very neat and the beds are excellent. The rooms are also air-conditioned, which is often not the case in Guatemala. Finally, the breakfast is extensive. For us was a good place to discover Flores and Tikal.

Where to eat in Flores?

Due to its popularity, there are plenty of dining options in Flores. We recommend Los Amigos Hostel (restaurante), Cool Beans, Restaurante San Telmo and Sky Bar to visit.

Los Amigos Hostel has a restaurant that in our opinion the best place is to eat in Flores. We liked it so much that we went back here a few times. The cuisine is Indian-oriented. We found the nice thing about this place that they try to prepare the dishes as healthy as possible. You have many options here, our recommendation is to try one of the curries. In the morning you can enjoy muesli bowls with chia seeds, grated coconut, and fresh fruit. On average it costs 100 quetzals ($13 per person) to eat here.

Cool Beans is a nice place to have breakfast or lunch. In the morning you can order a kind of pancakes with fresh fruit and in the afternoon a sandwich with egg. If you want to eat cheaper in the evening you can also visit Cool Beans. For breakfast and lunch, you will spend about 50 quetzals ($6 per person) and for dinner 70 quetzal ($9 per person).

San Telmo is the most atmospheric place to sit because it is small. Here you can order typical Caribbean dishes that you often encounter in Guatemala. We tried something different and enjoyed the salad with nachos. This is surprising and nice and fresh. If you’re a big eater, it’s better to go for a dish that’s more filling, like a pizza or burger. It costs +/- 85 quetzals ($12 per person) to eat here.

Finally, in activity #2 you could read that a drink at Sky Bar is recommended during the sunset. You can enjoy your time from the terrace while enjoying a cocktail.

Travel insurance

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

How do you get to Flores?

Flores is easy to reach from different places. Most travelers come from Semuc Champey, Lake Atitlan, or Antigua. It’s very easy to travel to Flores from Semuc Champey. In Semuc Champey you can buy a ticket for a minivan at any accommodation.

If you are traveling from Lake Atitlan or Antigua you have two options: the bus or plane. The plane is the most comfortable only you pay about $120 for this per person. A luxury bus, on the other hand, will cost you between $42 to $48. In Lake Atitlan and Antigua, there are plenty of travel agencies where you can buy a bus ticket. During our trip we heard good stories about Fuente del Norte (Maya de Oro), Linea Dorada and Autobuses del Norte. It is wise to dress well because it can sometimes be very cold on such a bus.

If you travel to Guatemala by plane and you are looking for a car to rent, you can rent it through  Rentalcars . We use Rentalcars when we want to travel by car to discover new destinations. They’re easy to use and book with.

When is the best time to visit Flores?

You can visit Flores and Guatemala, in general, all year round because of the pleasant climate. Guatemala has two seasons, namely the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October). The rainy season is also great for traveling in Guatemala because there are only a few hours of rain per day.

Please note that the high season in Flores is between November and April. During this period, prices are higher compared to the rainy season. Also during the school holidays of the US and Europe in July and August, it is busier than usual, causing prices to rise.

Flores what to do FAQ

1. if i stay in tikal, how can i best prepare my itinerary for flores.

This of course depends on what you want to do in Flores. Assuming you travel from Semuc Champey to Flores you will arrive in the evening. It is best to travel to Tikal the next day and stay in Tikal. This allows you to return to Flores the day after and you can use the afternoon and evening to discover Flores. We recommend that you travel to your next destination the next day.

If you stay in Tikal, your program for Flores will look like this:

• Day 1: arrival in the evening in Flores | stay in Flores
• Day 2: morning travel to Tikal | stay in Tikal
• Day 3: afternoon return to Flores from Tikal | stay in Flores
• Day 4: travel to your next destination in the morning from Flores

Want to see more of Guatemala?

If you follow our Guatemala itinerary , Tikal is your next destination. When you visit Tikal as a day trip from Flores you can continue your journey to Rio Dulce, Livingston, Semuc Champey , or Antigua .

We traveled from Flores to Mexico to the village Bacalar which is located in the south of Yucatan. This is a great place to visit because you can combine a visit to two countries during your trip. You can buy a ticket for the bus at one of the travel agencies in the village.

What do you think of Flores? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Did you enjoy this article? Then save it to Pinterest for later!

Hello, we are Cynthia & Alexander, the team behind Travel Your Memories! Traveling is our passion. When it comes to exploration, we love sharing our tips and adventures to inspire you. Welcome to Travel Your Memories, where we share our love for travel with you! Read our story .

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10 Incredible Things to Do in Guatemala

I just got back from an amazing trip to Guatemala, and let me just say that it exceeded my expectations and totally blew my mind! I am ready to book a trip back ASAP, or maybe move there for a few months and work on my Spanish, a common thing to do actually, with so many Spanish schools in the country!

I went on a tour with Travel On Purpose , and it was the perfect mix of visiting people doing good in their communities, experiencing local culture, and enjoying a bit of luxury and amazing food! I wanted to highlight some of my favorite things to do in Guatemala and what I would do again in a heartbeat.

1. Fall in love with Antigua

You’ve most likely seen beautiful pictures of Antigua with its charming cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, and having several volcanoes in the background doesn’t make for a bad picture either! Visiting Antigua might be one of the top places to go in Guatemala, and it’s for good reason! This adorable and lively town is full of fun local shops, gorgeous churches, incredible views of several volcanoes, international restaurants, classes and workshops, and some really wonderful boutique hotels. Since it’s one of the top things to do in Guatemala, exploring Antigua should not be skipped!

During our time in Antigua we stayed at two different hotels, Posada del Angel and Casa Santo Domingo. They were both fantastic. Posada del Angel was a small boutique hotel with just seven bedrooms and the most personalized service and gorgeous interiors. We loved our stay here and actually got to stay in the room that President Clinton stayed in during his visit in the 1990s.

Casa Santo Domingo was the second hotel we stayed in during our time in Antigua. It is a lot bigger, but built into an old monastery. It contains a museum, old ruins, and the most beautiful spa I’ve ever seen! We got massages and spent time in the hot tubs built into the ruins. It was magical!

2. Boat Around Lake Atitlán

Visiting Lake Atitlán is one of the best things to do in Guatemala for anyone interested in seeing Mayan culture and nature. It’s one of the most popular places to go in Guatemala and worth the drive, which is about 3 hours from Antigua. The surrounding mountains and the blue water of Lake Atitlán make it one of the most picturesque places in the country. The lake is surrounded by charming town after charming town and you can take a taxi boat between them or take a boat tour around the lake.

During our time in Lake Atitlán we stayed in one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever seen, Casa Polopo . The decor, details, view, pool, and the food were all 10 stars for me! There is a dock at the bottom of the hill where you can book a water taxi to take you to different locations around the lake.

3. Explore the Petén Region

If you want another lake to explore in Guatemala, check out Lake Petén Itzá! The Petén area of Guatemala is very different than Antigua and Lake Atitlán. Located in northern Guatemala, closer to Belize, the feel and the weather in Petén is much warmer and more humid. Even the local customs, dress, and cuisine are different. It almost has a Caribbean or tropical feel there.

The lake itself is beautiful and calm, surrounded by small boutique hotels and home rentals with docks. The biggest tourist draw of this area is the Mayan ruins of Tikal, just 30 minutes north of the lake.

It’s a must-see in Guatemala if you want something off the beaten path.

We stayed at La Lancha , a Francid Ford Coppola property right on the lake with incredible service, rooms, and views!

4. Visit Mayan Ruins

Guatemala is famous for its Mayan ruins, and you should definitely visit some while you’re there. Here is a list of ruins:

• Ceibal (Seibal)
• Mixco Viejo (Jilotepeque Viejo)
• Piedras Negras
• Takalik Abaj

During our visit, we visited the Mayan ruins of Iximche and the Mayan city of Tikal National Park. Iximche was easier to get to and on the way between Antigua and Lake Atitlán. To visit Tikal, you need to travel far north, either by a long drive or short flight, so it’s a little more challenging to get to, but so worth it. They were both remarkable and one of the most incredible things to see in Guatemala.

5. Take a Mayan Cooking Class

One thing that surprised me about visiting Guatemala was the incredible Guatemalan cuisine! We ate at some amazing restaurants and little shops, but the cherry on top was getting to do a Mayan cooking class with Anita on Lake Atitlán where we were able to shop in the local market and learn to cook traditional food from the Mayan culture. The best part of our class was getting to know Anita and all the good she does in her community. She was a single mom who built this business and has also opened a weaving cooperative for single mothers, runs a coffee farm, and volunteers to teach English in her local schools. Getting to know her was a real highlight and this was one of my favorite activities to do in Guatemala.

You can book the cooking class with Anita here .

6. Visit a Guatemalan Coffee Farm

If you’re looking for activities in Guatemala involving its famous coffee, I recommend visiting a coffee farm. I’m not even a coffee drinker, and this is still one of my top recommendations!

Coffee in Guatemala is more than just a beverage; it’s a vital part of the country’s cultural and economic fabric. The importance of coffee in Guatemala extends beyond its economic contribution; it plays a significant role in the country’s social fabric.

Coffee plantations are spread across the country, supporting thousands of families and communities. The cultivation and processing of coffee involve traditional methods passed down through generations, reflecting the deep-rooted connection between the people and their land. Guatemalan coffee is celebrated for its quality and diversity, with each region offering beans with unique flavors.

I am not a coffee drinker, but even I enjoyed visiting a local coffee farm in Guatemala. Since it’s such an important part of the country’s heritage, I consider it a must-do in Guatemala. We visited La Familia del Cafe coffee farm , picked coffee cherries, hulled them, roasted them, and ground them. It was fascinating to see the process from start to finish.

7. Hike one of Guatemala’s Famous Volcanoes

Guatemala is a country marked by its dramatic volcanic landscape, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic activity shapes the geography. Its volcanoes, ranging from dormant to highly active, are integral to Guatemala’s natural beauty and cultural identity.

These geological giants contribute to the country’s fertile soil, benefiting agriculture, especially coffee and other crops. However, their beauty comes with a risk, as eruptions and related seismic activities pose challenges to nearby communities.

There are several prominent volcanoes that you’ll likely see on your trip to Guatemala. From the city of Antigua, you are surrounded by Agua, Acatanango, and Fuego, which you can see erupting around every 20 minutes!

There are several volcano excursions that you can do as a tourist.

• Pacaya Volcano Hike : Easily accessible from Antigua and Guatemala City, Pacaya is one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes. The hike is relatively easy and offers the unique opportunity to see lava flows and enjoy panoramic views. The landscape is lunar-like, and you can roast marshmallows over volcanic vents. There’s even a pizza shop and a lava shop at the top! We hired a local guide to take us up Pacaya and had a picnic at the top! You can hire guides to take you up on horses or hike up the volcano. We saw Fuego erupt in the distance while on Pacayo and it was such a magical experience!
• Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike : For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Acatenango hike is a must. This trek which requires camping overnight, rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the erupting Fuego Volcano, especially at night. The summit of Acatenango provides a spectacular vantage point to witness Fuego’s fireworks show.
• Volcán de Agua Day Hike : While less frequently visited than Pacaya or Acatenango, Volcán de Agua is a challenging hike with rewarding views of Antigua, the Pacific coast, and surrounding volcanoes from its summit. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something a little less touristy.
• Lake Atitlán Volcano Hikes : Surrounding Lake Atitlán, volcanoes San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán have lots of hiking options with amazing views of the lake and the Guatemalan Highlands. San Pedro is a moderately challenging hike, while Atitlán and Tolimán are more difficult treks for experienced hikers.

8. Ride a Chicken Bus or Tuk Tuk

There are many ways to get around Guatemala. The locals mostly use something called a “chicken bus,” which are old school buses from the United States that have been painted and decorated. This is a cheap way to get around and an experience in itself. If you want to take a chicken bus, have cash in hand to pay your way.

There are also tuk tuks, especially all over Antigua and Lake Atitlán. This is an easy and affordable way to get around. And of course UBERs are available in most cities. You can also hire tour companies that provide a private driver, which is what we did during our trip.

9. Visit a Weavers Cooperative

One thing you’ll notice when you visit Guatemala is how many beautiful and colorful hand woven textiles you’ll see just about everywhere. It’s part of the tradition in the country. It’s not just a craft; it’s a storytelling form passed down through generations, especially among indigenous Maya communities and most textiles tell a story.

Each piece is a kaleidoscope of symbols, each telling stories of the weaver’s village, beliefs, and the natural world around them. It’s a genuine labor of love and patience, where every thread weaves together history, culture, and a deep sense of identity. If you’re ever in Guatemala, grabbing a handwoven textile isn’t just buying a souvenir; it’s taking home a piece of this rich tapestry of life. Plus, supporting local artisans? Always a win in my book!

If you want to know what to do in Guatemala to help support women and the tradition of weavers, visiting a weavers’ cooperative is a great idea. There are several to choose from. If you want to learn more about weaving and see it in action, I recommend visiting Casa Flor Ixcaco Weaving Cooperative in San Juan La Laguna on Lake Atitlán. You can see a demonstration, view natural fiber cotton and dyes, and of course, shop! I bought a shaw, shirt, and skirt that were all hand-woven there and I love them. Each piece takes weeks and weeks to create!

Anita from the Mayan Kitchen Cooking classes also runs a women-run weaving cooperative and you can purchase goods at the shop near her kitchen in San Pedro La Laguna on Lake Atitlán.

10. Visit a Local Market

One of the best things to do in Guatemala is to visit a local market. And you won’t have a hard time finding one. There are local markets in almost every city in Guatemala and it’s a great way to interact with local people and observe the local culture. Here are some of the most popular markets:

• Chichicastenango Market : This is the biggest and most popular of markets, often just called “Chichi” by locals. Held on Thursdays and Sundays, it’s one of the largest and most vibrant indigenous markets in all of Central America. You’ll find vivid textiles, handcrafted masks, fresh produce, and spices. Plus, the town’s cobblestone streets and colonial churches add to the charm. It’s about an hour and a half north of Lake Atitlán.
• Sololá Market : Located near Lake Atitlán, the Sololá market is a good choice if you’re staying on the lake. It’s a great place to observe daily life and see the beautiful traditional clothing worn by the indigenous Maya people. The market operates daily but is most lively on Tuesday and Friday mornings.
• Antigua’s Artisans Market : Right next to the iconic yellow La Merced Church, Antigua’s market is a treasure trove of handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and ceramics. It’s a bit more tourist-oriented but still a good place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.
• San Francisco El Alto Market : This market, open every Friday, is known for being one of the most authentic indigenous markets in Guatemala. Located near Quetzaltenango, you’ll find everything from live animals to textiles, fresh produce, and household goods. This is less for tourists and more for locals, giving a more genuine glimpse into Guatemalan market life. It’s about an hour and a half from Lake Atitlán.
• Panajachel Market : On the shores of Lake Atitlán, Panajachel’s Calle Santander becomes a bustling market street where you can find a wide array of textiles, beadwork, and traditional clothing. It’s a bit more accessible for those staying around the lake and offers views and a laid-back vibe, even if it is more touristy.
• San Pedro la Laguna Market: If you do the Mayan Kitchen cooking class, Anita will take you to her very local market, which I can’t find on the internet. This is definitely the most local-looking market that we saw. It was a unique experience!

I hope this was helpful and that you’ll get ideas on some amazing things to do in Guatemala during your visit! I can’t even describe how wonderful my time there was. It far surpassed my expectations and I’m hoping to make a trip back some day. The beauty of the country and the warmth of its people really made me fall in love and leave a little piece of my heart behind!

Answering a few Questions about Guatemala

Is guatemala safe.

Of course, the first question that I usually get about Guatemala is, “Is it safe?” While safety is all relative, I found Guatemala to feel very safe. I was never propositioned for money, or approached by shady men. The roads felt very safe. I have definitely felt less safe in a lot of other countries, including my own.

There was some civil unrest last year, but everything seemed calm and normal while we were there. The civil war ended in the 1990s, but Guatemala still seems to get a bad rap.

As always, when traveling, keep your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings. Keep your passport and money in a travel safe bag in front of you and not a backpack.

Can I Drink the Water in Guatemala?

As someone who has gotten sick in just about evntry erycouthat it’s possible to get sick in, I’m very careful about water when I travel. I did not drink the tap water in Guatemala. Almost everywhere we traveled had water purification systems or bottled water. I did brush my teeth with sink water and was fine. There are countries I would not do this in, but I didn’t get sick in Guatemala.

Do I need to Speak Spanish to Visit Guatemala?

I took 4 years of Spanish in high school and 1 year in college. That was more than 20 years ago, but my very basic Spanish skills did help! A lot of Guatemalans (especially in the tourism industry) spoke a little to a lot of English, so that helped! But I think everyone appreciates you even trying to speak Spanish.

How do I Get Around Guatemala?

Since we were on a tour, we had hired drivers that took us all over Guatemala. When drives would have been very long, we took a short hopper flight. UBER works great in Guatemala and you can also take a Chicken Bus or a tuk tuk if you have cash on you.

Do I need cash in Guatemala?

Yes! A lot of places in Guatemala only take cash, especially if you’re visiting a market, so get some Quetzales when you arrive.

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