In the heart of Lago Petén Itzá Lake lies Flores, an island town rich with Guatemalan history. It has a mix of indigenous culture and colonial charm. With its cobblestone streets, Flores invites you to wander through time, exploring ancient wonders like Tikal and the beautiful Lago Petén Itzá.
What to do in Flores?
Most people use Flores as a base for visiting the world-famous Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient Mayan citadel. Yet, Flores offers more than just a place to unwind after exploring Mayan ruins.
Walk around the Island
As much as I am excited about Flores, the island itself isn’t that big. But, that’s where its charm lies. The best way to experience it is by strolling through its colorful streets and along the water. It takes 15-20 minutes to walk around the island. It’s the perfect way to soak in the atmosphere!
Tikal
A day trip to Tikal is a must-do while in Flores. Once the largest Maya city, Tikal’s jungle setting reveals thousands of ruins, temples, and pyramids. Although only a fraction has been unearthed, the archaeological park offers hours of exploration. The area showcases pyramids, temples, royal palaces, houses, administrative buildings, reservoirs, and monuments. Climbing some of these structures gives you breathtaking views of the ancient Maya empire.
There are various options to get to Tikal, like hitchhiking or taking a public bus. However, I recommend booking a guided tour with transport from Flores, often costing the same as visiting Tikal on your own.
The Tikal National Park opens from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a day pass costing Q150. Sunrise and sunset tickets, at an additional Q150, allow early or late entry for special views.
Lago Petén Itzá
The most enjoyable way to explore the surroundings of Flores is undoubtedly from the water. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at various locations. Some hostels offer canoes which you can use for free. Alternatively, you can book a tour or use a lanche (water taxi). The best time for a canoe or kayak trip is around Sunset, offering a breathtaking view on the water!
Below are some places worth visiting while paddling on the lake.
Jorge’s Rope Swing
A popular spot on the lake’s North shore, just a brief boat ride or kayak paddle away is Jorge’s Rope Swing restaurant. As the name suggests, it features an awesome rope swing for your entertainment. There is a small fee of Q10.
You can use a kayak or canoe to get there or ask one of the lanches (water taxi) to bring you. The boat trip costs around Q30 (roundtrip). Just make sure your boat drops you off at the rope swing spot and not directly across the lake. Otherwise, you’ll have quite a long walk ahead of you.
Viewing Point
Catch a water taxi (lancha) to the opposite shore of the lake, where the tiny village of San Miguel is located. The boat ride takes just 5 minutes and costs around Q10. Hike up to the viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of the peninsula and the lake. This is a great place to enjoy the sunset. There is a small shop at the bottom of the trail where you can buy a beer and some snacks.
Playa Chechenal
On the opposite shore across from Flores, you’ll find Playa Chechenal, a small beach perfect for relaxation and a refreshing swim. It’s a local favorite, especially on weekends. You pay a Q5 entrance fee.
To get here, you take a water taxi (lancha) to Playa Chechanl or alternatively, get dropped off in San Miguel and walk to the beach from here. Getting dropped off in San Miguel allows you to visit the viewpoint “El Mirador” on the way.
Ixpanpajul Natural Park
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Ixpanpajul Natural Park has got you covered. Soar through the treetops on a thrilling Zip-Line adventure, strolling along the elevated pathways of the Sky-Way, and embarking on picturesque horseback rides. It is just a 15-minute drive from the island of Flores. The organization offers pick-ups from both Flores and Santa Elena.
El Mirador
Ready for an epic adventure? In the thick jungle of Guatemala, you can find the mysterious ruins of El Mirador. It used to be one of the biggest Maya cities in history and has the tallest pyramid in Maya history.
You can either take a helicopter to visit El Mirador or go on a challenging 6-day jungle trek.
The 6-day trek costs around 300 USD, covering transport, meals, water, camping gear, mule support, guides, and a cook. Pack sturdy shoes, a headlight, mosquito repellent, and extra cash. Expect zero cell coverage, no electricity, and limited English-speaking guides.
If you decide to hike El Mirador make sure to shop around for a proper guide.
Where to stay?
When staying in Flores, you have options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to beautiful luxury hotels and everything in between. As one of Guatemala’s most popular destinations, there are numerous accommodations to choose from. Pay attention to the location when booking. I would recommend choosing accommodation on the peninsula of Flores near all the restaurants and activities. I made the mistake of booking accommodation being on the other side of the lake. Which resulted in not being able to get back to my hostel after a night out.
Here are five highly recommended places to stay while visiting Flores:
- Hotel Isla de Flores: A charming hotel located right on the island, offering comfortable rooms and a beautiful view of the lake. It’s conveniently close to restaurants and attractions.
- La Lancha: A luxurious option on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá, offering stunning views and upscale amenities. It’s a bit outside of Flores but provides a tranquil and high-end experience.
- Los Amigos Hostel: Perfect for budget travelers, this hostel offers a lively atmosphere, comfortable dorms, and private rooms. It’s a great place to meet fellow travelers and has a rooftop terrace with a fantastic view of the lake.
- Hotel Petén Express: This mid-range hotel offers clean and spacious rooms, friendly staff, and a convenient location near the island’s main attractions. It’s a good choice for travelers looking for comfort without breaking the bank.
- Casa Amelia: A boutique hotel with a cozy atmosphere and a central location. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a more intimate and unique accommodation experience.
Where to eat?
The Sky Bar: Owned by Argentine chef Silvana, this restaurant has great vegetarian and vegan options. Adorned with eclectic antiques, it’s a traveler favorite in Flores.
Maracuya: A lively vegetarian spot, Maracuya offers fresh, healthy meals including traditional breakfasts and pancakes.
San Telmo: Nestled on the sunset side of the island, San Telmo charms with its hippie-style vibe and a menu featuring international food like pizza and seafood.
Raices Bar and Grill: A local and tourist favorite, Raices serves classic Central American dishes like pepián and mole. The lively atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for some of Guatemala’s finest culinary options. Enjoy your meal in Flores!
Tips and advice
ATM
There is a bank called BancoRURAL with an ATM located at the Maya mall. It was one of the few ATMs I could find in town. I didn’t have any problems while using it.
Tours
You will find plenty of agencies offering tours to Tikal or other tourist attractions in Flores. Make sure to shop around when looking for tours and transport to get the best deal and avoid scams. Or book online if you want to organize things in advance.
Interested in more guides?
- A Backpacker Travel Guide To Semuc Champey & Lanquin, Guatemala
- A Backpacker Travel Guide To Monterico, Guatemala
Travel Resources
Below are some useful links to all the travel resources I use that you might find helpful when planning your next trip.
Accommodation: When searching for a place to stay, I usually use Booking.com or Hostelworld to find accommodation.
Tours: While I prefer doing most things on my own. Certain destinations are better explored with guided tours. I recommend GetYourGuide. They have a wide variety of tours available and a great reputation. Viator is another reliable option.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, Skyscanner is a great platform to use. Check out my guide on how to get the cheapest flight here.
*The prices mentioned in this article are based on 2023 rates.
