Flores is a small town in the far north of Guatemala, on an island in the middle of Lake Petén Itzá. It’s connected to the mainland by a short causeway (i.e. a bridge) so you don’t have to get a boat to reach the island, although you can if you want to!
Flores is the most common place to stay if you want to visit Tikal (famous Mayan ruins in Guatemala), but there’s much more than just Tikal to see nearby, and the quaint colonial town is worth a visit in itself.
The island itself is very small – you can walk around the whole thing in about 15 minutes – but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. The narrow cobblestone streets wind between colourful buildings, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it feel worlds away from the busy mainland town of Santa Elena just across the causeway.
Contents
- A Travel Guide to Flores
- About Flores
- Best Things to Do in Flores
- How to Get to Flores, Guatemala
- Practical Things to Know About Flores
- Where to Stay in Flores
- Frequently Asked Questions About Flores
- Conclusion
About Flores
Life seems to moves at a different pace in Flores. During the day you’ll find both locals and tourists seeking shade under the trees in the central plaza, browsing the artisan shops, or sipping coffee in one of the cafes on the shores of the lake. As the sun sets, the town comes alive with street food vendors setting up their stalls, and restaurants start to fill with people enjoying dinner with views across the lake.
The weather in Flores is intensely hot and humid, especially during the summer months. The slow pace of life is almost a necessity because it feels impossible to rush around in the heat. The town becomes more active in the evenings because the temperature drops (although not by much) and it becomes possible to move again.
Best Things to Do in Flores, Guatemala
The main draw of Flores is, of course, its proximity to the Mayan ruins of Tikal, but the town itself has plenty to keep you occupied for a few days. You can swim or rent kayaks on the lake, take a sunset boat ride (which offers some incredible view on the water), and walk around to explore the brightly coloured buildings, the central plaza and the colonial style church.
There is a small museum in Flores, Museo Santa Barbara, which contains a few Mayan artifacts, which can help to give you some context before you head off to explore Tikal or other ruins nearby.
🇬🇹 Read more: Things to do in Flores
How to Get togetting-there Flores, Guatemala
Getting to Flores is relatively straightforward since it’s a major tourist hub for visiting Tikal. Most people arrive either by air into Flores Airport (which is officially now Mundo Maya International Airport and, of course, isn’t on the island but on the mainland nearby) or by bus from other parts of Guatemala.
Flying is the quickest way to reach Flores, with regular flights from Guatemala City taking about an hour. The airport is actually in Santa Elena, just a short taxi ride from the island. TAG and Avianca both operate this route multiple times daily.
You can also fly into Flores from Cancún or Mérida which are both in the south of Mexico, but it is quite a small airport so these are the only other flights that go to and from Flores airport.
If you’re travelling by bus, you can reach Flores from most major cities in Guatemala. The overnight bus from Guatemala City is a popular option, though it’s a long journey (around 8-10 hours).
From Belize, you can catch regular buses from Belize City to the border, then connect to Flores. The whole journey takes about 5-6 hours, mostly varying based on how long you spend in queues at the border crossing!
Practical Things to Know About Flores, Guatemala
There are a couple of ATMs on the island, but I’d recommend taking plenty of cash with you because ATMs in Guatemala can be a bit temperamental; they’re often broken, with long queues, or out of cash. The ATMs are also run by 5B, which are more expensive than some other cash machines in Guatemala.
As always in Guatemala, always use ATMs during the day and use them inside banks wherever possible; it’s safer.
You’ll find plenty of things to eat on the island, from local comedores (cheap market-style places to eat that are delicious but probably slightly more likely to give you an upset stomach) to fancy restaurants. In general things are a little more expensive than in the rest of Guatemala (but, come on, you’re on an island after all!), though still cheap in comparison to Europe or the US.
Flores is considered to be quite safe, but I’d still take precautions, i.e. don’t walk alone at night and try not to cross the causeway too late, either.
This part of Guatemala can get stiflingly hot, so pack light, breathable clothes and plenty of sun cream, especially for any trips to the ruins.
Where to Stay in Flores
There are accommodation options in Flores for all budgets, from backpacker hostels to boutique hotels. Most places offer either lake views or are just a short walk from the water since the island is so small.
I’m a hostel girl through and through, and there are some great hostels on the island with both dorms and private rooms. A lot of them have things like free breakfast, rooftop terraces, etc – they’re great value for money.
There are also a lot of houses that have been converted into AirBnbs or hotels, some of which are really reasonable and others where you will get real luxury (but you’ll pay for it, too). Most importantly, most upscale hotels will have air conditioning to keep you cool in the heat, and the same cannot be said for the hostels in Flores!
While staying on the island itself is more atmospheric, and I definitely recommend it, you’ll find cheaper options across the causeway in Santa Elena. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to walk or take a tuk-tuk back to your accommodation if you’re spending evenings on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flores, Guatemala
Is Flores, Guatemala Worth Visiting?
Flores is definitely worth visiting, not just as a base for exploring Tikal. The charming colonial town offers a unique island atmosphere with colourful buildings, lakeside activities, and a relaxed vibe that sets it apart from mainland Guatemala.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Flores?
A minimum of 2-3 days is recommended for Flores. This allows time to explore the island itself, take a boat trip on Lake Petén Itzá, visit Tikal, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere of this unique Guatemalan town.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Flores?
The best time to visit Flores is during the dry season (November to April) when rainfall is minimal. However, be prepared for hot and humid conditions year-round. The town is most active in the evenings when temperatures cool slightly.
Is Flores Safe for Tourists?
Flores is considered one of the safer destinations in Guatemala, particularly on the island itself. However, standard precautions are advised: avoid walking alone at night, be cautious when crossing the causeway after dark, and use ATMs inside banks during daylight hours.
How Do I Get from Flores to Tikal?
You can reach Tikal from Flores via shuttle bus (most hotels and hostels can arrange this), private tour, or taxi. The journey takes about an hour, and many visitors opt for early morning tours to avoid the heat and crowds at the ruins.
Conclusion
Flores is best known as the gateway to Tikal, but in my opinion the island town’s colourful streets, lakeside views, and laid-back vibes make it worth exploring in its own right. Whether you’re seeking adventure at nearby Mayan ruins, wanting to kayak on Lake Petén Itzá, or simply looking to experience authentic Guatemalan island life, Flores provides an unforgettable experience that caters to all types of travellers. Just remember to pack for the heat, bring plenty of cash, and prepare to slow down to match the island’s laid-back pace of life.