Flores, Guatemala: travel guide
Island town on Lake Petén Itzá and the base for Tikal
Island town on Lake Petén Itzá in the northern Petén jungle; the base for visiting the great Maya city of Tikal and Yaxhá.
About Flores
Flores is a small island town on Lake Petén Itzá in Guatemala's northern jungle, linked to the mainland by a short causeway. Its red-roofed houses and cobbled lanes make a pleasant place to stay, and almost every visitor comes for one reason, the ancient Maya city of Tikal.
Tikal National Park lies roughly an hour away, where temples rise above the rainforest canopy and howler monkeys call at dawn. Yaxhá, a quieter site on its own lake, is a good second choice, and nearby you can explore the Actun Kan caves or look out from Cerro Cahuí at El Remate. Back in town, lakeside restaurants and a walk around the island fill the evenings.
Flores suits history lovers and wildlife watchers. The dry months from roughly November to April are easier on the trails, though it is hot throughout the year.
- Country
- Guatemala
- Currency
- GTQ
- Time zone
- America/Guatemala
- Nearest airport
- FRS
Last updated
Top places to visit in Flores
Tikal National Park
maya-ruins · 4.8 rating · about 7 h · check the fee at the gate
Vast UNESCO-listed Maya city in the Petén jungle, with towering temples rising above the rainforest canopy and abundant wildlife.
Yaxhá
maya-ruins · 4.9 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Lakeside Maya site with pyramids famed for sunset views over twin lagoons; quieter and more atmospheric than Tikal.
Lake Petén Itzá
lake · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Guatemala's second-largest lake surrounding Flores island; popular for swimming, kayaking and boat tours to lakeshore villages.
Actun Kan Caves
cave · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Illuminated limestone cave system in Santa Elena with stalactites and Maya legends of a serpent guardian.
Cerro Cahuí (El Remate)
reserve · 4.8 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Forest reserve on the lake's north shore with trails through Petén jungle, howler monkeys, coatis and lookout points.
Isla de Flores Historic Center
colonial-town · 5.0 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Pastel island town on Lake Petén Itzá with cobbled lanes, a hilltop church and lakeside restaurants; the base for Tikal.
Uaxactún
maya-ruins · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Maya site north of Tikal with the oldest astronomical observatory complex in the Maya world, aligned to the solstices.
Things to do
- Tikal Sunrise Tour Archaeology Tour · 10 h · from GTQ 420 per person
- Yaxhá Sunset Tour Archaeology Tour · 6 h · from GTQ 320 per person
- Lake Petén Itzá Kayak & Swim Water Sports · 2 h · from GTQ 110 per person
Day trips and tours
- Tikal Full-Day from Flores 9 h · from GTQ 420
Where to stay in Flores
- Isla de Flores about GTQ 500 per night
Atmospheric island base with lake views, restaurants and easy Tikal transport.
- El Remate about GTQ 400 per night
Quiet lakeside village closer to Tikal, good for nature and early starts.
Hotels
- Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel 5-star
- Los Amigos Hostel 2-star
- Hotel Isla de Flores 4-star
Where to eat
- Cool Beans Cafe, International · about GTQ 65 per person
- Terrazzo Italian, Mediterranean · about GTQ 110 per person
- Maracuyá Seafood, Guatemalan · about GTQ 120 per person
Getting to Flores
Airport: Flores (FRS)
Getting around
- Shuttle
- Tuktuk
- Walking
More in Guatemala
Frequently asked questions about Flores
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Flores?
- The highest-rated places in our Flores guide are Isla de Flores Historic Center, Yaxhá, Tikal National Park, Cerro Cahuí (El Remate), Actun Kan Caves.
- Where should I stay in Flores?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Flores: Isla de Flores, El Remate.
- How do I get around Flores?
- Ways to get around Flores covered in our guide: Shuttle, Tuk-tuk, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Flores?
- The nearest airport to Flores has the code FRS.