Nestled on an island in Lake Petén Itzá in Guatemala, Flores is a very charming town with a laid-back atmosphere. For many travelers, Flores is mainly seen as the perfect base to start exploring the nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal and Yaxha. However, next to exploring the Maya cities, Flores is a great destination worth exploring on its own. Therefore, this Flores Travel guide gives you a comprehensive overview on the best things to do in Flores, the best restaurants and bars and of course, the best hotels to stay.
A stop in Flores is a great addition to your Guatemala Itinerary! (Coming soon)
The easiest way to travel to Flores from Guatemala City, Antigua or Lake Atitlan is by place. The nearest airport to Flores is Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), located a 10-minute drive from Flores island. There are regular flights from Guatemala City (multiple a day), and some international flights from other nearby countries. If you need to travel to Guatemala City from ntigua or Lake Atitlan, it is easiest to take a shared shuttle. We payed approximately €90 for this flight.
Note: If you book luggage, make sure you book enough. We made the mistake of thinking we booked kilograms, however, we booked pounds. This resulted in a large additional fee at Guatemala City airport
If you are traveling from Semuc Champey it is easiest to take a shuttle, taking 7 hours. Shuttles can be booked through, for example, Itamati Travels. You can request their latest schedule and book specific shuttles through Whatsapp (+502 3974 2484). The trip between Lanquin and Flores costs Q225, which is about €30.
From Flores, we continued to Rio Dulce. Fortunately, there are direct shuttles traveling between Rio Dulce and Flores (taking about 5 hours). We payed Q150 for the ride, which is about €20.
If you skip Rio Dulce in your travel route through Guatemala, you will most logically be crossing the border to Belize from Flores. Fortunately, even this trip can be booked with Itamati and costs Q150. Therefore, the easiest way to cross the border is from Flores. Alternatively, you can also book your direct transfer from Flores to Caya Caulker here.
I would advice to stay in Flores for 3 nights. This allows you to visit Tikal on your first full day and Yaxha on your second full day. In the free afternoon and morning, you have time to explore the island. If you want to unwind and soak in the relaxed vibe of the island and for example take a boat tour, you can consider adding an extra day.
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We start with exploring where Flores is famous for! The colorful cobblestone streets are a delight to explore and is a great place to take some lovely and colorful photographs. You can take a leisurely walk around the island, soaking in the vibrant colors and beautiful buildings. The town is very small, so you can easily cover a full island walk on foot in about an hour.
The waterfront offers amazing sunsets over Lake Petén Itzá and offers a great vibe during sunset. It had me think about the Malécon in Cuba. We loved sitting at the side of the lake, in front of the restaurants and bars, to enjoy the sky turns shades of orange. In my opinion a magical experience that can’t be missed when in Flores. Alternatively, you can head up to skybar, the most famous rooftop in Flores to watch the sunset, however, I liked the more laid-back vibe of just chilling at the waterfront.
Tikal is probably the main reason why Flores ended up in your Guatemala itinerary in the first place, and for a good reason. At just an hour and a half from Flores, Tikal is one of the most iconic Mayan archaeological sites. As Tikal is key in Guatemala’s and Mayan history, this is a must-visit. Most tours start from Flores, where yuo can book your tours at for example Getaway Travels or the hotel you are staying. I would recommend the early bird tour (entering the park at 6AM) for the best Tikal experience.
Read everything you need to know before visiting Tikal here! (Including practical tips)
If you’re enthousiastic to visit Flores after reading about the beautiful sunset in Flores and a visit to Tikal, you might be even more stoked when I combine the two! Located about 1.5 hours from Flores, Yaxha offers a quieter and more intimate experience compared to Tikal. Next to that, Yaxha is particularly famous for its serene sunset views over the lagoon, where visitors are asked to remain silent in the final 20 minutes till sunset. A magical experience that is very worthwhile when visiting Flores.
Read everything you need to know before visiting Yaxha here!
If you are in for fun and an adventure, while relaxing on the way, Jorge’s Rope Swing is the place to be. Jorge’s Rope Swing is located on the shores of Lake Petén Itza, on the other side of the island Flores. To get to the Rope Swing, it’s a 20-minute boat ride from Flores. You can get a boat-taxi ride when going to the shore on the north of the island. When at Jorge’s, you can swing into the refreshing waters of the lake and relax in hammocks, which might be highly welcome after your early bird trip to Tikal. There is a small entry fee of Q25 (€4) to enter the place.
Next to a visit to Jorge’s Rope Swing, it is also possible to take a boat tour around Lake Petén Itzá or explore the town on the other side of the lake called San Miguel. Here you can hike up to the viewpoint that offers a beautiful panorama of Flores (Mirador de Canek) and enjoy a coffee at Cool Beans Too. Boat tours can be arranged through one of the travel agencies in town, however, if you just want to cross to the other side of the water, you can negotiate with one of the taxi boats on the shore of the lake.
It is also possible to stay at the other side of the lake for a more tranquil experience, such as at Zapote Tree House Inn
A popular spot for breakfast and brunch with a relaxed atmosphere, an outside garden (with shade!) and beautiful views of the lake. We found it the perfect place to chill for the afternoon after we came back from our trip to Tikal. Their menu features a variety of drinks and breakfast options like avocado toast as well as larger lunch meals such as burgers.
If you are looking for a place to unwind with a drink and enjoy a beer or cocktail, Sky Bar offers the most stunning panoramic views of the island and lake. Furthermore, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
For a more local and budget-friendly option, its great to head to the taco stall on the main square (or on the bridge – however, we haven’t tried these ones). The street vendor serves up delicious tacos, empanadas and other snacks. It’s a great way to experience local flavors and enjoy a casual meal.
If you are looking for an amazing breakfast or brunch with a view, Maple & Tocino is a must visit. The terrace of this cozy spots overlooks the lake, making it the perfect place to start your day in Flores. Moreover, the menu offers a great mix between Guatemalan and international flavors. I loved their waffle options
Flores offers a wide range of accommodations suiting different budgets and preferences. In general, it is advised to stay on the island of Flores for the best experience and easy access to all bars and restaurants on the island.
An amazing and budget place to stay in Flores is Casa Maya Itza and it is also the place we have stayed during our visit. The rooms (€40) have airconditioning and you can use their kitchenette. Also, they can support you in booking tours.
If you seek a social stay, Los Amigos Hostel is the place to be in Flores. They have bunk beds and private rooms available and many social activities are organized. Private rooms start at €55 a night.
Looking for a more luxurious stay? Isla de Flores is a great option. First of all, rooms are modern, the restaurant / bar looks amazing and.. a swimming pool! I can tell you, this will be highly appreciated to cool down after exploring Tikal.
