Flores
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean · Guatemala
Did you know?
- Boats cross the lake to San Miguel.
- Ak'tun Kan adds a cave visit to the local sightseeing circuit.
- The island was once Noh Petén, capital of a Maya kingdom.
See also
Tikal
Guatemala17.22°N 89.62°W
Maya Biosphere Reserve
Guatemala17.50°N 89.90°W
Overview
Flores combines red-roofed colonial buildings, cobbled lanes and a historic plaza. It is also a base for trips to Tikal and the wider Petén region.
Languages: Spanish
Why go?
For many, the main reason to visit Flores is its proximity to Tikal, the most famous Mayan ruins in Guatemala, or as a starting point for trips around Petén. But the city itself is a wonder — dense with colonial, red-roofed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, a historic church and Spanish plaza. Before it was a Spanish colonial town, Flores, or Noh Petén, was the capital of a Maya kingdom - the last to be defeated by the Spanish conquistadores.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Mundo Maya International Airport (IATA: FRS) is just outside Flores, the only other international airport in Guatemala besides Guatemala City. Buses from Guatemala City arrive at the New Bus Terminal in Santa Elena, with companies like Fuente del Norte (Q250), Autobuses del Norte (ADN), and Linea Dorada (US$16-30). Local buses also connect to other towns in Petén.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Walking is the most common way to get around; circling the island takes about 15 minutes. Auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) cost Q10-15, with higher rates at night. Regular boats run to San Miguel (Q10), and tourist boats for lake tours are available from behind Hotel Santana (prices negotiable).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Most travelers stay on the island of Flores, where hostels and hotels are abundant. Dorm beds cost around Q25-70, private rooms from Q70. Options include Los Amigos Hostel (Q70 dorm, Q170 private), Hotel Mirador del Lago (dorm Q25, double Q70), and La Terraza (US$6 dorm). In Santa Elena and San Benito, there are also budget options.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Restaurants on the island are pricier (mains around Q100), but cheaper street food is available at Mercado Viejo in Santa Elena and stands in the central park. Cool Beans offers coffee and breakfast from Q15. For drinks, Las Raices and Cool Beans are popular. A 24-hour supermarket is on Calle 30 de Junio.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Attractions include the Tayasal Maya ruins (Q15 boat), the Petencito Zoo, and Ak'tun Kan cave (Q15). Activities include swimming at public piers, renting canoes or bicycles, and visiting Tikal (shuttle Q80-100 return, entrance Q150). The Ixpanpajul Natural Park offers zip-lining and horseback riding. For archaeology enthusiasts, El Mirador is a multi-day trek (Q1300-1600). You can also learn Spanish at Spanish Academy Dos Mundos.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
The island of Flores is very safe; Santa Elena is a bit dodgier but robberies are uncommon. If you can't swim, stay out of the lake - it gets deep immediately.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Flores has good 4G cell coverage and most accommodations offer free WiFi. The central plaza has free WiFi requiring phone number verification.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Buses to Belize City (ADN and San Juan Express, Q180-100), Guatemala City (multiple departures, Q150-250), and nearby sites like Tikal (shuttles), El Remate, and Motul de San José. Minibuses to Tikal cost about US$1 from Santa Elena.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Casazul
Spacious rooms with TV, fan, noisy AC and refrigerator - great view of lake.
Recorded price: US$41/48/60 for single/double/triple room in high season
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Chaltunha Hostel
A hostel three minutes by boat from Flores. Beautiful sunsets over the water.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Casa Amelia
Small hotel near the airport with A/C, TV, private bathrooms, internet, and a view of the lake.
Recorded price: US$25/$40/$60
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Isla de Flores
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Mirador del Lago
30 clean rooms with hot water and fan - some also have views of Peten Itza lake. There is a travel agency across the street that arrange local trips and tours. They have an internet cafe in the lobby, and laundry machines, both can be paid for at the front desk.
Recorded price: Dorm Q25, double room Q70 some with lake view
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Petén
Comfortable rooms, some with a nice view to the west over the lake, TV and a jug of filtered water.
Recorded price: US$35/43/52 for single/double/triple room
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Santana
Request room with balcony and view of the lake.
Recorded price: US$31/40/55 for single/double/triple room
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Villa Maya
A quiet place by Laguna Petenchel with a pool, restaurant, and kayak and bike rentals. There are crocodiles in the laguna, so bathing is safest in the pool. There are various paths in the area, from a 10-minute stroll on the premises to one hour around the laguna. This hotel is a little expensive, but worth the extra cost.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Good 4G coverage; free WiFi in most accommodations and central plaza.
Food
Street food at Mercado Viejo (Q20 for grilled chicken).
Language
Spanish is common; English spoken in tourism. Itzá Maya nearly extinct.
Money
ATMs are mostly 5B brand charging Q50 + 7.5% per transaction; BI ATM charges Q30. Avoid 5B ATMs. BAC Bank in Santa Elena does cash advances with passport (no fee).
Safety
Island is very safe; Santa Elena requires some caution. Do not swim if you cannot swim.
Transport
Tuk-tuks cost Q10-15; walking is best for the island. Boats to San Miguel Q10.