Things To Do
in Flores
Flores is a small, colorful island town on Lake Petén Itzá in northern Guatemala that serves as the gateway to the region's famous Maya ruins. Its narrow cobblestone streets, bright facades and lakeside promenades make it an easy, scenic place to explore on foot. Flores is a hub for tour operators heading to Tikal, Yaxhá and other archaeological sites, and has a steady flow of international and domestic visitors.
The town blends a relaxed island vibe with practical tourist services, making it a comfortable base for nature, history and birding excursions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Santa Elena Airport and take a short transfer to Flores. Check into your hotel and freshen up before embarking on your adventure. Spend some time wandering the colorful streets of Flores, admiring the colonial architecture and beautiful lakeside views.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant overlooking Lake Petén Itzá. Afterward, explore the nearby archaeological site of Yaxhá, a lesser-known Mayan ruin with stunning views and fewer crowds. Trek up to the top of the temple for sunset views over the jungle.
Return to Flores for dinner at a traditional Guatemalan eatery. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere filled with music and laughter. Enjoy gelato at a local shop before heading back to your hotel.
Embark on an early morning trip to Tikal National Park, one of the largest archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization. Explore the sprawling ruins and witness the incredible wildlife awakening in the surrounding rainforest. Climb Temple IV for a breathtaking view of the jungle canopy.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the ruins, surrounded by ancient temples and impressive history. Continue your exploration, visiting the Great Plaza and Temple I while absorbing the rich cultural heritage of the Mayans. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys and other wildlife during your trek.
Return to Flores and relax with dinner at a lakeside restaurant. Reflect on your Tikal adventure while enjoying some traditional Guatemalan dishes. Grab a drink at a local bar where you can enjoy live music and mingle with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee or snack at a café | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride / tuk-tuk | $1-5 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
| 🎟️Entrance fee to Tikal (plus transport) | $20-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent base for visiting Tikal and other Maya ruins
- Picturesque island town with lakeside sunsets and colorful streets
- Good range of tour operators and outdoor activities
- Relatively walkable and easy to navigate
- Hot and humid climate for much of the year
- Can be touristy and pricier than nearby non-tourist towns
- Limited nightlife and specialized medical facilities
- Rainy season can disrupt travel plans and dirt roads
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor." - The bill, please.
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias / Muchas gracias" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Flores
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunrise and sunset reflections of the colorful island buildings on Lake Petén Itzá provide iconic shots; good for long exposures and waterfront portraits.
Bright colonial-style facades and the small central plaza are photogenic with intimate street scenes and local vendors.
Panoramic views back toward the island, especially during golden hour; great for capturing the island silhouette against the lake.
Expansive jungle vistas, temple tops rising above the canopy, wildlife (howler monkeys, toucans) and dramatic light in the early morning — bring a telephoto and wide-angle lens.
Photograph the island from the water for unique angles of the colorful buildings and surrounding mangroves; ideal for reflections and wildlife shots.
Food in Flores
Flores Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, spiced meat stew (chicken or beef) thickened with roasted seeds and chiles; widely available in family-run restaurants and an essential Guatemalan comfort dish.
Must-Try!
Fresh-caught fish from Lake Petén Itzá, often simply fried and served with rice and plantains — popular at lakeside eateries and a must-try for seafood lovers.
Small corn-based snacks: garnachas are fried tortillas topped with meat and cabbage, while chuchitos are Guatemalan tamales — common street snacks at markets and evening stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main local market just across the causeway: vibrant stalls with fruit, tortillas, prepared foods, and cheap eats — try garnachas, fresh fruit juices and local tamales here.
Small vendors along the waterfront selling fried fish, tacos, empanadas and cold drinks — great for a casual lakeside meal with views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite Spanish greetings are appreciated: say 'Hola' or 'Buenos días' and use 'por favor' and 'gracias'. A handshake is common when meeting someone.
Petén has Maya communities and heritage; be respectful when photographing people and cultural ceremonies — always ask permission first. Avoid appropriating traditional clothing or sacred items.
Dress modestly and wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes when visiting archaeological sites. Don’t climb restricted structures and follow park rules to protect heritage sites.
Bargaining at markets is normal but be polite and reasonable — aim for friendly negotiation rather than aggressive haggling.
Safety
Tipping in Flores
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leave around 10% if service is good (check the bill if service is already included). Tip guides, drivers and hotel porters modestly (a few US dollars or equivalent in GTQ) for good service.
Cash in Guatemalan quetzales (GTQ) is widely used; US dollars are often accepted in tourist areas but smaller vendors prefer GTQ. Credit/debit cards work at many hotels, larger restaurants and tour companies, but expect occasional fees and occasional outages — carry cash for markets, street food and taxis. ATMs are available in Flores and Santa Elena but can run low on cash, so withdraw when you can.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally the most popular time to visit: sunny days, lower humidity, cooler nights (especially December–February) and easier travel on dirt roads. This is peak tourist season around holidays, so book accommodations and tours in advance.
Frequent afternoon showers and higher humidity; mornings can still be good for excursions. Some rural roads and trails may become muddy or impassable after heavy rain, and wildlife is abundant (good for birding).
Warmest, most humid period with daytime highs often in the 30s °C (80s–90s °F). Early starts for outdoor activities are advisable to avoid midday heat.
Flores at Night
Hiking in Flores
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of trails through tropical forest connecting temples and plazas; early-morning hikes are rewarding for wildlife and sunrise views atop pyramids.
Less-crowded ruins with trails and jungle paths leading to scenic viewpoints over lakes and temple groups — good for combining hiking with archaeological exploration.
A scenic freshwater lagoon surrounded by rainforest with marked trails for birding and nature walks; access requires a longer drive but offers excellent biodiversity.
Smaller local trails and viewpoints for short hikes and panoramic views of the lake and surrounding countryside; good for half-day excursions and sunset walks.
Airports
How to reach Flores by plane.
Main regional airport serving Flores and the Petén region with domestic flights to Guatemala City and seasonal international connections; it’s a short drive (15–30 minutes) from Isla Flores.
Guatemala’s primary international gateway with flights worldwide; travelers often connect through GUA to reach Flores by a short domestic flight or an 8–10 hour overland journey.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Flores and surrounding areas, culturally Hispanic with Spanish as the primary language.
The Petén region is home to several Maya groups (including Q’eqchi’ and historic Itza communities); indigenous culture and traditions remain important in the area.
A visible international tourist population plus a small expat community attracted by the relaxed lifestyle and access to archaeological sites.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Guatemala, with local pickup games and community teams; major matches draw widespread interest.
Recreational and subsistence fishing on Lake Petén Itzá is common—anglers target freshwater species and enjoy guided fishing trips.
While not a 'sport' in the traditional sense, birding, hiking and wildlife-watching are popular outdoor activities that attract enthusiasts from abroad.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Flores.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited outside larger towns. Request dishes without meat or ask for vegetable-based stews, rice, beans and grilled vegetables. Many restaurants will adapt dishes if you explain, and markets offer fruit, tortillas and cheeses for simple meals.
Vegan choices are available but require more effort — rely on fresh fruit, rice, beans, salads and some vegetable-based street foods. Carry snacks if you have strict requirements.
Corn-based foods (tortillas, tamales, garnachas) are usually gluten-free, but always check for cross-contamination in sauces and fried items. Explain your needs in Spanish when possible.