Flores Guatemala: What to do, where to stay, and travel tips for your visit
Last updated on August 2nd, 2026 at 05:09 am
Flores is colourful and charming! A lot of travellers just pass through on their way to Tikal, but I think Flores is much more than just a base for exploring the famous Maya ruins. Its cobbled streets, waterfront cafés, rooftop bars, beautiful sunsets, and laid-back atmosphere, make it the kind of place that’s easy to relax and unwind in – you book a night and stay three or four!
Whether you’re taking a boat out onto the lake, exploring nearby Maya sites like Yaxhá and Tayasal, paddling a kayak around the island, or just relaxing with a drink by the water, Flores is worth more than a quick overnight stop. In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Flores and why it’s worth spending a few days in one of Guatemala’s prettiest towns.
Contents
The 10 best things to do in Flores!
Frequently asked questions about Flores
Trip Planning Checklist
These are the booking platforms I personally use for all my travels. If you book through these affiliate links, it helps support this site and keeps me producing free travel guides – at absolutely no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for the support! Cheers!
All in one – if you want to book flights and accommodation as a package, use expedia
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Accommodation – I use booking.com for hotels, Hostelworld for a hostel, and Vrbo for holiday houses.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Tours and Activities – I book with Viator or GetYourGuide. My top picks for Flores are:
- Tikal SUNRISE, Archeological focus and Wildlife Spotting Tour (North and West)
- Yaxha VIP Exclusive Sunset Tour from Flores
- Yaxha Archaeological Focus Day Tour with Monkey Spotting
- Flores: Blue Crater, Imox Lagoon & Hidden Pools Tour
Car rental – I usually use DiscoverCars
Insurance – I usually use EKTA , but another good option, especially if you are from the US is SafetyWing. EKTA works well as they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is often my first option for buses, ferries and trains – they are expanding worldwide but are very strong in Asia. They cover parts of Europe like Germany and France, and Australia and Latin America – especially Argentina.
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Thanks so much if you used one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!
The 10 best things to do in Flores
Flores is a small place but there is plenty to do in a slow kind of way – its definitely a place to unwind and chill. These are the things i recommend you do there:
1. Walk around Flores Island
It takes about half an hour to walk around the island without stopping, but a lot longer if you weave in and out of the colorful streets and up to the Parque Monseñor Próspero Penados del Barrio by the Cathedral. Basically you are going to find colorful buildings and shops, pretty lake views, pleasant cafés, and a very chill and relaxing atmosphere.
2. Watch sunset over Lake Petén Itzá
This is one of the town’s best chill out experiences – just watching sunset over the lake. Of course its going to vary day by day but its worth giving it a bit of your time. As long as its not the wet season and things are not flooded, then its perfect to walk along and find a nice place to sit in Malecón Benito Juárez García.
Other great places are at a rooftop bar, for example, the Sky Bar at Los Amigos Hostel which has a backpacker vibe, or the Terrazzo Ristorante & Bar – a rooftop Italian restaurant and bar. Another popular spot is Restaurante Raices which is right on the lake.
3. Visit Tikal
One of the reasons Flores became known was as the very pretty jumping off point to the wonders of Tikal.
There are three key options for day trips to Tikal
- Sunrise Tour – this generally leaves Flores around 2.30am for a 4.00am sunrise tour at Tikal. The sunrise tour is great for wildlife and a rather magical atmosphere as the jungle wakes up and the mist rises. Choose from these top rated tours:
- Day Tours – leaving times start at around 4.30am – then 6.00, 8.00 or 10.00am. Choose from these top rated tours:
- Sunset Tour – various leaving times but these tours stay later than standard closing time for the sunset. It is also quite magical and you (usually) get a lovely sunset as well. Choose from these top rated tours:
My tip – do Tikal for sunrise but Yaxhá (no 4) for sunset!
4. Explore Yaxhá
Another lesser known Mayan site about 1.5-2 hours from Flores is Yaxhá.
Yaxhá is the third-largest Maya archaeological site in Guatemala and gets very few visitors compared to Tikal. So it has a much quieter and peaceful feeling during the day than Tikal. It is really special because not only is it deep in the jungle like Tikal, but it is also beside a beautiful lake – Lake Yaxhá! In fact, the name Yaxhá means “blue-green water,” and some of the temples have fantastic views over the forest canopy to the lake beyond
Some of the highlights of Yaxhá are: Temple 216, with great views over the forest and lake – perfect for sunset, the Acropolis ceremonial and residential complexes, and the Causeways which are ancient Maya roads connecting the different sections of the site through the forest.
Like Tikal, Yaxhá is in the jungle within the Maya Biosphere Reserve, so it is also great for wildlife e.g. howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, parrots, ocellated turkeys and coatis.
Book one of these highly rated tours:
- Yaxha and Topoxte Jungle Trek
- Yaxha VIP Exclusive Sunset Tour from Flores
- Yaxha Archaeological Focus Day Tour with Monkey Spotting
- Yaxha VIP All-Inclusive Private Tour from Flores
5. Go on a day trip to Cráter Azul / Blue Crater
This is a lovely natural freshwater swimming spot near to Flores – although it takes about 45 minutes on the boat (which is actually a fun part of the tour). It is not huge but there is plenty of room to swim around and see the freshwater plants below you and just enjoy being in a natural swimming space away from any towns. Note – do bring your own goggles if you have them. Choose from one of these tour options
- Flores: Blue Crater, Imox Lagoon & Hidden Pools Tour
- From Flores: Blue Crater – Explore a Natural Paradise of Turquoise Waters
- From Flores: El Pucte Blue Crater Private Day Tour
- From Flores: Blue Crater All Inclusive
6. Cross the lake to San Miguel for views, swimming, and the Tayazal Maya ruins
Take one of the many boats across the lake to San Miguel. From there you can walk to the mirador for a lovely view back across to Flores island as well as explore the Tayazal Archaeological Site! The mirador is built on top of a temple mound and there are structures around this which are being excavated little by little. It is not like Tikal or Yaxha, but it is interesting in that it is part of the territory of the Itzá Maya, which was the last independent Maya kingdom to resist Spanish conquest. The wider Tayasal area was occupied for more than 2,000 years and remained important right up until the Spanish conquest of Petén in 1697.
There is also a good place to swim on the walk – it makes a good morning trip you can do independently!
7. Visit or volunteer at the ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center
The ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center rescues injured or captive animals destined for the illegal wildlife trade. It sits right by the Mayan Biosphere Reserve and aims to release the animals back to the wild wherever possible. It is on a 45 hectare tract of land on Lake Petén Itza next to the Peténcito Zoo (which I am not promoting but giving for directions).
You can visit the center and you may see any of these animals: jaguars, ocelots, howler and spider monkeys, macaws, toucans, deer, and parrots – depending on what has been rescued and released at the time you visit. The center is open from open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 every day and costs around Q35 for adults – but check prices with them before you go.
You can also volunteer at this center on a weekly basis – read the information on this here.
8. Hire a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy the lake
There are a couple of places you can hire kayaks and paddleboards and this is a wonderful way to spend a bit of time either just enjoying the views from the lake itself, or exploring nearby. Kayak en Flores is well established and a good go to – you will find them here. There are some other smaller operators on the island too.
9. Take a boat to Jorge’s Rope Swing
Jorge’s Rope Swing is a fun thing to do for a morning or afternoon of swimming and relaxing – with a bit of jumping into the lake thrown in for good measure. Don’t expect anything too fancy – there is just a rope swing and diving platform – it is what it is. There is a small fee of a few dollars for this family run business and there is a little shop with drinks as well as a few hammocks to chill in. If you are not into swimming or jumping into the water then give it a miss as there is the cost of the boat to get there too, but if you want a bit of chill time with fun then its good!
A tip – if you hire a paddleboard or kayak, this could be a destination for you and save you the cost of a boat to the rope swing!
10. Walk the Lakeside Causeway
The causeway connects Flores Island with the mainland and main township – Santa Elena. Its a nice stroll with some of the best views of Lake Petén Itzá and the colourful buildings of Flores. It’s an easy walk that provides a different perspective of the town and is a great sunrise or sunset walk with all the locals going about their business or gathering for a chat. If you carry on into town you can explore the local streets and market – which is surprisingly big and very authentic to local life.
What to pack for Flores
These are the things I had and used /needed on my trip:
- Lightweight clothes – with arm and leg covering options for mosquitoes etc.
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A very lightweight day pack as well – this one to be exact!
- A reusable insulated water bottle to cut down on single-use plastic waste.
- High-SPF Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and cap or sunhat in summer
- Swimwear and Quick-Dry Microfiber Towel if you plan to swim on a day trip
- Your camera/phone and power bank for day trips! Plus a water-proof pouch for your phone if you are beaching for a day.
- Secure wallet / travel pouch for money and cards
- Travel plug adapter if you are from outside North America.
Where to stay in Flores
I liked staying on the island itself, but there are options off island in the town Santa Elena, or across the lake (which requires boat rides to and fro).
High End – Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel and Bolontiku Boutique Hotel & Spa (both out of town)
Mid Range – Hotel Santa Barbara Tikal (on its own tiny island) or Villa Maya (out of town) or Hotel Isla de Flores (on the island)
Budget – Zapote Tree Inn or Casa Azucena (both on the island)
Backpacker – Ahau Tikal or Hostal Don Cenobio or Los Amigos Hostel (all on the island) or La Casa Colorada (just off the island in town)
Frequently asked questions about travel to Flores
Q: Is Flores worth visiting?
A: Yes. Flores is one of Guatemala’s prettiest and chill towns and an excellent base for exploring Tikal, Yaxhá, and Lake Petén Itzá
Q: How many days should I spend in Flores?
A: Most travelers spend 2–4 days – depending what day trips they do.
Q: Is Flores safe?
A: Generally yes. Flores is considered one of Guatemala’s safer tourist destinations.
Q: What is the best time to visit Flores?
A: The dry season from November to April.
Q: What are the best things to do in Flores? / What are the best day trips from Flores?
A: See above, but chilling on or by t the lake, and Tikal, Yaxhá, and Cráter Azul, are the top contenders.
Q: Can you swim in Lake Petén Itzá?
A: Yes – there are a few locations around the lake.
Q: Can you walk around Flores Island?
A: Yes – it takes about half an hour to walk around the island if you are not stopping!
Q: Is Flores just a base for Tikal?
A: No. Even though most visitors come for Tikal, Flores also has more to offer than just Tikal.
Q: How far is Tikal from Flores?
A: Approximately 65 km (40 miles), or 1.5–2 hours by road.
Q: Is Flores a good base for visiting Tikal?
A: Yes – its the main base for visiting Tikal. There are plenty of day tours – including sunrise and sunset and its also easy to get to Tikal if you are going to stay in the park.
Q: Should I stay in Flores or El Remate?
A: Flores has more activities and is better for restaurants and nightlife. El Remate is quieter and closer to nature and to Tikal.
Q: How do you get from Belize to Flores?
A: Most travelers cross the border at Melchor de Mencos and continue by bus or shuttle to Flores. You can book this From San Ignacio: Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala
Travel tips for your trip to Flores
- Don’t treat Flores as just an overnight stop on the way to Tikal – its a lovely destination in its own right. Consider visiting Yaxhá and doing other things in the area.
- Book Tikal tours ahead during the peak season – dry season. They get booked out.
- Book a sunrise tour for Tikal and sunset tour for Yaxhá for the best combination to visit both sites!
- Stay on the island if its your first visit! The general vibe is much better than staying in nearby Santa Elena.
- Spend an evening on the island even if you are not staying on island – sunset is when Flores is at its most beautiful.
- Carry cash for small businesses.
- Start early for any outdoor activity – it gets hot and humid in the afternoons!
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