Travel Guide to Flores: Guatemala’s Rainbow Island with Rainforests & Ruins

Everything you need to know about the pristine Petén capital, from how to get to Flores and when to visit to why you should stay here beyond just seeing Tikal.

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Once the capital of the Itza kingdom, gateway to world-famous Mayan ruins, Flores sits on the huge Lake Petén Itzá, surrounded by jungle. With countless multi-coloured buildings and a submerged malecón (seafront promenade), Isla de Flores feels more like Venice than Guatemala.

When planning a Guatemala trip, many people simply use Flores as a base, thanks to its proximity to Belize and gateway to the iconic Tikal National Park. But those people are missing out. We spent several days in Flores itself, exploring the island town, boating around the lake, scouting out the top things to do, and eating our way around the local restaurants. We seriously think Flores isn’t just one of the best places in Guatemala to visit for Mayan ruins and a laidback escape in nature, but it’s one of the coolest up-and-coming tourist destinations in Central America. Discover everything you need to know about visiting Flores, including practical information like how to get here, where to stay, and what to do.

About Flores

The capital of the Petén Department, Flores is Guatemala’s northernmost state. It sits on the Guatemala-Belize border, lining the large Lake Petén Itzá, and is made up of a variety of towns, islands, and peninsulas.

The town itself is home to rainbow-coloured, pastel-painted houses, cobblestone streets, boutique hotels, and local restaurants, making it a great base for a variety of activities that centre around the outdoors and simply relaxing.

It’s quite confusing for first-time travellers to understand the region’s different terms, so we’ve simplified them:

Where is Flores?

Flores is located in the northern Guatemalan department of Petén, about 300 miles (480 km) from Guatemala City.

The town is uniquely situated on a tiny island, in Lake Petén Itzá, giving it a peaceful and somewhat secluded feel despite being part of a larger urban area. Flores sits on the edge of the huge Maya Biosphere Reserve, a vast expanse of biodiverse tropical rainforest.

The town is around an hour’s drive from the Tikal National Park entrance, making it the closest major settlement to one of the most iconic Mayan archaeological sites in the world. It’s also a popular stop with those visiting Belize, as the border is only a couple of hours’ drive away.

Flores Map

We’ve highlighted the key parts of Flores on the map below.

Why visit Flores?

Flores is the perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. It offers easy access to some of the best things to do in Guatemala, like world-class Mayan ruins, while also serving as a tranquil retreat on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá.

You can spend dreamy days wandering the scenic streets, swimming in the lake, and enjoying rooftop bars with sunset views. We arrived thinking it would simply be a useful base for taking a tour to Tikal, and left wistfully wishing we had more time to just be.

Layout

Flores Island is small and circular. It sits on a hill, with cobblestone streets radiating from a central square, where you’ll find a church, basketball court, street food vendors, and views of the lake.

The entire island is easily walkable, with restaurants, hotels, and tour offices lining the waterfront, known as the malecón. Uniquely, the malecón is almost always submerged, as the level of the lake keeps rising.

Walking the narrow streets, discovering cut-throughs and alleyways, using small boats (lanchas) to get around, and sitting on the lake’s edge really reminded us of our visit to Venice. The colourful houses, which are painted in bright colours every shade of the rainbow, took us right back to Burano, a small island in the Venetian Lagoon. It was such a weird experience to walk around somewhere so reminiscent of Europe – but in Guatemala!

Vibe

Flores has a relaxed, backpacker-friendly feel, with cafés, hostels, and rooftop bars. It also has its fair share of boutique hotels and international spots, so it attracts mid-range travellers, too.

Flores is far quieter than bigger Guatemalan cities, yet still has some lively spots ranging from cocktail bars to family-friendly plazas, if you’re looking for nightlife. The pace of life is slow, with most people spending their days lounging by the lake, swimming at local spots, and embarking on adventurous day tours.

We loved Flores’ vibe. Although it wasn’t as authentically Mayan as places like Lake Atitlán, which has a stronger presence of indigenous culture, it was still strongly Guatemalan. It also had a modern feel to it, without being built up and busy – more of a timeless elegance.

Activities

The main draw is using it as a base to explore Tikal and other Mayan ruins, but there are plenty of things to do in Flores as well. Visitors can take boat rides across Lake Petén Itzá to small villages or nature spots, swim from the docks, or rent kayaks and paddleboards.

The island’s cobblestone streets are perfect for photography, with endless pastel-coloured buildings. For those who want to relax, it’s easy to spend a day just lounging by your hotel pool, enjoying the lake views from local cafés, and watching the sunset over the glittering water.

History

Flores was the second-oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the Americas, dating back nearly 3000 years, to 900-600 BCE, with a major expansion of the settlement occurring around 250-400 CE.

In the 13th century, the Itza left the Yucatán region in Mexico and founded the city known as Nojpetén (and later called Tayasal by the Spanish). This became the last independent Mayan capital, resisting Spanish conquest for nearly 200 years until 1697.

After the conquest, the island became a small colonial town, but much of its heritage remains embedded in its identity. Several notable Mayan sites sit in the region, including the famous Tikal, the rival city of Belize’s Caracol.

Wildlife

The surrounding Petén jungle is home to a variety of Guatemalan animals, including jaguars, pumas, monkeys, toucans, and countless other tropical species.

Lake Petén Itzá itself is home to freshwater fish, turtles, and aquatic birds. While birdwatchers flock to the region to see scarlet macaws, parrots, and herons.

Nature reserves like Ixpanpajul Natural Park offer visitors the opportunity to spot these species, many of which are rare and elusive, in their natural habitat.

Meanwhile, ARCAS (Asociación Rescate y Conservación de Vida Silvestre / Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Association), a non-profit organisation and Guatemala’s first wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, sits across from Flores Island. Rescuing between 300-600 wild animals each year, many of which are confiscated from the illegal pet trade, ARCAS gives visitors the opportunity to see animals like wild cats, monkeys, and tropical birds.

Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel‘s Monkey Island also works with ARCAS to provide a safe environment for rescued monkeys, although allowing visitors to feed the monkeys is somewhat ethically questionable. Don’t confuse ARCAS with the nearby Petencito Zoo, which unfortunately has some pretty bad reviews of poor animal welfare conditions.

Sunsets

Sunsets are one of Flores’ highlights, with bright colours blazing across Lake Petén Itzá on an evening. Many hotels and restaurants have rooftop terraces where you can watch the sky turn orange, pink, and purple, while boats whiz across the still surface, creating a scenic silhouette.

We love a sunset, but Flores did them seriously well. It almost became an evening ritual to find the best view to herald the end of the day.

Food

Flores has some excellent local places to eat, with cuisine ranging from traditional Guatemalan dishes to international options. Street food vendors sell cheap tamales and pupusas, while lakeside restaurants specialise in fresh fish from Lake Petén Itzá. Backpacker favourites serve pancakes, smoothies, and vegetarian options, too. There’s also a lively bar scene, with craft cocktails and cold beers served alongside lake views.

We love eating out when we travel, and Flores had so many places that were right up our street. From freshly shaken cocktails to waffles and totopos, there’s something for every mood. We even found a vegan version of pepián, a thick stew served with rice and Guatemala’s national dish.

Accommodation

Flores Island has a mix of accommodation, from budget hostels and cheap Airbnbs to boutique hotels and mid-range guesthouses. Many hotels have views of the lake, are housed in colourful colonial-style buildings, and some even have pools, perfect for cooling off in. We especially loved how many of them were painted bright colours, with beautiful murals on their façades. Backpackers tend to stay in lively hostels with rooftop bars, while couples can choose boutique stays with lakefront balconies for something more secluded.

Santa Elena, across the causeway, has more budget-friendly and practical hotels, but locals warned us it’s not safe to walk around at night, so we’d recommend the island when you’re choosing where to stay in Flores.

How to get to Flores

One downside to visiting Flores is that it’s kind of remote. Unlike other destinations in Guatemala, which are largely clustered together in the south of the country, Flores is really out of the way and can be hard to plan into a Guatemala itinerary. Here’s how to get to Flores – we’ve covered all the modes of transport within Guatemala first, so scroll down if you’re visiting Flores from Belize or Mexico.

By plane

The quickest way to reach Flores is to fly into Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Santa Elena. You can only take a domestic flight from Guatemala City (La Aurora International Airport – GUA), but this is still a good option for those flying in from abroad. There are flights to Guatemala City from all over the world, with the domestic transfer being offered daily by TAG Airlines and Avianca. The journey takes around 1 hour and usually costs around $80-120 USD one way, depending on the time and airline.

By shuttle

The easiest way to get to Flores is to book a transfer. A shuttle to Flores will pick you up from your accommodation or from a central meeting point and take you directly to Flores Island (often stopping at an ATM in Santa Elena, so you can get cash out, which is especially helpful if you’re coming from another country).

We heard horror stories of these vans being cramped and uncomfortable, but we used them all over the country and didn’t have a problem. A shuttle is an especially good option from Semuc Champey and Lanquín, which are very remote with few public transport options. The journey takes around 10 hours and costs about $25 USD.

Shuttles primarily run from major hubs like Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlán. For destinations like El Paredón and Río Dulce (with connections to Livingston), you’ll likely need to change in Guatemala City or Antigua on the way.

By bus

For Guatemala City to Flores by bus, you can use Fuente del Norte (FDN), Autobuses del Norte (ADN), or Linea Dorada. Buses leave a few times a day. FDN also run the Maya de Oro night bus. This is a coach-style bus, which is more comfortable than public chicken buses and even some tourist shuttles. The journey takes around 9-10 hours and usually costs around $50 USD.

If you’re coming from somewhere else in Guatemala, you can take a bus in the daytime and connect to the overnight bus.

If you’re visiting Río Dulce, Maya de Oro has one bus a day that passes through in the afternoon. This journey is only about 5 hours and costs about $30 USD.

By car

It’s unusual for tourists to rent a car in Guatemala and drive, due to a combination of dangerous road conditions and unpredictable driving habits (honestly, it’s some of the worst driving we’ve seen anywhere in the world). From Guatemala City, the route via the CA-9 highway and then north on CA-13 takes around 8 to 10 hours. The road conditions are generally good, though winding in some parts, and there are plenty of fuel stops along the way.

How to get to Flores from Belize

Flores is a popular stop on a classic Central America backpacking route, being a common entry point from Belize. There are a couple of methods for crossing the border, including booking a shuttle, driving a car, and taking public transportation.

San Ignacio, a town known for its jungle adventures and access to Mayan ruins like Xunantunich, is the most common place to stay to cross the border. You can also make the journey from the cayes to Belize City via water taxi and then shuttle overland to Flores.

There are a variety of shuttles to and from Flores, providing door-to-door service and help at the border. This is a smooth and easy way to cross the border.

You can also do it yourself through a mixture of public transportation and walking. Take a bus or taxi to Benque Viejo del Carmen in Belize, cross the border on foot, and pick up a colectivo, bus, or taxi from Melchor de Menchos on the Guatemalan side.

The whole journey takes around 3-4 hours and costs around $15-25 USD per person. If you’re doing it yourself, plan for around 4 hours and around $15 USD per person in local currencies.

There’s a $20 USD / $40 BZD exit fee when leaving Belize, but no entry fee for Guatemala. You can exchange money on either side of the border, but the Guatemalan side often gives you a better rate.

How to get to Flores from Mexico

From southern Mexico, travellers often cross at the El Ceibo border point, which connects Palenque with Flores. The trip takes roughly 6 to 8 hours by shuttle, depending on waiting times at the border.

Another option is to go via Chetumal or Bacalar in Quintana Roo, though this route is longer and usually involves overnight buses with connections in Belize or Guatemala. Organised tourist shuttles are the most convenient choice, as they handle border logistics and drop you off directly in Flores, usually crossing at Melchor de Menchos.

How to get around Flores

Navigating your way around Flores is pretty easy, with the entire island being walkable, while boats, tuk-tuks, and buses can help you explore the lake and the surrounding region.

On foot

Flores is so small and compact that most visitors find it easy to get around without much transport. You can circle the entire island in less than 15 minutes, and everything is within walking distance, from hotels to restaurants. The island is surprisingly hilly, so you’ll be working out your calves as you go.

By boat

Small wooden motorboats called lanchas are used to ferry passengers across Lake Petén Itzá to nearby villages, viewpoints, or swimming spots. These boats can be hired privately or joined as a shared service for a few quetzales. Simply head down to the waterfront and speak to a local captain.

Many have set rates, but prices can vary widely depending on your Spanish-speaking abilities and negotiation skills. Trips can be cheaper if you can join up with a few more people.

Taking a Flores boat trip is also popular, which includes key landmarks in the lake and crossing to Islote Santa Barbara or San Miguel for nature walks and panoramic views of Flores.

By tuk tuk

If you need to go into Santa Elena, to the bus terminal or shopping centre, or are simply tired of all the hills, you can hop in a tuk-tuk. Agree on a price before getting in – short trips usually cost between 10-50Q.

By tour

There are numerous tour agencies in the town, offering trips to places further afield, like Tikal and Crater Azul. Taking a Flores tour is a great way to get to and from your destination with the added bonus of informative commentary from a local guide.

By colectivo

These little local buses are more like shared vans, connecting Flores with local attractions. Beware, scams are pretty rife with colectivos in Flores, with some people charging more for tourists or ushering you into expensive tourist shuttles rather than local vans.

By tourist bus

There’s a little tourist shuttle bus that circumnavigates the island, which is handy if you want to get from A to B quickly. The TuriBus Petén connects destinations like the airport, hotels, and shopping centres in Santa Elena with the island, offering a more comfortable way to get around. It has three different routes, running from 5:00 AM until 1:00 AM, with prices starting at 15Q.

When to visit Flores

The Petén region has a tropical monsoon climate and is one of the warmest parts of Guatemala. The best time to visit Flores is in the dry season from November to April.

Flores’ wet season stretches from May to October and sees a lot of rain – plus, it’s even hotter! The heaviest rainfall is between September and October. As in most monsoon climates, there may be some rainfall in the dry season, but it’s usually short showers and much lighter.

Flores weather

The weather in Flores is hot and humid, with year-round high temperatures. Daytime highs generally hover around 30°C to 33 °C (86°F to 91°F), while 27°C to 30°C (81°F and 86°F) is more normal during the winter months. March to June is hot, hot, hot! Being just before the wet season, this period sees temperatures above 35°C (95°F).

How long to spend in Flores

Most travellers spend 2 to 3 days in Flores, which is enough time to enjoy the island’s charm and use it as a base for visiting Tikal. 4 to 5 days would be ideal for a more leisurely visit, allowing you time to also explore the San Miguel peninsula, hiking, and take a few more day trips, like the Mayan sites of Yaxhá and Uaxactún or Crater Azul.

We spent 4 days in Flores, and it gave us a good flavour for the region and time to visit Tikal and take a boat trip on the lake visiting ARCAS, as well as evenings spent in local restaurants and enjoying the sunsets. However, we could have easily spent longer here, slowing down a little and soaking up the vibes.

Visiting Flores for only 1 day is popular, but it isn’t really enough time to get to know the town. You’ll be able to visit Tikal and see a few streets, but you won’t have time to enjoy any of the other fun activities and attractions.

Useful information for visiting Flores

To help you plan your trip to Flores, here’s some quick-fire, helpful travel information.

Language

Spanish is the official language of Guatemala and is spoken in Flores. In the tourism sector, many hotel staff, guides, and restaurant workers speak some English, though not always fluently. Learning some basic Spanish phrases goes a long way in making your trip smoother and more enjoyable, especially when it comes to things like arranging transport and tours.

Currency

The local currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). U.S. dollars are accepted in some hotels and tourist-focused businesses, but exchange rates can be unfavourable, and change is often given in quetzales. It’s best to carry quetzales in cash, especially for street food, small shops, and local transportation.

Money and ATMS

ATMs are available in Flores and neighbouring Santa Elena, with major banks like Banrural and Banco Industrial operating machines that accept international cards.

There are two ATMs in the Maya Mall, just over the causeway from Flores Island. Our shuttle from San Ignacio also stopped at a gas station on the way into Flores, so we could use an ATM, which was super helpful.

Withdrawals are usually in quetzales only, and fees can be high, so it’s wise to take out larger amounts at once (but split it up, so it’s not all in one place).

Credit cards are accepted at many mid-range and higher-end hotels and restaurants, but cash is still king for smaller purchases and excursions.

SIMS

Local SIM cards from providers like Tigo and Claro are easy to buy in Santa Elena, and they offer reliable coverage around town. There’s a Claro in the Maya Mall, while a Tigo sits on the main road connected to the causeway. Plans aren’t super expensive (but they’re not cheap) and can be topped up at convenience stores or kiosks.

If your phone supports eSIMs, you can purchase data packages online before arriving, which is a more convenient option. We used an Airalo eSIM, and it was perfect for looking at reviews of restaurants, using Google Maps, and researching things to do, without needing to take time out of our trip to set up a local SIM.

Internet connectivity

Most hotels, guesthouses, and cafés in Flores offer free Wi-Fi, which is generally good for browsing, emails, and social media. Connection speeds can slow down during peak hours or when the island is busy with tourists, but should be good enough – we had some work to complete in Flores and had no problems. Outside town, especially on excursions to Tikal or other jungle sites, mobile coverage becomes very limited, so plan accordingly.

Is Flores, Guatemala, worth it?

Flores is absolutely worth visiting, not just for Tikal, but also as a destination in its own right. The town itself is beautiful, with its colourful streets, a peaceful lakeside setting, and a laidback vibe. It’s small enough to be walkable, yet still has a soul, with local restaurants, cafés, and cultural touches on every corner. Many travellers arrive only for a night before Tikal but end up staying longer to enjoy the sunsets, boat rides, and other nearby attractions. We’d highly recommend visiting for a few nights to see its magic yourself.

Is Flores, Guatemala, safe?

Flores is considered one of the safer towns in northern Guatemala, especially compared to larger cities like Guatemala City. Tourist areas are well-patrolled, and crime rates are relatively low. That said, it’s always wise to take normal safety precautions like avoiding flashy displays of wealth, watching your belongings, and using official taxis or shuttles for longer journeys.

Flores Island feels very safe. We didn’t have any problems walking around with our camera out, and the streets were pretty full of tourists at night.

The worst-case scenario is probably being ripped off or being a victim of petty theft rather than anything more sinister. Scams aren’t uncommon, with some ‘coyotes’ (ticket touts) trying to sell you tours or water taxi trips at inflated prices. To avoid this, don’t engage with or give money to random sellers on the street, use licensed tour operators and shuttle services, and make arrangements through your accommodation.

Is Flores safe to walk at night?

Flores is generally safe to walk around at night, particularly along the main streets near hotels, restaurants, and the waterfront. The island is compact and usually busy with other travellers in the evenings, especially in communal areas like the Parque Central. However, stick to well-lit areas, avoid wandering into quiet backstreets alone, and keep valuables tucked away just to be cautious.

Santa Elena is large, hectic, and locals warned us not to go there after dark. We’d try to avoid it if you can, but you shouldn’t have any problems transiting in the daytime, especially with the new tourist bus connecting its main amenities with the island.

Is it safe to swim in Flores, Guatemala?

Swimming in Lake Petén Itzá is considered one of the top things to do, especially in spots like Jorge’s Rope Swing. However, the water near town can sometimes be polluted, so it’s safer to swim further from the main settlement or by boat in cleaner parts of the lake.

Is Flores, Guatemala, cheap?

Flores is relatively affordable compared to many other tourist destinations in Central America. Budget travellers will find cheap hostels, street food, and local buses, while mid-range hotels and lakeside dining are still reasonably priced for those who like more comfort. Eating out is pretty mid-range, but as there are only a handful of grocery stores on the island, dining is expensive unless you go food shopping in Santa Elena. Tours, especially to Tikal, can be one of the bigger expenses, but even then, they’re more affordable than those in places like Belize.

What to pack for Flores

To ensure an enjoyable experience in Flores, it’s important to pack the right things. Don’t forget to pack your:

Our experience in Flores

Flores was the first place we visited in Guatemala after crossing the border from Belize. This was actually our second trip to Guatemala, since we loved Central America so much on our first backpacking trip after quitting our 9-5s. Having already visited some other places in Guatemala, like Antigua and Lake Atitlán, we knew what an incredibly diverse country it was, and we were not disappointed by Flores either.

We loved the vibrancy and colour of the island, and its lakeside setting. Tikal was every bit as amazing as we had been told it would be, but we also enjoyed local attractions like ARCAS that we hadn’t been expecting to visit. We ate our way around the island and still dream of some of the meals we enjoyed in Flores – and don’t get us started on how dreamy those sunset views from rooftop bars were.

From Flores, we took a 9-hour shuttle to Semuc Champey, a location we once saw on a nature documentary and set our hearts on visiting, to continue exploring Guatemala’s jungle regions.

Flores FAQs

To help you plan your trip to Flores, we’ve answered these frequently asked questions.

What is Flores, Guatemala, known for?

Flores is best known as being the gateway to the world-famous Mayan ruins of Tikal, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Central America. The town itself is also recognised for its picturesque island setting on Lake Petén Itzá, with cobblestone streets, colourful colonial-style buildings, and stunning sunsets. In recent years, Flores has become a popular spot in its own right, offering lakeside dining, boutique hotels, and easy access to nearby jungle adventures.

How many days should I spend in Flores, Guatemala?

Most travellers spend at least 2 to 3 days in Flores: one full day to explore Tikal, another to enjoy the town and lake activities, and perhaps a third for day trips to lesser-known Mayan sites like Yaxhá or to relax on the water. If you’re short on time, you can visit Tikal in a single day from Flores, but staying longer allows you to soak up the laidback atmosphere and explore beyond the ruins.

Can you drink the tap water in Flores, Guatemala?

No, tap water in Flores is not safe to drink in Flores. Like much of Guatemala, the water supply may contain bacteria or parasites that can cause illness. It’s best to stick to purified water, which is widely available at hotels and restaurants – bring your filter water bottle to cut down on plastic.

Are there jaguars in Flores, Guatemala?

You won’t see jaguars roaming around Flores itself, but they do live in the surrounding Petén jungles and protected areas. Tikal National Park and the nearby Maya Biosphere Reserve are home to jaguars, though sightings are extremely rare due to their elusive nature. More commonly, visitors might spot howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, and other tropical wildlife during excursions from Flores. There is a jaguar at ARCAS, a non-profit set up to care for animals confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, and visiting supports their conservation work, while allowing you to see a jaguar. Alternatively, if you’re heading to Belize, visit Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar preserve, for a chance of sightings – we got really lucky there and saw one ourselves!

Read next:

20 Fantastic Things to Do in Flores

Where to Stay in Flores: 18 Best Hotels For Every Budget & Traveller Type

12 Best Cafés, Bars, and Restaurants in Flores

A Detailed Guide to Visiting Tikal National Park & Majestic Mayan Ruins

The Top Tikal Tours: Sunrise vs Sunset vs Daytime

How to Visit ARCAS: Guatemala’s First Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre

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