20 Fantastic Things to Do in Flores, Guatemala

Discover the best attractions and activities in Flores, Guatemala, from cheap and free things to do to the top tours.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission on anything purchased through these links at no extra cost to you. Learn more on our disclaimer page.

Flores, Guatemala, is a colourful island town on the large Lake Petén Itzá that feels partway between Lake Atitlán and Venice (Italy). Most travellers (including us) visit Flores as a base to reach the mighty city of Tikal, one of the best things to do in Guatemala.

But beyond Mayan ruins, we discovered so many more activities on offer, from exploring the charming town and sailing across the still surface of the lake in a lancha to enjoying visits to smaller Mayan ruins, lakeside rope swings, and rainforest hikes. Despite its small size, there are plenty of fun things to do in Flores itself, as well as in the surrounding Petén region. We’ve made a complete list of activities and attractions in this guide.

What to do in Flores

Flores may be small, but it has plenty of things to do for travellers with different interests. The town itself is a joy to wander, with its colourful houses, lakeside promenade, and relaxed cafés perfect for soaking up the view.

Out on Lake Petén Itzá, you can swim, kayak, or take a boat trip to nearby islands and hidden beaches. History lovers will naturally be drawn to Tikal, Yaxhá, and other Mayan ruins within easy reach, while adventure seekers can head into the surrounding jungle for hiking, wildlife watching, or even caving.

If you prefer something slower-paced, Flores is also a great place to slow down your Guatemala itinerary and just enjoy sunsets over the water and try local and international food. Here are the best activities and attractions in Flores.

Flores Activities Map

The best things to do in Flores

We’ve started with the top things to do in the town of Isla de Flores and then expanded into further sections on activities and attractions around the lake, as well as further afield day trips to do in the region.

What to do on Flores Island – cheap and free activities

You don’t even need to leave the island to find fun ways to spend your time in Isla de Flores (Flores Island). There are plenty of things to see and do just steps from your accommodation. Here are the best things to do in Flores itself – no transportation, tours, or entrance tickets required.

1. Wander the colourful streets of Isla de Flores

If you’re wondering where to start, the best thing to do in Flores when you arrive is to orientate yourself on the island. Isla de Flores itself is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala. A patchwork of pastel-painted houses, the island is easy to circle on foot in less than 30 minutes.

Take your time as you wind through narrow alleyways between cafés and artisan shops, stopping to admire flower-filled balconies and bright façades. If you like photography, the whole town is a perfect backdrop, with gorgeous doorways and mural-adorned walls.

2. Watch basketball in Parque Central

The island has a network of streets that radiate out from a central plaza, the Parque Central (Parque Monseñor Próspero Penados del Barrio). Perched on a hilltop, this is the heart of the island with a main square, which is a hub of activity and a popular gathering place.

Here you’ll find a large basketball court, bandstand, food vendors, and the white cathedral (Catedral Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios y San Pablo Itzá), one of the oldest churches in Guatemala. You might also see a couple of Mayan stelae dotted around the plaza, as well as stunning views out over the lake.

The park is especially lively on an evening, when locals, families, and visitors gather to enjoy cheap street food and basketball as the sun sets. It’s a great place to do some people watching and soak up the atmosphere.

3. Find the flooded Malecón

The Malecón is the lakefront promenade around Flores’ perimeter. Once used to circumnavigate the entire island, in recent years rising water levels have left parts of it underwater. You can still walk sections of the path, but in others, you’ll find local captains offering lancha rides in place of pavement.

The Malecón offers some of the best views of Lake Petén Itzá on the island, and you’ll find several lakefront cafés and restaurants along it, offering lake views and local cuisine via little wooden docks.

4. Eat in local restaurants

There are some really great restaurants in Flores with a nice mix of local and international options, but some of the best meals come from simple, family-run comedores tucked along the side streets. You can try Guatemalan staples like pepián stew, tamales, or freshly made tortillas for a fraction of what tourist cafés charge in other towns in the country.

Around the lakefront, you’ll also find more international options, from pizza to waffles. We didn’t find being vegetarian/vegan difficult at all, with lots of plant-based spots offering amazing versions of local dishes, as well as staples you know from at home. Street vendors often set up in the evenings, selling tostadas, grilled meats, and plantains, too, which is great if you’re on a budget.

5. Catch a sunset on the west side

Flores is famous for its sunsets, and the west-facing side of the island gives you the best seats in the house. You can grab a spot on the lake’s edge and watch the colours blaze across the sky, but heading to one of the waterfront restaurants or rooftop bars is the best way to see in the end of the day.

We spent a blissful time at iconic spots like the Sky Bar, Terraza, and Mangos Bar, enjoying happy hour with a wine, beer, or freshly-shaken cocktail in hand, watching the sky shift from gold to fiery pinks and purples, glittering across the still surface of the lake and over the mountains.

Unique things to do in Flores

While Flores itself is super charming, you really do need to get out and explore the surrounding region, which is rich in historical and natural sites. Here are the top things to do in the wider Flores municipality, from the obvious trip to Tikal to lesser-known hidden gems.

6. Explore the ancient Mayan city of Tikal

While it’s not actually in Flores, Tikal National Park is most travellers’ reason for visiting the town, which is a popular base near the famous archaeological site and national park. We couldn’t not mention it first in this section, as it really is every bit as sensational as people say it is.

One of the most iconic Mayan ruins in Central America, Tikal isn’t just a historic site, but a UNESCO World Heritage site, sprawling national park and protected reserve full of wildlife, too. Located about 1.5 hours by shuttle, tour, or taxi, the site is surrounded by dense jungle and teeming with wildlife like monkeys, coatis, agoutis, and toucans.

You can climb some of the towering temples for sweeping views over the canopy, especially from Temple IV (known for its appearance as the Rebel base on Yavin 4 in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope) at sunrise. Guided Tikal tours are widely available from Flores and highly recommended, as they’re not just your transport, but also provide historical context about the city’s heyday between 200-900 CE that you’d miss on your own.

The park is huge, so plan at least half a day to see the main plazas, pyramids, and causeways. Getting tickets and deciding between the tour timings (there are different slots throughout the day) can be tricky, so we’ve put a full guide together about this iconic Mayan site to help you plan a smooth and stress-free visit.

7. Kayak or paddleboard on the lake

You can’t visit Flores without getting up close to Lake Petén Itzá, and renting a kayak or paddleboard is the best way to do so. Rentals are easy to find along the waterfront, often from hotels like Los Amigos Hostel or tour operators like Kayaks en Flores, and prices are very reasonable. Expect to pay around 50Q (~$6.50 USD) an hour or 70-100Q (~$9-13 USD) a day.

You can paddle around the island of Flores itself or venture further toward San Miguel on the opposite shore. Early mornings tend to be the calmest conditions, with less boat traffic and glassy water reflecting the sky, but paddling on the surface at sunset is a dreamy way to end the day.

8. Take a boat tour

Boat tours are one of the most popular activities in Flores, offering a relaxed way to explore the lake’s hidden landmarks. You can arrange a private lancha at the dock or join a shared tour, with routes often including stops like:

There are two main kinds of boat tours in Flores: a shorter cruise of the main attractions and a longer multi-stop tour, where your captain waits for you at each site. Prices vary depending on stops and duration, but bargaining is common, especially if you’re in a group (so knowing some basic Spanish can be handy). A boat tour typically costs about 200Q (~$25 USD) per hour for the whole boat.

It can be worth agreeing on a price for the entire day and enjoying a private excursion to just the stops you want to visit to avoid having to arrange multiple trips or hoping you’ll find someone to bring you back to Flores if you choose a one-way trip.

9. Visit Islote Santa Bárbara

A tiny island off the west side of the island, Islote Santa Bárbara is home to a small Mayan museum (Museo Santa Barbara) that’s one of the oldest cultural sites in the region. Managed by a local family, the building was originally a colonial-era fort and was later converted into a museum showcasing Mayan artefacts from nearby ruins.

Getting there is easy – it’s only a 5-minute lancha ride from the island’s main dock. It’s a quick visit, but a worthwhile stop and many boat tours include it as part of their circuit, so it’s simple to combine with other activities around the lake.

You can even stay on the island at Hotel Santa Barbara. There are a handful of cabins, a café, and a sandy swimming area to enjoy if you’re seeking somewhere even more secluded than Flores Island.

If you’re wondering what the tall tower is, the island also doubles up as the broadcast location of the local radio station, FM Maya 99.3.

10. See rescued wildlife at ARCAS

ARCAS (Asociación Rescate y Conservación de Vida Silvestre / Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Association) is a non-profit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre located on the far shore of Lake Petén Itzá, opposite Flores. It was founded to help animals confiscated from the illegal pet trade, including parrots, monkeys, and jaguars.

There’s a small museum, providing intereting background about the illegal wildlife trade and the animals in their care (in Spanish, so download Google Translate if you’re not fluent), and then you can wander a loop of enclosures to see the animals that unfortunately can’t be released back into the wild. Animals receiving rehabilitative care are kept in a separate area away from visitors.

It’s super sad to see such gorgeous creatures in captivity, but it’s an insightful stop and supports the amazing conservation work the organisation is doing, as well as being popular with families and wildlife lovers.

To visit, you’ll need to arrange a return boat ride (about 20-30 minutes) and have the captain wait for you. A visit only takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how quickly you go around.

11. Jump off Jorge’s Rope Swing

Jorge’s Rope Swing is a legendary lakeside swimming spot and one of the best things to do in Flores. Located across the lake in San Miguel, you can reach it in about 10 minutes by boat, and once there, you’ll find a deck with hammocks, snacks, drinks, and a giant rope swing over the water.

For a small entrance fee of 25Q (~$3 USD), you can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and making daring leaps into the lake. It’s a favourite with backpackers and families alike, with plenty of space to lounge in the sun, and is as revered a spot as Tikal to many travellers.

You can arrange a boat directly through Jorge’s family via WhatsApp on +502 3196 3196, which is cheaper than taking a lancha from the island (although you might wish to use a lancha if you’re visiting multiple stops on the lake in one day). Bring cash, as there are no card facilities on-site.

12. Hike to Mirador del Rey Canek

For one of the best panoramic views of Flores and Lake Petén Itzá, head to Mirador del Rey Canek. The hike starts from San Miguel and takes about 30-40 minutes uphill through shaded forest. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas that stretch over the island, the surrounding villages, and endless jungle.

The path is steep in places, so bring water and good shoes, but it’s manageable for most fitness levels. The stairs are painted with colourful murals, and you have to remove your shoes on them to protect the paintings.

Sunrise and sunset are the most spectacular times to go, though midday offers clearer views. You can combine the hike with a visit to San Miguel or Jorge’s Rope Swing for a half-day adventure. The lancha to San Miguel has a fixed price of 20Q (~$2.50 USD).

13. Explore San Miguel Town

San Miguel is the quiet lakeside village just across from Flores, reachable in five minutes by lancha. It feels much less touristy than Flores, with cobblestone lanes, local shops, and everyday Guatemalan life on display. The town has its own small ruins, a church, and easy access to trails leading to viewpoints like Mirador del Rey Canek.

Before the Spanish conquest, San Miguel was known as Tayasal, the capital of the Itzá Maya. Remarkably, Tayasal was the last independent Mayan kingdom, resisting Spanish rule until 1697, more than 150 years after most of the rest of the region had fallen. Eventually, Tayasal was destroyed in a brutal assault, and the settlement was gradually absorbed into what is now San Miguel. There’s a large Taysal sign on the shore, which you can snap a picture with.

14. Spread out on Playa Chechenal

Playa Chechenal is the closest thing to a beach in Flores. Located about a 20-minute boat ride away, it’s a sandy shore with clean, shallow turquoise water, making it perfect for swimming and relaxing. It’s popular with both locals and tourists, especially on weekends, so weekdays are quieter.

Basic facilities like palapas, picnic tables, and small food stalls are available, so you can easily spend a day here. There’s also a wooden dock that extends into the lake, which is great for jumping off.

There’s a small entrance fee of 10Q (~$1.30 USD), and you’ll need to pay for the boat ride to get there. The boat ride to San Miguel is considerably cheaper than going directly to and from the beach, and the walk is less than half an hour along a forest path.

15. Visit the Museo Regional del Mundo Maya

Located outside San Miguel, the Museo Regional del Mundo Maya is one of the best places to dive deeper into Mayan history. An outdoor park, you can see small temples and excavations, as well as exhibits of ceramics, tools, and stelae from sites like Tikal, Uaxactún, and El Mirador.

Entry is free, and the site is best accessed either by road (although it’s a half-hour drive from Santa Elena) or a 15-minute walk/5-minute drive from San Miguel. There’s no English signage, but it makes a nice addition to Tikal if you’re in the area.

The best day trips from Flores

The wider Petén region is a treasure trove of beautiful natural attractions and historic sites that very few people visit beyond Tikal. If you find yourself with more time, here are the best places to visit on a day trip from Flores.

16. Explore remote Mayan ruins

We’ve already mentioned Tikal, but there are several other notable Mayan ruins near Flores worth visiting, including:

Yaxhá is about two hours away from Flores and easy to visit on a tour (sunset is particularly popular), while Uaxactún is more commonly visited by travellers with their own car (you need an entrance ticket, driving permit, and ID) or on a private tour. El Mirador, often called the ‘cradle of Mayan civilisation’, requires a multi-day trek or helicopter ride, but rewards you with the largest pyramid by volume in the world. Flores Mayan ruins tours are easy to arrange with operators in town, including transportation and a knowledgeable local guide.

17. Laze on the lake at El Remate

El Remate is a small lakeside village about 30 minutes from Flores. Popular for its peaceful vibe and clear swimming spots, it’s a great alternative base for visiting Tikal, but can also be visited from Flores on a day trip. You can reach it by colectivo or taxi, both of which are inexpensive and frequent from Santa Elena’s main bus terminal.

Many travellers choose to stay overnight here as it’s closer to Tikal than Flores. The lakefront is dotted with wooden piers, hammocks, and eco-lodges offering meals with stunning views.

18. Adventure in Actun Kan Caves

Actun Kan, also known as the ‘Cave of the Serpent’, sits just outside Flores, but is missed by most visitors. The cave system (Parque Regional Municipal Actún Kan) has a mix of lit chambers and darker passages, some with stalactites and stalagmites that create dramatic formations. Legend has it that the caves were once used for Mayan rituals, as they believed caves were the entrance to the underworld, called Xibalba.

There are two routes through the cave: one long route that explores the entire system for 45Q (~$6 USD), plus a mandatory guide for 150Q (~$20 USD), or take the shorter self-guided option 35Q (~$4.50 USD).

You can easily reach it by taxi or tuk-tuk from Santa Elena in under 15 minutes. Be sure to arrange your return journey too, bring sturdy footwear, and a headlamp is useful if you choose the independent route.

19. Cool off in Crater Azul

Crater Azul is a hidden gem in Flores, about 2 hours from the island. Here, crystal-clear spring water fills a jungle pool reminiscent of Mexico’s cenotes. The water is so transparent that you can see fish swimming below you, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

It’s not actually a crater, but a lagoon on the Rio La Pasion, that winds through the western lowlands region of northern Guatemala. It’s a perfect spot to cool off from the hot and humid weather.

To get there, you’ll need to travel by car toward Sayaxché, then take a boat upriver, which is often arranged through Crater Azul tours from Flores.

20. Hike in Ixpanpajul Nature Park

Ixpanpajul Nature Park is a 450-hectare reserve located just 15 minutes from Flores. The park is known for its canopy bridges, ziplining, and hiking trails through lush jungle, which really reminds us of Costa Rica’s hanging bridges. You can spot wildlife like toucans, monkeys, and coatis along the way or opt for the zipline circuit, which offers sweeping views of the forest and lake beyond.

The park itself offers free transfers to and from Flores (check out the Ixpanpajul Nature Park Facebook page), or you can arrange a private tour with a local operator.

What not to do in Flores

Here are some top tips to help you choose activities in Flores wisely.

Flores Travel Information

Now you know the best things to do in Flores, you may be wondering about the logistics of planning your Guatemala trip.

We’ve covered everything you need to know about visiting Flores and Tikal in our travel guides to the area, from where to stay in the Flores region to the top restaurants on Flores Island. We’ve also included transportation information, a breakdown of when is best to visit, and lots of handy tips in our complete guide.

Things to do in Flores: FAQs

We’ve answered these frequently asked questions to help you choose what to do in Flores, Guatemala.

Is there much to do in Flores, Guatemala?

Flores may be small, but it’s packed with things to keep you busy. From wandering the cobblestone streets and soaking up lake views to taking boat rides, kayaking, or visiting nearby Mayan ruins, you’ll find plenty to fill your days. Plus, Flores makes an excellent base for day trips to Tikal, Yaxhá, or Crater Azul.

What to see in Flores, Guatemala?

In town, the highlights include the colourful houses, the main square (Parque Central), the Malecón along the lake, and the sunsets on the west side of the island. Just across the water, you can explore San Miguel and the Tayasal archaeological site. Beyond Flores, iconic ruins like Tikal and Yaxhá are must-sees.

What are some free things to do in Flores, Guatemala?

If you’re looking for free things to do in Flores, you can simply wander the island’s narrow streets, admire the colonial-style architecture, and watch basketball in the central park. Sunsets over Lake Petén Itzá don’t cost a thing, and swimming in the lake is also free (although it’s worth paying for spots like Playa Chechnal and Jorge’s Rope Swing).

What to do in Flores when it rains?

If the weather turns, you can duck into a café for a long, lazy coffee or try traditional Guatemalan food in a local comedor. Many hotels and hostels also have cosy communal spaces where travellers gather during rainy spells, and you can always use the hotel pool in the rain.

What to do in Flores at night?

Evenings in Flores often centre on lakeside bars and restaurants, many with live music and happy hour specials. Watching the sunset from a rooftop terrace is popular, and you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. People watching in Parque Central, where locals play basketball and gather over street food most evenings, is also a great activity at night in Flores.

What to do in Flores with kids?

Families can enjoy boat rides around the lake, safe swimming spots like Playa Chechenal, or visit the ARCAS wildlife rescue centre. Walking around the island itself is easy and low-traffic, and kids often love running around the Mayan ruins.

Read next:

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

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

Our Guatemala Destination Guides:

Our Guatemala Travel Guides: