Flores Guatemala Travel Guide: Things to Do, Itinerary & More

9 Favorite Experiences I Think Are Worth It in Flores

1. Take a Day Trip to Tikal National Park 👍 Must Do

Without a doubt, the main reason most travelers visit Flores is to explore the incredible Tikal National Park, one of the largest and most important ancient Mayan cities ever discovered. I've visited quite a few Mayan ruins around Mexico and Belize, and Tikal is by far my favorite.

Hidden deep within the Guatemalan jungle, Tikal is home to towering pyramids, ancient temples, and abundant wildlife, and it was one of the absolute highlights of my trip to Guatemala. Thanks to its incredible setting, this ancient city has been featured in several films, including Star Wars, Yavin 4, anyone? 😉 I had just finished watching Season 2 of Andor when I visited Tikal, so I was definitely geeking out a little when I first saw Temple IV with my own eyes 🤣.

Flores is the perfect base for visiting Tikal, as the park is located only about 1.5 to 2 hours away by road. Most hotels and tour agencies offer daily shuttle services, and you can choose between a regular day tour, which usually departs around 4:30 AM and returns to Flores around 3–4 PM, a sunset tour, or a sunrise tour if you want to experience the jungle waking up around the ancient ruins.

Personally, I recommend arriving as early as possible to enjoy the cooler temperatures, hear the jungle come alive with the sounds of howler monkeys and tropical birds, and explore the ruins before the larger tour groups arrive. I went with the sunrise tour which leaves from Flores at 3 AM and arrives at Tikal around 4:30 AM.

The archaeological site is enormous, so plan to spend at least half a day exploring. Some of the highlights include Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar), Temple II, the Great Plaza, and, of course, the towering Temple IV, the tallest temple in Tikal and the best place to watch the sunrise over the jungle canopy.

Wildlife is another reason to visit Tikal. During my time there, I spotted spider monkeys, howler monkeys, coatis, toucans, and several colorful tropical birds. It feels more like exploring an ancient city reclaimed by the jungle than visiting a typical archaeological site.

If you're planning to visit Tikal, make sure you book your entrance ticket and the correct time slot from the official website the day before, as most tours do not include the entrance ticket. For visitors over 12 years old, the regular entrance ticket costs around 150 GTQ (20 USD) per person, and the park is open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM.

If you are visiting for sunrise or sunset, which allows entry outside the regular opening hours, you will need to purchase an additional sunrise/sunset ticket on top of the regular entrance fee. This costs another 100 GTQ (13 USD), bringing the total to around 250 GTQ (33 USD) per person. Make sure you select the correct ticket type when booking, as my friend accidentally booked a sunset ticket for a sunrise visit, and it took some time to get it changed.

For tours, you can either book through your accommodation or browse available options here. These are my recommended tours: sunrise tour, sunset tour, and regular daytime visit.

Where to Stay in Flores?

Budget

Macarena Hostel

$ | Dorm

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Casa Maya Itza

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

Hotel Isla de Flores

$$$ | Double Room

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2. Listen the Sound of the Jungle Waking Up at Sunrise in Tikal

If you are still on the fence about visiting Tikal National Park at sunrise, which I completely understand, and who can blame you? I went through the same hesitation when deciding whether to put myself through a 3 AM wake-up call. But imagine this: as the darkness fades, the sounds of the jungle begin to emerge. Howler monkeys roar in the distance, tropical birds start calling from the canopy, and the ancient Mayan city of Tikal slowly reveals itself beneath the morning light. If that sounds like an experience you'd enjoy, then I highly recommend going with the sunrise tour!

There is something truly magical about standing on top of these massive Mayan structures, surrounded by nothing but misty jungle, while the first rays of sunlight break through the trees and the sounds of howler monkeys echo across the forest.

Of course, I didn't get to see the sunrise, as you can probably tell from my photos, maybe I was wishing for that misty jungle scene a little too much the day before 🤣. However, my friend did experience it with perfectly clear weather, and she absolutely vouched for the experience. She even sent me her photos, and they looked incredible compared to mine. Nevertheless, watching the jungle slowly wake up was an amazing experience in itself, and I'm glad I got to witness it even though the weather was not on my side.

Most sunrise tours will take you to Temple IV, the tallest structure in Tikal and one of the best places to watch the sunrise. The temple offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the endless jungle canopy, with the tops of other temples emerging above the trees in the distance.

If you are interested in visiting Tikal for sunrise, be sure to book both the regular entrance ticket and the sunrise ticket, which costs 250 GTQ (33 USD total), 150 GTQ (20 USD) for the entrance fee and an additional 100 GTQ (13 USD) for the sunrise access, from the official website the day before, as most tours do not include the entrance fee.

If you book the sunrise tour I did, they will usually pick you up from your hotel around 2:30 AM and take you to the departure point for the shuttle to Tikal, which leaves around 3 AM. You will arrive at Tikal around 4:30 AM and spend the next hour hiking to Temple IV to catch the sunrise.

After sunrise, you will have some free time until around 7 AM, when your guide will take you through the park for about 2 hours, sharing the history and stories behind this incredible Mayan city. You will then have around an hour of free time to explore on your own before finishing the visit around 10 AM. After grabbing a late breakfast or early lunch at the restaurant inside the park, you will head back to Flores and should arrive around 1:30 PM, completing your sunrise trip to Tikal.

3. Wander the Colorful Streets of Flores Island

After spending the day in Tikal, you can come back and spend the rest of the day exploring Flores Island and wandering around its colorful streets. Connected to the mainland by a short causeway, this tiny island is filled with colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, local shops, and beautiful views of Lake Petén Itzá all around it.

The island is small enough that you can easily explore it on foot in a couple of hours, but don't rush through it. Take your time strolling through the narrow streets, admiring the brightly painted houses, checking out small artisan shops, and stopping by the many cafés and restaurants tucked between the buildings.

Despite being the most touristy part of the town, Flores still feels authentically Guatemalan thanks to its thriving local community. You will see locals gathering in the plazas, boats passing by along the shore, and residents going about their daily lives at every corner.

That's what I love about many places in Guatemala, even in popular destinations, the local communities remain an integral part of the place rather than being completely replaced by tourism. If you have time to spare, be sure to come and explore the street of Flores Island, or even better, spend the night in some lovely colonial style accommodation here.

4. Watch the sunset over Lake Petén Itzá

One of the best places to watch the sunset in Flores is along the Malecón, the waterfront promenade that wraps around Flores Island. This is where locals and travelers gather in the evening to enjoy the cooler breeze, watch boats passing by, and take in the beautiful views across Lake Petén Itzá as the sun slowly disappears behind the horizon.

One interesting thing about the Malecón is that its appearance changes depending on the water level of the lake. Due to the seasonal rise and fall of Lake Petén Itzá, parts of the waterfront can become partially submerged during periods of high water. When I was there, some sections of the walkway were underwater, and you could actually sit with your legs in the water or even go for a swim while watching the sunset. It was awesome!

People might mistake it for flooding and assume the city is not doing a good job protecting the waterfront, but from what I saw, this appears to be a regular occurrence and in a way, it kinda adds a unique charm to the place, in my opinion. If you are looking for a sunset spot while in Flores, be sure to check out the Malecón. Grab some street food, sit by the water, watch the boats come and go, and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets Guatemala has to offer.

5. Hang out at Flores Peten Park & Cathedral in the Evening

The place on Flores Island that I often frequented every evening was Flores Petén Park, a small local park surrounded by beautiful colonial houses and a stunning white-washed cathedral. With a pavilion in the center and plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the lively atmosphere, I often found myself here, sitting, and relaxing after a day of exploration, watching whatever local events were taking place.

The first night I was there, the park was especially lively, with a local student volleyball competition taking place on the basketball court. Many people, both locals and tourists, gathered around the court to cheer for their family and friends, catch up with one another, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

I grabbed some street food from one of the vendors around the park and sat down to watch the game while eating. It was such a great introduction to Flores and its laid-back culture, which felt quite different from other places I visited in Guatemala. The atmosphere here felt a little more Caribbean, perhaps due to its proximity to the Caribbean coast, with a slower pace of life and a more relaxed island vibe compared to places like Antigua.

If you have an evening free in Flores, don't just head back to your accommodation after dinner. Take a stroll around the park, grab a snack from a street vendor, and spend some time taking in the atmosphere.

6. Eat Delicious Tacos at Tacos Los Peches 🥘 Place to Eat

Speaking of street food around Flores Petén Park, if you are looking for a nice and affordable place to eat while enjoying the local events happening there, I highly recommend Tacos Los Peches. This small local taco spot lets you choose from different types of tacos and burritos, which come as takeaway, making it perfect to grab some food and find a spot in the park to sit, relax, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

It is also incredibly affordable, with 2 burritos for 15 GTQ (2 USD), 4 tacos for 20 GTQ (2.62 USD), and a combo of everything for only 40 GTQ (5 USD). These are some great deals! That said, the place is run by just one person cooking, so the line can get quite long, especially around dinner time and later in the evening. I recommend coming a little earlier to grab your food before the crowds start forming.

The taco place is open from 7 AM to 11 PM on weekdays, while on weekends it opens from 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM on Saturday and 8 AM to 11 PM on Sunday. If you are looking for a delicious and affordable place to eat in Flores, this is definitely the spot to check out!

7. Enjoy Coffee by the lakeside at Maple & Tocino

If you are looking for a nice place to slow down and enjoy a relaxing coffee in Flores, I highly recommend Maple & Tocino, a lovely little lakeside café with beautiful views over Lake Petén Itzá. After several early mornings exploring Tikal and wandering around Flores, you will look forward to a quiet morning here with a delicious breakfast and a cup of coffee. It certainly was for me, as I finally got to relax a little without having to rush off on another activity.

The café serves a variety of brunch dishes, from massive breakfast plates to sweet treats and good old Guatemalan coffee. From the outdoor seating area, you will get a front-row view of the lake, and you can sip your coffee, enjoy your meal, and take in the beautiful scenery of Lake Petén Itzá.

The prices here are on the more expensive side, but considering the beautiful lakeside view and generous portions, it is definitely worth the money. If you are looking for a nice café to relax in Flores, Maple & Tocino is a great place to spend a slow morning or afternoon. The café is open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.

8. Take a Boat to Jorge's Rope Swing

If you have a day to spare in Flores and looking for a nice relaxing day by the lake, then you might want to consider visiting Jorge's Rope Swing, a fun lakeside recreational spot where you can swim, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery away from the busy streets of Flores. It is a great half-day escape if you want to experience more of the lake beyond Flores Island.

The easiest way to get there is by boat from Flores Island. You can head to one of the boat piers along the waterfront and negotiate a private water taxi directly with the boat operators. A round-trip boat ride usually costs around 100–150 GTQ (13–20 USD) per boat, depending on your negotiation skills and whether you are sharing the ride with others, so it is best if you can find others from hostel to join the trip. The journey should take around 10 minutes to get there.

Once you arrive, there is a small entrance fee of around 25 GTQ (3 USD) per person to access the property. The main attraction is, of course, the famous rope swing, where you can launch yourself into the clear waters of Lake Petén Itzá. I recommend coming in the morning or early afternoon when the sun is high and the water looks its best. Bring your swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. The place is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.

9. Rent a Kayak and Paddle Around Lake Petén Itzá

If you prefer exploring the lake at your own pace, renting a kayak and explore by yourself a great way to enjoy the lake up close and experience a quieter side of Flores. You can rent the kayak from this Kayak Rental Place which should cost around 45 GTQ/hr for a kayak and 75 GTQ per 2 hours for a paddleboard. You can also do the full day for 200 GTQ total.

You can spend the entire day kayaking around the lake, and even paddle all the way to Jorge's Rope Swing by yourself without having to pay for the boat ride, which can get quite expensive, especially if you are traveling solo like I was.

The best time to go is early in the morning when the lake is calm, the weather is cooler, and the water is often at its clearest. The rental shop can help you navigate the lake, recommend routes, and suggest places you can visit, so be sure to check them out while you are here. The rental shop is open daily from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.

When to Visit Flores?

The best time to visit Flores is during the dry season, from November to April, when you can expect plenty of sunshine, lower humidity, and excellent conditions for exploring both the town and nearby attractions like Tikal National Park. Clear skies also make for spectacular sunrises at Tikal and beautiful sunsets over Lake Petén Itzá, two of the highlights of staying in Flores.

If you're planning to visit Tikal, I highly recommend basing yourself in Flores and arriving the day before to spend the night there. The next morning, you can choose between a sunrise tour or a regular morning visit, but I recommend arriving early to explore the archaeological site before the midday heat and the larger tour groups arrive.

The rainy season, from May to October, brings frequent afternoon showers and higher humidity, but don't let that discourage you. Rain usually comes in short bursts rather than lasting all day, and the surrounding jungle becomes incredibly lush and vibrant. There are also generally fewer tourists, making it a great time to visit if you don't mind occasionally getting wet.

How to get to Flores?

Flores is located in northern Guatemala, and cab be reached by many ways, from different cities and countries, thanks to its airport and well-established tourist shuttle network.

From Antigua, the easiest option is to take an overnight tourist shuttle, which usually departs around 6:30 PM and arrives in Flores at around 6–7 AM the following morning. The journey takes approximately 10 to 11 hours. You can book through your accommodation or online from here.

From Semuc Champey (Lanquín), there is one shared tourist shuttle running daily, taking around 7 to 8 hours, depending on road conditions. It departs at 8 AM from the Lanquín Bus Terminal and usually arrives in Flores at around 6 PM dropping you off at the entrance of Flores island. This is the shuttle I took, and although things were a little disorganized in Lanquín that morning, everything worked out fine in the end. Most accommodations in Lanquín can arrange the shuttle for you, or you can book it online in advance here.

From Guatemala City, you can either fly or take an overnight bus. The quickest option is a 1-hour domestic flight to Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), located just a few minutes from Flores Island. You can browse for flights here.

If you're on a budget, overnight buses operated by companies such as ADN and Fuente del Norte take around 8 to 10 hours and arrive in Flores the following morning. You can browse available buses here.

From Belize, direct tourist shuttles connect popular destinations such as San Ignacio and Belize City with Flores in around 3 and 5 hours, respectively, including the border crossing. This is a popular route for travelers combining Guatemala and Belize in the same trip. You can browse available shuttles here or travel with Gekko Trail Explorer, as I did. I used their shuttle services throughout Central America and found them to be very reliable. Highly recommended!

How to Get Around Flores?

On Foot, Flores is incredibly easy to explore. The island is compact enough that you can walk from one end to the other in about 15 to 20 minutes. Most attractions, restaurants, cafés, hotels, and the lakeside promenade are all within walking distance, so if you stay on the island, you won't have trouble exploring everywhere on foot.

By Tuk-Tuk, if you need to travel between Flores Island, Santa Elena, or Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), tuk-tuks are the most convenient option. They are inexpensive, readily available throughout the day, and the ride from the airport to Flores usually takes less than 10 minutes. If you're catching a tuk-tuk from Flores Island, be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand, as drivers there often charge higher prices than those you can find on the mainland in Santa Elena.

By Boat, many attractions around Lake Petén Itzá, such as Jorge's Rope Swing and the village of San Miguel, can be reached by small public boats or private water taxis. You'll find several boat ramps along the shoreline of Flores Island, such as this pier, where you can catch boats to San Miguel. Prices vary depending on your destination, but they are generally very affordable. Fixed-route boats to places like San Miguel typically cost around 10 GTQ (1.30 USD) and take 10 to 20 minutes, while hiring a private water taxi to places like Jorge's Rope Swing usually costs around 100–150 GTQ (13–20 USD) per boat for a round trip.

By Tourist Shuttle, if you're planning to visit nearby destinations like Tikal National Park or continue your journey to Belize, Semuc Champey, or Antigua, most hotels and tour agencies in Flores can arrange shared tourist shuttles with hotel pickup, making onward travel very straightforward. You can also browse tours here or book shuttle services here in advance.

How Many Days to Spend in Flores?

I recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Flores. While the island itself can easily be explored in a day, you can use it as a base for visiting Tikal National Park and other nearby attractions around Lake Petén Itzá.

• Day 1: Arrive in Flores, wander around the colorful island, visit the cathedral, stroll along the lakeside promenade, enjoy the sunset over Lake Petén Itzá, and have dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
• Day 2: Take a day trip to Tikal National Park. I recommend leaving early in the morning—or joining a sunrise tour—to explore the ruins before the midday heat and larger tour groups arrive.
• Day 3 (Optional): Explore more of Lake Petén Itzá by visiting San Miguel, Jorge's Rope Swing, or Yaxhá Archaeological Site before continuing your journey to Belize, Semuc Champey, or back to Guatemala City.

Is it Safe in Flores?

Yes, I found Flores to be one of the safest places I visited in Guatemala. The island has a relaxed vibe, is popular with both locals and tourists, and I felt comfortable walking around during both the day and the evening. As always, it's still a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended.

The biggest issue you're likely to encounter isn't crime but rather the occasional tourist scam, such as inflated tuk-tuk fares or overpriced boat rides. If you're taking a tuk-tuk or hiring a private boat, be sure to agree on the price before setting off. I found that drivers in Santa Elena often charged more reasonable fares than those waiting on Flores Island.

If you're planning to visit Tikal National Park, I recommend booking transportation through your hotel or a reputable tour operator. The route is well traveled by tourists, and organized shuttles are generally the easiest and safest way to get there.