Flores Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Flores, Guatemala with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, local food and drink scene, where to stay, shopping, safety and health tips, transportation options and logistics, nearby destinations and more.


Introduction to Flores

Located in the heart of Northern Lowlands region in Guatemala, Flores is one of Central America’s best-kept secrets. Nestled on a small island on Lake Petén Itzá, this ancient Mayan city offers a rich cultural experience, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. From exploring ancient ruins and museums to kayaking and zip-lining, there’s something for everyone in Flores.

In this Flores Travel Guide, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of must-visit attractions, activities, dining options, accommodations, safety and health tips, transportation options, and nearby excursions to make your trip planning easier.

List of Places to Visit in Flores

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tikal National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Mayan city, Tikal is home to some of the most iconic and well-preserved ruins in Central America.
  • Yaxhá: Another ancient Mayan city near Flores, Yaxhá is home to over 500 structures and offers panoramic views from its high temples.
  • Ixpanpajul Nature Park: This park offers a unique combination of adventure and history with ziplining and jungle trekking amidst ancient ruins.
  • Santa Barbara Church: A colonial-era church, built over a Mayan temple, that features stunning architecture and a historical museum.
  • Museo del Islote Santa Bárbara: A small museum located on the island of Flores dedicated to the history of the town and the region.

Natural Attractions of Flores: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Aventura Canopy Tour: A thrilling way to explore the Guatemalan jungle, this zip-lining tour also offers breathtaking views of Lake Petén Itzá.
  • Lake Petén Itzá: The second largest lake in Guatemala, Lake Petén Itzá is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
  • Mirador del Rey Canopy Tour: A family-friendly zip lining tour with great views of the lake and the jungle canopy.
  • Biotopo Cerro Cahui Natural Reserve: This protected area offers nature walks and boat tours to see local wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, and crocodiles.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Flores

Hiking and biking are popular activities in Flores, with several trails and routes available:

  • El Zotz: A Mayan site located within Tikal National Park that can be reached by a 22 km hiking trail.
  • Nakum: A remote archaeological site located in the Mirador Basin that can be reached by a 20 km hiking trail.
  • Mactun: A small Mayan site located within Tikal National Park, accessible by a 3 km hiking trail.
  • Biking Tour of Flores: A 3-hour bike tour of Flores Island.

Best Things to Do in Flores: Activities and Tours

  • Chocolate workshop: Learn about the process of making chocolate from the cacao tree to the final product.
  • Boating tour: Take a boat tour around Lake Petén Itzá to enjoy scenic views of the surrounding jungle and wildlife.
  • Spanish Language School: Sign up for a few days or weeks of intensive Spanish language classes while exploring Flores.
  • Cooking classes: Learn how to prepare traditional Guatemalan dishes like tamales and chiles rellenos with local chefs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Flores

Here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary for Flores:

Day 1: Visit Tikal National Park and stay overnight in the park. Day 2: Early morning sunrise tour of Tikal and hike to El Zotz Mayan ruins. Day 3: Tour of Flores Island and taste local food and drinks. Day 4: Visit the Yaxhá ruins and swim in Lake Petén Itzá. Day 5: Visit Ixpanpajul Nature Park and go zip-lining and jungle trekking. Day 6: Relax by the lake and take a boat tour to explore the area. Day 7: Visit nearby Maya communities and participate in cultural activities before departing Flores.

Food and Drink Scene of Flores

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pepián: A traditional Mayan stew made with meat, spices, and vegetables.
  • Pollo en relleno negro: Chicken cooked in a black recado sauce made from roasted chiles and spices.
  • Pupusas: A stuffed corn tortilla that originated in El Salvador and is now a popular street food in Flores.
  • Tamales: A traditional Guatemalan dish made with masa, meat, and vegetables, wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.

Local Beverages

  • Horchata: A refreshing drink made from rice milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
  • Atol: A sweet and creamy hot drink made from corn flour and cinnamon.
  • Gallo Beer: The best-known beer in Guatemala, brewed with a blend of malt and hops.

Where to Stay in Flores: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Flores offers accommodation options for all budgets and preferences:

  • Hotel Isla de Flores: A mid-range hotel located in the heart of the island that offers lake views and a pool.
  • Casa Amelia: A luxury hotel located on the outskirts of Flores that features a large garden and a private pool.
  • Los Amigos Hostel: A budget hostel located in the center of Flores that offers dorm and private rooms.

What to Buy in Flores: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handwoven textiles: The region is renowned for its colorful hand-woven textiles, such as tablecloths, blouses, and bags.
  • Jade: Guatemala is known for its high-quality jade jewelry and figurines, and many local shops feature beautiful, intricately carved pieces.
  • Coffee: Guatemala is one of the world’s top coffee producers, and you can find locally grown and roasted beans in Flores.

Local Culture and Customs of Flores

Guatemala has a rich cultural heritage, with strong influences from Mayan and Spanish traditions. Some cultural practices to be aware of in Flores include:

  • Greeting locals with respect and using formal titles such as “Señor” or “Señora”.
  • Taking off your shoes before entering someone’s home.
  • Dressing modestly when visiting places of worship (e.g. covering your shoulders and knees).
  • Respectfully declining or finishing all the food on your plate, as it is considered impolite to waste food.

Best Time to Visit Flores

The best time to visit Flores is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is sunny and mild, and you can take advantage of outdoor activities without getting drenched.

Do’s and Don’ts of Flores

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Learn a few phrases in Spanish to communicate with locals.
  • Dress appropriately, particularly when visiting sacred sites and holy places.

Don’t:

  • Flash your valuables around or carry large sums of cash.
  • Locals may be offended by public displays of affection, so keep it to a minimum.
  • Don’t litter- make use of the trash cans or carry your garbage with you.

Safety and Health

Safety in Flores

Flores is generally considered a safe place to travel, but there a few things to keep in mind:

  • Avoid walking around after dark in poorly lit areas
  • Be vigilant of pick-pocketing in crowded areas.
  • Do not go out kayaking unless you are an experienced paddler.

Health in Flores

It’s important to take proper vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis before traveling to Guatemala. While Flores doesn’t have a high rate of crime, like elsewhere in Central America, it’s always prudent to practice basic travel health safeguards like drinking boiled or bottled water, washing fruits and vegetables before using them in your meals, and avoiding street food or dishes that are inadequately cooked.

Getting to Flores: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Flores

The Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) is located about 3km from Flores and is served by several domestic and international airlines, including American Airlines and United Airlines.

Bus Stations Near Flores

The bus station in Santa Elena offers connections to other parts of Guatemala.

Other Options

Shared shuttles are a popular and convenient option for getting to Flores, as well as for exploring nearby regions.

How to Get Around in Flores

Walking or cycling is the best way to get around the small island where most of the attractions are located. Public transport or private minibusses are readily available and offer an affordable way to explore the area.

Where to Go Next from Flores: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Antigua: One of Guatemala’s most picturesque and historic cities, known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant arts scene.
  • Lake Atitlan: A crystal-clear lake surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, overlooked by ancient Mayan ruins.
  • Guatemala City: The country’s bustling capital offers world-class museums, restaurants and art galleries.

Conclusion

Flores is a hidden gem in Central America, offering a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. Our comprehensive Flores Travel Guide has highlighted the top things to do, see, eat, drink, and where to stay in Flores, as well as offered practical tips for staying safe and healthy while traveling in the area. Plan your trip to Flores today, and experience the best of Guatemala!

The town of Flores on Lago Petén Itzá. The San Miguel peninsula behind is covered by an ancient Maya ruin with several large overgrown pyramids The town of Flores on Lago Petén Itzá. The San Miguel peninsula behind is covered by an ancient Maya ruin with several large overgrown pyramids Map of Flores island Map of Flores island Broken Maya stela in the central plaza of the Tayasal archaeological site Broken Maya stela in the central plaza of the Tayasal archaeological site Flores to San Jose Flores to San Jose Las Puertas, now Bistro Puertas del Cielo Las Puertas, now Bistro Puertas del Cielo Map of sites around Flores Map of sites around Flores