Flores (Guatemala).
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Overview

Flores is a town in Petén, Guatemala. The town proper is an island on Lago Petén Itzá (la isla), connected to land by a causeway (el puente), on the other side of which lie the twin towns Santa Elena and San Benito. All three are often referred to as Flores, and are grouped in one article here accordingly.

Understand

For many, the main reason to visit Flores is its proximity to Tikal, the most famous Mayan ruins in Guatemala, or as a starting point for trips around Petén. But the city itself is a wonder — dense with colonial, red-roofed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, a historic church and Spanish plaza, and restaurants that are easy to stumble upon walking the city's charming streets. Most will find that this island city is more than just a take-off point, but a memorable attraction in itself.

Before it was a Spanish colonial town, Flores, or Noh Petén, was the capital of a Maya kingdom - the last to be defeated by the Spanish conquistadores, more than 200 years after Columbus first arrived in the Americas. The resemblance of the Itzá in the name of the lake to Chichen Itza in modern-day Mexico is no coincidence - the builders of Chichén Itzá moved their capital to Flores Island after being defeated in the Yucatán.

Flores is a quiet and peaceful place, and probably one of the safest places in the sometimes wild north. Santa Elena and San Benito require a little more caution, but offer a more authentic experience of a Guatemalan town, complete with traffic, litter and street food.

Get in

TAG and Avianca both run flights from Guatemala City (daily and three times a week respectively), but are often delayed in both directions.

It is about 2 km from the airport to the Flores causeway.

Shuttles to Tikal and taxis meet every flight.

Buses from Guatemala City and Belize City as well as various other destinations all over the country (as well as cities in Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua) stop at the which is 1.5 km south of the causeway to Isla Flores. From here you can take a tuk-tuk to the island for Q15 per person (as of 2026).

Many small buses from outlying villages of the region also run to the hidden at the heart of Santa Elena's sprawling indoor/outdoor Old Market (Mercado Viejo), much closer to the island.

From Antigua Guatemala There are numerous travel agencies in Antigua offering trips to Flores as a one way or a day trip (to Tikal) with return. The one way is usually a ticket with the one of the bus companies (in the below) and a shuttle transfer to the bus company's terminal in Guatemala City from Antigua. They also offer round trip/return by bus or by plane with shuttle transfers to bus station or airport on both ends. From the bus station or airport in Flores the shuttle takes travelers to Tikal for a guided tour and then back into town for the return trip back to Antigua via Guatemala City.

As of June 2024, there are two main transport packages connecting Flores and Antigua: A direct shuttle that leaves Flores for Antigua at 06:00 (Q300, 10-12 hours), and 21:00 overnight bus to Guatemala city plus shuttle connection to Antigua, which is supposedly faster because it avoids traffic by running at night (Q350, 10 hours).

From Guatemala City From Guatemala City (travel time: 8 to 10 hours), you have the following options (some may be badly out of date). Some services leave only once a day, though there's at least one that has several departures in both morning and evening.

Fuente del Norte. Flores station is located at the New Terminal in southern Santa Elena. Runs from there to Guatemala city (daytime) at 04:45, 08:00, and 11:00 and (overnight) at 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 21:30, and 22:00. Check website for the other direction.

Autobuses del Norte. The final stop from Guatemala City is Santa Elena, but the bus will go to Flores to drop passengers who wish to stay there. The seats are two across on the left and solo on the right. Try to get a seat to the back, as you will be far from the driver's and assistant's talk. Keep in mind that the seats have different spacing for the legs, so it's worth asking to check the bus before choosing your seat.

Linea Dorada. Get your tickets from the official office, as the touts will sell you crappy seats in the back row for double the money and leave you wondering why all the other passengers get drinks and food, there is no food or drinks in the economy and first class buses, they make several stops along the way, and usually arrive with an hour or two delay.

Monja Blanca has a nice bus with movies for Q50 to Guatemala City from Coban

From Cobán (travel time: 5 to 7 hours), there are a few through Fuente Del Norte local buses, or you can use the frequent public microbuses (colectivos) that operate along the highway between Coban and Santa Elena. The colectivo option may actually be quicker, because if there is a backup for the ferry, you can quickly pay a couple Quetzals for a boat ride across.

There are also tourists shuttles offering direct door-to-door service from Flores to Cobán for around Q100. The road from Cobán is very scenic; it's a smooth paved ride all the way (though windy for about an hour out of Coban).

From Belize City From Belize City, you have the following options:

These buses do not make any stops in Belize; if you are travelling from San Ignacio or Belmopan, you must use the option below. There are private transfer from Belize City to Tikal or Flores by San Ignacio Shuttles, prices varies on the number of people.

See above for further instructions from Benque Viejo or the border.

From other locations There are other travel agencies that offer or book onward shuttles and/or guided tours to Antigua, Guatemala City, Tikal, Uaxacatun, Lanquin, etc:

Reino Kan Mirador. Independent agent booking onward transport and tours to Tikal, Uaxactún, Mirador (5 day trekking); Antigua, Guatemala City, San Salvador, Lanquin, etc.

Get around

Walking is the most common way to get around, and circling the whole island takes about 15 minutes. It is an easy walk to Santa Elena and San Benito from Flores, about 10 minutes along the sidewalks of the causeway. Otherwise, auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks), vans and buses are an option.

The towns of San José and San Andrés, located on the northern shores of the lake, can be reached by hiring an expensive boat. These buses leave when they are full, and will be packed to capacity and often beyond! A chicken bus goes once an hour; these are more comfortable and slightly cheaper, but take longer.

There are regular boats to San Miguel, a small village directly north of Flores. They leave from a pier at the north end of the island

Tourist boats are moored behind Hotel Santana, and run to Petencito Zoo or are available for lake tours. Prices are not fixed, and haggling with the boatmen is a must.

Talk

The Itzá Maya language was once commonly spoken here, but is now just about extinct, and the common tongue of the Flores area is Spanish. Many, but not all, people working in the tourism industry have good English as well.

See

Ak'tun Kan. Inside the cave are many formations that resemble various objects, such as animals, people, and of course ordinary stalagmites and stalactites. Most of the relics are labeled (in Spanish) and will be identified by your guide.

ARCAS (Asociaciòn de Rescate y Conservaciòn de Vida Silvestre). A wildlife rescue center dedicated to the prevention of animal trafficking. There are possibilities to offer your services here as a volunteer. The center operates its own boat service from Flores, with boats leaving at 08:00 and 15:00. Alternatively, take a boat to the Petencito Zoo, which is located nearby.

Petencito Zoo. A small zoo that is home to monkeys, jaguars and raccoons as well as some animals rescued by ARCAS. The zoo is a 10-minute boat ride from Flores (inquire behind Hotel Santana).

Tayasal. Large overgrown Maya ruin a stone's throw from Flores, on the San Miguel peninsula just across the lake about 250 m distant. Easiest way to get there is by boat. Haggle with the lancheros, who will want to take you on a full (more expensive) tour of various sights. If archaeology is your thing, insist on only seeing the Tayasal ruins, and that the lanchero guide you to the major pyramids (all overgrown) - otherwise you might miss them on the forest trails. The first pyramid, known as the Mirador ("viewpoint"), is a 5-minute walk from the lakeshore, with concrete steps up the side to reach the top, where a wooden tower has been built to give fantastic views across the lake. There is another large pyramid nearby, and the main plaza has a couple of badly damaged stelae, and a smaller pyramid.

Castillo de Arismendi. The old colonial barracks were built immediately after the conquest of the native Itza in 1697; it is on the north side of the central plaza, and now serves as a tourist information centre, with a traditional handicraft shop.

Parque. The central park is a plaza on the highest point of the island. There are a number of Maya sculptures dotted around the central kiosk; these were brought from the Maya ruins of Ixlu, at the east end of the lake.

Do

Cinema. A small cinema with removable chairs and roll-down screen that shows all kind of movies (sometimes very good titles).

Rent. Canoes and bicycles are available in Flores.

Hire a small covered boat. Travel across Lake Peten Itza to visit the town of San Jose. It takes about 40 minutes while enjoying the beautiful aquatic scenery and bird life.

Swimming. Take a swim in the warm waters of Lake Peten Itza and refresh yourself on a hot day. There are two public piers on the west side of the island that are designated specifically for swimming (no boats allowed).

Visit Tikal. There are many travel agencies in Flores that can book a shuttle, with (Q100) or without (Q80 return ticket) guide for you. Entrance for Tikal (Q150 regular, Q250 for sunrise) is typically charged separately in Tikal. If you book through Los Amigos be aware that you have to share your guide with about 20 more people. Busses leave Flores at 03:00, 04:30, 6:00, 08:00, 10:00 and 12:00, and return 11:00, 12:30, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 18:45. It takes about 1.5 hr to get there. There are vendors for food and drinks at the site. It can get really hot from 10:00 so make sure to go there early.

Ixpanpajul Natural Park. Ixpanpajul is a natural park that is a 15-minute ride away from the island of Flores in Petén. The organisation of Ixpanpajul has a pick-up service from Flores or Santa Elena that takes you quickly to the park, to experience the great activities in the great wild forests typical of Guatemala. The activities to be experienced are swinging through the forests on a Zip-Line, taking a walk on the Sky-Way and going horseback riding.

El Mirador. Hike to the ruins of El Mirador near the Mexican border. This ancient Maya city was once home to hundreds of thousands of people and has the highest pyramid of all Mayan cities of about 70 m. The site is covered by vegetation and excavation is still going on. Prepare for a 17km hike to the ruins of Tintal on day one, 23km to El Mirador on day two, one day at the site and then all the way back through dense jungle. A tour can be organized in Flores. There is also a 6-day tour that takes an alternate return route to include the ruins of Nakbe and Florida. A minimum of 2 people is necessary and therefore there is often only one tour per week during low season (if the weather allows). Prices range from Q1300-1600 depending on the length of the tour and the season and include transport to Carmelita, food, water, tents for camping, mules to carry your stuff, 2 guides and a cook. Bring good shoes, a headlight, mosquito repellent, flipflops, and some extra cash for bucket showers and tips. Not all of the guides speak English.

Learn

Spanish Academy Dos Mundos. This Spanish academy was opened on Flores in 2008. The school offers one-on-one or group classes with competent local teachers, home stays with Guatemalan families, entertaining activities after school and opportunities to do volunteer work at an orphanage, a nursing home and a community project.

Buy

As of June 2024, almost all of the ATMs in the Flores area are of the yellow "5B" brand, which is notoriously expensive (reportedly charging about Q50 per transation PLUS 7.5% of the withdrawal amount, and often going through with the transaction anyway even if you press "cancel"). There are two on the island, which anyone can point you to. There is also a BI brand ATM in the same shop as one of the 5B ones, and it only charges about Q30 per transaction, though some MasterCard users have reported it charging them for their transaction but not actually producing the cash (!). If you are determined to withdraw cash another way, the BAC Bank in Santa Elena can do it at the teller's desk (there is no BAC ATM). Take a number for the customer service desk and say you want to do a retiro de efectivo con tarjeta. There is no charge, but you MUST bring your passport.

Jades Yaxha, La Casa del Jade. Exhibits an assortment of jewellery and numerous copies from masks, which were found in tombs of kings or other important Mayan personalities. Jade had an incomparable value for the Mayans and symbolized eternal life. Important personalities were buried with a great amount of jewellery made of jade in order to guarantee them a privileged treatment in the new world. The shop is worth a visit to see the masks and jade pyramides.

Chile Salsa. The locally produced, ecological Salsa de Chile Habanero (Guatemaya brand) is really good. You can buy it at ECAO, Calle de 15 Septiembre, , or try it at Las Puertas restaurant (you have to ask for it). Maya Ik is also an excellent salsa.

Woodwork. The road to Tikal between Ixlú and El Remate is the best place to find finely crafted woodwork, the typical souvenir of Petén.

Textiles. Although more expensive than in other parts of the country, Flores offers a good selection. Bargain hard though as prices are hiked for Gringos.

You can also get souvenirs in the shops in Flores, but the prices and selection are better elsewhere in the country, so only worth checking out if this is your only stop in Guatemala.

Eat

Most of the restaurants on the island are on the expensive side by Guatemalan standards, though of course quite reasonable compared to North America or Western Europe, with mains often around Q100 or so. The cheapest food nearby is the street food around the Mercado Viejo in Santa Elena, but also check for local food stands in the Parque Central of the island and in the little park at the midway point of the causeway. Failing that, the taquerias at the entrance to the island are cheaper than most nicer restaurants, and there are some more cheap places on the second floor of the MayaMall at the Santa Elena end of the causeway. There's also a supermarket in this mall which has much better prices than the small grocery stores on the island.

The below listings may be badly out of date.

Bistro Puertas del Cielo (formerly Las Puertas). This is a great place for breakfast and lunch. It is run by Cristina, a Chilean known for her support of local wildlife and her organic, safe food. The chicken in cream sauce and the Pasta "Survivor" make this every rich local's favorite restaurant. The restaurant also serves a variety of licuados (fruit smoothies) of which you should definitely have the strawberry (with water instead of milk). She also offers wild honey harvested from the Tikal jungle and natural "chicle" chewing gum, harvested by Mayan farmers still today. This is a pleasant place to relax with a drink in the evening - in addition to the usual selection of cocktails, licuado with rum is also available. Films are shown at 16:00 and 17:00, and there are also live music sessions.

Cool Beans / El Cafe Chilero. Gets great reports for its coffee, baked goods (including brown bread) and filling breakfasts. Open daily at 06:00, breakfast for around Q15.

El Zotz. A typical breakfast and lunch restaurant. Try Camarrone, a local drink with salt and lime or Licuada Maya, a smoothie-like sweet drink made of pineapple and some greens.

Restaurant Mirador del Lago. Located on the square, it serves good, inexpensive food.

Restaurante Capitan Tortuga. Guatemalan and international food, fish of the lake, pizza & pastas, Nice place to sit outside and watch the sunset. Has room for big groups. Special menu for groups. Q45 for chicken burritos. Happy Hour from 16:00 to 18:00. Ice creams with lake view

For the more budget-minded with not-so-sensitive stomach there are many street food sellers after the dusk usually all repetitively offering grilled chicken with spring onions and complimentary tortillas (for around Q20) adjacent to the Santa Elena Bus Station

There's a supermarket on Calle 30 de Junio opposite Hotel Petén that is open 24hrs, and a large grocery store "La Torre" in the new mall just across the causeway towards Santa Elena.

Drink

Las Raices. A lake side restaurant near the municipal dock.

Cool Beans. Cool Beans is a great little cafe in Flores. They have good coffee and great frozen drinks as well.

Sleep

Most travelers will stay on the island of Flores, but there are also options in Santa Elena and San Benito, as well as just across the lake in San Miguel. There are now many hostels and hotels, and they can generally all be found on booking aggregator websites/apps. Just be sure to check the location, as some that aren't on the island will still be listed as "close to the center".

Chaltunha Hostel. A hostel three minutes by boat from Flores. Beautiful sunsets over the water.

La Terraza. Small relaxed hostel with a 6 bed dorm. The roof top terrace features some hammocks and benches surrounded by a lot of flowers. It has a roof so you can even enjoy a rainy day there. The hostel opened in Sep 2019 therefore, the mattresses are new. All beds have a locker and a small fan. Breakfast included (from 07:00), two clean bathrooms, a kitchen and a fridge, no bar, laundry service and a place to hand wash laundry by yourself. The owner Erick is very warm and welcoming. He helps you organizing tours and transport and knows the addresses in town where to eat out cheaply.

Casazul. Spacious rooms with TV, fan, noisy AC and refrigerator - great view of lake.

Hotel la Casona de la Isla. Restaurant, pool, A/C.

Los Amigos Hostel. In the center of Flores and popular with travelers. Includes a restaurant, cheap Happy Hour, internet access and a book exchange. Skip the boxed lunch for Tikal, unless you like soggy white bread and processed cheese. Using the door to get in can be tricky. Just ring the door bell and out of nowhere you will hear this bird chime. This is their 'door bell'. Someone will soon open the door for you by pulling a rope from the ceiling. If you want to get out, find the tweety bird hanging from a rope in the lobby and pull it, that should open it. Don't use their travel services (especially for shuttles) or trust their travel information on the website. Will sell you first-class seats on Linea Dorado and put you in second-class seats on a lesser bus line.

Hotel Mirador del Lago. 30 clean rooms with hot water and fan - some also have views of Peten Itza lake. There is a travel agency across the street that arrange local trips and tours. They have an internet cafe in the lobby, and laundry machines, both can be paid for at the front desk.

Hotel Petén. Comfortable rooms, some with a nice view to the west over the lake, TV and a jug of filtered water.

Hotel Santana. Request room with balcony and view of the lake.

Hotel Villa Maya. A quiet place by Laguna Petenchel with a pool, restaurant, and kayak and bike rentals. There are crocodiles in the laguna, so bathing is safest in the pool. There are various paths in the area, from a 10-minute stroll on the premises to one hour around the laguna.

Hotel Casa Amelia. Small hotel near the airport with A/C, TV, private bathrooms, internet, and a view of the lake.