Flores Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Flores showing fishing and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Flores showing a coastal town, a statue or sculpture and outdoor art
Flores showing a coastal town
Flores featuring general coastal views and boating
Flores

Set on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá, this pretty island town presents a Mediterranean-style charm and is a gateway to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal. 

Flores is a captivating town where quaint cobblestone streets wind around a small hill and swaying palm trees stand beside pastel-colored buildings. It’s a place to visit colonial landmarks and take boat trips on the lake’s emerald water. Flores occupies an island called Flores Island and is connected to the mainland by a short causeway.

Flores’ compact size makes it a perfect place to explore on foot. Situated in the heart and highest point of the town is the elegant Catedral de Flores, home to a revered icon of the Black Christ. The cathedral overlooks Parque Central, a great place sit, relax and people-watch. Go to nearby CINCAP Museum to find exhibits on the archaeological sites and ancient cultures of the Petén region. Located in a centuries-old fortress, the museum also houses the handicraft shops of Mayan artisans.

Wander along the quiet streets, which zigzag down toward the lakeshore. The town’s colourful cubist houses conjure up images of a sleepy Caribbean or Mediterranean village. Many of the houses are also cafés, restaurants and hotels. Find one with a rooftop terrace, order a coffee or chicken pepian, a dish with a spicy vegetable and sesame sauce, and enjoy uninterrupted lake views.

Go to the waterfront, where a promenade travels around the town’s perimeter. Take a refreshing swim in the warm lake water. At the town’s pier boats depart regularly on tours of Lake Petén Itzá. Spot macaws, ocelots, pumas and spider monkeys at Zoologico Penecito and visit the small community of San Miguel. Rent a kayak and explore the lake at your own pace.

Flores is a 15-minute drive from Mundo Maya International Airport, which receives flights from Guatemala City and Belize City. You’ll find guesthouses, hostels and hotels to suit all budgets. Alternatively, stay in Santa Elena, Flores’ sister town situated across the causeway.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Tikal National Park, a vast jungle home to the ruins of an ancient Mayan city. It’s just a 1-hour bus ride from Flores.

Hotel Casona del Lago
Hotel Casona del Lago
3.5 out of 5
Calle Litoral, Flores, Peten
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Flores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Central Park and Maya Mall are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (251 reviews)
"Clean rooms, friendly staff, great views. I would book it again."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Hotel Casona del Lago
Jungle Lodge Hotel
Jungle Lodge Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Parque Nacional Tikal, Flores
The price is £114 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
£114
5 Jul - 6 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Flores. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (550 reviews)
"Absolutely wonderful! The staff was excellent, helpful, the food was delicious. The bungalow was everything we wished it to be, clean and right in the jungle with birds and monkeys singing nearby. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, pointed out so many animals and was able to answer all of our ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Jungle Lodge Hotel
Hotel Villa Maya
Hotel Villa Maya
3 out of 5
Laguna Petenchel, Santa Elena Petén, Flores, Peten
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Flores. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (156 reviews)
Great option when visiting Peten
"An excellent choice for lodging on trips to Petén. The hotel is remodeled and very well maintained. I highly recommend it. We really enjoyed it. The restaurant is also good, and there's no need to go out to eat. We really liked that the room had a small refrigerator, which came in very handy. The ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Hotel Villa Maya
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hostted
Hostted
2.5 out of 5
Calle 30 de Junio, Flores, Petén
Stay at this apartment in Flores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, Netflix and air conditioning. Popular attractions Flores Dock and Church of Our Lady of the Remedies are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
"The room is clean and comfortable. It has restaurants and grocery around the building. The host send me the passwords of the doors in the same day of my arrival. My only comment is they can add some label or sign on the door so that I can easily identify which door to open. They have 4 front doors ..."

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2024

Hostted
House Valencia 5
House Valencia 5
Flores, Petén
Stay at this holiday home in Flores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Central Park and Maya Mall are located ...
"😐"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2023

House Valencia 5
Casa Victoria 1
Casa Victoria 1
2 out of 5
Flores, Peten
Stay at this holiday home in Flores. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Central Park and Maya Mall are located nearby.
Casa Victoria 1
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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