Title: Santa Elena Travel Guide: Best of Santa Elena, Flores Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Santa Elena](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Elena-Hotels.d6059755.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Santa Elena](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Elena-Holiday-Rentals.d6059755.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Santa Elena](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Santa-Elena.d6059755.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Santa Elena Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Santa-Elena.d6059755.Car-Hire-Guide)[Santa Elena Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Elena.d6059755.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Santa Elena Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Santa Elena showing religious aspects, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/77000/77408-Santa-Elena.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Elena](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/77000/77410-Santa-Elena.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Elena which includes heritage architecture, religious elements and a church or cathedral](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/77000/77409-Santa-Elena.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Elena featuring a church or cathedral and religious aspects](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/77000/77407-Santa-Elena.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Santa Elena which includes religious elements and a church or cathedral](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/77000/77411-Santa-Elena.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Santa Elena Things to do #### This humble town in northern Guatemala is a great base for exploring the villages of Lake Petén Itzá and ancient Mayan ruins such as Tikal. Stretching back from the southwestern shores of Lake Petén Itzá is the unpretentious town of Santa Elena. Come here to visit rock-cut caves and an eco-adventure park. Discover sleepy lake villages and take side trips to the ruins of ancient Mayan cities. Santa Elena is one of three sister towns that make up a region called Flores. The other towns are Flores and San Benito. While Santa Elena’s major attractions lie in its immediate surroundings, the town itself also has its own sights. Relax beneath the shade of palm trees in Parque Central and enjoy some retail therapy at Mundo Maya International Mall. Walk or catch a tuc tuc to Actún Kan, a cave system strewn with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Just a 15-minute drive from the town centre is Ixpanpajul Natural Park, an adventure sports centre and nature reserve. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of a rainforest from a suspension bridge, skyway trail and a zip-line course. Look for colourful birdlife and spider monkeys. Go to the waterfront, where a causeway crosses to Flores Island and the charming town of Flores. Visit centuries-old landmarks, such as Catedral de Flores, and learn about the archaeological sites of Petén at CINCAP Museum. Wander the cobblestone streets to find pretty pastel-colored houses, cafés and restaurants. Stroll around the lakeshore promenade, swim in the emerald water or rent a kayak and cruise along the lake. Join a boat trip from Flores’ pier and travel to villages such as San Miguel and San Jose. Spot crocodiles, ocelots, pumas and toucans at Zoologico Petencito. Santa Elena is just an 8-minute drive from Mundo Maya International Airport, which receives flights from Guatemala City and Belize City. The town has a good selection of accommodation, although many visitors choose to stay on Flores Island. While in Santa Elena take a daytrip to Tikal National Park, situated about a 1-hour drive to the north. Find ancient Mayan temples and palaces set within a verdant forest. Nearby Uaxactún is another Mayan site worth visiting. - Top hotels in Santa Elena - Top Holiday Rentals in Santa Elena ![Hotel Casona del Lago](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4530000/4527800/4527779/3a7a977d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Casona del Lago Calle Litoral Flores Peten £80 3 Feb - 4 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Flores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Central Park and Maya Mall are located ... 9/10 Wonderful! (297 reviews) room was very clean, 24/7 front desk, good food, nice pool, felt very safe Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=03%2F02%2F2026&endDate=04%2F02%2F2026&selected=4527779&PinnedHotelID=4527779&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6059755) ![Hotel Del Patio](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1880000/1871600/1871580/9d276ee4_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Del Patio 8a Avenue y 2nd. Street corner, zone 1 Flores Peten £41 25 Jan - 26 Jan includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Flores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Maya Mall and Central Park are located nearby. 8.4/10 Very Good! (339 reviews) Really great. Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F01%2F2026&endDate=26%2F01%2F2026&selected=1871580&PinnedHotelID=1871580&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6059755) ![Hotel Villa Maya](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3930000/3922700/3922662/d1eced01_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Villa Maya Laguna Petenchel, Santa Elena Petén Flores Peten Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay £94 18 Jan - 19 Jan includes taxes & fees Stay at this spa hotel in Flores. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (190 reviews) Limpieza, excelente servicio comida excelente Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=18%2F01%2F2026&endDate=19%2F01%2F2026&selected=3922662&PinnedHotelID=3922662&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6059755) [See all 97 properties in Santa Elena](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=15%2F01%2F2026&endDate=16%2F01%2F2026®ionId=6059755) 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. ![House Valencia 5](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/93000000/92450000/92446900/92446811/w1525h1020x227y0-b761c71e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 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 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Flores-Hotels-House-Valencia-5.h92446811.Hotel-Information) ![Casa Nefertari](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106300000/106297800/106297730/f2e2a5fb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Casa Nefertari Flores Peten Stay at this holiday home in Flores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Central Park and Maya Mall are located nearby. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Flores-Hotels-Casa-Nefertari.h106297730.Hotel-Information) ![Casa Jocabeth](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/110000000/109630000/109624900/109624814/17881345_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Casa Jocabeth FLORES Flores Stay at this holiday home in Flores. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Central Park and Maya Mall are located nearby. 10/10 Exceptional! (1 review) I like Security and location Reviewed on 17 Apr 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mixco-Hotels-Casa-Jocabeth.h109624814.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Santa Elena](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6059755&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check Santa Elena hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059755&startDate=2026-01-14&endDate=2026-01-15)[14 Jan - 15 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059755&startDate=2026-01-14&endDate=2026-01-15) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059755&startDate=2026-01-15&endDate=2026-01-16)[15 Jan - 16 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059755&startDate=2026-01-15&endDate=2026-01-16) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059755&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%2F2026)[16 Jan - 18 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059755&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059755&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026)[23 Jan - 25 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059755&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Tikal which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and building ruins](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6105474/8a88b6d2-10fd-4291-9b1d-e17645a60d1a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Tikal National Park Explore the great outdoors at Tikal National Park, a lovely green space in Flores. Wander the lakeside in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tikal-National-Park-Flores.d6278538.Attraction) ![Tikal featuring heritage elements and a ruin](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6105474/b053096b-e569-4c40-874f-e28f6408c5f4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Tikal Take a step back in time as you discover a magnificent collection of Mayan palaces and temples set amid a jungle. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tikal-Flores.d6105474.Attraction) ![Cathedral of Flores which includes a church or cathedral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6105478/783b9654-d852-43c2-8187-065c1cb80e8a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Church of Our Lady of the Remedies This humble whitewashed cathedral is home to a revered Black Christ and is a great starting point for exploring Flores’ picturesque streets and waterfront. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Church-Of-Our-Lady-Of-The-Remedies-Flores.d6105478.Attraction) ![Elevated View of the Central Acropolis, Tikal, Guatemala](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532964728/e186740c-6e29-4d10-8d67-2135fc0b1c31.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Central Acropolis You can find out about the history of Flores with a trip to Central Acropolis. Wander the parks or discover the area's sunrises. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Acropolis-Central-Flores.d553248621532964728.Attraction) #### Maya Mall You can enjoy retail therapy at Maya Mall during your trip to Santa Elena. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Maya-Mall-Flores.d6297965.Attraction) #### Flores Dock Explore the waterfront in Flores with a trip to Flores Dock. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Flores-Dock-Flores.d553248621554185031.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Tikal Central Plaza](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46886018/9bd49d3c-5767-45c8-9971-6508c22b8974.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Basic Tour to Tikal Includes Transportation and Guide Service £19 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/basic-tour-to-tikal-includes-transportation-and-guide-service.a46886018.activity-details) ![Yaxha: Shared Sunset Tour / Transportation & Guide](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47982324/149c0eae-9365-4fcb-8948-651a661f0a12.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Flores: Yaxha Shared Sunset Tour with Transportation & Guide £19 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/flores-yaxha-shared-sunset-tour-with-transportation-guide.a47982324.activity-details) ![From your Hotel in San Ignacio to Flores, Guatemala](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48033849/2b071a18-4047-4efb-bf5a-b54f9db996fc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### From your Hotel in San Ignacio to Flores, Guatemala £15 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/from-your-hotel-in-san-ignacio-to-flores.a48033849.activity-details) ![Tikal Group Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/45919871/43718a46-19bb-4ff9-b056-2fed7849d8d3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Tikal Transfer and Tour Guide From Flores £67 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/tikal-transfer-and-tour-guide-from-flores.a45919871.activity-details) ![Full Day Tikal Sunrise Tour from Flores and Archaeological Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47004034/f89172a8-3c7a-416b-827c-549994cc3056.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Full Day Tikal Sunrise Tour from Flores and Archaeological Tour £36 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/full-day-tikal-sunrise-tour-from-flores-and-archaeological-tour.a47004034.activity-details) ![Tikal Guatemala](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2260149/aada3be9-01e6-4202-8c1b-a04fbc147af6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Tikal Small Group all Included From Flores £95 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/tikal-small-group-all-included-from-flores.a2260149.activity-details) [See all activities in Santa Elena](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Santa-Elena.d6059755.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Cities near Santa Elena ![Flores showing fishing and general coastal views as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/116000/116042-Flores.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Flores ## Explore a world of travel with Expedia - Accommodation - Flights - Packages - Cars - Other - [Gay-Friendly Hotels in Petén ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Destinations-In-Peten-Gay-Friendly-Hotel.0-0-d6053900-tGayFriendlyHotel.Hotel-Filter-Destinations) - [Petén Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Destinations-In-Peten.d6053900.Hotel-Destinations) - [El Chal Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/El-Chal-Hotels.d6336753.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [El Remate Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/El-Remate-Hotels.d6287898.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Beach Resorts & in Flores ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Flores-Hotels-Beach-Hotels.0-0-d1253-tBeachHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Cheap Hotels in Flores ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Flores-Hotels-Budget-Hotels.0-0-d1253-tBudgetHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Flores Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Flores-Hotels.d1253.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Jobompiche Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Jobompiche-Hotels.d3000007575.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [La Ponderosa Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/La-Ponderosa-Hotels.d553248635977031300.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [San Benito Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/San-Benito-Hotels.d6314760.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Santa Ana Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Santa-Ana-Hotels.d553248635976809391.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Hotels near Tikal National Park ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Tikal-National-Park-Hotels.0-l6278538-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Flights to Flores ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Flores.d1253.Travel-Guide-Flights) - [Flights to Mundo Maya Intl. ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Mundo-Maya-Intl.d6027863.Travel-Guide-Flights) - [Flights from Mundo Maya Intl. ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/airports/frs/flights-from-mundo-maya-intl-airport) - [Flights from Cancun (CUN) to Flores (FRS) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/cun/frs/cancun-to-flores) - [Flights from Guatemala City (GUA) to Flores (FRS) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/gua/frs/guatemala-city-to-flores) - [Flights from London (LHR) to Flores (FRS) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/lhr/frs/london-to-flores) - [Flights from Lombok (LOP) to Flores (FRS) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/lop/frs/lombok-to-flores) - [Flights from Manchester (MAN) to Flores (FRS) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/man/frs/manchester-to-flores) - [Flights from Mendi (MDU) to Flores (FRS) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/mdu/frs/mendi-to-flores) - [Flights from Miami (MIA) to Flores (FRS) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/mia/frs/miami-to-flores) - [Flights from Pangkalanbuun (PKN) to Flores (FRS) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/pkn/frs/pangkalanbuun-to-flores) - [Flights from Palenque (PQM) to Flores (FRS) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/pqm/frs/palenque-to-flores) - [Flights from San Salvador (SAL) to Flores (FRS) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/sal/frs/san-salvador-to-flores) - [Flights from Singapore (SIN) to Flores (FRS) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/sin/frs/singapore-to-flores) - [Flights from San José (SJO) to Flores (FRS) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/sjo/frs/san-jose-to-flores) - [Church of Our Lady of the Remedies ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Church-Of-Our-Lady-Of-The-Remedies-Flores.d6105478.Attraction) - [El Chal Holidays ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/El-Chal.d6336753.Holidays-City-Breaks) - [Visit El Remate ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/El-Remate.dx6287898) - [Flores Holidays ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Flores.d1253.Holidays-City-Breaks) - [Visit Flores ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Flores.dx1253) - [Visit La Ponderosa ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/La-Ponderosa.dx553248635977031300) - [Petén Holidays ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Peten.d6053900.Holidays-City-Breaks) - [Visit Petén ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Peten.dx6053900) - [San Benito Holidays ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/San-Benito.d6314760.Holidays-City-Breaks) - [Visit San Benito ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/San-Benito.dx6314760) - [Tikal National Park ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Tikal-National-Park-Flores.d6278538.Attraction) - [Car hire Flores ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Flores.d1253.Car-Hire-Guide) - [Things to do in Flores ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Flores.d1253.Travel-Guide-Activities) - Cities near Santa Elena - Places of interest [Flores](https://expedia.co.uk/Flores.dx1253)[San Benito](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Benito.dx6314760) - [Tikal National Park ](https://expedia.co.uk/Tikal-National-Park-Flores.d6278538.Attraction) - [Church of Our Lady of the Remedies ](https://expedia.co.uk/Church-Of-Our-Lady-Of-The-Remedies-Flores.d6105478.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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