14 Things to Do in Flores, Guatemala

Looking for the best things to do in Flores, Guatemala? I’ve curated a comprehensive list of the very best activities and adventures in Flores.

Guatemala isn’t for those adverse to adventure. Between volcanic hikes, lakeside sunrises, and buzzing market visits, venturing through the country can be equal parts exciting and exhausting. I spent a month traveling around Guatemala, which involved long bus journeys, dusty roads, and jungle trekking— and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

However, when Luke and I arrived in Flores, the pace was entirely different. Flores’ Caribbean influence, colorful buildings, and waterside setting made it the ideal location for relaxation. While there was plenty to keep us busy, we ultimately settled into the town’s distinct rhythm: exploring Maya ruins, kayaking Lake Petén Itzá, and sucking down smoothies at sunset. I’ve curated this list of 14 fun things to do in Flores so you can fall in love with this sleepy Guatemalan destination, just as I did.

Is Flores worth visiting ↴

You may be asking yourself whether Flores is even worth visiting. In short: yes. Flores is primarily a base for travelers planning to visit Tikal and the many other nearby Maya ruins. Admittedly, this town itself is tiny and a bit quiet. If you’re looking for a more lively travel locale, you’re in the wrong place. Spending 2-3 days here is acceptable for those who don’t have the gift of time. With an extended travel itinerary in Guatemala, and for those looking for a place to regroup before traveling onward, 4-5 days is a good reset.

Flores is most commonly travelers’ first or last port of call in Guatemala. Many cross the border by land from Belize to Flores, making it their introduction to Guatemala. Others opt to start in Antigua and journey north to Flores as their final stop. Whether you’re saying “hello” or “goodbye” to Guatemala, Flores is worth visiting.

how to get to Flores, Guatemala ↴

Flores is located in the northern region of Guatemala, on an island in Lake Petén Itzá. Travelers can get to Flores either by plane or overland journey. Travelers arriving by plane typically fly from Guatemala City (La Aurora International Airport) to Flores’ airport, Mundo Maya International Airport. If you’re up for an overland journey, you can arrive via chicken bus, tourist shuttle, or private taxi.

Chicken buses are popular with backpackers since they are the most affordable way to get between destinations in Guatemala. Tourist shuttles are passenger vans, which are a bit more comfortable and typically shave off a little travel time (though not much). Luke and I were coming to Flores from Semuc Champey. We decided to take the tourist shuttle, which took 10 hours down windy, dusty roads. Private taxis are the most expensive option, but they’re also air-conditioned and you won’t have to deal with bus transfers or elongated lunch stops.

I recommend booking affordable transport throughout Guatemala with GuateGo.

how to get around Flores ↴

The island of Flores is small enough that it’s accessible by walking. However, admittedly, many of the main attractions (Jorge’s Rope Swing, Tikal, etc.) are not on the island and thus require a water taxi or a tour group. There are always water taxis at the shore waiting to transport tourists from place to place. Water taxi rates are fixed by destination, ie. not an amount per person. If you’re traveling on a budget, I recommend sharing a water taxi with other travelers to make the ride more economical.

Rather than paying for a water taxi, many active travelers rent a kayak and paddle around to points of interest. I recommend renting a kayak if you’re reasonably fit and have previous kayaking experience.

travel tips for Flores ↴

💰 ATMs + currency in Flores

Cash is king in Guatemala, so you’ll need to withdraw local currency. The best place for a cash withdrawal in Flores is at the Superfotomart, a small minimart. If you search “ATM” on Google Maps, it will take you to an alley near Calle 30 Junio. The ATM is inside the minimart. Some larger hotels across the water accept credit cards, and some of the local “kiosks” (minimarts) also accept cards, but they charge an astronomical fee.

🛂 visas for Guatemala

There is a long list of countries approved for visas on arrival. Citizens from any “Category A” country, including the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico, can enter Guatemala without applying for a visa. If you are traveling from a visa-free country, you must have a valid passport for up to six months, proof of onward travel, and a blank passport page.

☔️ best time to visit Flores

Guatemala has a diverse climate due to its varying altitudes, so weather conditions can differ from region to region. However, generally speaking, the dry season, which runs from November to April, is considered the best time to visit Flores. This is also peak tourist season though, so you can expect popular destinations to be more crowded than usual.

🧳 packing tips for Flores

I recommend packing a few specific items for Flores that will guarantee your comfort and safety.

insect repellent | Since Flores is located along the water, you’ll need insect repellent to help ward off mosquitos.
backpack | I would also recommend traveling around Guatemala with a backpack rather than a large roller suitcase since most roads are made of gravel and dust.
travel insurance | I never go anywhere without travel insurance and in Guatemala, a place filled with adventures, it’s especially important. I use and recommend SafetyWing, particularly for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
quick dry towel | Whether you’re planning on kayaking, paddle boarding, or jumping from Jorge’s Rope Swing, you’ll want a microfiber towel. It eliminates lugging around a wet towel.

best things to do in Flores ↴

Tikal National Park

In Flores, the most popular thing to do is also the best thing to do: visit Tikal. Scattered throughout the lush Petén jungle are remnants of the ancient Mayan civilization that once thrived. The archaeological site, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses over 500 square kilometers of hidden pyramids, temples, and ceremonial plazas. On top of the incredible preserved buildings, you can spot wildlife around Tikal, including howler monkeys, toucans, and coatis.

Tikal is roughly 90 minutes from Flores and the easiest way to visit is on a group tour. Every tour agency in Flores offers day trips to Tikal if you want to book in person, or you can book online in advance. You can visit Tikal without a tour group, however, you aren’t allowed to visit Tikal during the sunrise or sunset on your own. For those times of day, an official tour guide is required. You must purchase an additional entry ticket on top of the classic ticket whether you visit with or without a tour group.

I specifically recommend booking the first tour of the day, known as the sunrise tour.

Here are some of the top-reviewed Tikal tours:

visit Yaxha

Yaxha is the third largest ruin in Guatemala, often overlooked by tourists in favor of the larger Tikal. While it is smaller than Tikal, Yaxha is comprised of approximately 35 precolonial buildings spanning six square miles. Because it’s less known, it’s also a lot less busy! This is a real perk for crowd-sensitive travelers. There was more wildlife at Yaxha, presumably because there were fewer people.

Since we booked the early sunrise tour at Tikal, we opted for the sunset tour of Yaxha, and the golden lighting was remarkable. You can do both tours in a day if you are short on time. We looked into Getaway Travels, but read that it makes for a very long day. Ultimately, since Luke and I had time to play with, we split up the site visits and saw sunrise at Tikal one day and sunset at Yaxha on another.

Here are some of the top-reviewed tours of Yaxha (including the tour we booked):

Jorge’s Rope Swing

In San Miguel, a short water taxi ride away from Flores, is a small bar on the water surrounded by hammocks and diving platforms. More adventurous patrons can plunge into the lake water using Jorge’s rope swing. Throwing yourself from the dangling rope into the warm water is a welcome reprieve from the Guatemalan heat, and the surrounding views are the cherry on top. The water taxi to San Miguel costs approximately 25 QZL return and must be paid in cash.

El Mirador del Rey Canek Viewpoint

Just a short boat ride across the water from Flores, on the island of San Miguel, is the trailhead to an unmissable lookout. Most people get to the start of the hike by taking a water taxi. If this is how you choose to get there, negotiate with the boat driver to stick around until after your hike. Superactive travelers sometimes kayak across the water. It’s a relatively easy 10-15 minute hike to the viewpoint, though the Guatemalan heat can make the short trek feel extreme. At the top sits a small treehouse-esque structure where you’ll find the best views of Lake Petén Itzá and Flores, making all the physical effort worth it.

To get to the viewpoint trailhead, take one of the many local boats along the lake’s perimeter. It’s only a 10-minute ride to San Miguel Island, but the price of the boat ride is dependent on your bargaining skills.

sunset from a rooftop

The sunsets in Flores are spectacular. Luke and I couldn’t believe how the sky looked like it was painted with watercolors. I highly recommend watching the sunset from one of Flores’ rooftops. Skybar is famous for its views of the sun lowering itself along the horizon. For a lively night out to accompany your sunset, head to Mango’s Bar. There is almost always live music!

Uaxactún

Even less known than Yaxha is Uaxactún. Our wander around this archaeological site felt like we’d stumbled into an ancient world all our own. Uaxactún is roughly 1-hour north of Tikal, and is home to incredibly well-preserved Maya buildings. The complex is known for its astronomical observatory, used by Mayan astronomers to track celestial events. The observatory is widely acknowledged by modern astronomers for its accuracy.

You can either visit Uaxactún as part of a tour or on your own. If you’d rather visit on your own, keep in mind that you’ll have to use public bus transport or brave driving a 4WD vehicle. I wouldn’t recommend driving their on you rown, especially during the rainy season when the road conditions are quite frequently impassable.

Tours of Uaxactún to consider:

Playa Chechenal Petén

You’re forgiven if you didn’t know about Flores’ beach — most tourists don’t. In fact, neither Luke nor I knew about the beach in Flores until our final day in the town. Hidden away in San Miguel, Playa Chechenal Petén is a rare gem where locals swim. It reminded me of Mexican beaches I’d previously visited.

You can get to Playa Chechenal Petén either via water taxi or by kayaking their yourself. The water taxi will drop you off in San Miguel, but instead of starting to hike up to the Mirador Del Rey Canek viewpoint, you’ll walk approximately 10 minutes to the beach. Since you’ll already be in San Miguel, I’d pair a visit to the beach with a hike to the viewpoint.

Crater Azul

Crater Azul isn’t actually a crater at all. This lesser-known Flores spot is part of the river Arroyo El Pucté. Crater Azul is surrounded by lush rainforest scenery, filled with native songbirds and wildlife. You’ll likely see locals jumping into the pristine blue waters, the depths of which reach 8 meters in certain areas. This severe depth means sediment is trapped at the bottom, eliminating the cloudiness you might see in other rivers. Instead, Crater Azul is so clear you can see underwater without the need for goggles.

Getting to Crater Azul is a bit of a mission, but I promise it’s worth it. Crater Azul is roughly 35 miles from Flores. It’s technically closer to Las Cruces and Sayaxché, but most visitors come from Flores as part of a tour group. You can visit independently if you have a car or by jumping on the public bus from Flores’ main station to Sayaxché. From Sayaxché, you board a riverboat that takes you 30-40 minutes further along the river to Crater Azul.

The water was just as stunning in real life as I had seen in photos, but it was much smaller than I expected. The most popular day at the Crater is Sunday when locals come to swim. I would recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid crowded waters.

5-day trek to El Mirador

One thing we didn’t have time for that we deeply regret not doing is the 5-day trek to El Mirador. This multi-day trek through the Guatemalan jungle leads to the world’s largest pyramid complex by volume. The hike is broken down into two days of hiking to the pyramids, one day at the pyramids, and two final days hiking back on the same trail you arrived on.

Like any multi-day trek, it costs. But, I can confidently say that I have never regretted paying to go trekking. This hike costs approximately USD $350 per person. An English-speaking guide may cost up to USD $200 extra. You can book your trek to El Mirador at any of the (many) tour agents in Flores. Some more affluent travelers skip the hike and book a helicopter ride over El Mirador.

IXPANPAJUL NATURE PARK

Adrenaline seekers in Flores will love the zip-lining and treetop walks available at the Ixpanpajul Nature Park. The park showcases Flores’ incredible biodiversity.

Kayak

Kayaking around Lake Petén Itzá is the ideal way to spend an afternoon in Flores. The water is perfectly calm, making it a dream to paddle on. Renting a kayak is also an affordable way to access areas around Flores that might otherwise be difficult to reach. Rather than paying for a water taxi, you can paddle your kayak to ARCAS (the local wildlife rescue), the beach at Playa Chechenal Petén, or the ever-popular Jorge’s Rope Swing. Just remember, however far you kayak out, you’ll have to kayak back.

Luke and I rented a kayak and paddled around the lake on an especially humid day. We saw a toucan and several herons in the dense forest lining the shoreline. We heard from other travelers that they saw monkeys swinging in the trees during their kayaking explorations, but we weren’t as lucky. Keep your eyes peeled and you might get lucky!

You can rent a kayak in Flores from:

paddleboard

For those with exceptional balance, most kayak rental companies also hires paddleboards. You can rent a paddleboard in Flores from Los Amigos Hostel.

ARCAS

I don’t add animal-related activities to “must-do” lists without fully vetting them first. ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, which means it has been recognized for meeting the highest standard in humane animal care. Throughout the year, ARCAS and its government partner, the National Council of Protected Areas conducts work to re-introduce and release rehabilitated animals into the wild. If you are visiting Flores for an elongated period of time, you can volunteer your skills with ARCAS or contact the center to coordinate a visit.

where to stay in Flores ↴

If you haven’t figured by now, Flores is tiny, so as long as you are staying on the island, you’re in a good location. A bridge connects Flores to the mainland, but I recommend staying on the island, where most other tourists book their accommodation.

Luke and I stayed at Casa Ramona, and I loved everything about it. Our room was clean and airy. It also had a balcony, and the included breakfast was fantastic. Casa Ramona was also just steps away from the shuttle drop-off, where the sunrise tour to Tikal departed from. We also loved the hotel’s communal rooftop area and the movie night that was hosted there.

Highly recommended accommodation in Flores:

Los Amigos | a favorite amongst social budget travelers
Casa Ramona | centrally-located rooms that are bright and cheerful with delicious included breakfast options
Hotel Casazul | a great location with views of the surrounding water
Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel | luxury accommodation with impeccable amenities including an onsite museum, wellness spa, + infinity pool

We love using Booking.com to book the best places to stay around the world.

where to eat in Flores ↴

Unfortunately, I found that a lot of the food in Flores was a miss. Luke and I enjoyed a few Flores eateries, which I’ve put into this short list to help you avoid any average dining experiences.

Maracuya | This delightful restaurant has a lush garden setting on the water and a menu filled with salads, smoothie bowls, and burgers. We had multiple meals here and only had positive experiences. The atmosphere alone was 10/10.
Maple + Tocino | Great for Western-style brunch and breakfast, Maple + Tocino is on nearly every traveler’s list of places to eat in Flores. It’s also located right on the water.
Cool Beans | This waterside eatery has an extensive menu that includes fresh fruit juices, burritos, burgers, waffles, and nachos.