Flores, Guatemala Travel Guide

Flores Island in Guatemala is located in Peten, one hour south of Tikal. It is surrounded by the third biggest lake in Guatemala, Lake Peten Itza. The picturesque town of Flores Guatemala offers you the chance to enjoy stunning landscapes, cultural activities, plus, it is the gateway to most of the archaeological Mayan parks around the area.

This quiet Island is one of the 25 most colorful places in the world. It hosts a big concentration of restaurants, cafés and pubs to keep you busy during your stay. Flores is the perfect place to relax for a couple of days, combining it with awesome things to do like exiting excursions to the Crib of the Mayas, one of the biggest civilizations in the history of the world.

Things to do in Flores Guatemala

Visiting the Flores Island Guatemala

The best way to know this beautiful island is by walking around. Flores Guatemala is the safest place in the North of Petén and is an ideal place for travelers who enjoy water sports and contact with the nature. The Flores Island in Guatemala has earned popularity throughout the years for being the ideal base before and after your expeditions to the Mayan world hidden in the jungle of Guatemala.

Flores Guatemala has a rich concentration of Mayan architectonic treasures that will take you to the ancient times. Tikal is the best known for having the second tallest pyramid of its kind, and is one of the three physical places in Guatemala protected by the UNESCO. Create memorable experiences by trekking through the jungle of Guatemala or take a boat trip throughout Lake Peten Itza.

Peten offers an enormous amount of activities and attractions to give you the best experiences and memories about the world secrets’ civilization of the Mayas. A recent investigation published in February 2018 informed about the discovery of another amazing Mayan city hidden underneath the jungle. It was revealed that only about 10% of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve has been discovered. A popular destination with great vegetation, beautiful scenery and a stunning mystery about one of the oldest ancient civilizations is awaiting your visit in the North of Guatemala.

Flores Guatemala tours to other destinations near by

Tikal
Tikal is among the world’s travel wonders and many are calling it one of the most spiritually powerful spots on earth. The monumental Mayan site with its towering pyramids looms out of the thick jungle canopy like stoic sentinels of ancient mysteries.

El Mirador/La Danta
In El Mirador you will find La Danta, the biggest pyramid of the world. It is located in the middle of the Guatemalan's jungle. La Danta in El Mirador is only reachable by helicopter or on land with an authorized guide. This second option will immerse you into the tropical jungle for five days, until you reach this magical architectonic treasure. Embark on this lifetime adventure and witness the beauty of nature and Mayan civilization at its purest.

Uaxactun
The city where the Mayas improved their writing and astrology was exploded. This architectonic site shows notable advances in astrology and time calculation. All of the temples are connected to each other from an astronomical perspective and is here where the oldest Astronomic Observatory was built by this incredible civilization.

Yaxha
This is another famous archeological site in the northeast of the region. Is the third largest city in ruins and has covered around 237 square kilometers (92 sq mi). Wander around the area and enjoy the atmosphere of ancient times, surrounded by the flora and fauna that covers this old Mayan city. Hearing the monkeys scream and searching for crocodiles inside the lagoon is one of the biggest attractions of this place.

Shopping in Flores Guatemala

Many shops in Flores Guatemala offer souvenirs, jade and handicrafts shops for you to bring back home. There a couple of malls and you will find unique replicas of Mayan treasures.

Extensions from Flores/Tikal to Belize

Belize offers unspoiled travel destinations and has evolved for practicing Eco-tourism. Visit this magnificent piece of nature and enjoy bird sanctuaries, variety of wildlife and the second largest coral reef system in the world, Belize Barrier Reef. This beautiful country can easily be combined with your Guatemalan itinerary. Unique adventures and direct contact with the nature will inspire your senses.

San Ignacio
San Ignacio is the largest settlement in Cayo District and the base for tourism activities throughout the area. Be adventurous and keep yourself active by going hiking, caving, zip lining and much more. Mayan ruins are also accessible from this point and local markets will keep you entertained.

Mountain Pine Ridge
This natural reserve was established to protect and manage the Belizean pine forests. It is home to an extensive fauna, including jaguars, crocodiles, toucans, parrots and many more. In Barton Creek you can find a large river that is part of this stunning reserve and is accessible only by boat. A large number of Mayan relics were found along the river, so is believed that Mountain Pine Ridge was a place used for rituals.

Dangriga
Means sweet waters in Garifuna. Dangriga has earned the name of "The Cultural Capital" since it mixes a lot of cultures and traditions. Enjoy Belize's most innovative musical forms and be part of the different adventures that never fail to impress visitors.

Placencia
Placencia is perfect for those who enjoy water sports and outdoor adventures. Its lagoon lies west with a view towards the Mayan hills. Once a fishing village, this Placencia earned its popularity with the tourism hitting this part of the country and now has many attractions and entertainment for all tastes.

A visit to Flores Island is included in our Guatemala Highlights package, check it out and book it!