Perched on an island on Lago Petén Itzá sits the vibrant little town of Flores. This was the last stop on our Guatemala excursion and we were excited to spend the next couple days experiencing some of the highlights here before hopping over to Belize. Many people visit the Petén region briefly to just see Tikal, but there are other experiences that make staying in the area for a few days worth it! Here are nine great things to do in Flores, Guatemala.
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1. Visit Tikal National Park
Okay, Tikal is not in Flores, but we added it to the list because this amazing park is the main reason people visit this region of the country. This huge archaeological complex is full of Mayan ruins sitting among beautiful jungle scenery.
Flores is the main hub in Guatemala for travelers planning to take trips to the park. General park admission costs 150Q per non-resident adult; however, there are additional fees for sunrise visits and guided tours. We opted for the sunrise tour and just organized this upon arrival in Flores through our hostel. We’ll highlight more of the details of visiting Tikal National Park in another post.
2. Wander the Colorful Streets
Flores is quite charming with its cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, colorful buildings, pretty flowers, and lake views all around. The island is fairly small, making it quite easy to explore on foot.
We arrived early in the morning via bus from Antigua and were unable to check into our hostel yet, so we just left our bags at the front desk and went out to explore Flores before it got too hot. Many of the streets are lined with colorful buildings containing restaurants and some shops. In addition to wandering down the streets, there’s the malecón, which is a nice path winding around the island along the shore. There are more shops and restaurants around here along with the ‘Yo amo Petén‘ sign and some spots to watch the sunset.
3. Relax on The Shores and Take a Swim
Other than visiting Tikal, we’d say relaxing on the shores of the lake is probably one of the main things to in Flores. It’s a pretty laid back place. The sunsets here are lovely, so as evening sets in, grab a snack and drink and head to the malecón along the western shore, or post up at one of the restaurants overlooking the lake.
Because it was so incredibly hot and humid during our visit, many locals and travelers alike could be found swimming from the docks around Flores from early in the morning into the late evening. You can definitely swim directly around the island, but we think Playa El Chechenal, Jorge’s Rope Swing, or Playa Tres Naciones are worth a visit if you have the time.
4. Explore the Lake by Kayak
If you’re looking to venture beyond the shores, head out on the lake in a kayak. This is a great option whether you’re looking to just get out on the water for a short while or want to spend the day visiting some of the swimming spots and such around the lake.
There are some places around Flores to rent a kayak, such as Kayaks en Flores. Additionally, some accommodation options have equipment available for guests to use.
5. Take a Sunset Cruise
In addition to exploring the lake by kayak, you can also head out on the water for a sunset cruise. Boats take visitors out for a couple hours near sunset and often include beverages and have music playing.
There are some companies, like Los Amigos Hostel, that have their info listed online, but you can also just walk along the main streets on the island to find some agencies offering boat tours.
6. Learn About the Region at the Museums
There are a couple small museums in the area where visitors can learn about the history of the region.
Islote Santa Bárbara is an even smaller island that sits a short ways from Isla de Flores. On it sits Museo Santa Bárbara, a small exhibit that contains various Mayan artifacts found in the area and some artifacts from colonial times. If you reach out to the owners via WhatsApp or their FB page, they’ll organize a boat ride and walk you through the museum for 30Q per person. You can also get here by kayak or a lancha you organize yourself, but the 30Q entrance fee still applies.
Across the lake from Flores in San Miguel is the Museo Regional del Mundo Maya. This museum contains various Mayan artifacts (mostly ceramics) and has nearby boardwalk trails that lead past some archaeological excavation sites and to a mirador. Entry to the museum is free.
7. Explore the Actún Kan Caves
On the outskirts of Santa Elena, the town just across the bridge from Flores, sit the Actún Kan caves. Here, visitors can head far into the caves to explore the underground system where bats live, unique geological features have formed, and ancient legends of a serpent were born.
There are a couple route options through the caves – a short route that can be completed independently, or a longer route that requires a guide. If you’re interested in the history and geology, we’d recommend a guided tour. Tickets are 35Q per non-resident person for the short route and 45Q per person + 150Q guide fee for the longer route. Make sure you bring cash. Helmets with a lamp are provided.
8. Relax at Parque Monseñor Próspero Penados del Barrio
Parque Monseñor Próspero Penados del Barrio is the main park that sits on the highest point on the island. It is a nice spot to relax and people watch with its benches under flowering trees, pretty cathedral, and views over the town. In the evenings especially, families and friends gather here to spend time together, kids play, and basketball games are happening nearby.
If you want to enter the cathedral, you can do so for free. Just remember to dress appropriately (no swimsuits, short shorts or dresses, or revealing tops) and respect those who have come to pray.
9. Other Day Trips
Tikal may be the most popular trip from Flores, but there are various other day trips to take in the area that are worth considering if you want to spend more time here.
Here are some of the best day trips from Flores:
Yaxha National Park: Another Mayan archaeological park with interesting ruins and pretty jungle scenery. It’s not as grand as Tikal, but also less crowded.
Uaxactún: Another Mayan ruin complex that is even less popular than Tikal and Yaxha. There aren’t as many ruins, but the experience here focuses a bit more on Mayan culture. See the park page for some of the experiences they offer.
El Mirador National Park: This is a protected region north of Tikal up near the Mexican border. Visitors can only reach it on foot or by helicopter. Various companies offer helicopter tours and others offer multi-day treks.
Cráter Azul: A pretty swimming hole among mangroves with clear blue water. It’s best to visit on a weekday because it can get pretty packed on weekends. Prices range from 380Q to 1500Q depending on whether you book a private or group tour, what the tour includes, and if there are additional sites/services included.
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