GT
Flores
A colourful island town on Lake Petén Itzá, the gateway to the great Maya city of Tikal
A colourful island town on Lake Petén Itzá, the gateway to the great Maya city of Tikal
A vast Maya city with temples rising above the jungle canopy, spider monkeys, toucans and coatis. It is about 1.5 hours by road from Flores.
Entry for foreigners is Q150; sunrise or sunset entry costs Q100 more and requires an authorised guide.
Photo: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0
A less-visited Maya city between two lagoons, known for sunsets from its tallest temple, in a national park with the nearby sites of Nakum and Naranjo.
Photo: Jorge Antonio Leoni de León, CC BY-SA 4.0
Walk the lakeside promenade, climb to the church square, and watch sunset over the lake.
Photo: Sara Fratti, CC BY 2.0
Boat trips visit the viewpoint of Mirador del Rey Canek, swimming spots and lakeside villages such as San Miguel.
Photo: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0
Try fresh lake fish and Petén dishes such as pollo pibil-style chicken and tamales; street stalls set up in Santa Elena and on the island in the evenings.
Lakeside restaurants on the island are good for sunset drinks.
Mundo Maya International Airport is just outside Santa Elena, with flights from Guatemala City. Overnight and day buses run from Guatemala City, and shuttles from Belize and Palenque in Mexico. Tuk-tuks and boats get you around; shuttles run to Tikal from early morning.
Citizens of the UK, US, EU, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Guatemala visa-free. Stays are covered by the CA-4 agreement, which allows up to 90 days in total across Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. The US government rates Guatemala at Level 3 (reconsider travel) and advises against travel to San Marcos and Huehuetenango departments, Zone 18 in Guatemala City and Villa Nueva. Check current advice before you travel.
Flores is inexpensive; Tikal entry and tours are the main extras.
Tikal, Yaxhá and the lake.
Take an early shuttle to Tikal and spend the day exploring with a guide.
Bring water, insect repellent and good shoes; it is hot and humid.
Visit Yaxhá in the afternoon and stay for sunset over the lagoon.
Take a boat trip on the lake and swim, then wander the island at sunset.
Use registered shuttles and taxis or Uber, avoid travelling after dark, and keep valuables out of sight.
Carry quetzales for markets, boats and small shops; use ATMs inside banks or malls.
April and May are very hot; start Tikal visits early.
Use repellent at Tikal and Yaxhá, especially in the wet season.
Quick answers for planning time in Flores.
Citizens of the UK, US, EU, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit visa-free; the CA-4 agreement allows up to 90 days across Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.
Entry for foreigners is Q150; sunrise or sunset entry costs an extra Q100 and requires an authorised guide.
About 1.5 hours by road.
Flores has more choice; staying at a lodge inside the park lets you visit at quieter times.
By domestic flight from Guatemala City, by overnight bus, or by shuttle from Belize.
Google Maps works for towns and walking; tourist shuttles are booked through agencies or your hotel.
Free
Spanish is the main language, alongside many Mayan languages; English is spoken in tourist areas.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Guatemala travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.