Tucked into the calm waters of Lake Petén Itzá, the island town of Flores is a dreamy slice of the Guatemalan north; pastel-coloured buildings, cobbled streets, and sunsets that look too good to be real.

But Flores is more than a chill lakeside town. It’s your gateway to Tikal, a hub for jungle adventures, and one of the most atmospheric stops on the backpacker trail.

Where is Flores?

Flores is in Petén, northern Guatemala; close to the Belize border. The actual island of Flores is connected to the mainland town of Santa Elena by a short causeway.

Fun fact: The island itself was one of the last Maya strongholds, only falling to the Spanish in 1697.

Getting There

✈️ Fly: Easy 1-hour flight from Guatemala City.

🚌 Shuttle: 8–10 hours from Antigua, Lanquin, or Rio Dulce.

🚐 Border cross: Coming from Belize (San Ignacio), Flores is your next stop.

Around Flores: Hidden Gems

El Mirador del Rey Canek – Local hike with lake views

Jorge’s Rope Swing – Chill lake hangout with diving spots

Ixpanpajul Nature Park – Zip-lining & canopy bridges 20 mins away

History Hit

Before it was called Flores, this island was Nojpetén, the capital of the Itza Maya kingdom. They held out for almost 200 years after the Spanish conquest of the highlands. When the Spanish finally arrived in 1697, they attacked by boat with cannons; the Maya city was destroyed, and Flores was built over its ruins.

That means: You’re walking the same stones where the last kings of the Maya once ruled.

What to Eat

Desayuno Chapín - A proper Guatemalan breakfast: eggs, beans, plantain, cheese

Tostadas & ceviche - From the lakeside stalls

Smoothie bowls & veggie eats - At Cool Beans or Maracuya

Good to Know

Bring mosquito spray (especially around the lake)

ATMs can be patchy; take out cash in advance

Flores is very safe, but watch your belongings on the public docks

Flores is the kind of place where time slows down. It’s a backpacker haven, a cultural hotspot, and the jump-off to one of the most epic archaeological sites in the Americas.

Come for Tikal, stay for the sunsets, the lake swims, the hammock hangs, and the soulful calm that makes Flores unforgettable.