Best of Flores

In Guatemala’s densely forested north, the island town of Flores has an almost Mediterranean feel with its pastel-hued houses, tranquil promenades and views over the deep blue waters of Lake Petén Itzá. Most people come here with ruins in mind, namely the awe-inspiring collection of temples of Tikal, which is a little more than an hour’s drive to the north. Aside from being a great base for delving into Mayan artifacts, Flores is a peaceful place to enjoy some downtime amid waterfront guesthouses and tropical-infused restaurants. 

From Flores, you can book a range of excursions to Tikal National Park. Sunrise and sunset tours allow you to see the temples at their most dramatic, while full-day trips give you a more immersive experience among all the major points of interest — and some lesser-known places along the way. You can’t leave Flores without taking at least one boat trip. On a lakeside excursion, you’ll learn about nature and culture on Guatemala’s third-largest body of water.