CultureFull day (pre-dawn start)
Petén · Island town in the Maya heartland
A colourful island town on Lake Petén Itzá and the gateway to Guatemala's northern jungles. Flores is where sunsets, lake swims and lesser-known Maya cities meet.
Overview
Flores sits on a small island in Lake Petén Itzá, linked to the mainland by a short causeway. It was once Nojpetén, capital of the Itza Maya and the last independent Maya kingdom, which held out against the Spanish until 1697. Today its steep lanes are lined with pastel houses, small restaurants and terraces facing some of the best sunsets in Guatemala.
Petén covers roughly a third of Guatemala's territory and much of it is rainforest within the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Beyond Tikal, the region holds dozens of ancient cities, including Yaxhá, set between two lagoons, and Uaxactún, with one of the oldest astronomical complexes in the Maya world.
We use Flores and the lakeshore as a relaxed base, with boutique lodges along the water. From here your specialist can arrange sunset at Yaxhá, kayaking on the lake, visits to wildlife rescue centres and, for the adventurous, the expedition to El Mirador.
Best time to visit
- JanBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
- FebBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
- MarBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
- AprBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
- MayRainyRainy season.
- JunRainyRainy season.
- JulRainyRainy season.
- AugRainyRainy season.
- SepRainyRainy season.
- OctRainyRainy season.
- NovBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
- DecBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
Best months● Rainy season (May–October): mornings usually clear, afternoon showers
The drier months from November to April are ideal for exploring Petén's ruins and forests, though March and April can be very hot. During the May to October rainy season, afternoon storms are common and unpaved roads to remote sites can be muddy, but the lake is at its fullest and the forest at its most vivid.
Highlights
- 01
Sunset at Yaxhá
Climb Temple 216 at Yaxhá as the sun sets over the lagoons, often with the site almost to yourself. It is one of Petén's most magical experiences.
- 02
Island evenings
Stroll Flores' cobbled lanes, then find a lakeside terrace for dinner as the sky turns orange over the water.
- 03
Lake Petén Itzá by boat
Take a private boat to swim off quiet jetties, visit the small Mirador del Rey Canek viewpoint, and see the lakeside villages from the water.
- 04
Gateway to the north
Flores is the starting point for Tikal, Uaxactún, Yaxhá and the multi-day trek or helicopter flight to El Mirador.
Things to do
- 01Watch sunset from the top of Yaxhá's Temple 216
- 02Explore Flores' cobbled streets and lakeside promenade
- 03Swim and kayak in Lake Petén Itzá
- 04Visit Uaxactún and its astronomical complex
- 05Walk the hanging bridges at Ixpanpajul Nature Park
- 06Take a boat to the Mirador del Rey Canek viewpoint
- 07Learn about wildlife rehabilitation at a local rescue centre
Adventure5 days, 4 nights
Special occasionsFlexible, typically 8–14 days
Practical tips
- Fly, don't drive
- The road from Guatemala City takes eight hours or more. A one-hour domestic flight to Mundo Maya International Airport saves a full day.
- Beat the heat
- Petén is hot and humid year-round. Plan ruins visits for early morning or late afternoon, and keep the middle of the day for the lake.
- Insect repellent is essential
- Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, particularly in the rainy season. Bring a good repellent and light long layers.
Where we like to stay in Flores & Petén
Jungle lodgeLake Petén Itzá, near El Remate
Itzá Shore Lodge
Lakeside cabanas where the jungle meets the water, halfway between Flores and Tikal.
From $120 per person · night
Flores & Petén FAQ
Ideally both. A night near Tikal for an early start, plus two nights on the lake for Yaxhá, sunsets and downtime, gives the perfect balance.
More questions? See our Guatemala FAQ.
Every tour is private and fully adjustable around your dates and pace.
See all tours
10 days, 9 nights Antigua · Western Highlands · Lake Atitlán · Petén
Classic Guatemala
Daily breakfast · 7 guided activities · All private transfers · Domestic flight
- Walk Antigua's cobbled streets and ruined convents with a historian guide
- Chichicastenango's market on a Thursday or Sunday
- Private boat days between Atitlán's Maya villages
- Tikal at first light, plus a sunset over Yaxhá's lagoons
From$3,650per person
≈ $7,300 for two · international flights excluded
6 days, 5 nights Petén
Maya Heartland
Daily breakfast · 5 guided activities · All private transfers · Domestic flight
- A night inside Tikal National Park for sunrise among the temples
- Sunset from Temple 216 at Yaxhá
- Boat up the Río de la Pasión to El Ceibal
- Evenings on the island town of Flores
From$2,250per person
≈ $4,500 for two · international flights excluded
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