Flores sits on a Guatemalan island in the middle of Lake Peten Itza, and is linked by a roadway to the mainland of Guatemala. On the other side of this road are the towns of San Benito and Santa Elena. One of the main draws to Flores is its proximity (within 40 miles) to several ancient Mayan sites, including the most well-known Mayan ruins in Guatemala, in the Tikal national park.
There's plenty to see in and around Flores, from the natural beauty of Lake Peten Itza, nearby caves and rain forest to ancient tribal ruins. Some of Flores' most popular sites include Ak'tun Kan (Cave of the Serpent), where visitors can see stalactite and stalagmite formations, and ARCAS, a wildlife refuge next to the small Petencito Zoo.
Some tourists stay in Flores so they can visit Mayan ruins nearby. The largest site is Tikal National Park, about 36 miles from the island. More ruins are in Motul du San Jose and Holtun, also within 40 miles of Flores. The sites are accessible by bus or shuttle.
Tourists in Flores can rent a canoe or small boat to tour the lake, swim, or stroll through the tranquil, colonial-style town center with its twin-domed church. Many tourists also rent bicycles to get around the island at their own pace. More ambitious visitors may opt to take a Spanish class at the local Dos Mundos Academy or spend a day volunteering with Volunteer Peten in San Andres, located on the opposite side of the lake. Visitors can help out at an eco-park or lend a hand building a new school.
Tourists can reach Flores by flying into the nearby Mundo Maya International Airport and taking a taxi into town. Tourists who prefer to head straight to the Mayan ruins of Tikal may take one of many free shuttle buses at the airport. Regular buses from Guatemala City and Belize City stop in the town of Santa Elena, which is about a 5-minute taxi or rickshaw ride away from Flores.
The island of Flores offers numerous lodging options, from luxurious lakeside hotels to more reasonably priced guesthouses and bed and breakfast establishments. Visitors to the province of Peten will also find accommodations in the nearby cities of Santa Elena and San Benito.
