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Flores

Guatemala · Island · GTQ · 16.922600, -89.899400
Family friendly 6.9/10 · Rank 843 of 2 709
Best season: November-April (dry season)

Best for

For Mayan history lovers, nature, lake holidays and authentic atmosphere.

Best season

November-April (dry season)

Daily budget
$95.00 (≈ 7 972 ₽)
For 7 days
$665.00 (≈ 55 807 ₽)
Flores is a picturesque town on an island in the middle of Lake Petén Itzá, connected to the mainland by a short causeway. It is the main base for visiting the famous Maya ruins of Tikal and other archaeological sites in the Petén region. The colourful houses, cosy lakeside cafes, and Caribbean flair make Flores an ideal place to relax before diving into the jungle.
Summer
37.0°C
Winter
18.0°C
Sea
29.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, proud of Mayan culture.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Gateway to Tikal — the main Mayan archaeological centre
  • Beautiful lake and beaches
  • Authentic atmosphere
  • Affordable prices

Cons

  • Limited nightlife
  • Hot and humid climate
  • Safety issues (theft)
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
33.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
37.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
24.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
27.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
18.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
27.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
June-November
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
white sand (coral and volcanic)
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white/pink
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
mild (lake)
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
El Chechenal, Playa San Miguel
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
No
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
No
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Freshwater lake, no dangerous marine animals. Main danger is crime (theft).

Sea urchins — details

  • The long-spined sea urchin Diadema savignyi and the flower sea urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus), which has highly toxic venom, inhabit Flores waters. Protective footwear is recommended.

Corals and reefs — details

  • Over 500 coral species inhabit Flores waters, including hard and soft corals. This is part of the Coral Triangle, the region with the highest biodiversity in the world. Risk of cuts on contact.

Jellyfish — details

  • Stingless jellyfish (Mastigias papua) are found in Flores lagoons, along with dangerous box jellyfish in open waters. Peak activity season is March-June. Caution is advised.

Sharks — details

  • 9 shark species inhabit Flores waters, including the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) and silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis). No attacks on humans have been recorded.
Attractions

Tikal

Grand Mayan ruin complex with temple-pyramids, UNESCO site. The main reason to visit Flores.

Lake Petén Itzá Waterfront

Pedestrian promenade with lake views, fishing boats and sunsets.

El Chechenal

White sand beach with turquoise water on the lakeshore, ideal for swimming.

Cráter Azul

Natural karst pool with crystal clear blue water for swimming.

Jorge's Rope Swing

Famous rope swing over the water at San Miguel beach.

Archaeological Museum

Museum with Mayan artefacts from the Petén region.

Best areas

Flores Island

City centre on the island with colonial architecture and waterfront.

San Miguel

Mainland area with beach and rope swing.

Must-try food

Pepián

Thick meat stew with pumpkin seeds, chilli and spices.

Tamales

Corn dough with meat wrapped in leaves, steamed.

Cocoa and Chocolate

Traditional cocoa drink, popular in the Petén region.

Lake Fish

Fresh fish from Lake Petén Itzá, fried or grilled.

Where to go next

Tikal

Famous Mayan archaeological park, ~60 km.

Yaxhá

Mayan ruins on the lakeshore, ~80 km.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Мундо-Майя (FRS).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required for most countries (up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-April (dry season)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Flores: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-April (dry season). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Flores: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +37.0°C, during the day — up to +33.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Flores: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +18.0°C, during the day — up to +27.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Flores: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Flores: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on June-November. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Flores: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "white sand (coral and volcanic)" surface, white/pink sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: El Chechenal, Playa San Miguel. The beaches have cafes and bars.
Flores: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry.
Flores: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $95.00 (≈ 7 972 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Flores: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $25.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $60.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $120.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $200.00 per night, an apartment — $80.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Flores: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $10.00, dinner at a restaurant — $20.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.00, a 0.5L beer — $3.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Flores: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $20.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.50, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Flores: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Tikal — Grand Mayan ruin complex with temple-pyramids, UNESCO site. The main reason to visit Flores.; Lake Petén Itzá Waterfront — Pedestrian promenade with lake views, fishing boats and sunsets.; El Chechenal — White sand beach with turquoise water on the lakeshore, ideal for swimming.; Cráter Azul — Natural karst pool with crystal clear blue water for swimming.; Jorge's Rope Swing — Famous rope swing over the water at San Miguel beach.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Flores: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Pepián — Thick meat stew with pumpkin seeds, chilli and spices.; Tamales — Corn dough with meat wrapped in leaves, steamed.; Cocoa and Chocolate — Traditional cocoa drink, popular in the Petén region.; Lake Fish — Fresh fish from Lake Petén Itzá, fried or grilled.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Flores: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Flores Island — City centre on the island with colonial architecture and waterfront.; San Miguel — Mainland area with beach and rope swing.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Flores: is a visa required?
Visa: not required for most countries (up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Flores: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Мундо-Майя (code FRS). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $20.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Flores: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — GTQ. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $95.00 (≈ 7 972 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Flores: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Flores: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Flores: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Tikal — Famous Mayan archaeological park, ~60 km.; Yaxhá — Mayan ruins on the lakeshore, ~80 km.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.9/10
Overall rank: 843 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 582