Guatemala · October 2025
Overview
Flores is a tiny colourful island town on Lake Petén Itzá, connected to the mainland by a causeway; you can walk around it in 20 minutes. From here you visit Tikal, one of the greatest Maya cities, where temples rise above the jungle canopy and howler monkeys roar in the trees.
Tikal was inhabited from around 600 BC and reached its peak between 200 and 900 AD, with perhaps 60,000 to 100,000 people. Its rulers fought long wars with the rival city of Calakmul. Temple I, the Temple of the Great Jaguar, was built around 732 AD as the tomb of King Jasaw Chan K'awiil. The city was abandoned by the 10th century and swallowed by the jungle. It became a UNESCO site in 1979; it also appears in Star Wars (1977) as the rebel base on Yavin 4. Flores stands on the site of Nojpetén, capital of the Itza Maya, the last independent Maya kingdom, conquered by the Spanish only in 1697.
How long to stay: 2 to 3 days: one for Tikal, one for Yaxhá or the lake.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
In the Petén region of northern Guatemala, near the borders with Mexico and Belize. Tikal is about 65 km (1 to 1.5 hours) north of Flores.
Budget
Per person, per day.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | Q100–200 ($13–26) | Q400–800 ($52–105) | Q1,200+ ($157+) |
| Food | Q80–150 ($10–20) | Q200–350 ($26–46) | Q500+ ($66+) |
| Tikal day | Q150 entry + Q100 shuttle | + Q100 sunrise + guide | Private tour |
| Daily total | Q430–600 ($56–79) | Q950–1,500 ($124–196) | Q2,500+ ($327+) |
Things to Do
Flores is a candy-colored island town in the middle of a Peten lake. The reason you come is Tikal, the lost Mayan jungle city an hour north.
Do the sunrise tour: leave Flores around 3am, climb Temple IV in the dark, and watch the mist burn off five pyramid tops rising above the canopy while howler monkeys call in every direction. It is a top-five moment for any traveler.
The heart of Tikal, with Temple I (Great Jaguar, 47 m) and Temple II (Temple of the Masks) facing each other, and the North Acropolis full of royal tombs.
Price: Q150 for foreign adults; children under 10 free · Time needed: a full day · Tip: buy tickets online on the Ministry of Culture portal or in cash at BANTRAB.
The tallest structure at Tikal (about 65–70 m). Climb the wooden stairs to the top for the famous view of temple tops rising out of the jungle.
Tip: this is where people watch the sunrise and sunset.
Enter at 4:00 with a guide to hear the jungle wake up from the top of Temple IV, or stay until 20:00 for sunset.
Price: extra Q100 on top of entry, plus a guide.
The "Lost World", one of the oldest areas of Tikal, with a large pyramid you can climb, and Temple V with very steep stairs.
Spider and howler monkeys, toucans, coatis, ocellated turkeys and maybe a grey fox.
Walk the colourful streets, watch the sunset from the lakeside promenade and swim off the docks.
Price: free.
Another great Maya site between two lagoons, much quieter than Tikal, with a famous sunset from Temple 216.
Price: about Q80–150 · Getting there: about 1.5 hours from Flores.
Kayak to small islands, swim at Jorge's rope swing on the other side of the lake, or take a boat tour to the Ixpanpajul canopy park or ARCAS wildlife rescue.
Transit Tips
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By air: Guatemala City to Flores (FRS) in about 1 hour; much better than the 8–10 hour bus.
By bus: overnight buses from Guatemala City; shuttles from Belize and Palenque (Mexico).
Shuttles to Tikal: from Flores about Q100 return, with early departures for sunrise.
Tuk-tuks: between Flores, the airport and Santa Elena, about Q10–20.
Keep in mind that sunrise and sunset tickets do not include a guide; you must book one. Bring water, a hat and insect repellent.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Spanish can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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