How to Spend One Day in Flores Island, Guatemala

Flores Island, Guatemala, may be small, but it packs in plenty of charm. This colorful island town is the gateway for exploring some of the most impressive Maya ruins in Central America, including Tikal and Yaxha.

View of the cobblestone street and colorful buildings in Flores Island, Guatemala

Flores is a small island town located on Lake Petén Itzá, known for its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and laid back vibe. Visitors can walk around the island in under an hour, checking out the colonial architecture and scenic waterfront.

Even if you only have one day here, it’s worth slowing down to enjoy the atmosphere before diving into the nearby ancient ruins.

Why Visit Flores Island, Guatemala?

Flores is more than just a stopover on the way to Guatemala’s most famous Maya ruins, it’s a destination in its own right. At the same time, its location makes it incredibly convenient for travelers: just 1 hour 15 minutes from Tikal and about 1.5 hours from Yaxha.

For us, it was the ideal place to unwind after a long travel day and begin our travel in Guatemala.

The Best Things to Do for One Day in Flores Island:

Flores Island is known for its colorful flowers

Explore the Island

Begin your day with a morning walk through the cobblestone streets of Flores. Admire the colorful buildings, browse the local shops, and visit the central plaza which is a great spot to relax and soak in the local atmosphere.

While you’re wandering, stop by the Cathedral (Catedral Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios y San Pablo Itzá). It’s located on the highest point of the island, so it comes with a view.

The small island is easy to explore on foot, I recommend walking around the perimeter on the boardwalk (malecon) for the best views of the lake. Of note, the malecon is prone to flooding, so you might have to reroute if that’s the case.

Take a Boat Tour on Lake Petén Itzá

Scattered along the waterfront of the island are lanchas (boats) for hire. Similar to a private taxi, you can negotiate a boat ride and what you want to see and do.

You can plan a half day of excursions or simply enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Petén Itzá. Popular places to include in a boat tour include: ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center where you’ll learn about local conservation efforts, and see animals like jaguars, monkeys, and parrots that are being rehabilitated for release back into the wild, Santa Barbara Museum of Mayan Archaeology, and Chechenal beach.

A view of the lake from the walkway around Flores Island, Guatemala

Lake Petén Itzá is the second largest lake in Guatemala and offers a range of water-based activities. For a more active experience, consider renting a kayak and paddling around Lake Petén Itzá.

The calm waters make it an enjoyable activity, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Be sure to ask your hotel if they offer kayaks!

Eat at a Lakefront Restaurant

Flores has several restaurants with lakeside views, they are easy to find as you walk around the malecon. Here are a few favorites:

🥑 Terrazzo

🥑 Restaurante Raices

🥑 Maple & Tocino

🥑 Maracuya

Jorge’s Rope Swing

In the afternoon head to Jorge’s Rope Swing, a popular spot on the lake for relaxing and, of course, swinging into the water. It’s a great way to cool off and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

This spot is located across the lake from Flores Island, so you will need to either hire a water taxi boat (lancha) or kayak over.

Prepare for Your Visit to the Maya Ruins

Spending a day in Flores lets you soak in its charm while gearing up for exploring the jungles beyond. Flores is the ideal base for visiting Tikal National Park and Yaxha National Park. Here’s how to prepare:

Visit the Local Market

Just across the bridge in Santa Elena, the market is a great place to pick up snacks, fruit, and water for your trip to Tikal or Yaxha…essential for exploring the ruins.

Book Your Tour or Transport

Flores is the main hub for the nearby Maya ruins and has plenty of tour agencies where you can arrange shuttles, guided day trips, or sunrise tours. It’s worth finalizing your plans here so everything is set for the next day.

Enjoy Sunset Views

Finally, end your day with a stunning sunset view. Some of the best spots are rooftop bars where you can relax with a drink as the sun sets over the lake. Sky Bar and Mangos Bar are both perfect for the occasion.

Other options for sunset vibes include any restaurant with patio seating on the west side of the island, walking on the malecon, or hiring a lancha for a sunset boat ride.

Casona De La Isla Hotel in Flores Island, Guatemala

Flores may be small, but it’s the perfect introduction to Guatemala. Whether you’re wandering its colorful streets, sipping coffee with a lake view, or preparing for an adventure to the Maya ruins, this island town is worth a visit.

👉 See exactly how I spent 2 weeks in Guatemala (full itinerary here)