Major city · Guatemala
Flores
Base on Flores island for 2 nights: Tikal at opening one day, the lake and Tayasal the next. Skip it as a day trip from Antigua.
Flores is a small island town on Lago Petén Itzá, joined to Santa Elena and San Benito by a causeway. Almost everyone comes for Tikal, 1.5 hours away, but the island itself is worth a slow afternoon: a 15-minute walk circles it. Two nights covers Tikal properly and leaves time for the lake. Three if you add Yaxhá or El Mirador.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GTQ
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (dry season)
- avoid Sep–Oct (wettest), Easter week
- Airport
- FRS
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Guatemala ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Guatemala's Migration Institute or a Guatemalan consulate. Guatemala shares a Central America border agreement (CA-4) with El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, so your permitted stay may count across all four.
- Guatemala ↗Hike volcanoes (Acatenango, Pacaya) only with registered guides and check eruption alerts; Fuego is highly active.
- Guatemala ↗Avoid public chicken buses between cities: they are frequent targets of robbery. Use tourist shuttles or private transport.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Flores110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Flores, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ, Q).Guatemala-wide
- SIM or eSIMTigo and Claro sell SIMs at the airport and shops; bring your passport.Guatemala-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations in Antigua and lake hotels.Guatemala-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10% — check if 'propina' is already on the bill.Guatemala-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Guatemala-wide
- SafetyFlores island is one of the safer places in Petén; Santa Elena and San Benito need more care after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin; public toilets charge Q1–5.Guatemala-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 1500 Tourist assistance (INGUAT) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysAntigua's streets close for processions on Lenten Sundays and Semana Santa; museums may close on Mondays.Guatemala-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportFRS Mundo Maya International (Santa Elena) (About 2 km (1.2 mi) from the causeway; taxi to the island Q20 or Q10 per person, whichever is more.FRS Mundo Maya International (Santa Elena) (About 1.2 mi (2 km) from the causeway; taxi to the island Q20 or Q10 per person, whichever is more.
- Getting aroundWalk: the island takes about 15 minutes to circle, and the causeway to Santa Elena is a 10-minute walk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeQ15–30
- Street or quick mealSet lunch (comida corriente)Q40–70
- Beerbottle at a bar / shopQ20–35Q12–18
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Tuk-tuk in townQ10–15
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personGTQ 80
- Mid-range bedDouble room, a night, per roomGTQ 400
- High-end bedDouble room, a night, per roomGTQ 900
A day, not counting the bed: Budget GTQ 250 · Mid GTQ 500 · High GTQ 1,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- FRS Mundo Maya International (Santa Elena) (About 2 km (1.2 mi) from the causeway; taxi to the island Q20 or Q10 per person, whichever is more. Shuttles to Tikal meet flights.)FRS Mundo Maya International (Santa Elena) (About 1.2 mi (2 km) from the causeway; taxi to the island Q20 or Q10 per person, whichever is more. Shuttles to Tikal meet flights.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Apr
Best
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
May
not flagged
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Jun
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: Sep–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)), coolest Jan (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C) low), wettest Sep (18 rain days), driest Mar (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Flores: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6 rd
Mar
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Apr
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
May
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
17 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
16 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
18 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
16 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk: the island takes about 15 minutes to circle, and the causeway to Santa Elena is a 10-minute walk. Tuk-tuks cost Q10–15 in town. Vans and buses to San José and San Andrés leave from the Santa Elena market when full, about 30 minutes. Boats to San Miguel (Q10) leave from the north pier; tourist boats for lake trips and Petencito moor behind Hotel Santana and prices are negotiable.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Tikal
goDoor to door: About 4–8 h
Shuttle from Flores agencies, about 1.5 h each way; buses leave 03:00–12:00 and return 11:00–18:45Shuttle from Flores agencies, about 1.5 h each way; buses leave 3:00 AM–12:00 PM and return 11:00 AM–6:45 PM
Shuttle Q80 return without guide, Q100 with; Tikal entry Q150, sunrise Q250. Go at opening: it is hot from 10:00.Shuttle Q80 return without guide, Q100 with; Tikal entry Q150, sunrise Q250. Go at opening: it is hot from 10:00 AM.
Tayasal (San Miguel peninsula)
goDoor to door: About 1–2 h
Boat across the lake, about 250 m
Overgrown pyramids; the first has a wooden viewing tower. Fix the price and route with the boatman first.
Petencito Zoo and ARCAS
goDoor to door: About 2 h
10-minute boat from behind Hotel Santana; ARCAS runs its own boat at 08:00 and 15:0010-minute boat from behind Hotel Santana; ARCAS runs its own boat at 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM
Small zoo with rescued wildlife; combine with a swim.
Ixpanpajul Natural Park
cautionDoor to door: About 3 h
Park pick-up from Flores or Santa Elena, about 15 min
Zip-line, sky-walk and horseback; book the pick-up ahead.
Yaxhá
goDoor to door: About 5 h
Shuttle or taxi from Flores, about 1.5 h
Quieter ruins between two lakes; arrange the return before you leave.
El Mirador
overnightDoor to door: 5–6 days
Organised trek from Flores via Carmelita
Q1,300–1,600 including food, water, tents, mules and guides; no phone signal or electricity.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Flores island
Walkable, lake views, restaurants on the water; quietest and safest. Book ahead Dec–Apr.
Santa Elena and San Benito
Cheaper, near the bus terminals and market; more traffic and litter, more caution after dark.
El Remate
Lakeside village 30 min toward Tikal; quieter and cheaper, but you need transport for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Q250–400 excl. bed
- Mid
- Q400–800 excl. bed
- High
- Q800+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room1 × 2 nights × GTQ 400 | GTQ 800 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × GTQ 500 | GTQ 2,000 |
| Tikal shuttle, return2 × GTQ 80 · check | GTQ 160 |
| Tikal entry2 × GTQ 150 · check | GTQ 300 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × GTQ 100 | GTQ 200 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | GTQ 346 |
| Trip total≈ GTQ 952 per person per day, bed included | GTQ 3,806 |
2026 estimate in quetzales; flights and Tikal entry excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | Q15–30 |
| Set lunch (comida corriente) | Q40–70 |
| Beer: bottle at a bar / shop | Q20–35 / Q12–18 |
| Tuk-tuk in town | Q10–15 |
| Boat to San Miguel | Q10 |
| ATM withdrawal | about Q50 plus 7.5% at 5B machines |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- ATMs in the Flores area are mostly the 5B brand, which charges high fees plus a percentage; the BI machine is cheaper but has failed to dispense cash before. BAC Bank in Santa Elena does counter withdrawals with your passport.
- Tikal shuttles leave as early as 03:00; confirm your return time and bus number before you get off.Tikal shuttles leave as early as 3:00 AM; confirm your return time and bus number before you get off.
- Tayasal is unmarked forest: agree the price and the pyramids with the boatman before boarding.
- Lake water is warm but not treated; the two public swimming piers on the west side are the designated spots.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Tourist assistance (INGUAT)
- 1500
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
FloresFlores
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Tourist assistance (INGUAT)1500
Embassy
No embassies in Flores; the US, UK and most others are in Guatemala City. Consular help for Petén is arranged from there.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → Flores island, taxi: Q20, or Q10 per person, whichever is more
- New bus terminal → island, tuk-tuk: Q15 per person
- Flores → Tikal shuttle: Q80 return without guide, Q100 with
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- A Tikal, por favor — To Tikal, please (a ti-KAL por fa-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está el lancha? — Where is the boat? (DON-de es-TA el LAN-cha)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRA-syas)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWE-do pa-GAR kon tar-HE-ta)
- Necesito un médico — I need a doctor (ne-se-SI-to un ME-di-ko)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Flores. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (dry season) · avoid Sep–Oct (wettest), Easter week · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for FRS: taxi and shuttle rates field-checked, late-arrival fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: island plaza, causeway, Santa Elena market, north pier.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Tikal, Tayasal, Petencito, Ixpanpajul) and eat pages with last orders.
- ATM and cash fixture so the money section goes green.
Sources
- officialINGUAT — Guatemala tourism board
- officialFuente del Norte
- officialLinea Dorada
- officialARCAS Guatemala
- secondaryWikivoyage: Flores (Guatemala), revision 5311087 (CC BY-SA 4.0)