Welcome to our Barefoot Backpackers’ Flores travel guide, one of the most charming towns in Guatemala and the gateway to the country’s most famous archaeological site, Tikal. We loved Tikal and spent 3 nights here. Set on a tiny island in Lake Petén Itzá and connected to the mainland by a short causeway, Flores is known for its colorful buildings, cobbled streets, lake views, and laid-back atmosphere. It feels very different from the busy cities and mountain towns found elsewhere in Guatemala, offering a slower pace and plenty of opportunities to relax by the water.
While many travelers only spend a night or two here before visiting Tikal, Flores is worth exploring in its own right. You’ll find rooftop bars overlooking the lake, local restaurants serving Guatemalan classics, backpacker hostels packed with travelers sharing stories, and beautiful sunsets over the water. It’s also one of the main stops on the backpacker route between Caye Caulker and Belize, as well as the rest of Guatemala, making it a natural place to recharge before continuing your journey.
In this guide, we break down our favourite things to do in Flores, where to stay, day trips to Tikal, food recommendations, and practical budget and transport tips. So with that in mind, let’s get into it.
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Getting to Flores
Most travelers arrive in Flores from either Belize, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, or Semuc Champey.
Tourist shuttle buses connect Flores with the rest of Guatemala and neighboring Belize, making it one of the easiest destinations to reach in the country. If you’re coming from Caye Caulker or Belize City, the journey is particularly straightforward, with direct tourist shuttles crossing the border and continuing to Flores in around six to seven hours.
Flores also has a small airport with daily flights to Guatemala City, making it a convenient option for travelers short on time. Once you arrive, the island itself is completely walkable, and most hostels, restaurants, and attractions are only a few minutes apart.
Where to Stay
Los Amigos Hostel
Los Amigos is easily the most social hostel in Flores and one of the most famous hostels in Guatemala.
The property feels more like a tropical backpacker oasis than a traditional hostel, with lush gardens, colorful communal spaces, a popular restaurant, and nightly social events that make it incredibly easy to meet other travelers.
We stayed here in a private room and liked the atmosphere of the restaurant and the common room and the kitchen was good. However, we would not recommend booking the basic private room, as this room was located inside the restaurant area and had limited ventilation.
The standard private rooms and dormitories are a much better option, offering excellent quality accommodation with air conditioning and significantly more comfort.
If you’re looking to meet people before heading to Tikal or continuing through Guatemala, this is definitely the place to stay.
Ahau Tikal
For travelers looking for a quieter experience, Ahau Tikal offers a much more relaxed atmosphere.
While Los Amigos is built around socializing, Ahau Tikal attracts travelers seeking a peaceful place to rest after long travel days and early morning Tikal excursions.
The hostel has a laid-back vibe, comfortable communal areas, and a slower pace that makes it ideal for digital nomads, couples, or anyone who prefers a calmer environment.
It’s still close enough to everything in Flores but feels removed from the constant activity found in the island’s busier hostels.
Where to Stay: Los Amigos Hostel (Social) or Ahau Tikal Hostel (Chill)
What to Do in Flores
Tikal National Park
Tikal is the reason most travelers come to Flores, and honestly, it completely lives up to the hype.
Hidden deep within the Petén rainforest, Tikal was one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Maya civilization, reaching its peak between 200 and 900 AD. At its height, the city was home to tens of thousands of people and dominated trade and politics across much of the Maya world. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest archaeological complexes in Central America.
What makes Tikal so special is how wild it still feels.
Unlike many archaeological sites, the jungle surrounds and engulfs the ruins. As you walk between the temples, you’ll hear howler monkeys roaring through the trees, spot toucans perched in the canopy, and see coatimundis wandering across the ancient plazas.
The massive temples rise dramatically above the rainforest, with Temple IV standing over 70 metres tall and offering incredible views across the jungle canopy.
We chose the sunset tour, which allowed us to explore the site during the cooler part of the day before climbing Temple IV to watch the jungle transform as the sun disappeared into the horizon.
One of the highlights was spotting the incredibly rare Orange-breasted Falcon. There are believed to be only two of these birds in Guatemala, and both live within Tikal National Park.
We were lucky enough to see both of them soaring above the temples, making the experience even more memorable.
Whether you choose a sunrise, daytime, or sunset tour, Tikal is easily one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Latin America and a must-visit while traveling through Guatemala.
Yoga on the Lake
One of our favourite activities in Flores was the lakeside yoga platform used by Los Amigos Hostel.
To get there, you’ll hop into a small boat that takes you across Lake Petén Itzá to a peaceful wooden platform overlooking the water.
After yoga, you can relax by the lake, go for a swim, or use the paddleboards available on-site. It’s a great way to slow down after long bus journeys or a full day exploring Tikal.
Jorge’s Rope Swing
If you’re looking for a fun way to cool off, head to Jorge’s Rope Swing on the edge of Lake Petén Itzá.
The rope swing has become something of a backpacker institution in Flores and is one of the most popular places to spend a hot afternoon.
Many travelers kayak over from Flores, while others take a tuk-tuk or short boat ride. Once there, you can launch yourself into the lake, swim in the warm water, relax on the dock, and grab food or drinks while enjoying the views.
We rented a double kayak from Maracuyá restaurant for 70 quetzales / 9 USD.
Walk Around Flores Island
Flores is small enough to explore entirely on foot, and one of the best things to do is simply wander around the island without a plan. The colorful buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and lake views make it one of the prettiest towns in Guatemala.
Walking the entire perimeter of the island takes less than an hour, but you’ll likely stop frequently for photos, coffee, ice cream, or sunset views. The waterfront promenade is particularly beautiful in the evening when locals gather along the lake and the town begins to light up.
Food & Cafés
Maracuyá
Maracuyá was one of our favourite restaurants in Flores. The setting overlooks the lake and has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to spend a couple of hours enjoying a meal.
The menu focuses on fresh, healthy dishes with excellent value for money, and there are plenty of vegetarian options. One thing that surprised us was the selection of Thai-inspired dishes alongside local and international favourites. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced, making it a great option for both breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Los Amigos Restaurant
Even if you’re not staying at the hostel, Los Amigos Restaurant is worth visiting. The menu is huge, covering everything from breakfasts and smoothies to international comfort food and healthy bowls.
The portions are enormous, making it popular with backpackers looking for good value meals. The smoothies are especially good after a long day exploring Tikal or walking around Flores.
Cool Beans
Cool Beans is one of the classic backpacker cafés in Flores and a popular place to start the day. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with travelers often lingering over coffee while planning their next destination.
The food is simple, affordable, and consistently good, making it a reliable option if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tacos Los Peces
For a quick and affordable meal, Tacos Los Peces is hard to beat.
The tacos and burritos are packed with flavour, generously filled, and excellent value for money. It’s the perfect place to grab dinner after a day at Tikal without stretching your backpacker budget.
Yogulato
If you’re looking for something sweet, head to Yogulato.
Their frozen yoghurt is incredibly popular, and the mango cardamom lassi flavour quickly became our favourite.
After a hot day wandering around Flores, it’s the perfect refreshing treat.
Sunset Spots
Sky Bar
Sky Bar is one of the best places in Flores to watch the sun go down over Lake Petén Itzá. Perched above the town, it offers panoramic views across the water and a relaxed atmosphere that attracts both backpackers and locals. Happy hour is the best time to visit. Grab a cocktail, find a spot overlooking the lake, and watch the sky turn shades of orange and pink as the sun disappears behind the hills.
Practical Guide to Flores
Getting Around
Flores Island is small enough to walk everywhere, and most travelers won’t need any transport once they’ve arrived.
The island is connected to the mainland by a short causeway, where you’ll find the bus station, supermarkets, and Flores Airport. Boats, tuk-tuks, and taxis are available if you’re heading to attractions outside town, but most of Flores is best explored on foot.
Budget
Flores is one of the more affordable destinations in Guatemala.
Hostel dorms generally start from around 60 to 100 Quetzales per night, while private rooms range from 200 to 600 Quetzales, depending on comfort level and season.
Meals at local restaurants typically cost between 30 and 80 Quetzales, while organized Tikal tours generally range from 150 to 350 Quetzales, depending on whether you choose a sunrise, sunset, or standard daytime visit.
Backpackers can comfortably explore Flores for around 250 to 500 Quetzales per day, depending on accommodation style and activities.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from November to April offers the best weather for exploring Tikal and enjoying sunsets over the lake.
Skies are generally clear, temperatures are warm, and wildlife spotting is often excellent.
The rainy season from May to October brings lush green jungle landscapes and fewer tourists.
We visited during the shoulder season and found the combination of lower crowds and warm weather ideal for exploring both Flores and Tikal.
