If you’re looking for a great place for a weekend or short getaway, consider visiting Flores Island in Guatemala. Depending on where you live, it may not be the easiest option, but it can be a fantastic addition to an existing holiday itinerary. While Flores is one of the most touristy places in Guatemala, it still retains a unique charm unlike some of the more commercialized destinations around the world.
A Small Island with a Big Personality
Flores Island is just 0.77 square miles in size, making it small enough to walk the entire city in under an hour. It sits on Lake Petén Itzá in the Petén Department of Guatemala, with an elevation of 417 feet. Despite its compact size, the island boasts a population of 44,706 people. It’s packed with rooftop bars, small shops, and an easygoing island vibe.
Nearby, you’ll find the breathtaking Mayan ruins of Tikal, located on the mainland. Within Flores itself, there are plenty of attractions to explore, including the Cathedral of Flores, the Museo del Islote Santa Barbara, and the Petencito Zoo.
Chill Island Vibes
I loved my time on Flores Island. Like many touristy areas, it felt safer than other parts of the city. What stood out to me was how relaxed and walkable the island was. I could wander without worrying too much about getting lost—at worst, I’d end up at another edge of the island within 15 to 20 minutes and easily reorient myself.
Unfortunately, when I visited, the island had experienced some flooding. The rising water levels impacted the walking trail around the outer edges of Flores and even affected the sewer system. And yes, before you ask, it did smell a little. Our hotel, located by the water’s edge, had a slightly rank lobby, but thankfully, our room was fine. These are the kinds of unexpected travel hiccups you just have to roll with. Water doesn’t always recede as quickly as it rises, and since we were only there for two nights and three days, the issue wasn’t resolved before we left. However, it was a minor inconvenience in an otherwise great experience.
Dining and Nightlife
One of the highlights of our trip was enjoying sunset cocktails at Sky Bar. With its elevated location, the bar offers stunning views over the city and the mainland beyond. The atmosphere was relaxed, making it a great spot to unwind with friends while taking in the scenery.
For breakfast, Maple & Tocino was my absolute favorite spot. Located right on the water’s edge, it offered a great vantage point to see how the rising lake levels had submerged parts of the walking trail. The restaurant also had an entrance from the inner street, a clear indication that flooding was a common occurrence.
The bilingual menu (Spanish and English) made ordering easy, though the pictures spoke for themselves. I’m picky about eggs—I like them firm, not runny—so I appreciated the detailed descriptions. I opted for the waffle sampler, which looked exactly like its picture: well-presented and packed with a variety of flavors. What really intrigued me was the chicken and waffles. I had heard a lot about this dish but had never tried it until this trip. The way the sweet maple syrup complemented the crispy fried chicken was surprisingly delicious. It’s amazing what food combinations people come up with! In addition to the great food, Maple & Tocino also offered a selection of healthy drinks, another big plus.
We visited a few other places, but none stood out as much as these two.
Getting Around the Island
One of the fun quirks of Flores Island was the Tuk-tuk taxis. I hadn’t heard this name before, so it stuck with me. These small, three-wheeled taxis are readily available, but it’s best to negotiate the fare before setting off. We never ended up taking one—despite how cool they looked—because walking everywhere was just so easy. The island has a few hills, but nothing too challenging.
My thoughts…
If you’re looking for a place to relax and explore, Flores Island is worth considering. It’s a great getaway spot with a charming atmosphere, friendly locals, and a mix of history, culture, and laid-back island vibes. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail at a rooftop bar, strolling along the waterfront, or enjoying a delicious breakfast, Flores offers a little something for everyone.
References
Falk, B. (n.d.). A Guide To Flores Guatemala: Why I Loved This Maya Town. Passports & Pixels. Retrieved March 30, 2025, from https://www.passportandpixels.com/things-to-do-in-flores-guatemala-guide/
Maple & Tocino (n.d.). https://mapleytocinofrs.weebly.com/
Sky Bar (n.d.). https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g562625-d4164745-Reviews-or15-Sky_Bar-Flores_Peten_Department.html
