Flores

Flores is a charming and colourful little town set on a small island in the middle of Lake Peten Itza, in the jungle lowlands of northern Guatemala, connected to the mainland by a short causeway. A laid-back, red-roofed Spanish colonial town of cobbled lanes, pastel houses and lakeside restaurants, it is the most pleasant base and gateway for visiting the great Maya ruins of Tikal nearby, and a relaxing spot to enjoy the lake, the sunsets and the tropical calm.

History

The earliest traces of settlement on the island date to 900-600 BC, with a major expansion around 250-400 AD, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas. The Itza, who left Yucatán in the 13th century, made it their capital, Nojpetén, "great island", which the Spanish called Tayasal; it was the last independent Maya state, and it held out until 1697, when the Spanish attacked by boat and destroyed it, and the modern town of Flores grew from its ruins (Wikipedia, Flores, Petén).

What's there

• The island town - the colourful cobbled lanes and red roofs.
• Lake Peten Itza - the boat trips and swimming in the lake.
• The sunsets - the lakeside sunsets over the water.
• The gateway to Tikal - the base for the great Maya ruins nearby.

When to go

November to April, the dry season, for the best weather; Flores is a year-round base for Tikal, and its lakeside setting is lovely for a relaxing evening after a day at the ruins. It is hot and humid in the lowland jungle.

Things to know

It is small and its main role is as a pleasant, relaxing base for visiting Tikal rather than a major sight in itself, seen in a stroll. It is touristy, geared to the Tikal traffic, but genuinely charming. It is hot and humid. The lakeside setting and colourful town make it a lovely place to unwind around a jungle adventure.

Nearby

The ruins of Tikal, Yaxha and the jungle of the Peten are within reach.

Key facts