Flores

The picturesque island of Flores is the capital city of the most northern department of Guatemala: the jungly Petén. The colonial island is located in the beautiful Lake Petén Itza, connected to the mainland by a short causeway.

For many tourists, the main reason to visit Flores is its proximity to Tikal, the most famous Mayan ruins in Guatemala, which are just a one hour drive away.

A little bit of history: In Pre-Columbian times, Flores was the Maya city of Tayasal. No Maya buildings remain today but the place itself is of great importance in the heritage of the Maya. It was here on the island of Flores that the last independent state of the Maya civilization held out against the onslaught of the Spanish conquerors.

Nowadays Flores is a true backpacker hotspot. How could it not be? A lake that’s always the perfect temperature, lush jungle all around and the most beautiful sunsets ever.

All in all, Flores is definitely one of the most tranquilo and safe places in Guatemala!