📖 About Flores

Flores is a small island town connected by causeway to Santa Elena and San Benito on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá in northern Guatemala. With a combined population of approximately 35,000, this tropical lakeside community serves as the gateway to Tikal and other extraordinary Maya archaeological sites in the Petén jungle. The picturesque island, with its colorful colonial buildings climbing steep streets, has become a beloved backpacker destination.

The island was the location of Tayasal, the last independent Maya city, which held out against Spanish conquest until 1697—nearly 200 years after the fall of the Aztec and Inca empires. This late conquest means the area retained strong Maya traditions, and today's inhabitants are primarily descendants of the Itzá Maya who built their capital here on the lake.

Flores enchants visitors with its tranquil island atmosphere, lakeside restaurants, and sunsets over the water. The compact historic center is walkable in an hour, but most visitors linger longer to enjoy the laid-back vibe, explore the surrounding jungle reserves, and of course visit the magnificent ruins of Tikal—one of the ancient world's greatest cities.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Tourism dominates Flores' economy, with hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and transport services catering to visitors bound for Tikal and other sites. The causeway connection to Santa Elena provides access to regional commerce and the airport. Some agriculture and fishing continue traditional livelihoods, while government employment serves the departmental capital functions.

Culture in Flores blends Maya heritage with Guatemalan mestizo and backpacker influences. The Itzá Maya language survives among some families, and traditional crafts and ceremonies connect to ancient roots. Catholic churches mark the colonial transformation, while modern Petén culture embraces music, food, and festivities. The traveler scene has introduced international cuisine and a cosmopolitan atmosphere to this tropical island town.

📜 History

The island of Flores was the location of Nojpetén (Tayasal), capital of the Itzá Maya who fled the Spanish conquest of the Yucatán. For nearly 200 years, this remote kingdom remained independent while colonial rule spread elsewhere. Spanish expeditions attempted conversion and conquest repeatedly, finally succeeding in 1697 when Martín de Ursúa attacked across the lake.

Colonial Flores developed slowly, remaining a frontier outpost until the 20th century. The discovery and excavation of Tikal from the 1950s onward transformed the region. Tourism began developing in the 1970s and has grown steadily, though infrastructure remains basic in this remote corner of Central America. Flores today balances its role as tourism hub with preservation of Maya heritage and the ecological treasures of the surrounding Maya Biosphere Reserve.