Town in Petén, Guatemala
Flores
A tiny cobbled island on Lake Petén Itzá and the base for Tikal, with cheap hostels and sunset waterfront bars. Hot, humid and quiet, with little to do beyond the ruins.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$917–1,440Comfortable, one person · Q7,000–11,000Details
- Value for money72/100Better value than 71% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Apr, 36°CDetails
- Internet100 MbpsFixed broadband, Guatemala medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$26–52Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundinDriveVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashFew ATMs on the island; withdraw in Santa Elena.Details
Where to stay in Flores
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Flores Island | Everything on foot: hostels, restaurants, lake views |
| Santa Elena (mainland) | Buses, banks, cheaper hotels, less charm |
| San Miguel and El Remate | Quieter lakeside stays, closer to Tikal |
Apps that work in Flores
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| inDrive | Not reliably available; use taxis and tuk-tuks |
- Maps: Google Maps, Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Short island trips are tuk-tuks or walking. Agree taxi fares for Tikal and the airport before leaving; shared minibuses are cheaper.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Guatemala.
- Mostly cash Few ATMs on the island; withdraw in Santa Elena. Cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants, but small places want quetzales.
- Currency: Quetzal (GTQ). US$1 ≈ Q7.64 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use 5B (Banco Industrial) or BAC ATMs inside banks or malls; expect a local fee per withdrawal and occasional skimming.
- Tipping: Restaurants often add a 10% 'propina sugerida'; otherwise leave about 10%. Tip guides and shuttle drivers; taxis aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in chains and upscale places; local wallets need a Guatemalan account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the online traveller declaration before arrival and before departure and keep the QR code; airport terminals for it are slower.
- CA-4 rule: one combined stay limit covers Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua; crossing between them doesn't reset it.
- Check your passport is stamped on entry; a missing stamp means a fine and delays when you leave.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 122 · Fire 122 · Tourist police 1500
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Tigo or Claro SIMs from their stores, malls and airport kiosks with your passport; prepaid monthly data bundles are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Guatemala
Going to Flores solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.