Flores and Lake Petén Itzá: Your Gateway to Guatemala’s Mayan World

By Silvanna Pacheco, January 22nd, 2026.

Deep in northern Guatemala, the Department of Petén finds its cultural heartbeat in the waters of Lake Petén Itzá and the historic island city of Flores. This region acts as the essential gateway for travelers venturing into the wilderness of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Let our travel agents craft your personalized itinerary.

Isla de Flores: The Heart of Petén

Flores was once Nojpetén (Great Island), the capital of the Itzá Maya. It is famous for being the last Maya stronghold to fall to the Spanish in 1697, nearly 200 years after the initial conquest of the highlands. Today, the island’s highest point, where the white-domed Catedral de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios sits, was once the site of the principal Itzá temples.

Flores is one of Guatemala’s most beautiful towns, alongside Antigua. Its cobblestone streets and pastel facades create a relaxed contrast to the rugged jungle that surrounds it. This tiny island is connected to the mainland town of Santa Elena by a causeway. The waterfront promenade circles the entire island.

Sunset is the most celebrated time of day in Flores. Locals and travelers alike gather on the low stone walls to watch the sky turn orange and purple over Lake Petén Itzá. Some of the best sunset viewpoints include:

Mirador del Rey Canek: A short hike from San Miguel leads to a wooden lookout tower. This offers the “postcard view”, a perfect bird’s-eye perspective of Flores Island surrounded by the lake.

Rooftop Bars: For an elevated view, Sky Bar and Terrazzo on Flores Island are popular spots to grab a cocktail while the sun dips behind the distant jungle hills.

The West Malecón: At dusk, the entire western sidewalk of the island becomes a social hub. Grab a drink from a street vendor and watch the sky turn purple.

Plaza Central: Located at the highest point of the island, this peaceful park features the white Cathedral and offers a glimpse into local life.

Santa Elena and San Benito are the two main mainland sister towns to the island of Flores in Petén, Guatemala. While Flores is the picturesque, tourist-centric hub, Santa Elena and San Benito function as the commercial and residential heart of the region. Together with Flores, they form a single urban area surrounding the shores of Lake Petén Itzá.

The dining scene on the island has evolved significantly, offering everything from traditional Mayan flavors to international fusion. Highlights include:

San Telmo: Known for its quirky, colorful decor and great vegetarian options, it is a favorite for its bohemian atmosphere and lake views.

Raíces del Lago: Located right on the water, this is one of the more upscale spots. It’s perfect for trying local fish like Blanco Flor, a delicate white fish from the lake.

La Villa del Chef: A wonderful place to try Pepián (a rich, spiced meat stew) or white cacao beverages. The chef often interacts with guests, giving the experience a personal touch.

Cool Beans: The go-to spot for breakfast. It has a relaxed backyard garden vibe and serves excellent Guatemalan coffee.

Flores is the starting point for some of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world.

Visiting Tikal from Flores is one of the most popular journeys in Guatemala, involving a 1.5-hour drive through the scenic Petén landscape. Tikal is a massive archaeological complex within a dense rainforest where you get to observe wildlife activity like howler monkeys. Visit the Great Plaza and the Lost World (Mundo Perdido)

Yaxhá is known for being less crowded than Tikal and it is celebrated for its unique lakeside setting and its role as a major center for Maya astronomy. Located about 73 km (45 miles) east of Flores, the site typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach by road. Many travelers consider Yaxhá to have the best sunset in the Maya world. Our team will guide you to the best Mayan Sites to visit during your stay in Guatemala.

The limestone geography of Petén is home to incredible underground systems. Among the most popular caves are:

Actún Kan (The Serpent Cave): Located just a short tuk-tuk ride from the Flores causeway, these caves are easily accessible and feature impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Legend says the Maya used them for ceremonies and as a place of refuge.

Cuevas de Jobtziriche: Located a bit further out, these offer a more “wild” experience for those who enjoy an adventurous trek through muddy chambers.

Lake Petén Itzá: The Sparkling Blue Heart

As Guatemala’s third-largest and deepest body of water, Lake Petén Itzá is celebrated for its warm, turquoise depths and remarkable biodiversity . The lake serves as a vital sanctuary for over 100 indigenous species, including the endemic Petenia splendida fish and Morelet’s crocodiles .

While the island of Flores acts as the primary tourist hub, the northern shore near San José and San Miguel remains the region’s cultural soul. Here, the Maya Itzá communities manage the Bio-Itzá Ecological Reserve, a dedicated effort to protect their ancestral lands and vast tradition of medicinal plant knowledge.

The Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR)
The area north of the lake marks the beginning of the MBR, a vast protected area covering 18% of Guatemala’s territory. Often called the “Lungs of Mesoamerica,” it protects nearly 5 million acres of jungle. Beyond Tikal, the reserve protects remote “lost cities” like El Mirador (home to La Danta, one of the world’s largest pyramids by volume) and Uaxactún, which served as an ancient astronomical observatory. While the region faces modern pressures like logging, sustainable tourism in Flores remains a vital economic alternative for the local population.

For those seeking adventure, the lake offers a variety of immersive experiences ranging from the adrenaline of Jorge’s Rope Swing to the tranquil trails of the Cerro Cahuí Biotope. The calm morning waters are ideal for kayaking to hidden coves or visiting the Petencito Zoo’s island habitats

Travelers can also relax on the white sands of Playa Chechenal or venture further to Crater Azul, a breathtaking “underwater garden” . With water so transparent it reveals every detail of the riverbed, these locations highlight the stunning natural clarity and ecological importance of the Petén lake system. Start planning your Guatemalan Vacation today.