Where To Stay In Flores, Guatemala (2026 Guide)
Where To Stay In Flores, Guatemala (2026 Guide)
Flores sits on a small island in Lake Petén Itzá in the Petén region of northern Guatemala, connected by causeway to the mainland towns of Santa Elena and San Benito. Most travelers come here as a base for exploring Tikal National Park, but the island of Flores itself rewards a longer stay.
Choosing the best place to stay in Flores matters because the tiny island is walkable and charming, while the mainland towns offer different vibes, prices, and access points. Your choice affects how much you’ll spend, what you’ll eat, and how quickly you can reach the ruins of Tikal.
What to Expect in This Post
This guide to where to stay is built for quick scanning and real-world decisions. Here’s what you’ll get:
- A breakdown of Flores Island vs. mainland neighbourhoods and best areas to stay
- Safety and walkability notes for each area to stay in Flores
- Hotels and hostels by location, from budget places to best hotels in Flores
- Transportation considerations for your trip to Tikal
- Practical guidance on accommodation types
- Clear recommendations for first-timers, families, and budget travelers
Where to Stay in Flores: Quick Overview
- Isla de Flores – Colourful colonial center, walkable, restaurants and bars, higher prices
- Santa Elena – Mainland town adjacent to Flores, local vibe, budget-friendly, less scenic
- San Benito – Working-class neighbourhood west of Santa Elena, authentic but limited tourist infrastructure
- El Remate – Lakeside village 30km from Flores, quiet, nature-focused, closer to Tikal
- Lake Petén Itzá South Shore – Scattered lodges and eco-resorts, remote, nature immersion
Flores Island: Best Area to Stay for First-Timers
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, travelers who want charm and walkability.
Flores Island is the postcard version of the area. Cobblestone streets wind around the island, colorful buildings line the waterfront, and everything you need sits within a 10-minute walk around the island.
Most visitors base themselves on this island in Lake Petén Itzá. Looking for the best hotels in Flores? Accommodation ranges from budget hostels like Los Amigos Hostel to mid-range hotels. The Hotel Petén Express and other properties on the island offer terraces with views of Flores and the surrounding lake.
The island full of restaurants serves everything from local Guatemalan food to international cuisine. Popular spots include restaurants on the island serving fresh fish and lakeside bars perfect for sunset.
Safety on the island is reliable day and night. Streets are well-lit, and the island’s small size means you’re never far from other people. This is widely considered the best area to stay for your trip to Flores.
Santa Elena: Budget Hotels in Flores Guatemala
Best for: Budget travelers, long-term visitors, those who want local immersion.
Santa Elena sprawls across the mainland just across the causeway from the island. It’s louder, less polished, and significantly cheaper than staying on Flores Island.
This is where locals live and shop. You’ll find grocery stores, chicken buses, and comedores serving cheap meals. Hotels and hostels in this area cost 30–50% less than equivalent accommodation on the island.
Budget places to stay cluster near the causeway, making it easy to walk to the center of Flores in 10 minutes. You get authentic Guatemala without sacrificing access to tourist amenities.
Safety is generally fine in commercial areas during the day. At night, stick to well-lit streets near the causeway. The town lacks the aesthetic appeal of the island but offers a practical base.
El Remate: Perfect Place for Early Tikal Visits
Best for: Nature lovers, early-morning Tikal visitors, travelers seeking quiet.
El Remate sits on the northeastern side of the lake, halfway between Flores and Tikal. The village is small, laid-back, and surrounded by forest.
Staying here cuts 30 minutes off your drive from Flores to Tikal National Park. Several mid-range eco-lodges and budget hostels operate along the main road and lakeshore. Most places to stay include terraces or swimming pools.
This is an ideal place to stay at Tikal’s doorstep if you’re planning sunrise visits. Travel agencies in El Remate book tours, though options are more limited than around Flores.
The vibe is tranquil. Expect bird sounds, lake breezes, and early bedtimes. It’s a solid choice if you’re visiting Tikal at dawn and prefer a quieter base than the island. Lonely Planet notes that El Remate offers easier access to nature reserves for exploring Tikal and surrounding areas.
Lake Petén Itzá South Shore: Remote Hotels in Flores Guatemala
Best for: Travelers with rental cars, honeymooners, anyone prioritizing nature over town access.
The southern side of the lake holds scattered eco-lodges and small resorts. These properties sit in forested areas with private docks, swimming pools, and lake views.
You’ll need a car or arrange pickups with your hotel. Public transport doesn’t serve this area well. Dining options are limited to hotel restaurants or a drive back to the island.
This is where you come to disconnect. Properties here emphasize natural surroundings, kayaking, and forest trails over proximity to restaurants in Flores.
Some places offer boat rides from Flores or excursions to nearby attractions like Monkey Island. These hotels appeal to visitors seeking nature immersion as part of their Guatemala itinerary.
San Benito: Hostel in Flores Alternative
Best for: Adventurous budget travelers, those staying long-term.
San Benito extends west from Santa Elena and feels distinctly less touristy. Markets, local eateries, and residential neighborhoods dominate this part of mainland Guatemala.
Accommodation options are sparse and basic. Few travelers choose this place to stay unless they’re working in the area or on an extremely tight budget. The U.S. State Department travel advisory for Guatemala recommends exercising increased caution.
Safety considerations are more pronounced here. Stick to daylight hours, avoid displaying valuables, and consider whether the savings justify the trade-offs compared to staying near the island.
Best Hotels in Flores for First-Time Visitors
Isla de Flores is the clear winner for first-timers. Everything is walkable, safe, and set up for tourists looking for the best place to stay.
Popular hotels on the island include Hotel Petén Express, which offers air-conditioned rooms with terraces. Los Amigos Hostel remains one of the best places for budget travelers, with a social atmosphere and restaurant and bar on-site.
If budget is tight, stay in Santa Elena near the causeway. You’ll have a five-minute walk to restaurants on the island and a more authentic local experience in Guatemala.
El Remate works well if you’re primarily focused on visit Tikal and outdoor activities rather than things to do in Flores town.
Best Area for Nightlife and Dining in Flores Guatemala
The island of Flores concentrates the area’s restaurants, bars, and cafes. Options range from pizza and pasta to upscale Guatemalan fusion.
Nightlife is low-key. Expect a few bars with live music, lakeside drinking spots, and restaurants that stay open until 10 or 11 PM. This isn’t a party destination, but it’s pleasant for your time in Flores.
Several restaurants on the island have terraces overlooking the water—perfect for dinner with sunset views. The tip of the island holds some of the best restaurant and bar options.
Santa Elena offers cheaper local food and basic bars frequented by residents. Quality doesn’t match places in Flores, but prices drop significantly.
Best Place to Stay for Families
The island full of family-friendly accommodation works well due to its walkability and safety. Kids can roam the small island streets without getting lost, and the lake offers swimming spots.
Hotels on Flores Island and in El Remate often have swimming pools, which matters in northern Guatemala’s heat. El Remate’s quieter pace appeals to families seeking outdoor time around the island.
Avoid staying far from Flores or El Remate with young children. Transport logistics become more complicated, and dining options narrow considerably.
Hotel vs Hostel: Accommodation Types in Flores
Hotels dominate the area. The short tourist stays (most visitors spend 2-3 days in Flores) and small size of the island mean apartments are less common than in Guatemala City or other places in Guatemala.
For stays under a week, hotels and hostels make more sense. Breakfast is often included, and you’ll have support for booking tours to visit Tikal and other sites like Tikal and Yaxha.
Amigos Hostel and similar budget hostels provide dorm beds and private rooms. Mid-range hotels offer more privacy and amenities like terraces and swimming pools.
Apartments exist primarily in Santa Elena for longer stays. Prices drop significantly with weekly commitments, useful if your Guatemala itinerary includes extended time in the Peten region of northern Guatemala.
Where NOT to Stay in Flores
Avoid isolated areas far from Flores, Santa Elena, or El Remate unless you have a rental car and specific reasons to be there. Transport costs add up quickly from remote spots.
Within Santa Elena and San Benito, avoid neighborhoods more than 15 minutes’ walk from the causeway. These areas offer few tourist services and less reliable safety.
Properties advertising “near Flores” can mislead. Some hotels in the area sit 20+ minutes away on foot. Verify actual location before booking your place to stay.
If considering areas near Guatemala City for a start from Flores approach, note that the capital is a 8-hour drive from Flores. Most travelers fly between the two.
Things to Do in Flores Beyond Tikal
While exploring Tikal is the main draw, the island offers other activities for your visit to Flores.
Walk around the island’s perimeter in 15 minutes, stopping at viewpoints. Rent kayaks for paddling around the lake or book a boat ride from Flores to nearby villages.
Travel agencies arrange trips to Tikal and Yaxha ruins. Some organize visits to Monkey Island, a small island sanctuary for rescued primates.
San Miguel, the main church at the island’s highest point, provides panoramic views of Flores and the surrounding lake.
Swimming from docks or beaches on the side of the island offers relief from heat. Most hotels have lake access or swimming pools for guests.
Best Hotels and Hostels: List of Top Options
Budget: Los Amigos Hostel dominates the backpacker scene with its social atmosphere, terrace, and tour desk for organizing your trip to Tikal.
Mid-range: Hotel Petén Express provides reliable accommodation with air conditioning and a restaurant. Flores – Casa properties offer boutique-style rooms around the island.
Santa Elena budget: Several basic hotels near the causeway provide clean rooms at lower prices than staying on the island of Flores.
El Remate nature lodges: Small hotels with swimming pools and forest settings appeal to visitors prioritizing access to Tikal National Park.
Most hotels in Flores fill during peak season (December–March), so book ahead if visiting during these months or major Guatemala holidays.
Key Takeaways
- Isla de Flores offers the best balance of charm, walkability, and safety for first-time visitors
- Santa Elena provides budget-friendly hotels and hostels a short walk from the island
- El Remate suits nature-focused travelers and is the best place to stay for early Tikal visits
- Most visitors stay 2-3 days in Flores, making hotels more practical than apartments
- The lake’s south shore and San Benito are better left to travelers with specific needs
- The tiny island is walkable end-to-end in 15 minutes with restaurants and accommodation clustered together
- Book ahead during peak season as the best hotels in Flores fill quickly
FAQ
Is it safe to stay in Flores, Guatemala?
The island of Flores is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft occurs but violent crime against visitors is rare. Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and stick to well-lit areas at night. Santa Elena requires slightly more caution after dark.
How many days in Flores should I plan?
Most travelers stay 2–3 nights. This allows one full day for visit Tikal, time to explore the island, and optional day trips to Yaxha or other nearby sites. If you’re visiting multiple ruins or want a slower pace for your time in Flores, add another day or two.
Is the island or Santa Elena better for budget places to stay?
Santa Elena offers cheaper hotels, hostels, and local services. You’ll save 30–50% on accommodation compared to staying on Flores Island while remaining a short walk from restaurants on the island. The trade-off is less charm and fewer tourist amenities at your hotel in the area.
Do I need a car to visit Flores?
No. The island of Flores is entirely walkable, and organized tours handle transport to Tikal and other ruins. Taxis and tuk-tuks connect Flores, Santa Elena, and the airport cheaply. A car is only useful if you’re staying on the lake’s south shore or want flexibility for exploring Tikal and surrounding sites independently.
What's the best area to stay for visiting Tikal National Park?
Both the island and El Remate work well. The island offers more dining and activity options while El Remate cuts 30 minutes off your morning drive. For sunrise tours, El Remate’s proximity provides extra sleep time. According to National Geographic, Tikal remains one of the most significant Maya archaeological sites, making proximity a key consideration.
Can you swim in Lake Petén Itzá around Flores?
Yes, though water quality varies. Hotels on the island and around the lake often have swimming docks or beach areas on the side of the lake. Most places to stay with swimming pools offer alternatives. The water is warm year-round. Avoid swimming after heavy rains when runoff affects clarity.
Is Flores worth staying overnight or just a day trip from Guatemala City?
Flores deserves at least two nights. Tikal requires a full day, and the island itself offers sunset views, lakeside dining, and a relaxed atmosphere worth experiencing. The 8-hour drive from Guatemala City makes day trips impractical—most visitors fly. Treating Flores as just a Tikal staging point misses one of the best places in Guatemala for atmosphere and natural beauty.
