A small island town of bright houses, cobbled lanes and a white cathedral, ringed by a lakeside promenade made for sunset.
Flores sits on a small island in Lake Petén Itzá, joined to Santa Elena by a short causeway. It stands on the site of Nojpetén, capital of the Itza Maya, the last independent Maya kingdom, which fell to the Spanish in 1697.
Today it's a compact grid of lanes climbing to a hilltop plaza and white cathedral, with houses painted orange, turquoise and pink, guesthouses, cafés and small restaurants.
A promenade, the malecón, runs right around the island. The western side, facing the sunset, fills with bars and terraces at dusk, and swimmers jump from the docks.
The circuit takes about 20 minutes; the sunset takes an hour.
An afternoon loop.
Walk over the causeway from Santa Elena, with the island ahead of you.
Climb the lanes to the central plaza, the cathedral and the little lookout.
Wander down the painted lanes towards the water.
Walk the promenade around the island, past docks and lanchas.
Find a seat on the western side for the sunset, and stay for dinner.
Everything on the island is walkable; tuk-tuks cross the causeway to Santa Elena's buses and banks.
ATMs are more reliable in Santa Elena than on the island.
Lanchas leave from several docks; agree the fare and pick-up time before you go.
Flores practical notes →
