Flores, Colonial island city in Petén, Guatemala
Flores occupies a small island within Lake Petén Itzá, connected to the mainland by a causeway with buildings painted in bright colors along narrow cobblestone streets.
The settlement was originally called Noh Peten and functioned as the capital of the Itza Maya kingdom until Spanish conquistadors captured it in 1697.
The streets of Flores come alive during traditional festivals, where local musicians play marimbas while vendors sell regional dishes and handmade textiles.
Travelers use Flores as a central base to explore the Mayan ruins of Tikal, with regular shuttle services departing from the town's main plaza to archaeological sites.
Lake Petén Itzá surrounds the entire urban center, creating natural boundaries that have preserved the original colonial street layout from the 1700s.
Location: Petén Department
Elevation above the sea: 113 m
Shares border with: San Belmopan, Dolores, Santa Ana, Campeche, San Benito
GPS coordinates: 16.93333,-89.88333
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:48
Guatemala contains several photographic subjects within its borders. Maya ruins such as Tikal, Yaxha and Quiriguá stand in the tropical forests of Petén and Izabal. Colonial architecture appears in Antigua Guatemala, where the Santa Catalina Arch and painted facades line cobblestone streets. Lake Atitlán sits between three volcanoes, with towns like Santiago Atitlán and San Marcos La Laguna offering different perspectives on the water. Active volcanoes including Pacaya and Acatenango provide opportunities to photograph lava flows and crater landscapes. The highland areas of Alta Verapaz hold Semuc Champey, a natural limestone pool, and the caves of Lanquín and Candelaria. Hot springs at Fuentes Georginas lie near Quetzaltenango in the western highlands. Chichicastenango Market documents textile trade and indigenous ceremonies. Livingston on the Rio Dulce shows Garifuna culture on the Caribbean coast, while Monterrico offers black sand beaches on the Pacific. Less visited sites like Dos Pilas, Takalik Abaj and Iximche add pre-Columbian contexts. The collection covers both well known and remote locations across Guatemala's varied geography.
Tikal
42.4 km
Tikal Temple I
42.4 km
Tikal National Park
42.4 km
Petén Basin
4.1 km
Yaxha
53.7 km
Uaxactún
57.7 km
Dos Pilas
67.8 km
Tikal Temple IV
42.1 km
Tikal Temple II
42.4 km
Tikal Temple V
42.2 km
Nakum
62.1 km
Tikal Temple 33
42.4 km
Tayasal
1.2 km
Tikal Temple III
42.2 km
Ixlu
21.5 km
La Blanca
47.1 km
El Chal
41.6 km
Holtun
53 km
Ixkun
64.3 km
Ucanal
57.3 km
Zapote Bobal
60.9 km
Actún Can
3.6 km
Estadio Julián Tesucún
5.8 km
Sitio Arqueologico Yaxha
53.9 km
Yaxha Visitor Center
54.8 km
Museo Regional Del Mundo Maya
691 m
Parque Arqueológico Uaxactún
57.7 km
Great Plaza
42.4 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes