How to spend 3 days in Flores Guatemala
Perched on a small island in Lake Petén Itzá, Flores is a colourful lakeside town best known as the gateway to some of Guatemala’s most impressive Mayan ruins. Nearby, you’ll find the sprawling temples of Tikal and the wildlife-rich Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park.
Day One: Arrival & Exploring Flores
Most travellers arrive in Flores from Belize or Semuc Champey – both long travel days – or by flying in from Guatemala City. I arrived late in the evening, so my first night was all about settling in at Los Amigos Hostel and grabbing dinner at their restaurant.
If you arrive earlier in the day, take advantage of the time to explore. Flores is small and incredibly walkable, with cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and lake views around every corner.
Spend your afternoon:
Wandering through local shops and scouting souvenirs
Finding your favourite photo spots around the island
Stopping at a dock or lakeside platform for a swim
It’s the kind of place that doesn’t need a plan – just wander and see where you end up.
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Day Two: Tikal Sunrise & Lakeside Afternoons
If there’s one thing you do in Flores, make it the sunrise tour at Tikal. Yes, it’s an early start (my alarm went off at 3am), but it’s absolutely worth it.
Arriving in the dark, you’ll climb one of the temples and wait as the jungle slowly comes to life. The distant roar of howler monkeys echoes through the trees – slightly eerie at first, until you realise they’re harmless – and as the light breaks through the mist, the tops of ancient temples emerge above the canopy. It’s one of those moments that sticks with you.
After sunrise, your guide will take you through the ruins, sharing the history of this once-powerful Mayan city. Keep your eyes open – wildlife sightings are common. On my visit, we saw toucans, monkeys, a tarantula, and white-nosed coatis. Jaguars do live in the park, but spotting one is incredibly rare.
You’ll usually return to Flores around midday, making it the perfect excuse for a relaxed afternoon.
After lunch, head down to the lake. I stumbled across a small jetty where a few people were swimming, asked to join, and just like that had made new friends.
We later took a lancha over to Jorge’s Rope Swing – a must-do if you’re up for a bit of fun. The afternoon turned into hours of swimming, jumping from platforms, and swinging into the lake.
Wrap up the day at Sky Bar for happy hour. Think 2-for-1 cocktails, great pizza, and a sunset view over the water – the perfect end to a big day.
Day Three: Slow Travel & Optional Adventures
After the early start the day before, keep this one flexible. Flores is the perfect place to slow down and just enjoy being there.
Start your morning with breakfast at a lakeside café, then spend some time wandering the streets properly – popping into shops, revisiting your favourite spots, and soaking up the atmosphere.
If you’re feeling active, you’ve got a few options:
Playa Chechenal: A beautiful, quieter lakeside spot across the water. You’ll need to take a lancha to get there, so it’s best shared with others to split the cost – but it’s well worth it for a more relaxed beach vibe.
Catamaran Cruise: Many hostels (including Los Amigos) run daily cruises with music, drinks, and a beach stop. I planned to do this, but it wasn’t running that day – definitely worth checking in advance.
ARCAS or Petencito Zoo: Animal rescue centres across the lake that offer a different kind of experience if you’re looking to do something meaningful and educational.
Or, do what I did – find a dock, go for a swim, lie in the sun, and fully embrace the slower pace.
Finish your final night the same way Flores does best: sunset drinks by the water.
Final Thoughts
Flores surprised me. I arrived expecting it to simply be a base for Tikal, but it turned into one of those places that quietly wins you over.
It’s the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation – early mornings exploring ancient ruins, followed by slow afternoons by the lake.
I left feeling recharged, excited, and even more curious about what the rest of Guatemala had in store.