Best of Flores

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Flores
In Guatemala’s densely forested north, the island town of Flores has an almost Mediterranean feel with its pastel-hued houses, tranquil promenades and views over the deep blue waters of Lake Petén Itzá. Most people come here with ruins in mind, namely the awe-inspiring collection of temples of Tikal, which is a little more than an hour’s drive to the north. Aside from being a great base for delving into Mayan artifacts, Flores is a peaceful place to enjoy some downtime amid waterfront guesthouses and tropical-infused restaurants. 

From Flores, you can book a range of excursions to Tikal National Park. Sunrise and sunset tours allow you to see the temples at their most dramatic, while full-day trips give you a more immersive experience among all the major points of interest — and some lesser-known places along the way. You can’t leave Flores without taking at least one boat trip. On a lakeside excursion, you’ll learn about nature and culture on Guatemala’s third-largest body of water.
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Active kids will love the rivers and beaches of Caribbean Guatemala
Map of Caribbean Guatemala for Families: Rivers, Beaches & Ruins - 10 Days
Caribbean Guatemala for Families: Rivers, Beaches & Ruins - 10 Days

Tour Guatemala's lesser-visited Caribbean side on this exhilarating 10-day family adventure. Start in Guatemala City, where you'll see the historical sights of Parque Central and turn cacao into sweet treats at a chocolate workshop. Then, it's off to Río Dulce for a boat tour of the river and kayaking or paddleboarding along the beaches of Livingston. End in the island town of Flores, taking a zipline along the canopies of Ixpanpajul Natural Reserve and hiking through the Maya ruins of Tikal National Park.

Take out a kayak on Lake Atitlán
Map of Active Highlights of Guatemala: Kayaking, Hiking & Tubing - 8 Days
Active Highlights of Guatemala: Kayaking, Hiking & Tubing - 8 Days

Get ready for eight days of exhilarating excursions through some of Guatemala's most stunning natural landscapes. On this fast-paced adventure, you'll set out from Antigua for hiking and kayaking along the shores of Lake Atitlán. Then it's on to Flores for a sunrise over Maya pyramids, wildlife spotting in Tikal National Park, and a thrilling inner tube ride through the Candelaria Caves. Wind down your trip in Guatemala City, learning about its colonial history and traditional cuisine with a walking tour and cooking class.

A pier on Petén Itzá near Flores
Map of Caribbean Guatemala & Maya Ruins - 11 Days
Caribbean Guatemala & Maya Ruins - 11 Days

See a different side of Guatemala on this bespoke 11-day itinerary. Starting and ending in the capital of Guatemala City, you'll be driven to the Caribbean-influenced north of the country to discover the waterways and jungles of the Río Dulce and Las Conchas regions. Take tours of ancient Maya sites, swim in crater lakes and warm waterfalls, embark on boat tours into wildlife-rich forests, and explore the hidden world of Guatemala's sacred caves.

Explore Guatemala's UNESCO-listed Tikal National Park during the day (and at sunrise)
Map of Best of Guatemala & Belize - 13 Days
Best of Guatemala & Belize - 13 Days

Experience the fascinating culture and natural beauty of Guatemala on a 13-day escape that covers the highlights of not only this Central American gem but of neighboring Belize, too. Starting in Guatemala, you'll tour ancient Mayan ruins, go hiking, kayaking, and biking, and participate in a spiritual ceremony. Then hop across the border to Belize for Caribbean adventures like cruising on a catamaran and snorkeling in the famous Blue Hole.

Sunset over Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Map of Luxury & Maya Culture in Guatemala -  8 Days
Luxury & Maya Culture in Guatemala - 8 Days

Immerse yourself in ancient Maya culture while traveling in style on this eight-day sojourn to Guatemala. Pamper yourself in luxury hotels and see famous sights from above as you travel by helicopter to some of Guatemala's best attractions. Among other highlights, you'll bask in the serene beauty of Lake Atitlán, discover the charming colonial city of Antigua, and participate in a Maya ceremonial ritual.

Discover the Maya ruins of Belize's Cahal Pech
Map of Maya History in Caribbean Guatemala & Belize - 14 Days
Maya History in Caribbean Guatemala & Belize - 14 Days

Spend 14 days exploring Maya history in Guatemala and Belize, beginning the adventure in Antigua, a former colonial capital surrounded by mighty volcanoes. Then, head to the Caribbean to learn about Afro-Guatemalan culture before visiting Tikal, an important Maya city. Move onto neighboring Belize, where you'll spend days snorkeling around the Belize Barrier Reef and enjoying the Caribbean Sea.

The kids can learn the art of Guatemala's artisanal textiles
Map of Guatemala Culture Tour for Families: Flores, Antigua & Lake Atitlán - 10 Days
Guatemala Culture Tour for Families: Flores, Antigua & Lake Atitlán - 10 Days

Explore the cultural wonders of Guatemala on this immersive, 10-day family adventure. Starting in the enchanting island town of Flores, you'll walk the paths of the ancient Maya at Tikal National Park and the ruins of Yaxhá. Then, it's off to colonial Antigua for traditional Guatemalan cooking classes and a driving tour of the picturesque Almolonga Valley. Boat around the blue waters of Lake Atitlán, learn to make artisan textiles and ceramics and discover early Maya kingdoms at Iximché.

You'll have plenty of evening to enjoy the Guatemalan sunset like this one near Antigua
Map of Complete Guatemala - 13 Days
Complete Guatemala - 13 Days

Discover Guatemala's cities, lakes, volcanoes, and caves on this comprehensive 13-day tour. Start with urban sightseeing in Guatemala City and Antigua before escaping into the wild, where you'll explore Copán's Maya ruins and hike up the active volcano of Pacaya. You'll get to kayak across sparkling Lake Atitlán before continuing to the national parks of Semuc Champey and Tikal for tubing and caving adventures. Wrap up your Guatemalan journey with a sacred Maya fire ceremony.

Delight the senses as you peruse the many wares, like fresh fruit, at an Antigua market
Map of Best of Guatemala: Antigua to Flores - 10 Days
Best of Guatemala: Antigua to Flores - 10 Days

See Guatemala's main highlights in 10 days, beginning in the historic city of Antigua, where you'll enjoy a walking tour and cooking class. Next, visit the Iximché Maya ruins and Chichicastenango Market, followed by a day of relaxation by Lake Atitlán, where you can go kayaking and hiking. Go on a nature hike at the Biotopo del Quetzal, see beautiful Semuc Champey, and explore the Candelaria Caves, ending your trip with Tikal National Park and the Yaxhá Maya ruins.

Tikal National Park, Guatemala
Map of Nature & Culture in Guatemala: Antigua to Río Dulce - 10 Days
Nature & Culture in Guatemala: Antigua to Río Dulce - 10 Days

If you want to soak in Guatemala's spectacular scenery while exploring its Maya heritage, you'll love this 10-day itinerary. Hike up Pacaya Volcano, then explore the historic city of Antigua. Transfer to Lake Atitlán for kayaking and hiking, then fly to the island town of Flores, where you'll explore the Maya ruins of Yaxhá and Tikal National Park. Afterward, head to Río Dulce for a boating excursion followed by a dip in the Finca Paraíso Hot Springs.

See the volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlán, like Tolimán and San Pedro
Map of Highlights of Guatemala: Natural Wonders & Maya Ruins - 11 Days
Highlights of Guatemala: Natural Wonders & Maya Ruins - 11 Days

The highlights of Guatemala are many, and you'll experience most of them over 11 unforgettable days with this active itinerary. Start on the cobbled streets of Antigua, where you'll visit colonial landmarks, ride bikes around the southern highlands, and hike the active Volcán Pacaya. Then you'll fly north to explore ancient Maya ruins, including the legendary Tikal, before finishing the trip with a ride down the jade waters of the Río Dulce.

Explore Guatemala's Tikal National Park to admire the ancient works of the Maya
Map of Nature & Culture in Guatemala: Lanquín to Tikal National Park - 7 Days
Nature & Culture in Guatemala: Lanquín to Tikal National Park - 7 Days

On this seven-day journey, you'll immerse yourself in Guatemala's cultural and natural wonders. Start in Lanquín, where you'll keep an eye out for colorful birds at the Biotopo del Quetzal. Explore Semuc Champey and go tubing on the Río Cahabón, then head to Candelaria Caves and tour the stunning scenery around the Río Dulce. Visit Livingston, known for its distinctive Garifuna culture, and explore the colonial town of Flores. Finish your trip at the Maya ruins in Yaxhá and Tikal National Parks.

Hike around Guatemala's terraced river pools (and go for a swim)
Map of Guatemala & Belize: Culture, Nature & the Caribbean Sea - 14 Days
Guatemala & Belize: Culture, Nature & the Caribbean Sea - 14 Days

This epic two-week adventure combines a number of guided excursions in Central America. Kick-off in Guatemala City, where you'll walk amid Spanish colonial history. From here, venture into the gorgeous countryside for swimming, hiking, and tubing in nature reserves, caves, and waterfalls. Next, tour the ancient pyramids at Tikal National Park and then cross the border into Belize for horseback riding, more Maya ruins, and plenty of time to snorkel in the Belize Barrier Reef.

Guatemalan children celebrating All Saint's Day with ice cream
Map of Classic Guatemala for Families: Culture, Cuisine & Nature - 14 Days
Classic Guatemala for Families: Culture, Cuisine & Nature - 14 Days

Work up an appetite on this exhilarating two-week family-friendly tour of Guatemala—chock-a-block with foodie and cultural discoveries as well as excursions to Maya ruins, lush jungles, and azure pools. Venture from elegant Antigua to the stunning shores of Lake Atitlán and the narrow cobbled streets of Flores as you create your own jade jewelry, learn the art of chocolate production, sample street food, and witness centuries-old traditions in colorful lakeside villages.

Aspiring adventurers will summit the Payaca volcano on this two-week trip
Map of Active Family Adventure in Guatemala: Hiking, Camping & Culture - 14 Days
Active Family Adventure in Guatemala: Hiking, Camping & Culture - 14 Days

Tailormade for active families and older children, this two-week Guatemalan adventure starts in the historic city of Antigua. Learn to cook Maya cuisine, hike the Pacaya volcano to roast marshmallows on petrified lava, and take an overnight camping trip to the summit of Acatenango. Then it's off to Lake Atitlán for kayaking, village hikes, and ziplining. Fly north to end the trip discovering the ruins of Tikal National Park, spelunking through Actun Kan Caves, and cruising around Flores Island.

Browse local markets in Antigua
Map of Guatemala Highlights Tour: Antigua, Atitlán, Río Dulce, Flores & Guatemala City - 14 Days
Guatemala Highlights Tour: Antigua, Atitlán, Río Dulce, Flores & Guatemala City - 14 Days

Travel the length and breadth of Guatemala over 14 action-packed days. Your adventure kicks off on the historic streets of colonial Antigua followed by activities in the stunning Lake Atitlán region. After visiting Indigenous markets, you'll travel north to natural hot springs and enjoy a boat ride down the Río Dulce before capping the trip with a tour of the ancient Maya ruins at Tikal.

Travel from lakes to jungles to Maya ruins on this two-week family adventure
Map of Family Fun in Guatemala: Nature, Ruins & Culture - 14 Days
Family Fun in Guatemala: Nature, Ruins & Culture - 14 Days

Immerse yourselves in Guatemala's vibrant culture on this two-week family adventure that whisks you from colonial Antigua to the shores of Lake Atitlán and the temples and pyramids at Tikal. Along the way, you'll sharpen your tastebuds with a traditional cookery class, bask in the Caribbean vibe of Río Dulce, and admire local folk art and handicrafts as you kayak, hike, and sail across the country's natural wonders.

Kayak and hike at Lake Atitlán
Map of Active Guatemala: Flores, Antigua, Lake Atitlán & El Paredon - 8 Days
Active Guatemala: Flores, Antigua, Lake Atitlán & El Paredon - 8 Days

If your idea of the perfect vacation involves more outdoor activities than indoor relaxation, then this eight-day adventure in Guatemala is for you. Get the blood pumping as you hike around the ancient Maya ruins at Tikal, then really push yourself on an ascent up the volcanic slopes of Pacaya. Finish the trip on the countryside and beaches as you kayak on Lake Atitlán, surf at El Paredon, and embark on coffee tours in the highlands.

The Agua volcanoe rises above Antigua's colonial Santa Catalina Arch
Map of Guatemala's Natural Wonders & Local Culture – 9 Days
Guatemala's Natural Wonders & Local Culture – 9 Days

Explore Guatemala's diverse landscapes on this nine-day tour of its cities, ruins, lakes, and volcanoes. Touch down in vibrant Guatemala City and then escape to Tikal National Park, where you'll discover ancient Maya temples and pyramids. Head on to Lake Atitlán for kayaking and scenic hikes, then tour the UNESCO-listed streets of Antigua. The adventure ends with a day hike to the top of the mighty Pacaya volcano.

Discover Middle-earth in Guatemala at Hobbitenango
Map of Highlights of Guatemala & Belize: Adventure & Culture - 15 Days
Highlights of Guatemala & Belize: Adventure & Culture - 15 Days

Combine the best of Guatemala with the most exciting adventures in Belize on this unforgettable 15-day escape. In Guatemala, you'll mix tours of historic cities with excursions to lakes, mountain retreats, and hikes up volcanoes. After visiting ancient Maya ruins, you'll cross the border into Belize for rides down jungle rivers, snorkeling in pristine marine reserves, and relaxing on white-sand beaches.

A colorful mural in the Lake Atitlán village of San Juan La Laguna
Map of Glimpse of Guatemala: Flores, Lake Atitlán & Antigua - 9 Days
Glimpse of Guatemala: Flores, Lake Atitlán & Antigua - 9 Days

This nine-day adventure will give you a taste of Guatemala's nature, culture, and food. Start off with some fascinating workshops in Guatemala City, then head to Flores to visit the Tikal Maya ruins. Your next stop will be the picturesque Lake Atitlán, where you'll tour local villages by boat. Afterward, get to know historic Antigua as you explore the town on foot, then hike the Pacaya volcano (and even roast marshmallows on its petrified lava). Cap off your adventure with a relaxing hot springs visit.

Antigua, Guatemala
Map of Best of Guatemala: Guatemala City to Lake Atitlán - 9 Days
Best of Guatemala: Guatemala City to Lake Atitlán - 9 Days

This trip will take you to Guatemala's top highlights in nine days. Wander through Guatemala City on a guided tour, visit Tikal National Park and Flores, and explore Actún Kan Caves before transferring to Lanquín to see Semuc Champey's famous turquoise pools. Next, visit Ram Tzul and the Biotopo del Quetzal, where you can spot Guatemala's national bird. Enjoy a street food tour and cooking class in Antigua, then transfer to Lake Atitlán for a village tour, chocolate workshop, and ziplining.

Views across Lake Atitlán
Map of Guatemalan Adventure: Antigua, Atitlán, Tikal & Río Dulce - 11 Days
Guatemalan Adventure: Antigua, Atitlán, Tikal & Río Dulce - 11 Days

Travel to the far corners of Guatemala in search of fun, culture, history, and beauty. Set off from the cobbled streets of colonial Antigua to embark on countryside bike tours and volcano hikes. After enjoying activities at the stunning Lake Atitlán, you'll travel north to visit Tikal and other ancient Maya ruins before finishing the trip cruising the emerald waters of the Río Dulce and soaking in natural hot springs.

Take to the skies for stunning panoramas of the Guatemalan landscape beneath you
Map of Luxury Guatemala Helicopter & Cultural Tour - 13 Days
Luxury Guatemala Helicopter & Cultural Tour - 13 Days

See Central America's most diverse country in style on this 13-day guided tour of Guatemala. A luxury twist on an adventure trip, you'll take to the skies in a helicopter six times for thrilling bird's eye views of lush mountain forests. Experience camping on a volcano with the added comfort of a 4WD ride almost to the top. Land at top sights such as Lake Atitlán and El Mirador Maya ruins by helicopter.

Sunset over the Río Dulce
Map of Guatemala & Beyond: Ruins to Reefs & Cobblestone Streets - 15 Days
Guatemala & Beyond: Ruins to Reefs & Cobblestone Streets - 15 Days

This 15-day adventure through Guatemala will take you to its most heralded wonders, both man-made and natural. It begins deep within coffee country as you visit nature reserves, waterfalls, and Maya ruins, then continues to the colonial towns and volcanoes around sacred Lake Atitlán. As an added bonus, you'll hop the border into Belize to visit coral islands and snorkel along one of the world's largest barrier reefs.

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Map of Guatemala Landscapes & Culture - 15 Days
Guatemala Landscapes & Culture - 15 Days

Discover Guatemala's diverse landscapes and culture on this comprehensive 15-day tour. The journey will take you from historic cities like Antigua to the forested Maya ruins of Tikal and soft-sand beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. You'll sail down the Río Dulce, hike to the fiery peak of the Pacaya volcano, and kayak across Lake Atitlán. Along the way, delve into Guatemalan culture with cooking classes, food tours, market visits, and handicraft workshops.

Antigua's Santa Catalina Arch
Map of Highlights of Guatemala - 10 Days
Highlights of Guatemala - 10 Days

Experience the rich culture and natural beauty of Guatemala on this 10-day, action-packed itinerary. Stroll the cobbled streets of historic Antigua, tour Lake Atitlán by boat, and hike around Indigenous villages and towering volcanoes. Finally, experience living history as you explore ancient Maya ruins at Iximché and Tikal.

Lake Atitlán
Map of Guatemalan Highlands: Antigua, Lake Atitlán & Tikal - 7 Days
Guatemalan Highlands: Antigua, Lake Atitlán & Tikal - 7 Days

On this weeklong journey through Guatemala, explore major sites in the western highlands and northern rainforests. The trip begins in Antigua with a sightseeing tour followed by a stay on beautiful Lake Atitlán and a visit to an indigenous market dating back thousands of years. Then venture north to discover the ancient Maya city of Iximché and the awe-inspiring pyramid temples at Tikal National Park.

A road to the village of San Juan Laguna on Lake Atitlán
Map of Incredible Guatemala: Antigua, Tikal,  Cobán & Huehuetenango - 10 Days
Incredible Guatemala: Antigua, Tikal, Cobán & Huehuetenango - 10 Days

Discover Guatemala, the last stronghold of the Maya civilization, on this culture-forward trip starting and ending in colonial Antigua. Explore Tikal National Park, go on a tubing adventure through river caves, and swim in the terraced lagoons of Semuc Champey. Then enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery in Guatemala's western highlands and visit Indigenous villages along the shores of Lake Atitlán.

Discover Huehuetenago in Guatemala's western highlands
Map of Best of Guatemala & Roatán - 14 Days
Best of Guatemala & Roatán - 14 Days

Enjoy the best of Guatemala and Honduras' Roatán Island on this two-week culture and nature adventure. You'll explore ancient Maya ruins at Tikal, go tubing through river caves, and visit Indigenous communities in the western highlands. Finish the journey in Roatán, a Caribbean island fringed with coral reefs perfect for snorkeling.

Tikal National Park
Map of Maya Journey in Guatemala: Tikal, Río Dulce, & Quirigua Ruins - 5 Days
Maya Journey in Guatemala: Tikal, Río Dulce, & Quirigua Ruins - 5 Days

Embark on a five-day, Mayan-themed expedition through Guatemala. Begin in the northern jungles where you'll spend time with monkeys and tropical birds before visiting the ruins at Tikal National Park. Then take boat tour down the Río Dulce and enjoy more birding. Cap the adventure with an exploration of the Quirigua Ruins and its famous sandstone monuments before traveling back to Guatemala City.

Lake Atitlán is surrounded by three volcanoes
Map of Guatemala Honeymoon Adventure - 16 Days
Guatemala Honeymoon Adventure - 16 Days

Deemed one of the hidden wonders of the travel world, explore Guatemala on this 16-day adventure through cultural, culinary, and outdoor experiences with your partner. Stroll through the amazingly well-preserved colonial town of Antigua, with its charming cobblestone streets, historic ruins and churches, and bustling market. Climb the active Pacaya Volcano, enjoy lighter outdoor activities like kayaking around Lake Atitlan, and visit the famous Tikal Ruins.

Sail across sparkling Lake Atitlán
Map of Explore Belize & Guatemala: Beaches, Maya Ruins, Caves & Lakes - 14 Days
Explore Belize & Guatemala: Beaches, Maya Ruins, Caves & Lakes - 14 Days

Discover the best of Belize and Guatemala on this extensive two-week tour. Begin in Belize, where you'll explore ancient Maya ruins and sprawling sacrificial cave systems. In Guatemala, you'll soak up the local culture with a traditional cooking class and a trip to Lake Atitlán's villages and Chichicastenango Market. End with a beach escape to the white sands of Caye Caulker and Caye Ambergris for snorkeling adventures on the Belize Barrier Reef.

Take the kids on a zipline adventure through the forest canopy in Guatemala
Map of Family Adventure in Guatemala: Temples, Pyramids & Wildlife - 7 Days
Family Adventure in Guatemala: Temples, Pyramids & Wildlife - 7 Days

Discover lost cities, ancient ruins, and the world's most beautiful lake on this week-long, family-friendly tour of Guatemala. Immerse yourselves in culture and adventure as you craft chocolates with the kids in Antigua, then hop over to sparkling Lake Atitlán to tour Maya villages and zipline through the forest canopy. Continue the excitement as you fly north to spot spider monkeys and climb pyramids in the jungles of Tikal National Park.

Other popular travel destinations in Guatemala
Antigua · Lake Atitlán · Guatemala City · Tikal National Park · Río Dulce · Acatenango Volcano