Flores (Guatamala)
Flores: Where the Heat is Hot and the Colours Pop
Our first stop in Guatemala was the dreamy little island of Flores, and let me just say this upfront: it’s hot. Like, sweat-in-places-you-didn’t-know-sweat-existed kind of hot. So, top tip—get air-conditioning. Trust me, you will need it! We went without air-conditioning whilst there was a 10 hour power cut and this wasn't fun at all- neither was packing out bags in the dark 😂.
Us packing ready for our next trip - in a black out 😂
But despite the heat, Flores charmed us straight away. This tiny tropical island is tucked inside Lake Petén Itzá, in the northern Petén region of Guatemala. It’s actually super close to the Belize border—only about a 2-hour drive from San Ignacio—making it a perfect entry point into Guatemala if you're coming from Belize (which we were!).
Flores Island
A Colourful Island with Ancient Roots
Flores is small enough to walk around in about 20 minutes (if you're not melting), and packed with cobblestone streets, rainbow-painted buildings, and a beautifully traditional vibe. What makes it even more interesting is that it’s built on the site of the ancient Maya city of Tayasal—one of the last independent Maya strongholds before the Spanish conquered the area in the 1600s.
Even today, the island feels steeped in history. From the colonial-style churches to the local markets, you can still feel echoes of the past here. And because the island sits so low on the lake, it sometimes floods during the rainy season, adding to its character—though maybe not ideal if you're wearing suede shoes.
Flores has that magical blend of old-world charm and relaxed, lakeside living, and it’s one of those places that gently eases you into Guatemala’s culture without overwhelming you.
Island Vibes, With a Guatemalan Twist
Flores isn’t your typical beachy island. Instead of palm trees and coconuts, think colonial charm, lakeside cafés, and friendly locals going about their day. It’s peaceful but full of life. For families looking for something a bit different from the usual tourist trail, this little island is a gem.
And if your kids are anything like ours, just being surrounded by water is enough to keep things exciting—throw in a boat ride or two, and they’re sold.
A Boat, A Swing, A Jaguar: Exploring Lake Petén Itzá
One of our highlights in Flores was taking a private boat tour around the lake—and I totally recommend it. You’ll find these little wooden boats lined up around the island, and they’re surprisingly affordable (especially if you haggle—there are definitely deals to be made here!).
Our boat stopped at several unique spots, giving us about an hour at each before picking us back up:
First was a small wildlife rescue centre, home to rescued jaguars, monkeys, and other animals. It was sweet and slightly rugged, but a great stop to learn about conservation in the region.
Next came George’s Rope Swing—and let me tell you, this thing is high. It’s the kind of place you nervously size up for 10 minutes before launching yourself into the lake with a mix of terror and joy.
We ended with a short hike to a viewpoint overlooking Flores, where we were greeted by the unmistakable sounds of howler monkeys shouting from the treetops. The view was worth every sweaty step.
Being out on the water, hopping from one mini-adventure to the next, felt like the perfect low-key, choose-your-own-exploration kind of day. A great way to see the area beyond the main island—and way cooler (literally) than walking in the heat all day.
The Road Less Air-Conditioned: Our Bus Journey So Far
We’ve been travelling entirely by bus so far, and Guatemala didn’t disappoint in delivering the full spectrum of road trip chaos. Some days we’ve had luxury coaches with reclining seats and legroom. Other days, we’ve been crammed into shuttle vans, sitting on our bags with our suitcases stacked on the roof, praying for good weather and stronger suspension.
We've wound our way through some serious mountain roads—sharp turns, bumpy stretches, and the kind of views that make you forget your knees are glued to your chin. But it’s all part of the adventure. We’ve laughed (and groaned) through it, and it’s been surprisingly bonding as a family.
We’re trying to reach as many places as we can by road, to really immerse ourselves in the journey, not just the destinations. And we’re honestly so proud of Tilly—she’s thrown herself into the travel lifestyle with us, backpack and all. She’s been exploring, asking questions, and fully living the experience with wide eyes and an open heart and with a hint of teenage attitude!
Flores: The Start of Something Real
There’s something about Guatemala that makes it feel like real travel. It's not polished or pre-packaged—it’s raw, colourful, vibrant, and filled with meaning. Flores gave us a gentle but hot (very hot) welcome into that world.
We loved the pace, the people, the little wooden boats, and the start of what felt like a truly eye-opening journey through this incredible country. We couldn't wait to see what the rest of Guatemala had in store, Flores gave us exactly what we needed: a sense of arrival, a little sweat, and a lot of soul.
