Flores Itinerary 14 Days: Ancient Ruins & Jungle Adventures (2026)

Arrive at Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) and take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel on the Isla de Flores. After settling in, spend the afternoon exploring the charming island town. Wander through the cobblestone streets, admire the colorful colonial architecture, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many lakeside restaurants, watching the sunset over Lake Petén Itzá. For your first taste of Guatemalan cuisine, try a traditional dish like Pepián or Kak'ik. Many restaurants in Flores offer stunning views of the lake, providing a perfect backdrop for your first evening. Be sure to walk around the entire island, which can be done in about 30 minutes, to get a feel for the layout and discover hidden gems.

Today is the day you've been waiting for: a full-day exploration of Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Mayan cities ever discovered. Take an early morning shuttle from Flores to Tikal, about an hour's drive away. Start your visit at the Great Plaza, the heart of the ancient city. Here you'll find the iconic Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar) and Temple II (Temple of the Masks). Climb to the top of Temple II for a breathtaking view of the plaza and surrounding jungle. Spend the rest of the day exploring the vast complex, including the North Acropolis, Central Acropolis, and Temple IV, the tallest structure in Tikal. As you wander through the jungle, keep an eye out for wildlife such as howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and toucans. The sounds of the jungle provide a magical soundtrack to your exploration of this ancient city. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited options for food and drink inside the park.

Today, you'll visit another incredible Mayan site, Yaxha National Park. Located between two beautiful lakes, Yaxha is known for its stunning sunsets. Take a shuttle from Flores to Yaxha, which is about a 1.5-hour drive. The site is less crowded than Tikal, allowing for a more peaceful and intimate experience. Explore the various temples and structures, including the impressive Temple 216, which offers panoramic views of the jungle and the twin lakes. As the sun begins to set, make your way to the top of one of the temples for a truly magical experience. The golden light of the setting sun illuminates the ancient stones and reflects off the tranquil waters of the lakes. It's a moment you won't soon forget. After sunset, you'll return to Flores, filled with the wonder of another day spent exploring the Mayan world.

Take a break from the ruins and spend the day on the beautiful Lake Petén Itzá. Hire a private boat or join a group tour to explore the lake and its surroundings. Visit the ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center, located on the shores of the lake. Here you can see a variety of rescued animals, including monkeys, parrots, and jaguars. The center does incredible work to rehabilitate and release these animals back into the wild. After visiting ARCAS, continue your boat tour to other points of interest on the lake, such as the small village of San Miguel, where you can hike to a viewpoint for stunning views of Flores. You can also go for a swim in the refreshing waters of the lake or simply relax on the boat and enjoy the scenery. In the evening, return to Flores and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Embark on a journey to the remote Mayan site of Uaxactun, located about 23 kilometers north of Tikal. Uaxactun is famous for its ancient astronomical observatory, which was used by the Mayans to track the solstices and equinoxes. The site is also home to a number of impressive temples and palaces, many of which are still covered in jungle vegetation. The journey to Uaxactun is an adventure in itself, as you'll travel through dense jungle on a dirt road. Once you arrive at Uaxactun, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. The site is much less excavated than Tikal, giving it a more wild and mysterious atmosphere. Explore the various complexes, including the astronomical observatory, and imagine what life was like for the ancient Mayans who lived here. In the evening, you can either return to Flores or stay overnight in a simple guesthouse in the village of Uaxactun for a truly immersive jungle experience.

For the ultimate Mayan adventure, embark on a multi-day trek to El Mirador, one of the largest and most mysterious Mayan cities ever discovered. This is a challenging but rewarding experience that will take you deep into the heart of the jungle. The trek usually takes 5-6 days, so you'll need to dedicate a significant portion of your trip to this adventure. You'll hike through dense jungle, sleep in hammocks at jungle camps, and be rewarded with the sight of massive pyramids rising above the treetops. El Mirador is home to La Danta, one of the largest pyramids in the world by volume. Climbing to the top of this massive structure is an unforgettable experience, offering 360-degree views of the endless jungle. You'll also explore other impressive structures, such as the Tigre Complex and the Monos Complex. This is a true adventure for those who want to get off the beaten path and experience the raw beauty of the Mayan world.

After your incredible adventure to El Mirador, you'll return to Flores for a well-deserved rest. Spend the day relaxing at your hotel, swimming in the lake, or simply enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of the island. You'll have plenty of stories to tell and photos to share from your jungle expedition. In the evening, treat yourself to a nice dinner at one of Flores' best restaurants.

Explore the Actun Kan caves, a network of underground caves located just outside of Flores in the town of Santa Elena. The caves are filled with interesting rock formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. You can take a guided tour of the caves to learn about their history and geology. After exploring the caves, spend some time in Santa Elena, the bustling mainland town connected to Flores by a causeway. Visit the local market to see the vibrant colors and sounds of daily life in Guatemala.

Take a day trip to Crater Azul, a stunning natural swimming hole with crystal-clear turquoise water. The journey to Crater Azul is an adventure in itself, as you'll travel by boat through a network of rivers and lagoons. Once you arrive, you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The water is incredibly clear, allowing you to see the underwater vegetation and fish. It's a perfect place to cool off and connect with nature.

Immerse yourself in Guatemalan culture by taking a traditional cooking class. Learn how to make classic dishes like Pepián, Kak'ik, or tamales from a local chef. You'll visit a local market to buy fresh ingredients and then learn the secrets of Guatemalan cuisine. In the afternoon, indulge your sweet tooth with a chocolate workshop. Guatemala is the birthplace of chocolate, and you'll learn about the history of cacao and how to make your own chocolate from bean to bar.

Explore the countryside around Flores on horseback. Take a guided tour through the jungle and along the shores of Lake Petén Itzá. It's a great way to see the scenery and get some exercise. In the afternoon, head to Jorge's Rope Swing, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Swing from a rope and jump into the refreshing waters of the lake. It's a fun and exhilarating way to spend the afternoon.

Today is a free day to relax or pursue any activities you may have missed. You can spend the day swimming in the lake, shopping for souvenirs, or simply relaxing in a hammock with a good book. If you're feeling adventurous, you can arrange for other activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or visiting a butterfly sanctuary. It's your day to do as you please.

Spend your last full day in Flores picking up some souvenirs to remember your trip by. You'll find a variety of artisan shops selling everything from textiles and ceramics to wood carvings and jade jewelry. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a special restaurant, reminiscing about your incredible 14-day adventure in the heart of the Mayan world.

Enjoy a final Guatemalan breakfast and then head to Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) for your flight home. You'll leave with a camera full of photos and a heart full of memories from your unforgettable journey through Flores and the ancient Mayan world.