Overview
Flores is the pretty island town that serves as Guatemala's gateway to the Maya world. Sitting on Lake Petén Itzá and linked to the mainland by a short causeway, it's a compact place of cobbled lanes and pastel houses, with the towering temples of Tikal less than an hour away. For UK travellers it's almost always the final leg of a longer journey. If you're searching for cheap flights to Flores, start with the price charts on this page.
Best time to fly to Flores
Petén is hot and humid all year. The dry season runs roughly from November to April and is the most comfortable time for exploring ruins and jungle trails, though it's also the busiest — demand climbs around Christmas, New Year and Easter. The green season (May to October) brings lush scenery and short afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain, and fares tend to ease. For the best-value UK departures, the shoulder months of May, June and September often hit the sweet spot; check the When to book chart above for current trends.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Flores — the journey always involves at least one change, and usually two. Most travellers route via a US hub, flying American Airlines through Miami, United through Houston or Delta through Atlanta, then connecting on to Guatemala City. Alternatively, Iberia flies from Madrid direct to Guatemala City, reached from the UK on a short feeder flight. From Guatemala City (GUA), TAG Airlines operates the roughly one-hour hop to Mundo Maya International Airport. Total travel time from London is typically 16 to 22 hours depending on connections.
Things to do in Flores
Flores itself is walkable in an afternoon, but it's the surrounding Petén region that draws most visitors.
- Tikal National Park: The vast UNESCO-listed Maya city rising above the rainforest canopy, about an hour away by road.
- Lake Petén Itzá: Boat trips, lakeside swimming spots and sunset views from the island's western shore.
- Yaxhá: A quieter Maya site on a ridge between two lagoons, known for its sunset viewpoint.
- Flores Island old town: Cobbled streets, colourful facades and the twin-towered church on the central plaza.
- Actún Kan caves: An easy-to-reach limestone cave system on the edge of Santa Elena.
At Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS)
The airport sits just outside Santa Elena, around 4 km from Flores island — a 10 to 15 minute drive across the causeway. Taxis wait outside arrivals, many hotels and hostels offer free or low-cost shuttles if booked ahead, and tuk-tuks handle shorter hops around Santa Elena. Shared minibuses to Tikal and El Remate can also be arranged at the airport or through your accommodation.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Flores
- Book ahead: For long-haul dates, fares are usually best around two to four months before departure — use the price charts on this page to time it.
- Fly midweek and off-peak: Tuesday and Wednesday departures, and travel outside the school holidays, tend to cost less.
- Compare routings: A US hub connection and the Madrid–Guatemala City option can differ noticeably in price, so check both.
- Stay flexible: Shifting your dates by a few days, or booking the Guatemala City–Flores leg separately with TAG Airlines, can bring the total down.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Guatemala, under the regional CA-4 agreement with its neighbours. Your passport should be valid for the length of your stay, with six months recommended. The currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ); pounds can't be spent locally, but ATMs in Santa Elena dispense quetzals and US dollars are sometimes accepted. No vaccinations are required for entry from the UK, though hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly advised and there is a malaria risk in Petén — check the latest NHS and FCDO guidance before you travel.
