Strong Heat and Cheap Eats in Flores
Although many people visit Flores strictly because of its proximity to Tikal, there are other things to do if you’re in need of a few days off of the Guatemalan minibuses. It is simple to hire a lancha in order to take a boat tour of the lake, where you can visit a zoo with local animals (a wee bit depressing actually), a museum on an island where they used to broadcast the radio, or take a peek at some nearby villages. Lago Petén Itzá is warm and clear and there are a few spots away from the island where you can enjoy a peaceful swim. One of the favorites is called Playa Chechenal, and you can access it by foot after a short boat ride (or directly by boat if you’d prefer). Anyone will point you in the direction of the beach, and along the way there is a small lookout tower with a panoramic view of Flores. Lookout for monkeys on your way to the beach!
It’s good to know that although Guatemala’s rainy season is considered to be bit cooler, I was in Flores in late August and early September, and it was HOT. When I say hot, I mean that it felt like I was sitting in front of a blowdryer in the Florida sun. The shade wasn’t an escape, a fan didn’t help, and a dip in the lake was basically like taking a bath in a non-ventilated room. If this sounds rough, when booking accommodation - check if they have air conditioning!