About Isla de Flores

The Island of Flores is located on the Lake Peten Itza and dates from 9th century. It was formerly called Tayasal. In the 15th century, Pedro de Alvarado arrived on the Island while on a trip to Honduras. He gave King Canek a Spanish horse, which the Mayas treated almost like a god. After several failed attempts to convert the natives to Christianity, the Spaniards destroyed Tayasal in 16th century and it was then abandoned until the 18th century.

The Island is named after Cirilo Flores, one of the first Guatemalans to call for independence from the colonial power. The Island of Flores is quiet and small but it hosts lots of restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, handicraft and souvenir stores, Internet coffee shops, etc.

The city of Flores is geared towards the tourists that are visiting the archaeological site of Tikal which is 65km (40 miles) away from Flores and reachable by bus or car in 45 – 60 minutes.