Is Flores expensive to visit?
Flores is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Flores can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $21 (Q166) per day, mid-range travelers spend $42 (Q327) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $87 (Q671) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Flores.
Within Central America, Flores is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Central America for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Flores.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Flores Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Flores?
The average Flores trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Flores travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Flores cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Flores without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $21 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Flores, like Los Amigos Hostel, Hotel Peten Express Tikal, and Hostal Macarena. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Flores will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $42 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Flores. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Hotel Isla de Flores is a good kid-friendly option, and Hotel Villa del Lago Flores is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Flores here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $87. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a premium budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Tikal VIP Private Sunrise Tour from Flores Guatemala - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Flores
Hotel rates in Flores vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $73 to $136. Expect prices to range from $44 for budget hotels to $261 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Flores for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $17 (Q134). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $8.64 (Q67) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Flores? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Flores include:
- La Lancha Flores starting at $182
- Camino Real Tikal starting at $121
- Zapote Tree Inn starting at $47
- Villa Maya Flores starting at $91
- Hotel Mon Ami Flores starting at $23
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of , you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Food Budget in Flores
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Flores can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Flores is $22 (Q173) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$22
Q173
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Flores is around $22 (Q173) per person, with previous travelers spending from $9 to $49. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Flores are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $3 to $9
- Dinner: $7 to $16
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
In the region of Peten, wild animals are common to see on the menu, though consuming them is detrimental to the local ecology as many of them are hunted illegally. In Flores, most restaurants serve your typical Guatemalan fare, though there are a few international options. Guatemalan cuisine prominently features corn, chilies, and beans as key ingredients as well as dishes with rice, pork, beef, chicken, cheese, and tortillas. Tamales are a common local favorite. They come in a variety of ways, but are basically a dish made of masa (or maize), which is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf and usually filled with meat, fruits, and/or nuts. Other main dishes include a seafood soup with plantain slices called tapado, a variety of stews made with meat, vegetables, and spices, as well as a kind of stuffed pepper dish called chiles rellenos. Desserts typically consist of banana bread, a Spanish rice pudding called arrroz con leche, and chick peas in syrup, amongst many others.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Flores
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Flores typically cost an average of $20 (Q156) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$20
Q156
When you come to Flores, you come to see the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal in the Guatemalan rainforest. In its prime, circa 200 to 900 AD, Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. The monuments at the ruins of Tikal date back even further to the 4th Century BC. Now designated as a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the core of the complex includes two major temple pyramids as well as the ruins of royal palaces, residences, smaller pyramids, and stone monuments. The site is a paradise for history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts, and very impressive for the regular tourist as well.
For those interested in geology, there is the Ak'tun Kan, or Cave of the Serpent, which has many formations, stalagmites and stalactites, resembling objects like animals and people. The relics are labeled in Spanish, though a tour guide can assist with translations.
As far as wildlife goes, ARCAS is a wildlife rescue center dedicated to the prevention of animal trafficking. It has its own boat service from Flores allowing visitors and volunteers if you wish to offer your services. Also nearby is the Petencito Zoo which houses some of the animals rescued by ARCAS as well as a small range of other animals like monkeys and jaguars.
When visiting Flores, there is a wide range of activities for visitors to engage in from volunteering to enjoying the pleasures of the lake or exploring ancient ruins. Volunteer opportunities include helping at an ecological park like with the wildlife of ARCAS as mentioned before, as well as community projects like building schools or assisting with education. Lake activities include hiring a boat to spend the day enjoying the scenery of Lake Peten Itza or renting a canoe to explore at your own leisure. Swimming is also common with public piers located on the north side of the city.
Venturing to the ruins of Tikal are of course a must, while a day trip to Ixpanpajul Natural Park will offer opportunities with a zip-line, sky walk, and horseback riding through the rainforest.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Flores. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Tikal Private Day Tour Maya Adventure from Flores for $209 details
- Tikal Tour From Flores, airport and Tikal hotels in Guatemala for $99 details
- Tikal VIP Private Sunset Tour from Flores Guatemala for $170 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Flores, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
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Tikal Entrance (for 2)
Q300
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Map of Tikal
Q25
Nightlife Budget in Flores
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $21 (Q160) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Flores per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$21
Q160
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
Listed below are typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Flores, as reported by real travelers. These figures should give you an idea of what drinks cost. However, your actual expenses will depend on your nightlife activities and dining choices, how frequently you consume alcohol, and the quantity you order. If you're looking to save on your trip, reducing your alcohol consumption is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your budget.
Guatemala
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.