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Mark Moxon's Travel Writing

Guatemala: Flores

The island of Flores, as seen from the mainland to the south
The island of Flores, as seen from the mainland to the south

Flores is the traditional first stop for travellers on their way from western Belize into Guatemala, and it's easy to see why. It's a small island off the southern shore of Lake Petén Itzá that's joined to the mainland by a short causeway, and its winding cobbled streets and easy-going tourist vibe make it an excellent place to relax... so that's exactly what we did.

The pretty cobbled streets of Flores are very colourful
The pretty cobbled streets of Flores are very colourful
The plaza on top of Flores island
The plaza on top of Flores island
A boat on the lake shore in San Miguel
A boat on the lake shore in San Miguel
The rather impressive Christmas tree in the main plaza
The rather impressive Christmas tree in the main plaza
An effigy of the devil, ready to be burned on Quema del Diablo
An effigy of the devil, ready to be burned on Quema del Diablo; is that a rocket in his trousers, or is he just pleased... oh, never mind
Looking north over Lake Petén Itzá from the summit of Tayazal
Looking north over Lake Petén Itzá from the summit of Tayazal
The locals of Flores walking on water
The locals of Flores walking on water