Flores and Santa Elena, Guatemala

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Intro to Flores

Flores is built on an island in Lago de Peten Itza. A 500 meter causeway connects it to the lake shore town of Santa Elena. As the departmental capital, Flores is a is a dignified place. Its church, small government building and municipal basketball court surrounded the plaza, which sits atop a hill in the island's center. The narrow streets are lined with charming, red-roofed houses. Santa Elena is a disorganized town of dusty unpaved streets. The towns form one large settlement which is usually referred to simply as "Flores." Both have numerous small hotels and restaurants.

History

Flores was founded on a peten (island) by the Itzaes after their expulsion from Chichen Itza. They named the place Tayasal. Hernan Cortez peaceably dropped in on King Canek of Tayasal in 1524 on his way to Honduras. Only in March 1697 did the Spaniards finally bring Tayasal's Maya forcibly under their control. At the time of conquest, Flores was perhaps the last major functioning Mayan ceremonial center; it was covered in pyramids and temples, with idols everywhere. The God-fearing Spanish soldiers destroyed these buildings, and no trace remains. Tayasal's Maya fled into the jungle and may have started anew, giving rise to the stores of a "lost" Mayan city; some believe this is El Mirador, near the Guatemala-Mexico border.

Our Experience

Our guide book wasn't enthusiastic about Flores, but we needed a place to stay before heading south so we decided to check it out. We arrived in Flores around 4:00 PM and quickly decided the book was a bit unfair. Flores is a nice little town set on a small island (approximately 1 mile by 1 mile) in a bay-like area of Lago de Peten Itza. It is actually quite lovely and buzzing with activity. Lots of yummy restaurants, shops, etc. Additionally, Santa Elena (on the shore) had an ATM, which we desperately needed. To get there, we caught one of the mini-taxis (basically it was a scooter with a shell). I forgot to take a picture, but next time I see one I will definitely take a photo and post it. They are zippy efficient little things!

We went straight to the hotel our guide book recommended and it was wonderful! It was on the edge of the island and our room had a bit of a view of the lake. The best part, however, was the rooftop terrace with four large, canvas hammocks. After putting our stuff in our room, we went up to the terrace and stretched out. I took a siesta and Joe read a bit of his sci-fi book. After our rest, we found the ATM in Santa Elena and had supper at Capitan Tortugas. Joe liked the mascot of the restaurant - it was a cute turtle dressed like a pirate. Supper consisted of diet coke and hot tea for me (my voice was gone), a Corona for Joe, and a large Hawaiian pizza for both of us. It was delicious! And we were able to eat on a porch overlooking the lake at sunset.

After dinner we checked our e-mail, showered, and read a little before bed. The next morning we got up, booked bus tickets to Coban, walked around the island, updated our blog, ate lunch, and departed Flores.

Up Next...

Coban in central Guatemala. ¡Hasta luego!

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Comments

[Lauren]

enjoying reading
Looks like you guys are having lots of fun...thanks for sharing.