Flores, Guatemala

• Flores is built on a small island in Lake Petén Itzá, connected to the mainland by a causeway. The whole island takes about 30 minutes to walk around - colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, lake views. Most people use it as a base for Tikal, the big Mayan ruins about an hour away.
• The tourist setup here is pretty developed since everyone going to Tikal passes through. Hostels have female-only dorms, restaurants post English menus, tour agencies book Tikal trips and lake activities. It's touristy but not aggressively so - you'll get approached about tours but it's not constant.
• Eating alone doesn't feel weird here since half the cafes are filled with backpackers on laptops. English works fine in tourist spots, though basic Spanish helps outside the island and for negotiating prices. The island feels safe after dark with street lights and people out until 10pm or so.
• Tuk-tuks are everywhere, running Q20 ($2.50) between Flores and Santa Elena on the mainland. Stick to licensed tuk-tuks or taxis your hotel calls - avoid random street cabs. Pickpocketing isn't common but don't flash valuables in crowded markets. If you take chicken buses to other cities, watch your stuff closely.

Spanish is the main language. English works in tourist areas on Flores - hostels, restaurants, tour agencies. The tourist assistance line (1500) has bilingual operators for emergencies. You'll want basic Spanish outside the tourist zone, especially in Santa Elena and at markets.

• Basic Spanish helps. Tourism workers speak English but people outside tourist areas mostly don't. Learn 'buenos días', 'gracias', 'por favor', and 'disculpe' at minimum.
• Say 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' when you enter a shop, restaurant, or get in a tuk-tuk. Starting a conversation without greeting first comes across as rude. Guatemalans are friendly but more formal than you might expect.
• Flores is casual but cover shoulders and knees for churches or Mayan sites. Locals dress more conservatively than tourists, though tank tops and shorts are fine in the main tourist areas on the island.
• Tip 10% at restaurants. Tikal guides expect Q40-50 ($5-7) per person for a full day. Tuk-tuk drivers don't expect tips but rounding up is fine. Carry small bills - places often don't have change.

• Tuk-tuks are everywhere and run Q20 ($2.50) between Flores and Santa Elena. Agree on price first - it's usually per person, not per ride. Licensed tuk-tuks are fine and drivers know the tourist routine.
• Walking works for the island itself - takes 30 minutes to circle it. Good lighting and safe enough after dark on main paths. Don't wander down completely empty alleys late at night.
• Skip random street taxis. Have your hotel call one if you need a taxi. For Tikal or other trips, book through established tour companies - hostels like Los Amigos run them.
• Don't use chicken buses for long distances. Yes they're cheap, but they get robbed and the driving is dangerous. Tourist shuttles cost more but pick you up at your hotel and are much safer.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Flores with local guides and curated experiences.