7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Flores

Flores, is a charming island town that serves as a gateway to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal. However, for digital nomads who call Flores home, the surrounding area offers a wealth of weekend getaways that provide a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. From well-known attractions to hidden gems, here are seven destinations that promise to enrich your experience in this beautiful part of Central America.

Tikal National Park

As one of the most famous Mayan archaeological sites, Tikal National Park is a must-visit for anyone staying in Flores. The towering temples and ancient plazas set amidst the lush jungle are not only a testament to the ingenuity of the Maya civilization but also provide an opportunity for wildlife spotting, including monkeys, toucans, and coatis. Exploring Tikal can easily fill a weekend with adventure and discovery.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Tikal National Park from Flores is by car or bus. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, with several tour operators offering guided trips.

Travel Tip: Make sure to catch the sunrise from Temple IV. It's an early start, but the breathtaking view of the jungle canopy and other temples emerging from the mist is unforgettable.

Where to Stay: Jungle Lodge Hotel offers comfortable accommodations right inside the park, complete with a refreshing pool and the sounds of the jungle at night.

Where to Eat: For a dining experience with a view, the restaurant at Jungle Lodge Hotel serves a variety of local and international dishes. Don't miss their traditional Guatemalan breakfast.

Yaxhá

Yaxhá, a lesser-known Mayan site compared to Tikal, offers a more tranquil and intimate experience. Nestled between two scenic lakes, Yaxhá boasts impressive structures and an opportunity to explore without the crowds. The sunset from atop the main temple is a spectacular sight, as the sun dips below the horizon of the Yaxhá Lagoon.

How to Get There: Yaxhá is about a 1.5-hour drive from Flores. You can hire a taxi or join a guided tour to visit this archaeological site.

Travel Tip: Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the area around the lagoon is rich in avian life, including the rare ocellated turkey.

Where to Stay: While there are no accommodations directly at Yaxhá, nearby El Sombrero Ecolodge offers a comfortable stay in the heart of the jungle.

Where to Eat: El Sombrero's on-site restaurant provides a range of delicious meals, often featuring fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes.

Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is a natural wonder where a 300-meter limestone bridge towers over the Cahabón River, creating a series of stunning turquoise pools. A weekend here is perfect for swimming, hiking to the Mirador for panoramic views, and exploring the nearby K'an Ba Cave. Semuc Champey's remote beauty makes it a favorite among travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

How to Get There: Reaching Semuc Champey from Flores involves a 6 to 8-hour bus ride, often with a transfer in Cobán. Shuttle services are available from Flores.

Travel Tip: Visit during the week to avoid the crowds and have the pools almost to yourself. Also, waterproof shoes are a must for cave exploration.

Where to Stay: Greengos Hotel is an eco-friendly option with unique accommodations and a natural pool, located close to the entrance of Semuc Champey.

Where to Eat: The restaurant at Greengos Hotel offers a variety of dishes, including vegetarian options, and uses organic produce from their garden.

El Mirador

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, El Mirador is an ancient Mayan city that rivals Tikal in grandeur but is far less visited. The trek to El Mirador is challenging but rewarding, with pristine jungle and massive pre-classic Mayan structures like La Danta pyramid. This destination is ideal for digital nomads who are also avid hikers and history enthusiasts.

How to Get There: The journey to El Mirador typically involves a 2-day trek from the village of Carmelita, which can be reached by a 4x4 vehicle from Flores in about 2 hours.

Travel Tip: Hire a local guide for the trek to ensure safety and gain insightful knowledge about the site's history and the surrounding ecosystem.

Where to Stay: Camping is the primary option while visiting El Mirador, with tour operators providing the necessary equipment.

Where to Eat: Meals are usually included in the guided tours, with local cooks preparing traditional Guatemalan dishes throughout the trek.

Río Dulce

Río Dulce, or Sweet River, is a popular destination for its lush surroundings and the iconic boat ride from the town of Río Dulce to Livingston. The journey takes you through a magnificent gorge, past hot springs, and into the Caribbean town of Livingston, which offers a unique blend of Garifuna, Afro-Caribbean, and indigenous cultures. The area is also home to the impressive San Felipe Fortress and the tranquil waters of Lake Izabal.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Río Dulce from Flores is by bus, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to visit the hot springs along the river, where you can enjoy a natural thermal bath surrounded by the jungle.

Where to Stay: Hotel Catamaran offers comfortable riverside cabins and access to a pool, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Where to Eat: Restaurante Rosita in Livingston is known for its seafood dishes, especially the tapado, a traditional Garifuna coconut seafood soup.

Uaxactún

Uaxactún is an ancient Mayan site that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. This hidden gem is known for its astronomical complex and the longest-running continuous community of gum producers in the world. Visiting Uaxactún allows for a genuine interaction with the local community and a chance to learn about their sustainable forest management practices.

How to Get There: Uaxactún is about a 2-hour drive from Flores. It's best to arrange transportation with a local tour operator or hire a private vehicle.

Travel Tip: Plan your visit during the equinoxes or solstices to witness the incredible alignment of the sun with the site's architectural features.

Where to Stay: Camping is the most common accommodation in Uaxactún, with some basic guesthouses available in the village.

Where to Eat: Dining options are limited, but local families often offer home-cooked meals, providing an authentic taste of the region's cuisine.

Finca Ixobel

Finca Ixobel is an eco-friendly farm and hotel that offers a peaceful retreat in the Petén region. With a variety of accommodations from treehouses to dormitories, it's a great place for digital nomads to disconnect and enjoy nature. Activities include horseback riding, caving, and swimming in the nearby river and pond. The farm-to-table dining experience is a highlight, with fresh organic produce grown on-site.

How to Get There: Located near Poptún, Finca Ixobel is about a 2-hour drive from Flores. Buses heading to Poptún can drop you off at the entrance to the finca.

Travel Tip: Participate in one of the guided night hikes to experience the nocturnal wildlife and the sounds of the jungle under the stars.

Where to Stay: Finca Ixobel offers a range of unique accommodations, including cozy treehouses and comfortable cabins with beautiful views of the surrounding nature.

Where to Eat: The on-site restaurant at Finca Ixobel serves delicious meals made with ingredients from their organic garden, with vegetarian and vegan options available.