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| Guatemala Flores |
The Island of Flores is located on Lake Peten Itza and dates from 9th century. It was formerly called Tayasal. In the 15th century, Pedro de Alvarado arrived on the Island while on a trip to Honduras. He gave King Canek a Spanish horse, which the Mayas treated almost like a god. After several failed attempts to convert the natives to Christianity, the Spaniards destroyed Tayasal in 16th century and it was then abandoned until the 18th century. The Island is named after Cirilo Flores, one of the first Guatemaltecos to call for independence from the Colonial powers. The Island of Flores is quiet small, but it is hosting lots of restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, handicraft and souvenir stores, Internet caffee’s, etc. The city of Flores is geared towards the tourists that are visiting the ruins of Tikal. This Mayan site is 65km (40 miles) away from Flores and reachable by bus or car in 60 minutes. Flores is built over the old city of Tayasal and in the center the plaza and some stelaes remain. Internet is available in the centre of Flores starting from Q 8 an hour. All bank and ATM sevices are available in Flores and neighbouring town Santa Elena. Accommodation Flores is a little more expensive then Santa Elena, but is nicer to stay. Posada El Tucan Tel: +502 926 05 36 Single Q 50 Double Q 80 Triple Q 100 All have shared bathroom and are clean. |
Transport El Remate Collectivos at the station in Santa Elena will go up and down to Tikal and stop at El Remate. The journey will take 30 minutes and will cost Q 10. Tikal Collectivos at the station in Santa Elena will go up and down to Tikal. The journey takes an hour and will cost you Q 35, a rountrip will cost you Q 70. Bethel (Border Mexico) A few times a day buses will leave for Bethel from the bus station Santa Elena. The journey takes 4 hours and the last part is along bad roads. It will cost you Q 25. See Bethel for border crossing information. Coban Collectivos leave for Coban from the bus stop. First you will go to Sayaxche (Q 30), where you need to cross the river (Q 2).On the other side take a collectivo to Coban (Q 40). The total journey will take up to 6 hours. |