Flores, Guatemala π¬πΉ
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Flores is a picturesque island town on Lake PetΓ©n ItzΓ‘, known for its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 30,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average speeds of 20 Mbps; available in cafes and coworking spaces. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 7.75 GTQ. Major credit cards accepted at many places. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable. Bottled water is commonly used. |
π Power | 110V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Tigo and Claro offering prepaid options. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Cash is preferred; ATMs available but may charge fees; Revolut and TransferWise accepted for transfers. |
π Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses to Airbnb rentals starting at $20 per night. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless-friendly; cards accepted in some restaurants and stores. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available, prices range from $20 to $50 per night. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Los Amigos offers dorms starting at $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | La Casa del Mundo offers a serene environment and good Wi-Fi. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Flor serves great coffee and has decent Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for weekly meetups. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expats in Flores Facebook group frequently organizes gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | No major taxi apps; local taxis available, negotiate rates before rides. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available through local shops for around $10 per day. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is at Playa Santa Elena, about 15 minutes away by taxi. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | TAG Airlines operates regional flights to major cities. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Avianca and United Airlines provide international flights from Guatemala City. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access to CA-9 highway connecting to larger cities. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Flores does not have a train system; local buses connect to nearby areas. |
π Public Transport Passes | No passes available; local buses and tuk-tuks charge per ride. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and shuttles to Quetzaltenango and Tikal regularly. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital Santa Elena is the primary medical facility in the region. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Serenity Yoga Studio offers classes and wellness workshops. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym Flores is available with basic equipment. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | LavaRopa offers wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Uber Eats operate in Flores for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try PepiΓ‘n, a traditional Guatemalan stew. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Verde offers a range of vegetarian options. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Dulces de Flores serves traditional pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado Central have fresh foods and local produce. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon ships to Guatemala with additional shipping times. |
π Grocery Delivery | Rappi provides grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Bar La Choza is popular for nightlife among locals and expats. |
π» Local Brewery | CervecerΓa La Nueva offers local brewing tours. |
π· Wine Bars | Vino y Tapas serves a selection of wines and tapas. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors along the main square are popular for local snacks. |
π Popular International Cuisine | El Bistro offers a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Explore the ruins of Tikal, just a short drive away. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museo del Azulejo features local ceramic art. |
π° Historical Sites | Flores Cathedral dates back to the colonial period. |
π Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is worth a visit. |
π Annual Events | Festival of San Juan in June is a local highlight. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The historic district of Flores is filled with vibrant culture. |
π Theater Venues | Local community theater showcases various performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Craft and artisan markets on weekends are common. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music events often held in local bars. |
π¨ Street Art | Colorful murals can be found throughout Flores. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at the local community center feature regional cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Art Gallery of Flores exhibits pieces from local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Some colonial buildings have been preserved in the town center. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Flores is a representation of the cultural blend of indigenous and colonial influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | PetΓ©n ItzΓ‘ Lake offers scenic views and swimming opportunities. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Tikal National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, accessible from Flores. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around Lake PetΓ©n ItzΓ‘ provide scenic walking and cycling options. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The Mirador de Flores provides panoramic views of the town and lake. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Tikal National Park is also a hotspot for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several spots along the shore of Lake PetΓ©n are great for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal service available for shipments. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops available for mobile and laptop repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community center occasionally hosts table tennis events. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Spanish schools available for language learning. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Library supports digital nomads with a quiet space for work. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Centro de Artes offers workshops and community events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes sometimes host gaming events. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Flores does not have casinos; the closest is in Guatemala City. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $48,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $40,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $90,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $72,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $104,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $80,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
π¦ Tax System | Residents taxed on Guatemalan-source income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% |
π§Ύ VAT | 12% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules exist. |
π Property Tax | Mild property tax applies based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 2% on property transactions. |