Flores, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#788
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Flores is a picturesque island town located in the northern part of Guatemala, near Lake Petén Itzá. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20 Mbps, with options for 100 Mbps in some coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.85 GTQ; ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Tigo and Claro, with good coverage in most areas. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Western Union and local banks offer services, with Revolut and Wise being common among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from $15/night hostels to $80/night boutique hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted in many restaurants and shops, but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available, typically costing between $20-$50/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Los Amigos and Casa de la Isla offer budget-friendly options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The main island area offers scenic views and close proximity to restaurants and shops. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The areas around the lake and island's main square provide peaceful environments for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Red Monkey is a popular coworking space in Flores offering reliable internet and a community vibe. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Flor offers good coffee, free Wi-Fi, and a comfortable atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Drop-in meetups occur frequently at The Red Monkey and other local cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for local expat community events on Facebook groups dedicated to Guatemalan nomads. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in surrounding areas, and local tuk-tuks can be hired for short trips. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from local shops for about $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is around 2 hours away at Playa Santa Elena. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca operates flights in and out of Flores. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United have routes connecting Flores to major U.S. cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Flores is accessible via the main highway leading to the Tikal region. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Flores does not have a train service; buses and shuttles connect to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local bus and shuttle services run frequently, with no formal passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby towns and attractions like Tikal cost around $2-$3. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Policlínica is the main healthcare facility offering basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are offered at La Casa de la Cultura. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | There are a few smaller gyms; the Fitness Center offers basic equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide wash-and-fold services for about $2 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | TukTuk is popular for local food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ceviche de pescado is a must-try local seafood dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Vía is known for its vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Casa de la Abuela offers delicious traditional desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado de Flores are great for fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce is developing; Amazon delivers in Guatemala. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local supermarkets offer delivery services for groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The waterfront bars and cafes are popular for nightlife, especially on weekends. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Donaire is a small local brewery known for craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Enoteca serves a selection of wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer delicious tamales and pupusas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza is available at several restaurants, including Pizzeria El Forno. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Cathedral of Flores and the Santa Barbara Ruins are must-visit landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo del Islote offers insights into the local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal are a short distance away and worth the trip. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of San Vicente Ferrer is a significant local religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of San Juan in June is a vibrant local celebration. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The colorful colonial buildings on the island enhance the town's charm. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances can be found at various community centers around the town. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The local market is a great spot to shop for handcrafted goods and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be found at local restaurants and bars, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look out for murals around the island that reflect local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes are offered at various local establishments, focusing on traditional Guatemalan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists showcase their work at small galleries throughout the town. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many buildings in Flores date back to the colonial period and are well-preserved. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Flores is known for its unique blend of Mayan and colonial heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Petén Itzá offers opportunities for kayaking and swimming. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tikal National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site with extensive trails and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are paths along Lake Petén Itzá that are perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints from the island offer stunning sunsets over the lake. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Tikal National Park is ideal for birdwatching, with numerous migratory species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check with local guidelines, but some spots along the lake may allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL offers reliable parcel delivery services out of Flores. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide basic repair services for phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The community center has facilities for games and activities, including table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools such as La Casa de la Cultura offer courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Flores has a small library where books and quiet study space is available. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host events and activities open to newcomers. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The gaming scene is limited, but various local cafes cater to gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos in Flores; nearby towns may have limited options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% VAT applicable. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax varies based on location and property type. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 3% during property purchase. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits, standard rates apply. |