Lively hostel in Flores near Tikal with dorms and private rooms, pool, bar, and social events. Great place to meet other travelers, book tours to Tikal, and enjoy the island vibe. Lake views and hammocks.
Los Amigos Hostel is one of the most recognised budget properties on the island of Flores in Guatemala's Petén department. Flores sits on a small island connected by a causeway to the mainland town of Santa Elena, surrounded by Lake Petén Itzá — one of the largest natural lakes in Central America. The island's network of narrow streets, colourful colonial-style buildings, and lakefront promenade create a relaxed atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the dense tropical jungle of the surrounding lowland basin.
Situated on Calle Centroamérica, Los Amigos occupies a position on the island that captures lake views from hammocks and common areas. The hostel functions as a social hub for travellers preparing to visit Tikal National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest ancient Maya city complexes in the Americas — located approximately 65 km to the northeast along a paved road. The on-site tour desk arranges day trips and multi-day expeditions to Tikal, Yaxhá, El Mirador, and other Petén archaeological sites, and is one of the most frequently cited reasons travellers choose the property.
Accommodation ranges from dormitory beds to private rooms, with rates from roughly USD 12 to USD 40 depending on room type and season. The on-site bar and restaurant serve fresh juices, pasta, sandwiches, and local dishes, while social evenings and informal gatherings create the convivial atmosphere typical of the hostel. A swimming pool provides important relief from Petén's lowland climate, where temperatures frequently exceed 35 °C during the dry season months of February through May. Free Wi-Fi connects the property throughout.
Beyond Tikal, Flores serves as the gateway for exploring the wider Maya lowlands of northern Guatemala. Day trips can be arranged to Yaxhá — an archaeological site beside a lake that served as a filming location for the television programme Survivor — and to the Actún Can cave system near Santa Elena. Boat tours of Lake Petén Itzá depart from the island causeway and offer a different perspective on the surrounding forest and water.
The hostel's social character makes it particularly well suited to solo travellers looking to form groups for shared Tikal tours, which reduces per-person guide and transport costs significantly.
Amenities
- pool
- bar
- restaurant
- lake views
- tour desk
- free wifi
- social atmosphere
Location
Calle Centroamérica, Flores, Petén
16.9281, -89.8911 View on map
Highlights
- Lakefront setting on Flores island with hammocks and lake views overlooking Lake Petén Itzá
- On-site swimming pool, bar, and restaurant — essential amenities given Petén's intense tropical heat
- Tour desk arranges Tikal day trips, El Mirador expeditions, Yaxhá visits, and Lake Petén Itzá boat tours
- Dormitory beds from around USD 12 — among the most affordable options with pool access on Flores island
- Consistent 4.2-star rating driven by social atmosphere, lake views, and convenient Tikal tour logistics
Tips for visiting
- Book Tikal tours through the hostel tour desk at least a day in advance during high season (December–April) to secure transport and guide availability.
- Request a sunrise Tikal tour — arriving at the park before dawn to hear howler monkeys and see mist rising over the temple canopy is one of Guatemala's signature experiences, but early transport fills quickly.
- Petén's lowland heat peaks from March to May; the pool is in highest demand during these months and afternoon shade in common areas fills early.
- The causeway connecting Flores to Santa Elena is walkable in about 10 minutes and leads to the main bus terminal for onward travel to Belize, Mexico, or Guatemala City.
- Store valuables in a locker — provided in dorms — as shared accommodation in busy hostels carries standard security risks.
Accessibility
Los Amigos Hostel is set within a multi-level building on the island of Flores, where narrow historic streets and the island's traditional construction make full wheelchair accessibility unlikely. The hostel has not published specific accessibility documentation. Travellers with mobility requirements are encouraged to contact the property directly at +502 7867-5075 before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Los Amigos Hostel arrange tours to Tikal?
Yes, the hostel operates a tour desk that books transport and guided excursions to Tikal National Park, including sunrise tours, as well as trips to Yaxhá, El Mirador, and other Petén archaeological sites.
Is there a swimming pool at the hostel?
Yes — the hostel has an on-site pool, which is a significant amenity given Petén's intense tropical heat. The pool is open to all guests, including those staying in dormitory rooms.
How far is Flores from Tikal National Park?
Tikal is approximately 65 km from Flores, reached by a paved road in roughly one to one and a half hours by minibus or shared shuttle. The hostel's tour desk can arrange transport.
Are private rooms available as well as dorms?
Yes — Los Amigos offers both dormitory beds and private rooms, with private room rates typically ranging from around USD 25 to USD 40 depending on season and room type.