FLORES, Guatemala — The waterfront of Flores in north Guatemala. The colonial-era town is on a small island in Lake Peten Itza, joined with the mainland by a single causeway.
Photograph by David Coleman. The waterfront of Flores, a small island town in Guatemala's Lake Petén Itzá, presents a picturesque scene of vibrant colonial charm. Situated in the country's northern Petén department, Flores serves as a gateway to the nearby Maya ruins of Tikal and other archaeological sites in the region. The town's colorful buildings, painted in a palette of pastel hues, line the shore, their facades reflected in the calm waters of the lake. This creates a mirror-like effect, doubling the visual impact of the town's cheerful architecture. Small wooden boats and water taxis are moored along the shoreline, ready to ferry locals and tourists across the lake or to neighboring communities. A lakeside promenade runs along the water's edge, offering a pleasant walkway for strolling and taking in the views. This path is often dotted with locals and visitors alike, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and tropical climate. The scene captures the laid-back lifestyle of this historic town, which was once the last stronghold of the Itza Maya before falling to Spanish conquistadors in 1697. Flores' waterfront embodies the blend of natural beauty, colonial heritage, and modern tourism that characterizes many of Guatemala's smaller towns. Its strategic location on an island in Lake Petén Itzá has made it a hub for travelers exploring the Maya world while preserving its own unique charm and history.
Size: 4083px × 2713px
Location: Lake Peten Itza, Flores, Petén, Guatemala
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: america, american, americas, architecture, basin, buildings, central, civilization, climate, flora, flores, guatemala, guatemalan, highlands, island, itza, itzá, lake, lakefront, lakeside, latin, local, markets, maya, mesoamerica, mesoamerican, nearby, peten, peté, photo, shore, shoreline, stronghold, sunset, tikal, town, travel, tropical, views, village, waterfront
