Mundo Maya International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Mundo Maya airport is on the outskirts of Santa Elena, on the mainland; the historic island of Flores, linked by a short causeway over the lake, is just 5-10 minutes away by taxi or tuk-tuk. Flores remains the most convenient base for visiting Tikal and the rest of the Petén, with its colourful houses and lakeside restaurants; those with only a few hours between flights can stay in Santa Elena, literally across from the terminal, while those after a more secluded retreat can head to the opposite shore of the lake.

Flores Island

Nearby town · 5-10 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk from the airport to the road linking Santa Elena to Flores.

Best for: For those visiting Tikal and the Petén who want the island's colonial houses, lake and restaurants within walking distance.

Pros

Walkable island on Lake Petén Itzá, with colourful houses and restaurants along the lakefront
The most convenient starting point for organised day trips to Tikal, about an hour's drive away

Cons

Narrow lanes: at some hotels luggage has to be carried on foot from the last stretch cars can reach
During the middle of the day the island fills up with groups passing through on their way to Tikal

Recommended hotels in this area

Hotel Casa Amelia: On the island of Flores, with lake views and a free airport shuttle on request from 6 to 20; two minutes' walk from the Church of the Virgen del Remedio.
Ramada by Wyndham Tikal Isla de Flores: 52 rooms across four floors with two pools, opened in 2014 as Guatemala's first Ramada; on the island, under an hour from Tikal and the ruins of Yaxhá.

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Santa Elena, around the airport

Airport area · A few minutes' walk or drive from the terminal, on the side of Santa Elena opposite the road to Flores.

Best for: Short layovers or early-morning departures, for staying a step from the terminal without having to cross over to Flores.

Pros

No need to take the road to Flores: convenient for anyone who just needs to sleep between two flights
Apartments with their own kitchen, useful for longer stays near the airport

Cons

None of the atmosphere of Flores island: Santa Elena is a transit hub, not a tourist destination
Few restaurants nearby besides the ones at the airport itself

Recommended hotels in this area

Apartamentos Petenchel, por Aeropuerto Flores Petén: Apartments with a kitchen in Santa Elena, a few steps from the Mundo Maya airport terminal; a practical option for those arriving late or departing at dawn.

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San Andrés, on the opposite shore of the lake

Nearby town · About 25 minutes by car from the airport to the property's jetty, with the final stretch by boat across Lake Petén Itzá.

Best for: For those seeking a secluded lakeside resort, away from the tourist traffic of Flores, with a spa and pool.

Pros

Guatemala's first property to join the Cayuga Collection, with a spa, sauna and lakefront pool
Secluded location amid greenery, far from the tourist-group traffic of Flores

Cons

An organised transfer booked in advance is always needed: there are no passing taxis on this shore of the lake
Further from Tikal and the other ruins than the hotels on Flores

Recommended hotels in this area

Bolontiku Boutique Hotel, Member of the Cayuga Collection: 15 villas in a tropical garden on Lake Petén Itzá, in San Andrés; a full spa, sauna and a platform for swimming in the lake.

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