Hotel Villa Maya is an excellent option if you’re looking for the best hotel to stay in when visiting Flores and Tikal in Guatemala. My favorite thing about this great Tikal hotel is its location near Flores and Tikal National Park. Even though it’s close to everything it’s still secluded and relaxing, surrounded by lush jungle and overlooking two beautiful lagoons. 
Tikal is one of the best things to do in Guatemala. However, given its deep location in the Guatemalan jungle, a trip to Tikal is something that requires planning. And finding the best hotel in Tikal can make your trip to Tikal more magical and unforgettable.
If you are planning to visit Tikal in Guatemala, you should check out the most spectacular Mayan ruins in the world. In my guide to visiting Tikal, I share everything you need to know before visiting the Tikal National Park. From what time of the year to go and what hotel to stay inside the park to how many days you need, take advantage of everything the Peten area offers.
Great Location: A Hotel Near Tikal and Isla de Flores Peten
When visiting Tikal, most people look for a hotel in Tikal or a hotel in Isla de Flores, Peten. However, there are advantages to staying in an area close to both Tikal and Flores. Just 15 minutes from Mundo Maya International Airport, 20 minutes from Isla de Flores, 45 minutes from Tikal National Park, and about 1 hour from Yaxha ruins, Hotel Villa Maya is the perfect starting point for any activity in the area.
Hotel Villa Maya is just a short drive from many restaurants and the charming town of Flores, yes far enough to feel completely secluded. It is the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation where you can connect with nature and disconnect from the hustle and bustle.
Most people visiting the ruins stay in a hotel in Tikal. It is ideal for one night or two when you plan to see the Tikal ruins. However, many do not know that even the best hotel in Tikal, the Jungle Lodge, has minimal amenities. It is due to being in the middle of the jungle. The Jungle Lodge only has electricity and hot water for a few hours daily. There is no wifi in the rooms, only in the restaurant and lobby. There is also no wifi anywhere in the park.
And if you stay inside the Tikal National Park, it’s over an hour away from the nearest towns, Flores and Santa Elena. That means there are no restaurants, stores, or anything else. And because the Tikal ruins are about a 30-minute drive into the Tikal National Park and the natural reserve, there is nothing but jungle for miles and miles. So staying inside the Tikal National Park is not ideal if you want to take advantage of visiting other local attractions from other Mayan cities like Nitun and Yaxha to the charming Isla de Flores town.
Hotel Villa Maya: Best Flores Hotel for Nature Lovers
There are a lot of choices when it comes to hotels in or near Flores, Peten. Nonetheless, if you want to experience the raw and wild beauty of the Peten area of Guatemala in a hotel with all the comforts, Hotel Villa Maya is one of the best options. The hotel is located on a private reserve on the shores of the Petenchel and Monifata lagoons.
The grounds are a nature lover’s paradise! The property is full of walking trails taking you through the lush jungle and the lagoons’ shorelines. There are also beautiful gardens with Mayan stelae replicas.
The area is rich with wildlife, from howler monkeys and a myriad of beautiful tropical birds to turtles and crocodiles in the lagoon. I love nature, and this hotel is one of my favorites in the area. The grounds are so gorgeous, and the hotel is so relaxing. The hotel breeds white-tailed deer, peccaries, parrots, and other tropical birds.
There is a well-maintained pool and a mini pool, both surrounded by vegetation. I love that you can see birds and even monkeys while relaxing poolside. It’s an immersive experience! When traveling with kids, be aware that the entire pool is quite deep. And if you go in high season, the pool does get a bit crowded, as it is rather small. But if you’re traveling in low or shoulder season, you get it all to yourself as we did.
The hotel has walking and biking trails; you can rent bikes and binoculars. They even offer horse riding if you’re interested.
I woke up early each day of our stay and loved to walk the trails all by myself. Listening to the howler monkeys and the birds as they welcomed the day was my favorite part of the day. And the views of the lagoons from the courses are just spectacular and magical early in the morning.
Spacious and Comfortable Rooms At Hotel Villa Maya
Villa Maya’s air-conditioned rooms are spacious and bright. I love the stylish decor with a tropical jungle vibe that is modern and subtle. And I especially love the use of natural materials like wood and neutral colors.
The rooms have a furnished balcony with garden, forest, or lagoon views. I definitely recommend the rooms with a lagoon view. Watching the sunrise or sunset from the balcony over the lagoon is quite magical.
The bathrooms are also spacious, and the shower has excellent water pressure. This is essential to me when traveling. Unfortunately, it is not always something easily found in remote hotels like this one.
One of the Best Restaurants Near Flores and Tikal
We ate at many places on our trip to Tikal, and I have to say that the food at the Villas Maya restaurant was terrific. Not only was every dish delicious, but the view of the lagoon from this open-air restaurant was beautiful. So, whether you’re staying at the hotel or elsewhere, I highly recommend visiting the restaurant.
What I liked the most about the Villas Maya restaurant was its varied cuisine, from traditional Guatemalan food to International dishes. It also had delicious dishes made with traditional Guatemalan and local ingredients, some of which you can only find in the Peten area. These Guatemalan fusion culinary offerings were not only mouthwatering but unique. It is something you will not find anywhere else in the area!
More Amazing Things to Do In Guatemala:
If you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, or want to come back for more, you’ve come to the right place! From the best destinations to kid-friendly activities, I’ll share my love for my home country. Here are amazing things to do in Guatemala to make your trip a memorable one:
Why Lake Atitlán Needs To Be On Your Travel Bucket List:
Lake Atitlán is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Located in the western highlands of Guatemala, the lake encircles spectacular dormant volcanoes and picturesque Mayan villages. It has a relaxed atmosphere, colorful and rich Mayan culture, and an almost perfect climate.
Dramatic Volcanic Black Sand Beaches In Guatemala:
If you haven’t walked along beautiful black sand beaches, you are missing out on a magical experience! Some of the best beaches in Guatemala are on its Pacific coasts, places of deep chill, and stunning wilderness. Guatemala’s beaches are full of palm trees to relax with an icy beverage on hand.
San Antonio Palopó, A Mayan Village With Unique Pottery:
Perched on the mountainside of Lake Atitlán, San Antonio Palopó is a small town that has remained relatively unspoiled. The town’s life centers around its ceramics and textiles. With a picturesque church acting as the focal point, San Antonio Palopo is a beautiful place you must see on your next visit to Lake Atitlan.
Best Things To Do In Antigua Guatemala With Kids:
Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Antigua Guatemala is a colonial city rich in history and culture. But finding kid-friendly activities can be somewhat of a challenge. So I wanted to share with you all the best things to do in Antigua with kids. All of these activities are family-friendly but are also great for adults.
An Enchanting River Ride: A Quick Guide To Río Dulce:
One of the most beautiful destinations in Guatemala, Río Dulce is often overlooked. This area overflows with beautiful nature, colonial history, unique culture, and fantastic food. This quick guide to Rio Dulce covers the best things to do, where to stay, and what to eat.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
- Guatemalan Dulce de Chilacayote Recipe (Crystalized Chilacayote Candy) - February 26, 2024
- Guatemalan Naranjas en Miel Recipe (Candied Oranges Recipe) - February 25, 2024
- Traditional Guatemalan Candy - February 25, 2024
This place looks so beautiful! We are putting this on our bucket list. My husband is going to love all of the international meals there!
I love seeing the photos. This is a great place for a trip.
This is indeed the best place to stay. I love to connect with nature and this is my kind of vacation!
What a really wonderful and amazing place to visit and stay! My family would really love to go here!
These photos are so lovely, and it’s funny how structures that fall into the “ruins” category can still maintain their beauty. I would love to see Guatemala someday!
Your photos all look breathtaking. I love how serene the place looks.
I’ve always wanted to travel to Guatamala. I would love to see the wildlife! My daughter would go nuts for all the monkeys.
Paradise for sure. I’d love to come across the birds. It’s always so exciting to see birds you don’t normally see.
This is not a vacation – it’s a dream! These places are amazing and are must visit at least once in our lifetime!