If you have listened to our podcast on Guatemala then you will know that Flores is a popular stop for the backpacker crossing over from Mexico or Belize. It is a beautiful little town where you can party or relax and it is usually the spring board for the wonderful site of Tikal. In the middle of an island on lake Peten Backpackers tend to end up in Los Amigos hostel for a stay that can include a booze cruise on the lake, a search for a rope swing or even some spa treatments if your budget allows. Flores Is a little town that is a right of passage as you travel through Guatemala. In this blog post we are going to have a quick look at the history of this tiny island as it holds a BIG story and one you should be aware of if you visit.
Flores Guatemala Backpacking Knowledge
In 1524, Flores was known as Nojpetén and it was the capital of the Peten Itza kingdom.
The Mayan site dated back to circa 900BC. The island site would have been a strategic position for fishing activities as well as providing a point of safety and fertile grounds for agriculture.
During the Spanish invasion, the people were found Hernan Cordoba would briefly visit the small island before heading to Honduras, you will see why this is remarkable shortly.
The Itza people were left alone by the Spanish until 1617 when missionaries peacefully approached the leader (also called the Aj Kan Ek) of Nojpeten Island. The talks of conversion to the christian faith would fail so the missionaries would move on to tackle their next targets. Not giving up however, the Spanish visited Nojpetem again in 1618.
This time the hospitality of the Aj Kan Ek would be seen unfavourably by the local priests and the local population. Expressing their dislike of the visitors and the hospitality shown by the Aj Kan Ek a revolt occurred and the Spanish visitors would be banished. A few more attempt to take Nojpeten happened with the final visit ending in a very gory way, with Spanish heads being displayed on sticks at the edge of the island as a warning to stop with these unwanted attempts of conversion! After this back and forth, the Spanish would be ordered to take Nojpeten once and for all. They set up on the banks of the lake in the village of ch’ich.
Here they would build a boat and equip it with canons and men before rowing across the lake where the Itzas bow and arrows would be no match for the Spanish fire power and Nojpeten would be taken by the Spanish in 1697. This would put an end to a tense and resistant chapter of Maya vs Spain.
The island of Noypeten would be branded Nuestra Señora de los Remedios y San Pablo, Laguna del Itza ("Our Lady of Remedy and Saint Paul, Lake of the Itza").
Unfortunately today there is no real identity of the Mayan culture on this little island, in the centre at the top you will even find a small cathedral called the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios.
Next to the cathedral you will also be able to find a traditional plaza where you will find the locals playing basketball or relaxing in the shade of the palm. Its a great spot to watch day transition to night. If you are watching the sunset across the waters of Lake Peten, have a moment to reflect on the significance of the little Island of Flores.
Until the next one I hope you have enjoyed this quick post and levelled up your Flores Guatemala Backpacking Knowledge take care explorers, and don't forget to listen to the podcast for more of Guatemala History.
Jack
For The Curious Explorer
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