Santa Elena Airport

Mundo Maya Airport, also known as Santa Elena Airport, is not just an air hub, but a true gateway to the mysterious world of ancient civilizations. Located in the city of Flores, it is the second busiest airport in Guatemala and the main arrival point for travellers seeking to witness the grandeur of the Tikal ruins and other archaeological wonders of the Petén region with their own eyes. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a key role in tourism development, connecting the past and the present.

The main advantage of Mundo Maya Airport is its strategic location. It is the most convenient way to reach Tikal National Park, saving travellers many hours of travel compared to ground transport from the capital. The airport boasts the longest runway in Guatemala, measuring 3,000 metres, which allows it to accommodate sufficiently large aircraft. Although the terminal infrastructure is quite simple and includes basic amenities such as cafes and a souvenir shop, its efficiency and proximity to major attractions make it indispensable for anyone wishing to explore the heart of the Maya world.

Contacting the administration of Mundo Maya Airport (Santa Elena) directly can be challenging, as it is managed by the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics of Guatemala (DGAC). For most flight-related enquiries, it is recommended to contact the airline directly. Below is the most current general contact information.

• Official Website: Santa Elena Airport does not have its own separate website. Official information is published on the portal of the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics of Guatemala (DGAC).
• Help Desk Phone: For general enquiries not related to specific flights, you can try calling +502 7926 1383. However, getting through can be difficult.
• Airport Address: Aeropuerto Internacional Mundo Maya, Flores, Petén, Guatemala.
• Email: There is no direct public email address for contacting the airport. It is recommended to use contact forms on airline websites.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own official social media pages. News and important announcements may be published on DGAC resources.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost, delayed, or damaged luggage, you must contact your airline's baggage tracing service exclusively.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance with check-in, boarding, delays, or flight cancellations, please contact the information desk or your airline representatives directly at the airport.

Santa Elena Airport (FRS) is the main aerial gateway leading to the colourful city of Flores and the famous Petén region in Guatemala. Thanks to its close proximity to major tourist zones, reaching the terminal is quick and possible via several methods suitable for any budget.

Taxis and Tuk-tuks

The simplest and most popular way to get to the airport is to use a taxi or the more exotic local transport, the three-wheeled tuk-tuk. A trip from the island part of Flores, where most hotels are located, will take just 5–10 minutes. The cost of a taxi ride is usually around 30–50 Guatemalan quetzals, while a tuk-tuk may be slightly cheaper. Important tip: always agree on the price with the driver before starting the trip, as meters are rarely used.

Public Transport

For the most budget-conscious travellers, there are local buses (colectivos). This is the cheapest option, though it may not be very convenient if you have a lot of luggage. Buses do not enter the airport grounds but stop on the main road a few minutes' walk from the terminal entrance. This method is excellent for those who want to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere and are travelling light.

Transfers and Car Rental

Many hotels and travel agencies in Flores offer airport transfer services. This is a convenient and reliable option that can be booked in advance. If you plan to explore the surroundings independently, for example, the ruins of Tikal, you can rent a car. Rental desks are available both at the airport itself and in the city. Parking near the airport is usually available and hassle-free, as the airport is small.

Santa Elena Airport (FRS), also known as Mundo Maya International Airport, is a compact and convenient aviation hub serving the city of Flores and the entire Petén region in Guatemala. Its structure is extremely simple: the airport consists of one two-storey terminal, which is used simultaneously to service both domestic and international flights. This makes navigation intuitively clear and fast, with transitions between zones taking only a few minutes.

The terminal layout is logical and will not cause difficulties even for an inexperienced traveller. On the ground floor, you will find check-in counters, the arrival area with baggage claim belts, and customs control. Airline representatives, car rental desks, and tourist offices are also located here. The upper floor is entirely dedicated to the departure zone: after passing security control, passengers enter a small waiting hall with several boarding gates, a modest Duty-Free shop, and a cafe.

Check-in and security procedures at Santa Elena Airport usually proceed quite quickly due to the low passenger volume. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before an international flight and 1 hour before a domestic one to complete all formalities without rushing. During peak times, when several flights depart simultaneously, small queues may form, but they are rarely critical.

The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs. Signs indicating directions to departure zones (Salidas) and arrivals (Llegadas) are clearly visible. Due to the small size of the terminal, getting lost here is practically impossible. All key zones—from check-in counters to boarding gates—are within walking distance of each other, making travel through this airport as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

The history of Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), also known as Santa Elena Airport, is inextricably linked to the development of tourism in the Petén region and the unveiling of the grandeur of the ancient Maya city—Tikal—to the world. Although it is difficult to determine the exact founding date of the original airfield, its active development began in the second half of the 20th century, when travellers from all over the world started showing interest in the ruins lost in the jungle. Initially, it was a modest airstrip serving mainly small aircraft and fulfilling logistical tasks in this remote corner of Guatemala.

A key stage in the airport's history was a large-scale modernisation in the early 2000s. Understanding the immense tourism potential of Tikal, the government initiated a project to transform the local airfield into a modern aerial gateway. During the reconstruction, the runway was significantly lengthened, allowing for the reception of larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The culmination of the project was the opening of a new passenger terminal, which continues to serve arriving tourists today. It was this modernisation that turned the airport into the second busiest in the country and gave it its current name—"Mundo Maya" (Maya World), highlighting its role in the tourist route following the footsteps of the ancient civilization.

Throughout its history, the airport has not set global records for passenger traffic, but its main achievement is transforming a hard-to-reach region into one of the main tourist destinations in Central America. An interesting fact: before the development of air travel, a trip from the capital of Guatemala to Flores and Tikal could take several days on difficult roads. Today, thanks to the airport, this journey takes only about an hour. Thus, Santa Elena Airport has become not just a transport hub, but a true bridge between modernity and the mysterious world of the ancient Maya.

Santa Elena Airport (FRS), being the main air gateway to the Maya world and the famous Tikal, provides passengers with a necessary set of services for a comfortable journey. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-organised and offers all the essentials while waiting for a flight.

Inside, you will find several small cafes and snack bars where you can enjoy a cup of aromatic Guatemalan coffee, have a sandwich, or try local snacks. For those who haven't had time to buy gifts, souvenir shops are available. Here you can purchase handmade items, bright textiles, jade jewellery, and other authentic goods reminiscent of a trip to the Petén region.

For a more comfortable wait, you can use the services of the VIP lounge, offering a secluded atmosphere, beverages, and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or attend to work matters. The waiting halls also have charging stations for mobile phones and other gadgets.

The airport operates currency exchange points and has ATMs for cash withdrawals. In case of feeling unwell, a first aid medical post is provided. A mother and child room is equipped for travellers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on staff assistance: the airport has ramps, accessible restrooms, and airline staff will assist with check-in and boarding.

Although there are no hotels within the airport itself, many accommodation options are located just a few minutes' drive away—in the city of Flores and its surroundings. Specialised business centres or conference rooms are absent in the airport, but basic conditions for work can be found in the VIP lounge.

Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), serving the city of Flores and the Petén region, is a small but important transport hub for tourists heading to Tikal. Dining options here are quite modest and correspond to the size of the airport, yet they allow for a snack before departure or upon arrival.

In the main terminal building, both in the public area (landside) and in the departure zone after passing security (airside), you will find several small cafes and snack bars. There are no full-service restaurants with extensive menus here, but the available establishments offer a sufficient selection to satisfy hunger. Their opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule—they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last one departs.

What is worth trying:

• Quick snack: In the cafes, you can grab fresh pastries, sandwiches, crisps, and beverages. This is an ideal option if you are short on time. Be sure to order a cup of famous Guatemalan coffee—it is a great way to acquaint yourself with one of the main products of Guatemala.
• Hearty lunch: For a more substantial meal, you can find hot sandwiches or simple local dishes, for example, empanadas (stuffed pastries) or tostadas. Although the selection is limited, it is enough to eat properly while waiting for a flight.
• Special diets: Options for vegans, vegetarians, or people with gluten intolerance are extremely limited. It is recommended to bring food with you if you have strict dietary requirements. At best, you might find fresh fruit or a simple salad. Please note that Halal-certified options may not be readily available.

Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city. We recommend dining at one of the numerous restaurants in Flores before travelling to the airport if you want more variety and better value. Nevertheless, local cafes at Santa Elena Airport cope excellently with the task of providing travellers with basic snacks and beverages.

Travelling through Santa Elena Airport, the gateway to the amazing world of the ancient Maya near the city of Flores, will be easier and more pleasant if you follow a few tips. This is a small regional airport, so many processes here are faster than in major hubs, but preparation is still important.

Arrival at the airport and check-in. For domestic flights within Guatemala, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for international flights—at least 2–3 hours. Although queues for check-in and security are usually small, it is better to have a time buffer. Ensure that all necessary documents (passport, visa, ticket) are at hand to speed up the process.

Seat selection and hand luggage. If possible, choose a window seat when flying out of Flores. You may be treated to stunning views of Lake Petén Itzá and the surrounding jungles. Regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml (total volume up to 1 litre), packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects and other prohibited items cannot be carried in the cabin.

Transfers and customs control. If you have a connecting flight, verify with your airline in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage in Flores. Upon arrival on an international flight, you will have to pass passport and customs control. Be prepared to fill out a customs declaration and answer standard questions about the purpose of your visit and the presence of goods to declare.

Saving time and money. To save money, book a taxi or transfer to your hotel online in advance—this is often cheaper than negotiating on the spot. Also, check your airline's baggage allowance to avoid extra charges for excess weight. The selection of cafes and shops in the airport itself is limited, so bring a light snack and a water bottle that can be filled after security.

In case of flight delay. Santa Elena Airport is quite compact, and in the event of a long delay, leisure opportunities are limited. First of all, contact your airline representative for information and instructions. Keep a portable charger for gadgets, a book, or downloaded films with you. Depending on the cause and duration of the delay, the airline may provide vouchers for food or beverages.