Seventy-eight nautical miles from the Petén to Belize's deep south. It is the nearest destination to Flores in the whole catalogue, and probably the one fewest people ask for. Quoted per aircraft on request.
Route facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mundo Maya (FRS / MGMM), Flores |
| Destination | Punta Gorda (PND / MZPG) |
| Distance | 78.0 NM · 144 km |
| International | Yes |
| Destination runway | 723 m, asphalt |
| Price | Quoted per aircraft on request |
Nearer than Belize City
Here is the figure that reorders the mental map of this corner of Central America.
| From Flores | Distance |
|---|---|
| Punta Gorda | 78.0 NM |
| Placencia | 89.4 NM |
| Belize City | 96.9 NM |
| San Pedro | 124.1 NM |
| Guatemala City | 145.1 NM |
Southern Belize is nearer to Tikal than Belize's own capital, and nearer than the capital of Guatemala too. Almost nobody assumes it.
Departure and entry formalities vary by country and need lead time; we coordinate them with every passenger’s details.
What it avoids overland
There is no direct route between the Petén and southern Belize. The land route crosses the border and drops towards Belize City in order to climb back up the Southern Highway — the same detour we describe towards Placencia, but forty kilometres longer.
It is the arithmetic of the detour in its most extreme form in the catalogue: the overland route passes a point further away than the destination, and then doubles back.
On most routes in the catalogue the detour is longer but runs in the same direction. Here it overshoots the destination — which is why the time saved is greater than the distance suggests.
It crosses a border, and that governs
An international flight between Guatemala and Belize. The formalities have their own deadlines and require notice. Departure and entry formalities vary by country and need lead time; we coordinate them with every passenger’s details.
It is the origin's peculiarity taken to its extreme case: from Flores, the nearest destination is the one carrying the most paperwork. Guatemala City is twice as far and domestic.
The two runways are nothing alike
Mundo Maya has the longest runway in Guatemala. Punta Gorda has 723 metres with an approach over water.
It is one of the catalogue's sharpest asymmetries: the origin restricts nothing and the destination does. The aircraft is decided by Punta Gorda, not Flores. The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
If you travel in a group, ask with the exact number before fixing dates.
Who this route is for
For anyone combining Tikal with southern Belize — cacao, Q'eqchi' and Mopan Maya communities, and the least touristed access in the country.
It is not a reef route: for that there are Placencia (89.4 NM) and San Pedro (124.1). This one runs interior to interior, between two Maya areas separated by a border and a road detour.
And from the Flores airport to Tikal the usual transfer remains, which we do not operate. From the aerodrome to the archaeological site there is a road leg arranged by your local operator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Punta Gorda the nearest destination to Flores?
Yes, at 78.0 nautical miles. It is nearer than Placencia, than Belize City and than Guatemala City.
What does the flight avoid?
The overland detour, which crosses the border, drops towards Belize City and climbs back up the Southern Highway.
Does it cross a border?
Yes. And it is the origin's extreme case: from Flores, the nearest destination carries the most paperwork. Departure and entry formalities vary by country and need lead time; we coordinate them with every passenger’s details.
Does the runway at Punta Gorda limit the aircraft?
The destination's does: 723 metres with an approach over water. Mundo Maya restricts nothing, so Punta Gorda decides the aircraft. The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
Is it a reef route?
No. For the reef there are Placencia at 89.4 nautical miles and San Pedro at 124.1. This one runs interior to interior.
And the transfer to Tikal?
The usual journey from the Flores airport remains, which we do not operate. From the aerodrome to the archaeological site there is a road leg arranged by your local operator.
Enquire
See also: Private flights from Flores · How much does a private charter to Punta Gorda cost · Flores to Placencia · Placencia to Punta Gorda · All destinations · Door-to-lodge transfer · Private Charter from Flores to Belize Municipal · Private Charter from Punta Gorda to Utila · Private Charter from Caye Caulker to Punta Gorda · Private Charter from Punta Gorda to La Ceiba · Private Charter from Caye Caulker to Flores