tikal travel guide

How To Visit The Tikal Mayan Ruins In Guatemala (+Map)

A visit to the Mayan ruins of Tikal Guatemala would have to be one of the most spectacular things you can do in Central America. Like something from Indiana Jones, these ancient temples once made up the biggest capital of the Mayan civilization.

If you’ve been to the giant pyramid of Chichen Itza in Mexico, this place is similar but arguably even better. Tikal National Park is home to all kinds of wildlife, and many of the Mayan temples here are open for climbing, so you can enjoy panoramic views of the jungle surrounding the ruins!

The other good news is that Tikal (pronounced ‘tee-kahl’) is relatively easy and affordable to visit on a day trip from Flores in Guatemala, or you can also visit Tikal overland from the neighboring country of Belize.

In any case, it’s a bucket list experience that you can’t miss if you’re traveling in Belize or Guatemala! Star Wars fans will also appreciate that Tikal was used as a filming location for one of the original movies, ‘A New Hope.’

This Tikal travel guide will explain where the ruins are located (plus a Tikal map), how to get there from Guatemala or Belize, hours & entrance fees, safety tips, best tour packages, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Table of Contents show 1) Where To Stay In Flores 2) Best Tikal Tours 3) Where Is Tikal? 4) How To Get To Tikal Guatemala 5) Visiting Tikal Guatemala: What To Expect 6) Tikal Map (Guatemala) 7) Best Tikal Temples & Ruins 8) Tikal In Star Wars 9) Entrance Fees At Tikal National Park 10) Opening Hours At Tikal National Park 11) Other Tips For Tikal Guatemala 12) History Of Tikal 13) Best Time To Visit Tikal Guatemala 14) Is Tikal Guatemala Safe? 15) Is Tikal Worth It? 16) Flores Hotels 17) More Guatemala Travel Tips

Where To Stay In Flores

Hotel Santana

Los Amigos Hostel

Bolontiku Boutique

Hotel Peten

Best Tikal Tours

Tikal Guatemala is one of those places that’s best seen with a tour, especially on your first visit. It’s the safest and most convenient way to get transportation to the ruins, and an English speaking guide can be very helpful for explaining everything and taking pictures for you.

GetYourGuide has Tikal day tours from Flores in Guatemala, or they also have day tours starting from San Ignacio in Belize. Some of these tours also include lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off to make things even more convenient.

We’ve used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great. Highly recommended!

Book Now: Tikal Tour From Flores / From Belize

Where Is Tikal?

Tikal is located in northern Guatemala, in the Peten department (state).

The nearest town is Flores in Guatemala, which has plenty of tourist-friendly hotels and restaurants, or you can also visit Tikal overland from San Ignacio in Belize.

Temple V is one of the best temple ruins in Tikal Guatemala

How To Get To Tikal Guatemala

• from guatemala.

If you’re coming from Guatemala, the closest airport to Tikal is the Mundo Maya International Airport (code: FRS) in Flores, Guatemala. You can also go by bus from Guatemala City, which is a bit cheaper but much slower, taking about 10 hours.

There are daily nonstop flights to Flores from Guatemala City or Cancun, Mexico. Airline choices are Avianca or TAG Airlines, and Avianca is better if you have the option (best safety record and more flexible about baggage).

The flight to Flores from Guatemala City only takes about 45 minutes, and you can sometimes find prices as low as 400 Quetzales ($50 USD). You can shop for flights on Skyscanner .

Once you arrive in Flores, the next step is getting to Tikal, which is a 1.5 hour drive from Flores town. The easiest way to do this is a shared tour by bus from Flores , which can be very affordable.

If you’d rather visit Tikal without a tour, that’s also possible if you rent a car or take a shuttle from Flores. However, it doesn’t work out to be a whole lot cheaper than taking a tour, and having a guide can be helpful for explaining things in the park and taking pictures for you.

Temple I — one of the most epic views in Tikal National Park!

• From Belize

If you’re coming from Belize, your first step will be getting to San Ignacio, which is a city in Belize near the Guatemala border.

The drive to San Ignacio from Belize City takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, and you can go by car (taxi), bus, or shuttle. I think the shuttle is the best way to go.

Sometimes there are also flights from Belize City to the tiny airport at San Ignacio, but those are puddle jumper planes and the options are pretty limited. You can inquire about that with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air .

Once you arrive in San Ignacio, it’s another 2 to 2.5 hour drive to cross the Guatemala border and get to Tikal. The easiest way to do this is with a day tour package that handles all the transportation for you.

The border crossing adds a step or two to the process, but it’s not very difficult. If you’d rather go without a tour, you can rent a car or take a shuttle from San Ignacio to Tikal.  

Visiting Tikal Guatemala: What To Expect

The Tikal Guatemala ruins cover a pretty large area, but it’s still small enough to be walkable on foot. All of the paths are flat and easy, although if you choose to climb any temples then that part can be a bit strenuous. Some temples are easier to climb than others.

Some of the temples at Tikal are closed to climbing, so you’ll want to keep that in mind. Check the signage before you climb. Everything is posted in English and Spanish, so it’s easy for visitors to understand.

There are hundreds of animal species living in Tikal National Park, and you have a good chance of seeing some of them on your visit. In one day tour, we saw spider monkeys, coatimundis, turkeys, and other wildlife. It’s also possible to spot tarantulas and toucans here, and even the occasional puma or jaguar!

You can see the highlights of Tikal in a few hours, so I think one full day trip is enough time for most people, although some photographers might want to stay longer and take more pictures. There are a handful of hotels at Tikal with direct access to the park if you want to stay a night or two.

Tikal National Park

Tikal Map (Guatemala)

Here’s a handy 3D Tikal map you can use to plan your Guatemala trip. You can also buy a paper Tikal map at the entrance of the national park, which will be a big help for finding your way around the temples, ruins, and everything else in the park.

Among other things, this map shows where you can find bathroom facilities throughout the park. The park entrance is marked as ‘9 Ingreso’ on this map of Tikal. That’s where you’ll enter the park when you first start your tour.

Click to enlarge this Tikal map (© Mapas De Guatemala)

Best Tikal Temples & Ruins

This isn’t a complete list of all the Tikal ruins, but these are just some of the best temples in the park, in my opinion:  

Also known as the ‘Temple of the Great Jaguar,’ Temple I is probably the most beautiful and iconic of all the temple ruins in Tikal Guatemala. It’s also one of the tallest.

You can’t climb Temple I, but you can climb the opposite building (Temple II) and use that as a vantage point for taking pictures of Temple I. This is where the most famous pictures of Temple I are taken.

This temple was the burial place of the Mayan king Jasaw Chan K’awiil I. It’s photogenic from almost any angle, and there are also lots of other nice photo spots in the Great Plaza where Temple I is located.

This iconic view of Temple I is a picture taken from the top of Temple II

• Temple II

Also known as the ‘Temple of the Masks,’ Temple II is a nice building in its own right, but the best thing about it is that you can climb it for amazing views of Temple I and the Great Plaza, which sits right next to it.

This temple stands 38 meters (125 feet) high, but the backside has a wooden staircase, which you can climb to reach the top in just a few minutes. The view is well worth the climb!  

• Temple IV

Temple IV is the tallest temple in Tikal, and one of the tallest Mayan buildings in the world, with a height of 65 meters (212 feet).

You can also climb it! The wooden staircase has almost 200 steps to reach the top of the temple, so it’s a serious workout. Our group was exhausted and sweaty when we reached the top.

Also known as the ‘Star Wars temple,’ this one was used as a filming location for the jungle planet Yavin 4 in Star Wars: A New Hope . It’s a great view in the movie, and also in real life.

The Star Wars view from Temple IV

Last, but not least, don’t forget to visit Temple V. This is a very big and photogenic moss-covered temple located near the Central Acropolis of Tikal National Park. It’s the 2nd tallest building at Tikal after Temple IV, standing 57 meters tall (187 feet)!

You can’t climb the stairs of Temple V, but it’s still very impressive and great for photos. Archaeologists aren’t sure about the purpose of Temple V, but it’s believed to have been a mortuary temple (i.e. tomb) for one of Tikal’s ancient rulers.

Tikal In Star Wars

If you’re looking for the Tikal temple from Star Wars, that’s Temple IV. In the movie ‘A New Hope,’ a Rebel guard watches the Millennium Falcon spaceship landing on the jungle planet of Yavin 4.

The movie shot was taken on top of Temple IV, and in the distance you can see Temples I, II, and III rising above the jungle canopy.

You can see a screenshot of the Star Wars movie scene below.

The Tikal Star Wars scene at Temple IV (© 20th Century Fox)

Interestingly, the movie scene was shot in 1977 during the Guatemalan civil war, and according to a Reuters article , George Lucas’s team had to hoist the bulky camera gear and heavy lights to the top of the temple with a pulley system.

The Star Wars movie team paid a local Guatemalan security guard with six-packs of beer to protect the equipment with a shotgun for four nights!

I’ve always been a big fan of Star Wars, so it was fun to visit this spot in real life!  

Entrance Fees At Tikal National Park

Since 2023, you can now buy Tikal tickets online! This is done on the official website at https://boletos.culturaguate.com , and you can pay the Tikal entrance fee with foreign Mastercard or Visa credit cards. They have the current entrance fees listed on their website.

Remember to buy the foreigner ticket, not the Guatemalan domestic ticket since those are for local citizens. If you do a sunrise or sunset tour at Tikal, you’ll have to buy that ticket and also a day ticket for the park. Kids under 12 can enter Tikal free.

Alternatively, if you have problems with the online ticket portal, you can also buy your Tikal tickets at the entrance gate, or up to 30 days in advance at Banrural bank agencies in Guatemala. Remember to bring enough cash (in local currency), because they don’t accept credit cards in person and there’s no ATM at Tikal.

IMPORTANT: A passport is required if you buy your Tikal tickets in person. They won’t let you buy tickets without showing a passport for each person. I’ve heard of people using a photocopy of their passport and that was fine.  

Opening Hours At Tikal National Park

The Tikal National Park is officially open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM, although you can enter outside of these hours if you do a sunrise or sunset tour.  

Friendly coatimundis at Tikal National Park

Other Tips For Tikal Guatemala

• What To Wear: Shoes are ideal if you plan on climbing temples. Some of the footing would be sketchy with sandals. You’ll also want a hat and summer clothing. Tikal is hot!
• What To Bring: Water and snacks are a good idea. You can buy them in the park, but the prices will be higher.
• Guides: If you haven’t arranged a Tikal tour guide in advance, you can hire one at the entrance to the national park. However, I think it’s better to book a guide in advance that way you can read reviews and know what you’re getting.
• Facilities: There are a couple of small cafes in Tikal that sell snacks and drinks, plus you can find maps, bathrooms, picnic spots, and souvenir shops at the entrance of the park. There are no ATMs at Tikal yet.
• Credit Cards: Everything at Tikal is cash only, including the entrance tickets, cafes, and souvenir stands. They don’t accept credit cards for anything yet.
• Mosquitoes: Our group saw some mosquitoes at Tikal, so I would definitely recommend wearing bug spray with DEET. Malaria is not a significant issue at Tikal nowadays, and cases are rare in Peten. There isn’t much risk of dengue or Zika virus in the area either, although those can’t be ruled out completely, so it’s a good idea to use bug spray and protect yourself just in case.
• Cell Service: I had a little bit of cell service/phone reception while walking around in the Tikal area with Claro and Tigo via my T-Mobile roaming package, but it wasn’t very dependable. If you have any important texts or emails to send, best to do it before going to the park.
• Drones: Flying a drone is not allowed anywhere at Tikal National Park. According to the signs at the park entrance, they’re worried it might disturb the birds and other animals.

Mayan temple ruins hiding in the jungle canopy

History Of Tikal

Tikal was once one of the most important cities for the ancient Mayan civilization in Central America, and at one time it had over 3,000 buildings and a population of up to 100,000 people! Some of Tikal’s rulers were also buried in the temples you see today.

During the 6th and 7th centuries, the history of Tikal was characterized by lots of bloody fighting with rival Mayan groups from nearby places like Caracol and Calakmul. Tikal was defeated in the 6th century, but rose to power again in the 7th century under the ruler Jasaw Chan K’awiil I, who led the people to military victory and built some of the best temples in Tikal.

For unknown reasons, the Mayan civilization (including Tikal) started to collapse in the 9th century, and the once great city of Tikal was completely abandoned by the 10th century. Everyone deserted the city.

Tikal was slowly consumed by the jungle, and it became a lost world for the next 1,000 years. It was finally rediscovered by the governor of Peten Guatemala in 1848, who reached it after several days of hiking through the rainforest. Over the course of many years, archaeologists were able to excavate the ruins and restore them to their present condition.

Today, the lost city of Tikal is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its outstanding artistic value and history, as well as the wonderful rainforest and animal species in the area. It’s one of the prime sights of Guatemala, and it receives more than a million visitors per year!

Best Time To Visit Tikal Guatemala

The best time to visit Tikal Guatemala depends on what you’re looking for, although you can visit all year round.

The dry season for this part of Guatemala runs from December to April. During these months, it’s more sunny and there’s less rain, and the daytime temperatures are slightly less hot than normal. Dry season is generally the best time to visit Tikal.

The wet season for Tikal basically runs from May to November. During these months, there’s more rain and clouds on average. You can still visit in the rainy season, but you might want to bring a poncho in case of bad weather.

The best time of day to visit Tikal is in the morning. With an early start, you can avoid some of the heat and crowds. Sunrise is also nice because you can hear the animals awakening and the Mayan jungle coming to life.

If you’re a photographer and mainly wanting to take pictures without crowds, try to avoid weekends and holidays, when there are a lot more Guatemalan locals visiting the park. However, overall Tikal is a huge park so it absorbs crowds quite well!

Dry season is the best time to visit Tikal Guatemala without rain

The temples and paths in Tikal are well marked so it’s not too hard to find your way around

Is Tikal Guatemala Safe?

As you might know, Guatemala is not the safest country in the world, and there were some armed robberies at Tikal in the past. However, it seems like safety has improved now, and I haven’t heard of any crimes like that happening here in at least 10 years.

If you want some extra peace of mind, you could also bring a hidden travel belt (like this one ) and put some of your valuables in it, such as cash and credit cards.

With that said, our group had a great visit to Tikal and we didn’t encounter any crime issues at all. Even though Guatemala doesn’t have a very good reputation on safety, I think it’s improved a lot in the last 20 years, and still seems to be getting better.  

Is Tikal Worth It?

Yes, Tikal is absolutely worth visiting! It’s undoubtedly one of the best sights anywhere in Central America or South America.

The Tikal pyramids are every bit as amazing as they look in pictures, and it’s a good chance to see wildlife too. You shouldn’t travel to Guatemala without seeing this place.  

Flores Hotels

More guatemala travel tips.

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this Tikal travel guide and map for visiting the Mayan ruins on a day trip from Belize or Guatemala.

If you’re looking for epic hikes in Guatemala, don’t forget to check out my guide for the Acatenango Volcano Hike before you go!

Happy travels!

You may also like

How to visit tanjung puting national park in indonesia, coron vs el nido: which is better all differences explained, banggai islands travel guide & itinerary for sulawesi, paisu pok lake in banggai: bluest lake in indonesia, samet nangshe viewpoint: best sunrise spot in thailand, 13 best traditional shrines & temples to visit in japan.

Hi David, Got a question about hiring a guide at the Tikal Park Visitor Centre. I’ve read an old comment about a “guide booth” there where certified local guides were available to hire on-site. Can you confirm if this still true? My husband and I with another couple will be staying at the Jungle Lodge in the Park. We thought we’d do a self-guided tour of the ruins. But I now realised a guide will be very helpful. Thanks in advance! Khau Ming, London

Hi Khau Ming, yes it’s still possible to hire a guide on-site at the park, or your hotel can also arrange one for you. Hope this helps! Regards

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Justin Foulkes

The most striking feature of Tikal is its towering, steep-sided temples, rising to heights of more than 144ft (44m), but what distinguishes it is its jungle setting. Its many plazas have been cleared of trees and vines, its temples uncovered and partially restored, but as you walk from one building to another you pass beneath a dense canopy of rainforest amid the rich, loamy aromas of earth and vegetation. Much of the delight of touring the site comes from strolling the broad causeways, originally built from packed limestone to accommodate traffic between temple complexes. By stepping softly you’re more likely to spot monkeys, agoutis, foxes and ocellated turkeys.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Templo I, the Templo del Gran Jaguar (Temple of the Grand Jaguar), was built to honor – and bury – Ah Cacao. The king may have worked out the plans for…

Templo IV, at 65m, is the highest building at Tikal and the second-highest pre-Columbian building known in the western hemisphere, after La Danta at El…

El Mundo Perdido

About 400m southwest of the Gran Plaza is El Mundo Perdido (Lost World), a complex of 38 structures with a huge pyramid in its midst, thought to be…

Acrópolis del Norte

The Acropolis del Norte predates the nearby temples significantly. Archaeologists have uncovered about 100 different structures, the oldest of which dates…

Museo Sylvanus G Morley

This museum exhibits a number of superb ceramic pieces from excavations, including incense burners and vases, with descriptions of their uses and…

Acrópolis Central

South and east of the Gran Plaza, this maze of courtyards, little rooms and small temples is thought by many to have been a palace where Tikal's nobles…

West of the Gran Plaza, across the Calzada Tozzer (Tozzer Causeway) stands Templo III, still undergoing restoration. Only its upper reaches have been…

Templo VI is one of the few temples at Tikal to bear written records. On the rear of its 12m-high roofcomb is a long inscription – though it will take…

Latest stories from Tikal

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Wildlife & Nature

Oct 18, 2019 • 5 min read

Guatemala’s a very accessible, welcoming country and with a bit of planning and the right smarts, you’re in for an enchanting ride. Here’s Lonely Planet’s…

Sep 21, 2016 • 6 min read

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Tikal with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Visiting Tikal in Guatemala: Everything you need to know

No trip to Guatemala is complete without visiting Tikal – an ancient Mayan city hidden deep in the jungles of northern Guatemala. Home to an array of awe-inspiring temples and pyramids, Tikal was the heart of the Mayan Empire. It’s a fascinating archaeological wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visiting Tikal National Park was without a doubt one of the highlights of my Guatemala trip and I’m so glad that I made the journey to this magical place. Walking among these thousands of years old ruins amidst a spectacular wildlife-filled rainforest is an experience that will be etched in your memory forever!

In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know to visit Tikal, including my tips on how to get there, the best time to visit, how much you should expect to pay, where to stay, which tours to take and much more.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

The history of Tikal

In order to truly appreciate the significance of Tikal, it is helpful to know a bit about its history.

Tikal was the capital of one of the most important kingdoms of the ancient Mayan Empire. It is believed that the area was inhabited by the Maya as early as 900 BC whereas the city reached the peak of its glory in the 8th century AD.

It is believed that at its height, Tikal had a population of up to 100,000, which makes it the largest city of the Maya civilization. By the end of the 9th century, however, Tikal fell into decline and was abandoned by its citizens, likely due to famine, droughts, epidemic diseases and overpopulation.

After its collapse, the city of Tikal was swallowed by the surrounding jungle and its buildings were buried under a layer of thick vegetation. In 1848 – almost 1000 years later – Tikal was officially re-discovered whereas excavation works only started in the 1960s.

FAQ about visiting Tikal

Is tikal worth visiting.

100% yes! Tikal is definitely worth visiting and should be on every traveler’s bucket list. There are many Mayan sites in Guatemala but Tikal is without a doubt the most impressive one. It was one of the most important cities of the Mayan world after all! With its ancient ruins, lush rainforest teeming with wildlife and the mystical aura that fills the air, Tikal is a place that will leave you awestruck.

It’s easily one of my favorite archaeological sites in the entire world and I’ve been to quite a few of them.

Is Tikal safe?

Yes, Tikal is very safe to visit. During my visits, there wasn’t a single moment where I felt unsafe. It’s probably one of the safest places to visit in Guatemala. Even if you’re a solo traveler, you’ll be totally fine.

The main thing to be aware of regarding safety in Tikal is that you shouldn’t wander off the beaten path into the thick jungle without a guide. It’s easy to get lost in the forest if you venture off the trail and unfortunately, there have been some cases where tourists went missing in Tikal .

How many days should I spend in Tikal?

I highly recommend spending at least two days in Tikal. The park is huge and there’s so much to see. Although some people say that you can easily visit the ruins of Tikal in a day, I felt that after one day I only scratched the surface of what this magnificent site has to offer.

In fact, I enjoyed Tikal so much that I visited it three times over the course of two days and I still wished I had even more time to explore it. Every time I went to the park, I discovered something new – a hidden pyramid buried under vegetation, a wild animal wandering around the forest or a new trail I hadn’t walked yet.

If you want to spend several days in Tikal, the best way to do it is to stay at one of the hotels inside Tikal National Park. I will go into more detail on where to stay in Tikal later in this post. If you can only spend one day in Tikal though, it’s still worth it!

Take a look at my 10-day Guatemala itinerary to get an idea of how to include Tikal in your travel plans.

Can you climb the Mayan ruins of Tikal?

Yes, you are allowed to climb some of the Mayan pyramids in Tikal. Just pay attention to the signs in front of each temple that indicate whether you’re allowed to climb it or not. They are there both for your safety and to preserve the fragile ruins.

In the past, you had to climb up narrow limestone steps on the side of the temples but now wooden staircases have been built which not only makes it easier but also safer to climb the temples.

Although there are a lot of steps to reach the top of some of the temples, it’s a wonderful experience and one of the best things to do in Tikal. You’ll get to enjoy fantastic views of the ruins and the seemingly endless jungle around you.

The temples that you can climb in Tikal are Temple II, Temple IV and the Lost World Pyramid (Mundo Perdido).

Best time to visit Tikal

One of the most important factors to consider when deciding when to visit Tikal National Park is the weather. Guatemala has two distinct seasons – rainy and dry. If you want to avoid the rain, the best time to visit Tikal is during the dry season which runs from the beginning of November to the end of April.

While the weather in Tikal is hot and humid throughout the year, the rainy season brings daily long showers, which is not ideal as you’ll be outside the entire time. Christmas and Easter are the busiest times of the year when accommodation prices are likely to be higher.

I visited Tikal in April, which is the hottest month of the year. During the day the heat was very intense, with the temperature reaching 37°C (99°F). I enjoyed it though!

If you’re someone that doesn’t do well in heat, the best time to visit Tikal for you is from November to February when the weather is slightly cooler. Also, avoid the midday heat by visiting the site early in the morning or late in the afternoon before the park closes. 

On Sundays, locals have free access to the Tikal ruins so you can expect to see slightly bigger crowds. However, I don’t think Tikal ever gets super crowded – not even close to what it’s like at Chichen Itza in Mexico – so it shouldn’t be a problem to visit on a Sunday. It really surprised me how few people there were in Tikal during my visits. 

Tikal entrance fee

The entrance fee to Tikal is 150 GTQ, which is roughly 20 USD. If you’d also like to visit the park during sunrise or sunset (which are both outside of the park’s opening times), you have to buy an additional ticket for 100 GTQ and you have to have a guide. I will explain more about the Tikal sunrise and sunset tours later in this post.

From 2023, you can finally buy Tikal tickets online , which saves you time and is a lot more convenient than queuing at a ticket booth. The site is in Spanish but with the help of Google Translate, it’s pretty easy to figure it out. You’ll receive the tickets via email and will have to present them when entering the park. 

Be sure to buy and download your tickets before heading to Tikal since the cell phone signal around the park is weak. You can also buy tickets in Banrural bank offices across Guatemala, at the airports of Guatemala City and Flores or at the entrance to Tikal National Park.

How to get to Tikal

Even though Tikal is situated in quite a remote area in northern Guatemala, close to the border with Belize and Mexico, getting there is not overly complicated.

First, you need to get to Flores, which is known as the gateway town to the Mayan city of Tikal and is located 65 km (40 mi) from the park. Flores has its own airport, Mundo Maya International Airport, which receives several flights per day from Guatemala City. The flight takes just one hour.

Alternatively, you could drive or take a shuttle to Flores, but it takes 9-12 hours from Guatemala City or Antigua.

From Flores, you can get to Tikal by taking a shuttle bus, joining a tour (see my recommendations further down) or driving there yourself. If you’ll be staying at one of the hotels in Tikal National Park, they can arrange the transport for you.

RELATED POST: Want to relax on a beach and perhaps catch some waves with a surf board? Then check out my travel guide to El Paredon , a laid-back beach town on Guatemala’s Pacific coast.

Do I need to hire a guide for Tikal?

You might be wondering whether it’s better to hire a guide to visit Tikal or explore on your own. My recommendation is to do both. 

For example, you could take a guided Tikal sunrise tour and then stay in the park after your tour to explore independently. Or you could explore the park on your own during the day and then take a guided sunset tour. Or do a guided tour one day and explore on your own the next day.

By combining these two options, you’ll get valuable information about the history of Tikal from your guide but also have the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit any part of the park you want. The best way to do this is to stay at a hotel inside Tikal National Park as this gives you the flexibility to visit the ruins when you want as you won’t be dependent on shuttle schedules.

Best Tikal tours

If you prefer to just visit Tikal in one day and can’t be bothered to deal with all the logistics, consider taking one of these day tours where everything is organized for you:

• A highly-rated day tour from Flores , which includes transport, entrance tickets, a guide and lunch.
• A day tour from Guatemala City to Tikal, including a flight to Flores and back. It’s gonna be a very long day but if that’s your only option, it’s still worth it!
• A day tour from Antigua to Tikal . Very similar to the tour from Guatemala City but with pick-up at your hotel in Antigua.
• Coming from Belize? This day tour from San Ignacio takes you across the border to Tikal.

Sunset and sunrise tours in Tikal

The sunrise or sunset tours can usually be booked through your accommodation or through any tour agency in Flores. The sunrise tours usually depart around 3am from Flores or 4am if you’re staying at a hotel in Tikal. The sunset tours depart around 12pm-2pm. If you prefer to have a private sunrise tour and want to book it online, you can do so here .

I did the sunrise tour, which I booked through Jungle Lodge , the hotel in Tikal that I was staying at. Equipped with flashlights, we started our tour at 4am by walking through the misty pitch-black jungle. On the way, we stopped at a few pyramids where our guide told us about their history and significance to the ancient Mayans.

Then we arrived at the mighty Temple IV, climbed to the top of it and waited for the sun to rise. As we were waiting, we could hear the sounds of the jungle waking up – a mix of the echoing roars of howler monkeys and the calls of various birds.

We didn’t get to see an actual sunrise because a cloud of mist rolled in and blocked the view, which apparently happens on most of the mornings. Nevertheless, it was such a magical and serene experience to sit on top of this ancient pyramid and hear the rainforest come to life. It made me feel an incredible sense of awe and appreciation for this amazing planet that we get to live on.

On our way back to the hotel, we spotted a toucan, a woodpecker, a fox and an agouti.

All in all, if your main goal is to see a dramatic colorful sunrise over Tikal, the sunrise tour might disappoint you because there will be mist covering the view on most of the mornings. There’s a better chance of having clear skies during a sunset tour . Nevertheless, I enjoyed my sunrise tour despite the misty views!

RELATED POST: If you’re planning to visit Lake Atitlan and want to see an incredible sunrise over this beautiful lake, read my guide to hiking the Indian Nose mountain.

Where to stay when visiting Tikal

Most people that visit Tikal stay in the town of Flores, 65 km (40 mi) from the ruins. There’s a variety of accommodation options to choose from in the town, ranging from budget-friendly places (like Los Amigos Hostel ) to mid-range options (like Hotel Isla de Flores ) and luxury ones (like the stunning Bolontiku Boutique Hotel , just a quick boat ride away from the town).

However, for a more special experience, I recommend staying 1-2 nights at a hotel inside Tikal National Park. There are only three hotels here and they’re all located just a short walk from the Tikal ruins. The three hotels are:

Jungle Lodge Tikal – If you love the jungle, this hotel is like a dream come true. I spent two nights here and totally fell in love with this place. Nestled in the lush rainforest, just steps away from the ruins, this hotel has gorgeous bungalows, a swimming pool and a restaurant. My luxurious bungalow even had a private garden with a jacuzzi. They also offer cheaper hostel-style accommodation for those traveling on a budget.

Hotel Tikal Inn – Not quite as pretty as the Jungle Lodge but still looks like a lovely place to stay. There’s a swimming pool and rustic bungalows with thatched roofs. 

Hotel Jaguar Inn Tikal – A small simple hotel consisting of 13 bungalows. There’s no pool though.

There is also the option of camping in Tikal. The campground is located just by the park entrance and it costs 50 GTQ per person. There you can rent a hammock or a tent or bring your own.

The highlights of visiting Tikal: Best ruins to visit

There are many impressive Mayan temples, pyramids and other structures to see in Tikal but here are the places you definitely shouldn’t miss:

Gran Plaza – This is the main square and the core of Tikal. It is surrounded by Temple I, Temple II, North Acropolis and Central Acropolis:

• Temple I – Also known as the Temple of the Great Jaguar, it is perhaps the most famous temple in Tikal and was a tomb for King Jasaw Chan K’awiil I. It has a height of 47m.
• Temple II – Another name for it is the Temple of the Masks and it is 38m tall. Be sure to visit the viewing platform on top of it for the best views of Gran Plaza and Temple I.
• North & Central Acropolis – A maze of ruins, consisting of tombs, courtyards and smaller temples; the former was the center of funerary activity and the latter was a residential area. 

Temple IV – The 70m tall Temple of the Double-Headed Serpent is not only the tallest temple in Tikal but also one of the tallest temples ever built by the Mayans. Climbing up to the viewpoint on top of it is a must.

Mundo Perdido – Spanish for ‘Lost World’, this complex is also known as the Great Pyramid Plaza and consists of several structures and twin pyramids. The Lost World Pyramid is the oldest in Tikal and offers panoramic views from the top. 

Temple V – With a height of 57m, this is the second-highest temple in Tikal and has steep moss-covered steps.

Animals in Tikal

The jungles of Tikal National Park are home to a large variety of wild animals and there’s a high chance that you’ll meet some of them while exploring the ruins! 

When I was visiting Tikal, I saw coatis, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, macaws, woodpeckers, a deer, a fox, an agouti and an ocellated turkey. There are also jaguars and pumas living in Tikal National Park but you’d have to be incredibly lucky to spot them since they’re very elusive animals.

Also, keep an ear out for the incredible call of the Montezuma Oropendola bird! It’s absolutely fascinating and sounds like an entire choir of birds, not just one.

Although most articles tell you that the best time to see wildlife is early in the morning (i.e. on a Tikal sunrise tour), my experience was different. Most of the animal encounters I had were during the day.

Also, remember that you shouldn’t feed or touch any wildlife in Tikal, especially the coatis who are unfortunately often fed by uneducated visitors and have therefore become habituated to humans.

Facts about Tikal

Here are some interesting facts about Tikal:

• The original name of Tikal is believed to be Yax Mutal.
• The name Tikal was given to the site by archaeologists when it was discovered and it means ‘the place of voices’ in the Itza Maya language. Another interpretation of the meaning of Tikal is ‘at the waterhole’.
• Tikal is a part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve , which covers 1 million hectares and was created to protect the rainforests of northern Guatemala.
• Only 15% of Tikal has been excavated. The vast majority of the structures in Tikal are still covered by a layer of dirt and vegetation.
• Tikal was used as the filming location for one of the Star Wars movies ( Episode IV – A New Hope ).
• Thanks to modern technology, a few years ago it was discovered that there are far more ruins around Tikal than was previously known and that the city was a part of a huge Mayan metropolis.

Map of Tikal

On the map below, you’ll find the main points of interest in Tikal as well as the hotels inside the national park. Click on the icon in the top left corner of the map for more details.

Final tips for visiting Tikal

• Wondering what to wear to Tikal? Choose light and breathable clothing because it’s very hot and humid. Also, wear comfortable footwear, such as trainers or hiking shoes because the ground is uneven and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. 
• Bring mosquito repellent. Although we didn’t see any mosquitoes in Tikal, others have seen a lot. It might be dependent on the season. Better to be safe than sorry.
• If you’re visiting Tikal without a guide, be sure to have a map with you – either a physical or a digital one (best to have both). Since it’s difficult to find cell phone signal in Tikal, download the maps of the area on your phone before entering the park. 
• Bring your passport or a copy/photo of your passport, otherwise, you might be denied entry.
• There are no restaurants inside the park but there are a few just outside the park entrance. 
• Bring cash! If you’re planning to buy your entrance tickets at the park, be aware that they only accept cash. So do the small kiosks and restaurants just outside the park entrance.
• If you’re looking to visit other Mayan ruins in the area, consider taking a trip to the Yaxha archaeological site or the nearby Uaxactun ruins .
• Flying drones is not allowed in Tikal. This is to avoid disturbing the bird population in the park.

Visiting the Tikal ruins is an unforgettable experience and one you definitely shouldn’t skip on your trip to Guatemala! It’s an ideal place to get to know ancient Mayan history and immerse yourself in the wonderful tropical nature of Guatemala.

I hope that you found this guide to visiting Tikal National Park helpful and that you’ll enjoy your visit as much as I did.

Be sure to also read also my other blog posts about Guatemala:

• The perfect Guatemala itinerary for 10 days
• Guatemala’s highlights: 12 best places to visit
• How to hike Acatenango Volcano (and see lava!)
• Top things to do in El Paredon
• My review of the famous Hotel Casa Santo Domingo
• Guide to hiking the Indian Nose at Lake Atitlan

Enjoyed reading about visiting Tikal? Pin it!

Volcan Acatenango hike: A bucket list adventure in Guatemala

Guatemala highlights & best places to visit

10 days in Guatemala: An unforgettable Guatemala itinerary

Indian Nose hike in Guatemala: Best sunrise view at Lake Atitlan

Why you should visit El Paredon, Guatemala + best things to do

Review: Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, the most iconic hotel in Antigua Guatemala

Is it safe to rent a car in Guatemala?

Yes, I would say so!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Atlas & Boots

The UK's most popular outdoor travel blog

Tips for visiting Tikal in Guatemala: 11 dos and don’ts

Our essential tips for visiting Tikal, the most fantastical Maya ruins in all of Central America

Mexico’s Chichén Itzá may be a world wonder and receive far more visitors, but there are few ancient ruins more atmospheric, romantic and impressive than Tikal in Guatemala .

These UNESCO-listed Maya ruins are truly unique. Towering above the steamy rainforest, the steep limestone pyramids of Tikal are arresting from every angle. On the jungle floor, mysterious burial sites and fortifications are carpeted in slippery moss while giant roots and twisting vines envelop the foundations of the great temples.

We visited Tikal during our month-long trip through Central America . It was a highlight of the journey, a real bucket list adventure up there with any of the wonders of the world , new or ancient. To help you with your own visit, we’ve put together the following tips for visiting Tikal in Guatemala.

What is Tikal?

Constructed in waves over a period of around 650 years between 250 to 900 AD, Tikal is a vast ancient Maya city comprising hundreds of temples, pyramids and monuments. The site is built on a low hill above swampy ground, making it an ideal place to construct a city. There is also an abundance of flint in the region which was used widely for tools and weapons and traded extensively across the empire.

Although Tikal may have been settled by 600 BC, it didn’t reach its zenith as a city until around 550 AD when the population may have peaked as high as 90,000. King Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil I (also known as Ah Cacao) defeated his rival in Calakmul, Mexico, in 695 AD in what is considered Tikal’s renaissance period. It was during this time and the ensuing 200 years when most of the great temples were built.

From around 900 AD onwards, Tikal’s dominance began to wane, as did that of the wider Maya civilisation, whose collapse still remains a mystery. Tikal was rediscovered in 1848 when the Guatemalan government sent out a team to find the site. Several archaeological expeditions took place over the next century-and-a-half, unearthing and restoring the many structures. In 1979, Tikal National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Tips for visiting Tikal

Our tried-and-tested tips for visiting Tikal will help you get the most out of this majestic site.

1. Do stay in Tikal National Park

The best piece of advice we can give you is to stay in the national park. By doing this, you can visit Tikal on your own schedule and avoid the busiest time of the day. The site opens at 6am but tour buses arrive en masse from 11am. The park then begins to empty from 4pm before closing at 6pm. Note that if you are staying in the park, you will still need to validate your ticket at the entrance before wandering in.

* When staying in the park, if you arrive after 3pm, your ticket will be valid for the following day. ** Accommodation in the park is limited – see below for more information.

2. Do start early (and stay late)

Chances are, you’re only going to see Tikal once so we recommend making a full day of it and not rushing.

Staying in the park offers you flexibility with your day and gives you plenty of time to see everything. We entered early and got around most of the sites by early afternoon. However, it had been rainy and overcast all day so when it brightened up in the afternoon, we revisited several of the main sites in order to see everything in the sunshine.

By spending the whole day in the park, we also managed to see some smaller sites such as the secluded Temple VI which we had entirely to ourselves. Even at the bigger sites, there was only a handful of visitors milling about in the late afternoon.

3. Do bring your own food and drinks

Outside the park, along the access road, is a string of overpriced and underwhelming eateries. There is also a simple restaurant at the visitor centre. All are a 20- to 30-minute walk back from the Gran Plaza.

Inside the park, there are some covered picnic areas where a vendor sells a limited range of sugary drinks and snacks, all similarly overpriced. We recommend carrying food and water with you.

4. Don’t feed the animals

This really shouldn’t need to be said but we witnessed visitors feeding the local wildlife, particularly the coati. You can tell this is an ongoing problem as the animals have become habituated to humans. Several came running right up to us and it was worse around the picnic areas. Human food is not going to be good for wildlife’s welfare so don’t feed them.

5. Don’t leave any litter in the park

On the whole, the park is reasonably litter-free. However, around the picnic areas, there is clearly more of a problem and, sadly, as a direct result of the above, we saw coati picking up bits of plastic such as bottle tops and nibbling them. While there are some open-top trash cans in the park, please do not use them. Instead, take everything out of the park and dispose of it properly at your accommodation.

6. Do bring mosquito repellent

When we first entered the park, we got swarmed. After dousing ourselves in DEET and pulling on long-sleeved tops, the critters gave us some space. By midday, once the sun was out, they cleared off for a few hours, only to return again at dusk. This is the jungle after all.

7. do try to avoid the rainy season

The best time to visit Tikal is during the dry season from November to April. While Guatemala enjoys a reasonably pleasant climate year-round, there is a rainy season from May to October which can make the trails extremely muddy and the steps slippery.

8. But do bring a raincoat

Regardless of the time of year, Guatemala has a tropical climate meaning downpours can occur throughout the year. We visited in December and the morning was a washout. Fortunately, by the afternoon the rain had cleared so we had time to see everything again (see points #1 and #2).

9. Don’t let the howling put you off

I woke up in the middle of our first night in Tikal unsure if I was truly awake or trapped in some kind of nightmare. In the jungle above our thatched bungalow, a troupe of marauding howler monkeys were making their way through the forest. They make a frightful sound – and don’t look much friendlier up close – but are harmless as long as they’re left to themselves.

10. Do wear the right footwear

During our visit, we saw a significant number of tourists slipping and sliding along the trails and struggling up the steps to the lookouts because they didn’t have the right footwear. Many were in flip-flops or sandals and we even witnessed a couple of visitors in heels! We recommend wearing something grippy and supportive such as sturdy trainers or hiking shoes or boots.

11. Do wear sunscreen

At any time of year in Guatemala expect the sun to be fierce. While a considerable part of your day will be under the shade of the jungle canopy, you will also spend plenty of time on the exposed lofty lookouts. Wear plenty of sunscreen – and ideally a sunhat.

Tips for visiting TIKAL: what not to miss

While you’re unlikely to see everything in Tikal (it’s spread across an area of around 576 sq km), the following sites should not be missed.

• Gran Plaza: Tikal’s ceremonial core is surrounded by Temples I and II and the Acropolis. The grassy area is a great spot to soak it all in.
• Acropolis Centro: Quieter complex to the east of the Gran Plaza, full of courtyards, chambers and smaller temples.
• Temple I: The 44m-high Temple of the Grand Jaguar was built to honour Ah Cacao and is Tikal’s most famous scene.
• Temple II: The 38m-high Temple of the Masks was built by Ah Cacao in honour of his wife. Climb it for the best views of Temple I.
• Temple III: Glimpsed through breaks in the canopy, the 55m-high temple is currently undergoing restoration. As such, it’s best viewed from afar – in particular from the viewpoint of Temple IV.
• Temple IV: This is arguably the best view in the park. At 65m, it is the site’s highest temple and reveals the true scale of Tikal.
• Mundo Perdido: The ‘Lost World’ features two imposing pyramids and some smaller structures. The summit of the flat-topped Lost World Pyramid reveals a superb side-on view of temples I to IV which helps to put everything in perspective.
• Plaza de los Siete Templos: Seven (relatively) tiny temples embedded in the dense jungle. Feels very Tomb Raider.
• Temple V: The steep moss-covered 52m-high temple is another gloriously mystical specimen.
• Temple VI: This secluded temple, some distance from the main plaza, features a rare set of glyphs on the back of its lofty roof comb.

Atlas & BOots

The views from the top of mundo perdido are outstanding, where to stay in tikal national park.

There are only three hotels in Tikal National Park so it’s worth booking ahead. We recommend staying two nights so you can make the most of your time in the park.

• Jungle Lodge : We stayed here and would definitely recommend it. The cute bungalows are located amidst the jungle along meandering paths. Originally built to house archaeologists, it is the closest hotel to the park entrance. There is also an adjoining hostel .
• Tikal Inn : This secluded resort-style hotel features thatched bungalows as well as more conventional rooms.
• Jaguar Lodge : Popular with independent travellers, the inn has duplex rooms and quad bungalows.
• Campground : Located across the road from the visitor’s centre, the campsite is positioned on grassy ground with a simple but clean bathroom block. There are thatched shelters for hanging hammocks.

More scenes from our visit to Tikal

Other tips for visiting tikal.

• Opening hours: 6am to 6pm
• Adults: 150 GTQ ($20 USD)
• Children under 12: free
• Museums: 30 GTQ ($4 USD)
• Visiting Uaxactun: 50 GTQ ($7.50 USD)
• Sunrise/sunset tour: 100 GTQ ($15 USD)
• Tickets purchased after 3pm are valid for the following day
• Camping: 50 GTQ ($7.50 USD)
• Credit cards are accepted but we advise bringing cash just in case.
• No need to buy a map, just take a photo of the sign at the entrance.
• Visit on a weekday and avoid Sundays and national holidays.
• Take the time to read the interpretive signs.
• Pay attention to the signs explaining what you can and can’t climb. Don’t be this guy.
• For more information visit tikalnationalpark.org .

How to get to Tikal

We travelled to Tikal from Belize City in  Belize  via a shared shuttle. We used shuttles to travel around much of Central America including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador . We used  Marvelus Travel  from Belize and Gekko Explorer  on other journeys.

There aren’t direct shuttles from Belize to Tikal, only to Flores, so we hopped off at El Cruce and met a local taxi driver who took us the remaining 36km/45 minutes to Tikal. We can recommend Pedro Morales (WhatsApp: +502 5807 6798; Spanish only).

Tikal’s nearest transport hub is Flores (65km/1.5 hours) where it’s possible to organise onward transfers to several destinations in Guatemala. The nearest airport is also in Flores but it only flies to Guatemala City (50 mins). Book flights via  skyscanner.net  for the best prices.

Enjoyed this post? pin it for later…

Lead image: Atlas & Boots

You might also like:.

• Work With Us
• Blogging Bootcamp

• Van Conversion Academy
• Campervan Shop
• Campervan Rentals
• Plan a Trip
• Itineraries
• Destinations
• Responsible Travel
• Family Travel
• Budget Travel
• Scuba Diving
• Travel Credit Cards
• Digital Nomad
• Teach English Abroad
• Blogging Resources
• Income Reports
• Travel Shop
• Meet Katie & Ben
• About Two Wandering Soles
• Personal Stuff
• Portfolio & Press

Tikal National Park & Flores, Guatemala Travel Guide

Home » Blog » Guatemala » Tikal National Park & Flores, Guatemala Travel Guide

Situated in the jungle near Flores, Guatemala, the Tikal ruins are some of the best Mayan ruins in Central America. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to plan your trip to Tikal National Park, including how to get there, where to stay and things to do in Flores. 

Whether you’re backpacking through Central America or just have a short trip to Guatemala, visiting the Tikal Mayan ruins will surely be a highlight of your travels.

In a region where ancient ruins are seemingly everywhere, Tikal National Park stands out as some of the best.

These ruins are smack dab in the middle of a protected jungle wilderness that is home to monkeys, toucans and macaws (just to name a few of the creatures you might spot!). 

As you walk amongst ruins that emerge from grassy mounds, surrounded by trees and vines, you’ll feel like you’ve been cast in a remake of Indiana Jones. It’s utterly magical.

Visiting the ruins of Tikal National Park is such an epic experience, in fact it’s one of the top things to do in Guatemala , but you’ll want to be sure you’re prepared. There are many different things to consider when visiting this ancient place, and we’re going to walk you through it all so you make the most of your trip.

We’re sharing everything you need to know about planning your trip to Tikal National Park as well as staying in nearby Flores, Guatemala , including how to get there and some of our top tips.

Tikal National Park Travel Guide

• What makes Tikal special?
• Tikal National Park Overview
• History of Tikal National Park
• Best Ways to Visit Tikal
• Sunrise or Sunset at Tikal?
• Should you hire a tour guide at Tikal?
• How much does Tikal National Park Cost
• Top Tips for Visiting Tikal
• What to pack for visiting Tikal

Our experience at Tikal National Park

Flores, guatemala travel guide.

• Best time to visit Flores & Tikal
• How to get there
• Things to do in Flores
• Where to eat in Flores
• Where to stay in Flores

What makes Tikal National Park so special?

There are many ancient ruins sprinkled all around Central America, so what makes Tikal so special? There are a couple factors that make Tikal National Park a favorite.

• Less crowded: Being that Tikal requires a bit of effort to get to, it’s not nearly as touristy and crowded as Mexico’s Chichen Itza or Teotihuacan. We even found paths and ruins where we were the only people around.
• The size: Tikal is larger than Honduras’s Copan and Palenque in Chiapas, so there’s much more to explore.

For these reasons, Tikal is often people’s favorite of the Mayan ruins that can be found in Central America. If you are to go to just one of the ancient ruins in this part of the world, make it Tikal National Park.  

Tikal National Park overview

• Location: Northern Guatemala, part of the 1 million hectare protected Maya Biosphere Reserve
• Google Maps location
• Established: 1955
• Area: 575 sq. kilometers (222 sq. miles)
• Indigenous land: the land was originally home to the ancient Mayan civilization

Structures at Tikal

The national park encompasses thousands of ruins , including over 3,000 structures in the central part alone. 

At the center of Tikal lies the Great Plaza (sometimes referred to as the Grand Plaza or Central Plaza), flanked by two large temple pyramids on either side. To the north of the Great Plaza is the North Acropolis and to the south is the Central Acropolis . 

There are 6 major temples spread throughout the site as well as a number of notable areas:

• Temple I: Flanking the Great Plaza in the center of the park, Temple I is also known as the temple of the Great Jaguar. One of Tikal’s greatest rulers, Jasaw Chan K’awiil I, was entombed in the structure in AD 734.  
• Temple II: Built in 700 AD and flanking the Great Plaza opposite Temple I, this temple was dedicated to the wife Jasaw Chan K’awiil I. This temple is also known as the Temple of the Mask.
• Temple III: Also known as the Temple of the Jaguar Priest, this was the last of the major structures to be built at Tikal. 
• Temple IV: Standing at 70 meters tall (230 ft), Temple IV is the tallest pyramid at Tikal National Park and thought to be the tallest structure ever erected by the ancient Maya people. 
• Temple V: The second tallest structure at Tikal and is the burial pyramid of an as yet undetermined Mayan ruler. 
• Temple VI: Also known as the Temple of the Inscriptions, Temple VI is defined by its 12-meter high roof-comb which is covered in panels of hieroglyphics. 

Brief history of Tikal

Maybe it’s just me, but when I’m at ancient sites I love trying to imagine what it used to be like back in the day . It’s difficult for me to actually picture it, but still fun knowing that the ground I’m walking on was once a busy city street, or the crumbling ruin I’m looking at used to be a family’s home.

Knowing a bit of a landmark’s history not only helps me imagine what it used to be like, but it is integral to understanding its cultural significance. 

Ancient history of Tikal

On the grounds of Tikal National Park, there have been signs of life dating back to 1,000 B.C. However, it wasn’t really a thriving city until 300 B.C. during the period of the ancient Maya civilization. 

Researchers aren’t entirely sure of the exact population of Tikal, but they have reported it could have been close to 100,000 residents at the city’s peak. In its prime (around 700 – 750 A.D.), Tikal was one of the most powerful city-states in the Americas.

If you could step back in time, you would have experienced an advanced and bustling city with a school, hospital and library . You would also find a sports stadium, royal palaces, temples and pyramids . 

While it was a progressive city, the Mayans practiced the ritual of human sacrifice. And while it is hard for us to imagine in our day and age, it was actually an honor to the Mayans to be sacrificed.

But all the success and power Tikal once embodied didn’t last. By 950 A.D., the city had been entirely abandoned, which has stumped researchers ever since. Some believe deforestation and drought contributed to the city’s abandonment, but this is just a theory.

Recent history of Tikal

Temples and palaces that were once symbols of wealth and prosperity have been reclaimed by the jungle. Trees have taken root and now grow in the places that once were buzzing with life. It is spectacularly beautiful and eerie at the same time.

As one of Guatemala’s first protected areas, Tikal was first declared a national monument by the Guatemalan government in 1931 and then a national park in 1955. In 1979, Tikal was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and it continues to be a large draw for tourism. 

Best way to visit Tikal National Park

When you arrive in Flores, Guatemala, the closest city to Tikal National Park, you’ll be inundated with different choices for visiting the ruins. Consider these questions ahead of time so you aren’t caught off guard.

• Do you want a guide or will you explore at your own pace?
• Do you want to be there for sunrise or sunset?
• How long do you want to stay on the grounds?

It can be really overwhelming – we had no idea what to do – and making a choice is completely personal. We’re going to walk you through what we think are the 2 best options for visiting Tikal.  

Option 1: Arrive at 6 a.m. as the gates open

This is the option we chose, and we were happy with it. We got there before the majority of the crowds and had a lot of time where it was just us alone amongst the temples.

Also, being there early is a must if you don’t handle the heat well (like us!). By 9 a.m., it was getting hot, hot, HOT!

Read more about our experience visiting Tikal below.

Option 2: Stay at Jaguar Inn and see the sunset and sunrise

If you’re a history buff or avid photographer and you want to experience it all, this may be the perfect option for you. Jaguar Inn is situated right at the entrance to the ruins and will grant you easy access to Tikal National Park.

You can come and go from the park as you please as long as you have the day ticket. So you could go early and once it gets too hot and crowded you can head back to the Jaguar Inn, shower and be ready to go back in just before sunset. 

Alternative option: Camping at Tikal

You can also tent camp near the grounds of Tikal National Park. This was originally our first choice, but after hearing that the heat of the day doesn’t cool off at night we opted against it. 

We were told you can just turn up ( no reservations required ). If you choose this option, be aware that there are no lockers, but you can lock your tent with your valuables inside. 

Our thoughts on camping at Tikal: We were pretty excited about the prospect of camping near Tikal National Park, however when we saw the tents baking in the midday heat, we were pretty glad we hadn’t done it. In the 40°C temperatures (104°F), they looked like they would be extremely hot and kind of miserable.

Unless you’ve got your heart set on camping or are on a super tight budget, we think the Jaguar Inn would be a better (and more comfortable!) option.

Psst! Be sure to check out our bucket list of unforgettable things to do in Guatemala before your trip! 

Sunrise or Sunset at Tikal

To be honest, this is a totally personal decision and there’s no wrong answer.

If seeing both sunset and sunrise isn’t an option for you, and you just have time for one (don’t feel bad!), we’re gonna give you some information about the different times you can visit Tikal National Park. Hopefully this will help you make a decision that’s best for you.

We’ve heard both rave reviews and disappointed rants about the sunrise and sunset. 

The truth is, some days are cloudy early in the morning and don’t allow you much of a view. And on other mornings, lucky visitors are rewarded for waking up early with spectacularly colorful, misty views. We’ve heard the same for sunset. It’s just not something you can predict.

Sunrise at Tikal

• cooler temperatures
• less visitors
• super early wake up call (bus leaves at 3 a.m.)
• you must hire a guide; cost: 100 Q ($13.50 USD) per person

Important Note: For sunrise (3 a.m. bus) you have to purchase your entrance ticket at the bank in Flores the day before since the ticket booth at the national park will not be open with you arriving in the dark. Your hotel should be able to point you in the right direction to the Banrural Bank in Flores. 

Sunset at Tikal

• you’ll get there during midday heat
• last bus returning to Flores leaves at 5:30 p.m., so you must make it on that one (unless you stay at Jaguar Inn, as described in the section above)
• no early morning wake up call

Should you hire a tour guide at Tikal National Park?

Just like the time of day you choose to visit, this decision is completely personal. Guides at tourist attractions can be hit or miss, and honestly, it’s hard to know what you’re getting ahead of time.

When booking our shuttle the night before, we were told we had to decide if we wanted a guide or not. Right that moment.

The fact that we couldn’t meet the guide ahead of time or know how many people would be in our group (could be several or just a few), wasn’t ideal.

We panicked and chose to go without a guide. We thought maybe we could hire a guide at the entrance, but it turns out this is not possible.

Alternative to hiring a guide: Download Tikal audio guide

While we were on WiFi, we downloaded a Tikal Audio Guide so that we’d get some of the history while being able to explore the ruins at our own pace and take photos. The audio guide was convenient and informative, albeit boring at times (when we just skipped ahead).

It is a decent option for those who are interested in the history but prefer to go at their own pace.

We liked having the chance to explore hidden areas all by ourselves without a group of others tagging along. We felt that we got a lot of the history from the audio guide, but missed out on the more “fun” stories that a local guide can sometimes offer.

The guide that other people in our shuttle were assigned to seemed pretty good. His English was great and they seemed to like him.

Final Thoughts: If you like to take photos and go at your own pace, going independently might be the option for you. However, if you want to know all the little stories and details about its history, going with a tour guide is a great option.

Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Semuc Champey: Things to Do and Where to Stay

How much does Tikal National Park cost?

You will purchase your bus ticket the day before (from your hotel or a tour agency in town). This is also when you will pay for a guide if you choose ( you cannot get a guide onsite ).

• Round-trip bus ticket NO guide: 80Q ($10.70 USD)
• You will then purchase a ticket at the entrance of Tikal
• Ticket to enter Tikal National Park: 150 ($20 USD)

Important Note: If you choose to visit Tikal at sunrise, you will need to purchase your entrance ticket the day before at the bank in town. The ticket booth will not be open when you arrive at Tikal, so be sure you come prepared with a ticket. Also, be sure to get to the bank before it closes at 6 p.m.

Top tips for visiting Tikal National Park

After experiencing Tikal National Park for ourselves, we came up with some helpful tips we wish we would have known ahead of time. 

1. Avoid the onsite “restaurant”

Near the entrance, there is a small shop/restaurant that sells things like sandwiches, chips and coffee. Unless you are desperate, avoid this place completely! 

The lines get long, and the sandwiches are very basic and cost a ridiculous price of 25-35Q ($3.50 to $4.50 USD). The girl in front of us ordered a vegetarian sandwich, and was presented with a slice of Kraft single cheese sandwiched between two pieces of white bread. Ewww.

We ordered a coffee and paid 10Q for a tiny cup of crappy, watered down brown water. We’d recommend packing your own snacks and food the evening before your visit so you’re prepared.

2. Take a photo of the site map

At the entrance, they have maps for sale for 20Q, but the staff member told us we could take a photo instead of purchasing it.  

Unless you really want the map as a souvenir, take a photo with your cell phone, or save the photo from this article on your device so you have it all ready for your visit.

3. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes

While you won’t necessarily be doing any strenuous trekking, you will be walking through the jungle, and parts of the path are uphill and sections are uneven.

4. Get to the bus stop on time

When catching your return bus back to Flores, make sure you’re on time because in our experience, they left promptly and some people were left behind.  

The interval between buses is quite long, and it wouldn’t be great to be stuck waiting in the heat for an hour and a half until the next bus arrives.

What to pack for visiting Tikal National Park

• Passport (you MUST have this in order to enter; we saw one guy get turned away)
• Comfortable clothes and shoes (our Chacos were great)
• Insulated water bottles
• Tikal Audio Guide downloaded on your phone before you leave Flores. And pack headphones and a splitter (if you’re traveling with a partner).
• Camera and tripod (if you want to get really artsy)
• Kindle or book if you want something to do on the bus ride

We purchased our bus ticket the night before at our hotel. This is also the time that you will need to reserve a tour guide if you’d like. Most hotels or hostels will be able to do this for you, or you can book at one of the tour operators you’ll see around the streets of Flores.

Getting there

Since we were staying in San Miguel, a 5-minute boat ride from Flores, we had to get shuttled across the water, and arrived at the meeting point (the boat docking area) around 4:20 a.m. There were a handful of others waiting there, which made us feel good knowing we were in the right place.

After waiting for a bit, we were getting nervous that the bus had forgotten us, but it finally arrived at 4:40 a.m. We both kind of fell asleep on the drive out of town, and were awoken when we arrived at the ticket booth at 5:55 a.m.

Everyone on our bus formed a queue and we waited until they opened the window promptly at 6 a.m. We handed over our money 150Q each ($20 USD) for the entrance along with our passport, and were given our ticket.

Once everyone on our bus had made it through the line, we re-boarded and drove another 20 minutes to the entrance.

Arriving at Tikal

The place that you get off the bus is where you will need to catch it back to Flores, so we made a mental note of our surroundings. We used the bathroom and got a (crappy & overpriced!) cup of coffee at the small shop before walking to the main gate. 

This is where they checked our tickets and gave us wristbands, and we had the chance to look at a map of the property.

Exploring Tikal National Park

The first section of walking was about 1 km uphill, but nothing too strenuous. And after about 20 minutes, we were rewarded by the stunning views of the iconic Great Plaza.

We spent the next hours exploring, walking through the jungle, spotting wildlife, and climbing up steps to see the ruins from above. We took pictures and listened to some of the history on our audio guide.

By 9 a.m. it was starting to get hot , and we sought more shade. And by 10 a.m., we started noticing many more people had arrived and it was beginning to lose the peaceful vibes we felt at the beginning of the morning.

We made sure to get back to the meeting point to catch the 11 a.m. bus, because by that time it was sweltering and we had seen everything we wanted to.

Departing from Tikal

The bus left promptly at 11 and the next departure wasn’t until 12:30 p.m., so we were happy we got there on time. We returned to Flores at 12:20 p.m., just in time for lunch and a very fun afternoon activity (keep reading to find out!).

Insider Tip: Sit on the right side of the bus if possible – it’s sunny on the left side the whole drive back and gets really hot. We know from experience.

FAQs about Tikal National Park

We pulled together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Tikal National Park in Northern Guatemala. 

How much time do you need in Tikal National Park?

The amount of time that’s best for you will depend on your interests and the depth of exploration you prefer. We were able to see a lot of Tikal, using our downloaded audio tour, in just half a day (about 3-4 hours) . For us, that was plenty of time.

How many temples are in Tikal National Park?

There is not an exact count as so many structures are yet to be unearthed, but historians believe that over 3,000 structures are what remains of the ancient Mayan civilization. 

There are 6 main temples at Tikal National Park that we outline above. 

Is Tikal Guatemala worth visiting?

Tikal National Park is without a doubt one of the best sites for Mayan ruins in the Americas. We’ve been to quite a few in our travels and Tikal impressed us the most. 

Find out why we think Tikal is so special above. 

Can you climb the pyramids at Tikal?

While climbing in the pyramids freely at Tikal National Park was allowed in the past, recent concerns for preservation and safety have come into light and there are more rules and regulations have been put in place. 

There are specific structures in the national park that you can still climb. However, it’s very important to follow the posted and respect the preservation of this ancient site. 

Is Tikal a wonder of the world?

The Mayan ruins of Tikal are not one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world , nor are they considered one of the new 7 wonders of the world . 

Which is better, Chichen Itza or Tikal?

While the answer to this question is undoubtedly subjective, there are a few factors to consider…

Chichen Itza is a large site of ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula , also an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the new 7 wonders of the world. The highlight is El Castillo , the tallest structure in Chichen Itza standing at 98ft, and also one of the best preserved pyramids built by Mayans. 

With its grandeur and easy to access location comes tourism and crowds. In fact, Chichen Itza sees over 2 million visitors annually, while Tikal hosts about 200,000 visitors per year. Chichen Itza is also just 4 square miles compared to Tikal’s 220 square miles.

Best time to visit Tikal National Park & Flores, Guatemala

The best time to visit Tikal National Park in Guatemala is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April . 

During these months, you can expect drier weather with lower chances of rain , making it more comfortable for exploring the archaeological site and its surroundings. 

The dry season also coincides with the cooler months in the region, offering a more pleasant climate for outdoor activities.

How to get to Flores, Guatemala

Being that Flores, Guatemala is nearly a 10 hour drive from Guatemala City , the quickest way to get there is to fly into Mundo Maya International Airport . You can find round trip tickets for about $200 USD from Guatemala City and the flight time will be about 2.5 hours. 

That being said, flying is definitely not the most cost effective way to get to Flores.

If you are traveling on a budget, or just looking to save some money, you can take a bus to Flores from elsewhere in Guatemala, or crossing the border from Mexico or Belize. (In fact, Flores is just a 2 hour drive from San Ignacio, Belize!)

Check Bookaway for bus schedules and departure cities.

Things to do in Flores, Guatemala

If you have some extra time to spend in Flores, Guatemala (the nearest major town to Tikal National Park), we have a few suggestions for you. 

To be honest, we didn’t find a ton to do in Flores. The town itself is pretty small, and just about every traveler coming through is there for the same reason: to visit Tikal.

After seeing the ruins, people typically leave. It’s not a place you really need to stick around long (in our opinion). That said, the town is actually quite pretty and there was one activity in particular that we really enjoyed…

1. Highlight: Jorge’s Rope Swing

If you have an afternoon to kill (aka you went to Tikal early in the morning and have the rest of the day to relax) head to Jorge’s Rope Swing .

This family-run bar and restaurant is situated right on the water of Lake Peten Itza and has – you guessed it! – a giant rope swing. 

There’s also a high dive, hammocks and plenty of places to sit and relax or mingle with other travelers. The water is really warm, so you can float and swim for hours without getting cold!

Jorge and his family sell beer and Cuba Libres (rum and Coke) for 15Q each ($2 USD). They also have a small food menu, and when we saw what people had ordered we got some serious food envy. (We heard good things about the nachos!) 

Note: You’ll also have to pay a 10Q ($1.5 USD) entrance fee per person.

How to get there:

You can either rent a canoe or kayak (not sure on the cost of this) or you can hire a boat driver to take you to the restaurant from Flores, and pick you up at a time you choose. We paid 50Q total for two people to get there and back.

2. Rent a kayak or canoe

All along the Malecón you can rent kayaks or stand up paddleboards (SUP) and take to the water. This makes a great activity in the evening time, especially during sunset, but it’s fun to get out on the water any time of day. 

3. Hike to the viewpoint in San Miguel

El Mirador del Rey Canek is a viewpoint situated opposite Isla Flores on the shores of Lake Peten Itza in San Miguel. 

To get to San Miguel you’ll need to hire a lancha , aka boat. The ride to and from San Miguel takes about 10 minutes each way and should cost about 20Q per person.

Once in San Miguel, it’s just a 10 minute walk to reach the wooden structure at the top of the viewpoint. 

4. Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar

There are a couple different rooftop bars in Flores that are great for watching the sunset with a cold beverage in hand. 

One of the most popular places is Sky Bar , a cocktail bar and restaurant with arguably some of the best views in Flores. Mangos Rooftop at Hotel Isla de Flores is another popular spot for taking in the sunset with a drink in hand. 

5. Peruse the markets at the waterfront

Explore the small island of Flores a bit and head down to the waterfront where every afternoon there are street vendors who set up shop. Browse the stalls with handicrafts and street food as you take a leisurely stroll around the island. 

Where to eat in Flores, Guatemala

There aren’t a ton of options when it comes to dining out in Flores as it’s such a small town. We ate at a couple of overpriced duds while we were in town. However, there are a few spots we can recommend. 

• Restaurante San Telmo : We returned to this place twice, it was that good. With lots of vegetarian and healthy options, it was hard to choose. The falafel platter was big and delicious, and the stuffed portabellas were really yummy too. They also offer special on 2-for-1 cocktails at a reasonable price, like 2 mojitos for 25Q (about $3.35 USD).
• La Casa de Enrico : An Italian fusion fine dining restaurant typically sighted as one of the best places to eat on the island. The Guatemalan chef pulls inspiration from his indigenous roots and experiences traveling and eating around the world. 
• Maracuya : Offering a delightful dining experience with an eclectic menu featuring a fusion of international and local flavors, emphasizing fresh ingredients and a cozy ambiance. 
• Terrazzo : Authentic Italian cuisine, featuring handcrafted pizzas, pasta dishes, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in a prime location near the lake. 
• Raices Bar & Grill : A vibrant atmosphere along with a diverse menu, showcasing a mix of Guatemalan and international dishes, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists in Flores. 
• Cool Beans : A laid-back coffee shop and eatery known for its relaxing lakeside setting, serving up delicious coffee and light bites. 
• Maple & Tocino : With a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, this place specializes in breakfast and brunch, offering a menu with creative twists on classic breakfast dishes.
• Street food vendors: If you’re traveling to Flores, Guatemala on a budget, you’ll want to take advantage of the street food vendors who usually come out around 4 p.m. and line up along the shore. 

Where to stay in Flores, Guatemala

The place we stayed wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either, so we aren’t going to recommend it. Instead we have done some research and checked out reviews to recommend some of the top places to stay in Flores, Guatemala for different styles of travel and budgets. 

Social Hostel: Los Amigos Hostel

We have heard good things about the vibe at Hostel Amigos, and this would be our pick next time!

Boutique Hostel: Casa Grethel

If Hotel Amigos is full, Casa Grethel is a good choice too. It is located a short boat ride away from Flores in San Miguel. The boat should cost 5Q, but sometimes they try to make tourists pay more (especially when you are carrying your bags).

Mid-Range budget/Couples stay: Hotel Isla de Flores

One of the highest rated hotels in Flores. Enjoy spacious rooms, cute decorations and a rooftop pool to beat the heat. 

Splurge stay: Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel is a luxurious retreat offering a unique blend of natural beauty and modern comfort. Situated on a private nature reserve (read: this is not on the island of Flores!), the hotel features exquisite overwater bungalows with stunning views of the Quexil Lagoon and the surrounding rainforest.

Near the ruins: Jaguar Inn

Another option is to actually stay in the park at Jaguar Inn. This is a great option for one night if you don’t want to camp, but you want to be close to the ruins to see both sunrise and sunset.

The downside of this is that you are limited to the food options that they have at the inn, and you won’t be able to check out Jorge’s rope swing (which was definitely a highlight for us!).

Are you planning a trip to Guatemala?

We have lots more resources on travel in Guatemala and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ultimate Guatemala Travel Guide  for all the important travel information, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Unforgettable Things to Do in Guatemala
• Top Things to Do in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
• Ultimate Guide to Semuc Champey: Best Tips & Where to Stay
• Best Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala

Save this article on Pinterest for later!

We want to hear from you!

What other questions do you have? Have you visited Tikal? What was the highlight for you? Do you have any tips that we are missing? Comment below!

Comments (8) on “ Tikal National Park & Flores, Guatemala Travel Guide ”

You actually can hire a guide at the entrance of Tikal, as of March 2024 at least! Also, you can buy your ticket in advance online.

Amazing travel destinations.. thanks for sharing…

I love to travel. I want to visit Guatemala.

Thanks for sharing, I love to travel.

Thank you for your tips! I am also searching for the Tikal audio guide. Could you share that resource please? Thank you!

Hi, Which Tikal Audio Guide did you download? I could not find any from Google Play Store.

Thanks, Qinglin

what’s the best way to travel to the region? from Belize? Guatamala City? By rental car? Bus?

This is really helpful, thank you for the useful guide! I’ll be heading to Guatemala on Friday and can’t wait to visit Tikal 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Tikal National Park: The Complete Guide

 TripSavvy / Chris VR

Things to Do

Where to camp, where to stay nearby, how to get there, accessibility, tips for your visit, tikal national park.

Located deep in the rainforests of Guatemala , the ancient ruins at Tikal National Park are one of the best-preserved ancient cities from pre-Columbian America. The ancient Maya city rivals other grand Indigenous sites such as Chizén Itzá in Mexico or Machu Pichu in Peru, but Tikal feels much more off the beaten track than its tourist-heavy counterparts.

The Maya people settled in the area of Tikal around the year 900 B.C., but its reign as one of the most powerful Maya kingdoms in the area was from the years A.D. 200–900, which is also when the majority of the current buildings were constructed. By the end of the ninth century, the city had fallen into decline and was eventually abandoned, with the jungle eventually reclaiming the pyramids. The local Indigenous community kept watch over the land for centuries, but it wasn't until 1951 when researchers began to excavate and realized the significance of what was buried there . There are estimated to be thousands of structures around Tikal, but only a fraction of them have yet to be unearthed.

Even though the entire national park stretches over 220 square miles, the part that is open to visitors is just about 6 square miles and most people spend a day or two exploring the park. The most prominent structures are six surviving pyramids that are labeled Temples I–VI, some of them over 200 feet high. Temple I is a burial pyramid that contains the remains of a Maya king, while Temple IV is not just the tallest structure at Tikal, but it's the tallest pre-Columbian structure that currently stands in all of the Americas.

The core of the park is the Great Plaza, which is surrounded by two massive complexes: the Central Acropolis and the North Acropolis. Together, they are two of the most archeologically important sites in the Americas and much of what we know today about Maya culture comes from the palaces, royal homes, burial sites, and temples that are inside of them.

For an extra special experience, you can pay a bit more for a sunrise or sunset tour of the park that allows you to enter before the park opens (from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m) or stay after it closes (from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.). Not only is the light at dawn or dusk extra radiant, but you'll also get to enjoy the park when most tourists are gone.

A guided tour through the park is one of the best ways to fully comprehend the rich history of Tikal, but it's worth doing some research before choosing a guide. Unfortunately, scams are common when visiting Tikal and tourists are frequently duped by seemingly legitimate companies. The best way to find a guide is to ask your hotel for a reputable source.

Ruins aren't the only thing you'll find at Tikal, since the jungle is also home to over 50 different types of mammals and over 300 bird species. Colorful hummingbirds, toucans, and several types of parrots are just some of the birds you'll come across, while other animals include the raccoon-like coatis, howler and spider monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, and even the occasional jaguar.

Sleeping outside in the jungle is a wild experience and sure to be one you never forget. The campground is located inside the national park for easy access to the ruins, and guests can either pitch their own tent or rent out a hammock to sleep in (hammocks are completely draped under a mosquito net and hung up below awnings in case it rains). You can't make reservations for the campsite, so be sure to request one when you enter the park.

If you're a light sleeper or feel skittish at night, you may want to consider one of the nearby hotels. Most wildlife is active at night and while the sounds of animals are what draw many people to camp out, it's definitely not for everyone. If you decide to camp, definitely pack some earplugs to drown out the chorus of howler monkeys; their name is not a joke.

There are a few lodging options located in Tikal and spending one night there to experience the jungle after dark is really a one-of-a-kind experience. Plus, they're just a few minutes' walking distance away from the ruins. Outside of the park, Flores is the nearest big city and considered the gateway to Tikal, so many travelers end up spending a night there, as well.

• Hotel Tikal Inn : This cozy inn offers suites or bungalows to choose from, and the property includes a restaurant, a pool to relax at, and even Wi-Fi (which is amazing considering the location). The hotel also offers tours that guests can add on, so you don't have to worry about being scammed.
• Jungle Lodge : The Jungle Lodge at Tikal is the most luxurious option in the park. The suites were once used by the original archeologists who excavated the park, although they've been lavishly upgraded since then. The high-end suites even have private terraces with their own jacuzzis.
• Hotel Casona de la Isla : Located in Flores about 90 minutes away from the park, this trendy hotel overlooks the scenic Lake Petén Itzá. Apart from the spectacular views, the hotel stands out for having easy access to the nearest regional airport.

Almost any journey to Tikal first has to stop in Flores, the capital city of the Petén department in Guatemala. The easiest and quickest way to get there is to fly into the Mundo Maya International Airport, located in Flores and with direct flights from Guatemala City and Belize . If you want to save money, buses from Guatemala City to Flores are very cheap but the journey takes about 10 hours.

Once in Flores, you'll find plenty of transportation options to get to the national park. The journey is about an hour and a half and you can choose from shared vans or hire a private taxi. Be prepared to feel bombarded by drivers and guides offering all kinds of services, and try to travel in a group to share a shuttle and save money. If you're spending the night at one of the Tikal hotels, they'll likely provide transportation to and from Flores so you don't have to worry about it.

Tikal National Park has little infrastructure to assist visitors with mobility challenges, and the trails are difficult—if not impossible—for travelers who use wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, or simply have trouble walking. There is a shuttle to assist visitors in getting around, but it's not always reliable. Tour guides have been known to make deals with park rangers to drive tourists with accessibility needs into the park, and the best way to inquire about how to enter is to ask your hotel to help arrange it.

• The rainy season in Tikal lasts from May to October, when frequent downpours make it hard to enjoy the park. The most crowded time is December and January, so try to visit in February or March for a good balance of mild weather and fewer tourists.
• If you want to see wildlife, book the sunrise or sunset tour to see animals when they're most active.
• Your sunrise or sunset tour does not need to be the same day as your general entrance. For example, you can arrive at the park in the afternoon, leave when it closes, spend the night nearby, and then enjoy sunrise the following morning.
• A common scam is that guides at the park entrance will tell visitors that they're not allowed to enter Tikal unless accompanied by a licensed guide. However, the only time you must enter with a guide is during the sunrise or sunset tour.
• The hotels in Tikal accept credit cards, but you'll need cash for everything else. There are no ATMs in the park, so make sure to have quetzales with you before you arrive.

The Most Popular Destinations on the Gringo Trail

The Complete Guide to the Maya Route in Central America

The Best Places to Visit in Belize

22 Best Things to Do in Belize

One Week in Guatemala: The Perfect Itinerary

Know Before You Go: Guatemala Travel Guide

Top 20 Things to Do in Guatemala

The 19 Best Beaches in Costa Rica

The Top 15 Mayan Sites in Central America

Yosemite National Park: The Complete Guide

Grand Canyon National Park: The Complete Guide

The Ultimate Guide to the Taj Mahal in India

National Parks in Guatemala

Visiting the Grand Canyon on a Budget

The 13 Most Amazing Maya Ruins to See in Mexico

The 20 Best Things to Do in Hawaii

Tikal Guatemala: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Tikal Maya Ruins

Posted on Published: March 25, 2019  - Last updated: January 3, 2023

Categories Blog , Central America , Cultural Travel , Guatemala , History , Resources , Reviews , Tours

Tikal Guatemala: Step back in time and wander the site of ancient Mayan ruins.

There are many wonders of the world that leave you breathless. Perhaps the most famous ones like Machu Picchu , the pyramids of Giza , and Petra come to mind. The ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal deserve a worthy mention right up with those other historical marvels. I’ve named them one of the top 15 destinations you must visit before you die. Yes, Tikal is just that amazing! In this travel guide, I’m going to tell you all about my trip to Tikal National Park, what it’s like to experience the Tikal ruins, my top tips to getting the most out of your trip, and detailing everything you need to know before you go.

Table of Contents

Posts may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link.

Why Visit Tikal?

While there are numerous Mayan ruins and temples throughout Central America, Tikal Guatemala is the most magnificent one to visit. I have visited several Mayan ruins in Mexico and Xunantunich in Belize in the past. There are quite a few reasons that set Tikal apart from other significant Maya sites. 

It’s a Massive Mayan Site

First, Tikal is one of the largest sites and there’s so much to explore in a day. Tikal National Park occupies a region of 576km squared containing wetlands, savannah, and tropical jungles. There are numerous remains of the Maya civilization scattered throughout the property that are continually being uncovered. Only about 15% of the structures have been revealed, meaning that there’s still so much to explore and discover at Tikal. It’s common to see some sections covered in tarps because there are excavations always ongoing. 

You’re also able to climb several of the temple structures and wander the original plazas themselves. In my experiences, most other Mayan ruins sites do not allow tourists to climb any of the pyramids or temples. Most of them are roped off to admire from a distance, but you aren’t able to actually climb them. There are many Tikal temples that you can climb, giving you a unique vantage point from up above.

Wildlife at Tikal

As Tikal Guatemala lies in the heart of the jungle, you’ll see an incredible variety of flora and fauna species throughout your visit. I witnessed some of the biggest trees that I’ve ever seen in my life. We saw howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, macaws, coatimundis , and more. It was wonderful to see so many Guatemalan animals living wild and free when we were volunteering to help these same animals at the wildlife rescue center. It’s easy to spot the wildlife living at Tikal on your own, though if you take a tour with an expert guide, you might have a better chance of spotting the elusive ones.

It’s Not Crowded

Tikal National Park is not as busy or crowded as other historically significant places. It’s a little bit out of the way from the more frequented places in Guatemala. Plus, Guatemala is not visited as often as other spots in Central America where the temples and ruins are easier to access (like Chichen Itza and Tulum ).

When we visited Tikal in February, we were shocked that it was so empty. There were only a few groups of tourists wandering around, even at the most popular temples, pyramids, and plazas. There are many places that you’ll have entirely to yourselves. It’s possible that it’s because Tikal encompasses such a vast area of land that the visitors are more spread out. Even still, the most frequented spots still didn’t seem that busy.

Tikal was even more deserted early in the morning after our sunrise hike. I really feel like tourism in Guatemala will pick up once everyone realizes just how amazing it is there. Get to Tikal Guatemala before it’s sought out and frequented by the masses.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Lastly, Tikal National Park is an important historical and cultural place in the world. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a major center of Mayan civilization. This can’t be summed up in just a couple of sentences, so allow me to elaborate in more detail about this.

History and Importance of Tikal

Tikal National Park in Peten, Guatemala, was formed in May 1955 and regulated in September 1957. By 1979, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional value and worldly significance. It is one of the few world heritage properties that combines both natural and cultural richness. Nestled within the gigantic Maya Biosphere Reserve (exceeding two billion hectares), Tikal has an extraordinary biodiversity and archaeological importance.

Within the jungle, there are more than 200 tree species and 2000 plants among these diverse ecosystems. These habitats are home to five cats (including jaguar and puma), monkeys, anteaters, and over 300 species of birds.

As for the main archaeological site, it spans approximately 16 kilometers squared with over 4000 structures and buildings. There are important squares, temples, pyramid complexes, and other groups of buildings. You’ll receive a detailed map when you visit Tikal National Park with descriptions of the various buildings and areas. There’s an additional map that you can purchase when you first arrive at the park in your transfer van, but you are able to get a free one at the park. It’s slightly less detailed, but will have all of the information that you need.

An Incredible History

Tikal has an incredible history, as you can imagine. It was likely known as Yax Mutal and was one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Mayan civilization. Although Tikal’s beginnings date back to 400 B.C., it thrived and dominated the most (politically, economically, and militarily) between 200 and 900 A.D. At one point, its population grew to around 100,000 people, followed by a sharp decline.

It’s not known why Tikal was abandoned and lost for centuries in the forest. There are theories that deforestation, erosion, and drought contributed to its decline. Its temples and palaces were reclaimed by the jungle and completely buried. Thankfully, these buildings are slowly being uncovered and discovered once again. After centuries of rumors of a lost city, Tikal was rediscovered in 1848 by Colonel Modesto Mendez and Ambrosia Tut, Governor and Mayor of El Peten, respectively.

Recently using laser technology , researchers have identified the ruins of more than 60,000 structures hidden beneath the jungle canopies of Guatemala. The ruins of this sprawling pre-Columbian civilization are much more complex, larger, and interconnected than anticipated. As our technology advances, it will be exciting to learn more and increase our knowledge of this ancient society.

My Experiences at Tikal

It’s always a thrilling experience to be able to wander the same places that someone once did thousands of years ago. I always try to imagine what it was like back then. As a Mayan person living centuries ago, what it was like to stroll the bustling North Acropolis or gaze up at the Temple of the Masks? What were the residences like back then, as well as the living conditions? What was it like to live in an era of human sacrifice? While it might look like a mass of crumbling ruins in our time, it was once a thriving culture with thousands of carved buildings containing great character and importance.

Getting There

The main departure point to Tikal National Park is the city and island of Flores. You’ll fly into Flores from Guatemala City or Belize City. Then, I recommend that you spend one day in Flores , including an overnight stay. Head over to the bank near the Maya Mall in Flores to purchase your tickets to Tikal ahead of time. You’ll need to bring your passport with you to buy the tickets, and you’ll have to bring your passport to Tikal as well. It’s very important that you bring your passport to avoid being turned away.

You can buy your transfer through your hotel in Flores or through a local tour operator. If you plan to visit Tikal for the day from Flores, you can purchase this ticket in advance that includes round-trip transport from Flores to Tikal, a ticket to Tikal and tour with a knowledgeable guide, and lunch. However, I suggest that you spend the night at Tikal National Park for the best overall experience.

You’ll travel to Tikal Guatemala in the morning in an air conditioned bus (be sure to spend the small amount of extra cash on an air conditioned transfer), tour Tikal with a guide throughout the day, spend the night at a comfortable Tikal hotel, and wake up the next morning for a sunrise tour. We wandered around Tikal until 8 or 9 in the morning, returned back to our hotel to enjoy the pool for a few hours, and left around 3:00pm back to Flores.

Planning Your Visit

Our small group decided to tour around Tikal Guatemala with an experienced guide. It’s up to you whether or not to book a guide or wander around the park on your own. It’s also possible to do a combination of both. You can walk around with a guide for a few hours and then explore the rest of Tikal National Park on your own. I recommend that you walk around with the guide. You’ll learn lots of important facts about the ruins that you otherwise wouldn’t realize. Our guide was also fantastic at pointing out the wildlife up in the trees. He also knew some fantastic shortcuts through the forest to save some time and provide an escape from the midday heat.

It’s possible to download an audio guide to wander at your own pace and learn interesting facts about Tikal Guatemala. I’m personally not a fan of audio guides so much, but I did see some couples listening to them together. If you decide against booking a tour with a guide, at least download the audio guide to provide some more meaning to the experience.

Once you hand over your ticket at the entrance, you’ll receive a wrist band to Tikal National Park. Then, you can explore the ruins of Tikal right up until the park closes at 5:00pm. Also, the park opens at 6:00am, so it’s possible to arrive bright and early to explore all day. 

As you’re in the jungles of Central America, you might imagine that it can get quite hot. While you’ll find some shade in the forest, the Mayan sites are out in the open, leaving you exposed to the sun and the elements. It gets very hot around the middle of the afternoon, so try to explore as early as possible. We found that it was very pleasant early in the morning. Of course, bring lots of water and sunscreen.

Exploring Places of Interest at Tikal

You might be able to explore every important structure and building at Tikal, but I’m not even sure that we saw every last pyramid complex or square across our day and a half there. There are a few main sites that you’ll certainly want to check out at least once during your visit. While our guide gave us lots of valuable information, he also gave us free time in several of the areas. We were to meet back within a half hour of exploring the squares and temples. I loved this combination of informative learning and time to wander on our own.

The Grand Square

The Grand Square is the epicenter of Tikal and the most spectacular area of the entire complex. There are many ceremonial buildings in the North Acropolis, also serving as a mausoleum of governing families. There are two spectacular temples: Temple I and Temple II.

Temple I, also known as the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, was built around 700 A.D. by the ruling Jasaw Chan K’awiil I. Archaeologists discovered his tomb inside this temple. 

Temple II, called Temple of the Masks, was also built by Jasaw Chan K’awill I (also known as Ah Cacao) around 700 A.D. You can actually climb to the top of Temple II, thanks to a series of staircases around the back of it. At the top, you can enjoy a stunning view of Temple I, the North Acropolis, and the Central Acropolis.

When you’re visiting the North Acropolis, don’t miss the giant mask carving that’s sectioned off down below. There are also several altars and carvings around the middle of the temples. Please do not touch or sit on any of the stones as the Mayan peoples still use them in rituals to this date.

On the opposite side of the North Acropolis, you’ll find the Central Acropolis. Feel free to wander around this set of structures and buildings with several rooms. You’ll also catch some alternate views of the temples, making for some great photo opportunities. We were the only people visiting this area, even in the middle of the day.

We also saw several coatimundis rooting around in the grass. These animals look like raccoons, but they’re somehow even cuter. Please don’t feed the animals, chase them around, or bother them in any way. We saw tourists throwing food at them or getting a little too close. It’s best to let the wild animals remain wild, and admire them from afar.

Temple IV is a building that you won’t want to miss. Along with the Grand Square, Temple IV was such a highlight of my trip. Temple IV, or Temple of the Two-Headed Snake, is the tallest structure in Tikal Guatemala. Of all the Tikal temples, this is the one you need to visit. It was built around 740 A.D. by the ruling Yik’in Chan K’awiil (known as Yaxkin Caan Chac). Ascend up several staircases to the very top of the temple for the most incredible view. While this might be tough, especially in the heat of the day, it’s totally worth it once you get to the top.

For those movie nerds out there, you might recognize this scene from  Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. A rebel spots the Millennium Falcon landing on Yavin. Just like in person, you can see Temples I, II, and III off in the distance. I was pretty excited to show my photos to Justin when I got home because I know he’s such a fan of the movies!

Lost World Pyramid

Another building that you can climb at Tikal Guatemala is the Great Pyramid at the Lost World. While there are 38 structures in the Lost World, the Great Pyramid is the top attraction. It dates back to 500 B.C., though it was rebuilt several times. It’s one of the tallest pyramids in the entire Mayan region. While there are steep staircases on all four sides, there’s a special set of modern wooden stairs made for tourists to get to the top. Once you walk up there, you can fully appreciate the spectacular views of the Square of the Seven Temples, Temple V, and the surrounding Guatemalan jungle. 

Tikal at Sunrise

While we initially arrived at Tikal Guatemala by a small transfer bus around 10:00am (departing Flores around 8:00am), we toured around for most of the late morning and early afternoon. Then, we headed back to our accommodation, the Hotel Tikal Inn, to relax by the swimming pool and have some lunch. However, our small group had plans to embark on a sunrise tour of Tikal the next morning.

An Early Morning Experience

Staying overnight at the Hotel Tikal Inn made it possible to easily take the Tikal sunrise tour. We had to meet our guide at our hotel around 4:00am, which seems incredibly early. However, if you weren’t already spending the night at a hotel within Tikal National Park, I have no idea how early you’d have to wake up to make it there on time! Suddenly, waking up at 3:30 in the morning didn’t seem so bad. The staff at the Hotel Tikal Inn had hot coffee ready for us when we woke up, so we could absorb some caffeine before our sunrise trip.

We met with a group of several other travelers for our tour. Be sure to purchase your tickets for the sunrise tour from the bank (where you bought your original Tikal tickets) or through your hotel. You’ll receive a separate wristband upon checking in for your tour at the desk (you’ll need to bring your passport once again). The tour guides, armed with flashlights (as it will be pitch black!), will guide you through the jungle at night, all the way to Temple IV at the very back of Tikal National Park.

Why It’s Worth It

After you ascend all of those stairs to the top of the temple (which isn’t nearly as bad when it’s cooler outdoors at night), find a place to sit and make yourself comfortable. We were among the first people to arrive at Temple IV. Slowly, more and more visitors started to join us. Gradually, the seating area at the top of the temple filled up. However, we were all asked to remain silent. Thankfully, everyone obliged.

As the world started to slowly grow brighter, the creatures of the jungle started to wake up, too. Birds started to chirp and call out to one another. Howler monkeys started bellowing in the darkness. As the jungle woke up, so did the rest of the world, growing brighter and brighter. The three temples off in the distance came into view as the fog lifted. The fog gradually dissipated as night became day. While it was a little too foggy and cloudy out to see the sunshine, it was still magnificent, beautiful, and magical. I highly recommend this experience, even if the weather doesn’t fully cooperate.

Important Travel Tips

You’ll want to plan your trip to Tikal Guatemala with great care as it’s one of those amazing and awe-inspiring destinations to see in your lifetime. It isn’t the easiest place in the world to reach. While I hope you’ll be able to visit more than once, it’s a good idea to make your first trip count the most. 

When to Visit Tikal

I recommend visiting the Tikal Maya ruins in the winter between December and February. Even though it’s still very hot, it’s likely the coolest time of year to visit. The weather will likely be dreary at home if you’re from a cooler climate like me (Toronto wasn’t looking so great in February!). It’s the dry season in Guatemala. Even though this is a busier time of year for tourists, it was not busy at Tikal Guatemala. 

While March through May is still technically the dry season, it is even hotter than from December to February. I can’t imagine what it feels like to be even hotter than when we visited. If you visit between June and August, it will be the rainy season, but this will make the temperatures a little bit more comfortable. It rains even more from September to November, although tourism is the slowest and you might be able to find hotels at the best price. I recommend going there in January or February, but you should really get to Tikal National Park whenever you can.

How to Purchase Tickets

Purchase tickets in advance from the bank in Flores. Head over to the bank branch at the Maya Mall, just across the bridge from the island of Flores. You can buy the day passes to the park, as well as the sunrise tour tickets. Tickets to Tikal National Park are 150 quetzales ($20 USD) and the sunrise hike tickets are 100 quetzales ($13 USD). You can visit the park with a standard ticket as early as 6:00am (after the sunrise). You must take the sunrise tour with a guide and you leave at 4:00am.

Bathrooms and Water

I recommend bringing lots of water along with you. However, you might drink that water and then what? Thankfully, there is a stand at the Grand Square with water and snacks. There are a few spots with restrooms throughout Tikal, too. 

Day Trip from Flores

Yes, you can visit Tikal Guatemala as a day trip from Flores. You can get a transfer from Flores to Tikal, spend the day at Tikal, and then take the bus back to Flores. That’s no problem and if you only have that much time to visit Tikal National Park, I suggest that you travel in that manner. However, if you can spare an extra day, I recommend that you spend the night at Tikal National Park. After a night there, wake up early in the morning for the sunrise tour. Then, spend a little extra time of rest and relaxation at the hotel to enjoy the pool and the dining options. 

Tikal Packing List

Whether you’re visiting for the day or spending the night, you’ll want to bring a few things along with you to Tikal:

• Comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a LOT of walking!
• Passport – you won’t be able to enter the national park without one
• Tickets – I recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time, especially for the sunrise tour
• Water bottle , filled with lots of water (remember that you shouldn’t drink the water in Guatemala, so make sure it’s filtered properly or use a Lifestraw )
• Hat and sunglasses
• Camera , smartphone , GoPro , be sure to capture lots of pictures

Check out this guide that details what to pack for a day hike for more ideas and suggestions that apply to this trip, too.

Want to see more photos of Tikal?

View all of our travel photography in one place! You can browse and buy any of our pictures in the form of canvas prints, things for the home, and more!

Where to Stay

We spent the night at the Hotel Tikal Inn , which was such a treat. It was right within Tikal National Park, merely steps from the Tikal Guatemala ruins themselves. I shared an adorable and posh hut with my sister, and there was an amazing swimming pool. The rooms were spacious and comfortable at this eco-lodge. Plan your stay accordingly: they turn on the electricity and the ability to have hot showers between 5:30pm and 9:30pm. After that, it’s lights out! That wasn’t a problem as we got to bed around 9:00pm, in order to wake up early in the morning for our sunrise tour.

The meals at the restaurant were delicious, too. We dined there for lunch that day where I savored a dish of yummy and filling pasta. The next morning, we had breakfast there, where I ate corn tortillas, beans, and fried plantains. It was no problem dining at Hotel Tikal Inn as a vegan. The coffee at the Hotel Tikal Inn was very rich and delicious. Upon our arrival, we were offered coffee immediately, which was totally awesome.

The highlight of the Hotel Tikal Inn was the refreshing swimming pool. We swam in the pool after a day exploring Tikal Guatemala, as well as the following day after checkout. There were many trees and flowers with interesting birds all around. I really loved sitting beneath one of the huge umbrellas with a cold beer in my hand. 

I highly recommend booking your stay at the Hotel Tikal Inn when you visit Tikal National Park. It provides an extra level of luxury to your stay at an affordable price, plus it’s very convenient to stay right within the park itself.

More Articles About Guatemala and Maya Ruins

Interested in more travel blog posts about Guatemala? How about Mayan ruins? These articles may interest you!

• Chacchoben Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya, Mexico
• 50 Best Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites in Mexico
• 1 Day in Flores, Guatemala
• Volunteering Helping Animals in Guatemala

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Wednesday 1st of November 2023

Solo traveler here. Thank you so much for this very comprehensive guide! Truly appreciate all the details you've put in when in comes to the tickets, how to get around the complex, and extra tips to make one's experience more special. Just a question: my initial / automatic choice for a visit was the sunset tour, cos I was thinking that the colors against the temples would look so lovely at this time. Was wondering why you chose the sunrise tour instead--would the views be better during this time (eg if sunset, the sun sets on the "less photogenic" side, so nothing too special ?

Lauren Yakiwchuk

Friday 3rd of November 2023

I'm so happy you found the guide to be helpful! I thought that the sunrise hike would be really interesting in terms of both the temples and the wildlife. You can hear the world 'waking up', birds start chirping, the howler monkeys start roaring, it's really something special. Even though it was a foggy morning for us and we didn't see much of the sun, it was still really magical. I'm sure you can't go wrong with the sunset visit either. Maybe there's even a way you could squeeze in both? You'll have to let me know what you end up doing!

Tuesday 2nd of July 2019

While the staff of the Tikal Inn were very nice, the management were very unpleasant during my stay and very disorganized which resulted in my name being left off a list (almost wasn't allowed in the park even though I had a reservation), they had to double check my reservation and what it included because they do not run their website: which has information different from the reality (shuttle leaving at 3pm vs 10am, not having an ATM etc.), several times I would ask for a service and one person would tell me it's impossible and when I asked again they would do it (super inconvenient and annoying), and my shower was broken. There are several hotels in the park, including the next door Jaguar Inn with similar amenities and prices. I would explore ALL options before giving Hotel Tikal Inn a try.

*IMPORTANT* (because I lost money, time, and added a lot of stress making these mistakes) Also, don't just wait until Flores to get your ticket. As soon as you land in Guatemala, go to any BanRural Bank and buy your ticket(s): There are three types: foreigners get charged more expensive rates, morning (4-8am) 100Q, Daily (8am-6pm) 100Q, (evening 6pm-8pm?) 150Q. The passes cannot be extended so if you want to go from 7am to 7pm for example you need all three (350Q). If you leave the park late, they charge you (or your tour guide) the pass amount of the time you stay late. Some hotels may have passes that other visitors leave behind unused, but it is HIGHLY unlikely. You're safest bet is to get them at the nearest bank as soon as you can, because one you enter the park you have no other chance to buy them (even if you already paid your reservation and tours).

(Left out of this post) There are TWO entry points: one to the general reserve, one to the part where the ruins are (this part you need tickets for). Your hotel reservation and passport should get you through the first check point; your name should be on a list that the hotel gives the reserve security who let's you in. This should be how you get in outside of regular hours of the park. I arrived at 11pm, so I am not sure how it works during park hours. After you pass the first check point, there's a road for several kilometers until you arrive to the park entrance and the hotels. The hotels are outside the park, so again don't need the passes for this part, only one you want to enter the park. Buy your tickets based on the time you want to be in the park, after passing the first checkpoint and driving 20-30 minutes to the park entrance.

Highly recommended get a guide: all registered guides have a special ID that hangs around their necks. Expect anywhere from $45 for one to a couple people, to $75 for larger groups. If anyone in your group speaks Spanish and is willing to translate, ask the park workers at the gate for Victor (has worked in the park 13 years, in security and restoration of the temples). I went alone and by far the best decision I made was hiring him as my guide because he knew things that the normal guides don't know about carvings inside the buildings, medicinal/dangerous forest plants and animals, and incredible historical facts. 10000000% worth it!

Ask about the crocodile reserves next to the park!

Finally, there is a little restaurant that only accepts cash behind the main restaurant that accepts cards. The food is really good, and slightly cheaper (hotel restaurants and the main one charge US prices if you do the conversion.)

Michelle Pereira

Thursday 16th of November 2023

@Lauren, How did you book your guide?

Friday 12th of July 2019

Thanks for your comment! We had a really good experience at the Tikal Inn, so while I personally recommend them, I can see how you had a different experience. Everything went really smoothly for us without any issues and we had a wonderful stay. Their pool is fabulous and our room was really comfy. We stayed until 3pm the next day to enjoy the pool, even though we checked out of the hotel earlier than that. We dined there and the food was delicious. It was a calm oasis in the jungle and we loved it!

We bought our tickets in Flores at the bank because we went straight to Flores. I didn't travel through Guatemala - I volunteered and stayed in Flores for my entire trip. You can easily buy them at the bank in Flores without any problems (both the entrance tickets and for the sunrise hike).

At the first entry point, we showed our passports and our entrance tickets. And then when we entered Tikal (second entrance desk at the park), we had to show our passports and tickets again. We arrived at around 10 or 11 in the morning. We walked around with a guide and he was very knowledgeable, highly recommended. He met us at our hotel (Tikal Inn) and spent a few hours with us.

Tikal closes at 5pm. You could buy the ticket from 6am-5pm for 150Q and the sunrise hike (4am-8am) is 100Q. We stayed until 9am with our guide after the sunrise hike and there wasn't any issue. There wasn't any other option to visit between 6pm and 8pm.

Everyone has different experiences when they travel and I appreciate that you've shared yours. Thank you!

Tuesday 26th of March 2019

We second your recommendation about staying at Hotel Tikal Inn. In fact, staying next to these major tourist attractions so that you can be there before the day visitors arrive is a key tip to having some quality time - despite any additional coats.

Yes, definitely! It was a great place to stay and so convenient for the sunrise walk the next day. Glad that you agree! :)

Tikal: The Complete 2024 Guide to the Spectacular Maya Ruins

Over the years I visited are some great Maya archaeological sites , but nothing compares to my experience in Tikal. I knew it was spectacular. I knew it was the best of the best of the Maya sites. And when I finally visited it, I understood why. It really felt like none of the sites I’ve seen before come close to its grandeur.

Table of Contents

Visiting Tikal is not only about the actual structures though. Yes, the site is home to the highest of all the Maya pyramid-temples, and some of the most spectacular palaces, and stelae, which makes it absolutely special. However, the surrounding thick jungle, the protected rainforest makes the visit even more fulfilling.

Sitting on top of the highest pyramid, above the thick jungle canopy, is an unforgettable experience. But so is watching a family of howler monkeys dine on a tree. Every time we stopped for more than a few minutes, we noticed wildlife surrounding us, from howler and spider monkeys to coatimundis, colorful ocellated turkeys, and many different bird species.

Tikal is not a “hidden gem”; it is very much a tourist destination, and set up for it, too. However, the size of the site and the paths through the jungle assure that it usually doesn’t feel crowded.

We visited Tikal in late February 2024, and spent two full days exploring the site, with an extra day visiting the museums. We stayed three nights at the Tikal Inn, within walking distance from the entrance, which extended our time at the site. We walked in soon after opening and stayed until closing time. My descriptions, and the guide below, reflect this time frame and setting.

About Tikal, the Ancient Maya City

One of the largest Maya archaeological site in all of Mesoamerica, in the Peten area of Guatemala, the ancient Maya city of Tikal, surrounded by a thick tropical jungle, is part of Tikal National Park.

A UNESCO Heritage Site , Tikal National Park is one of the few in the world designated for both its natural and cultural importance, for the incredible biodiversity of the surrounding forest and the archaeological significance of the ancient city.

Historic Background

The ancient city of Tikal was once the capital of one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya, one of the largest in Mesoamerica.

While Tikal was not the only large urban cluster of the Ancient Maya, it was one of the first. It also remained one of the largest throughout its history, even as other large city-states like Calakmul , Caracol, and many others raised to power in the vicinity.

Tikal started as a smaller settlement during the Preclassic period of the Maya civilization, with some of its monumental structures dating back as early as the 400 – 300 BC. During the Classic (200-650 AD) and Late Classic period (650-900 AD), it grew into a superpower. During its peak, ancient Tikal was the political, economical, and military center of the Maya civilization, with a population around 70,000 – 100,000 people.

Like most of the ancient Maya cities, Tikal crumbled around 900 AD. Most evidence suggests the reason for this was a long-lasting drought, exacerbated by deforestation, building too many monumental structures, and overuse of water and other natural resources by the elite. The last stone stelae in Tikal dates from 869 AD.

The ancient Maya population left the monumental cities like Tikal and returned to a simpler living. The surrounding jungle slowly reclaimed the ancient structures.

“Rediscovering” Tikal

Even though locals were familiar with the ruins of the ancient city, it was not until the governor of Peter Guatemala’s visit in 1848 that they were extensively explored and mapped. Later on, other expeditions visited the site, including British archaeologist Alfred P. Maudslay in 1881–82. Major archaeological excavations started in 1956, by the University of Pennsylvania, called the Tikal Project.

Besides being the seat of one of the strongest and largest ancient Maya kingdoms for a long period, Tikal was also “discovered” earlier than most other sites, which means most of what we know about the ancient Maya civilization comes from Tikal.

The Site’s Name

The name “Tikal” comes from the Maya word Ti ak’al , meaning “at the water hole.” However, this was not the original name of the ancient Maya city.

Epigraphers deciphered the ancient city’s emblem glyph as Mutul , adding that in classic times Tikal was most likely named Yax Mutul, meaning First Mutul.

The Ancient Maya City: Areas Of Interest And Structures Of Tikal

The gran plaza.

The Gran Plaza is the center of Tikal, with two similar pyramid-temples facing each other, Temple I on the east and Temple II on the west, the Central Acropolis to the south and North Acropolis to the north. You’ll also find a ball court between the Central Acropolis and Temple I.

The most recognized structure of Tikal, Temple I was even featured on the reverse side of the 50 Quetzales banknote of Guatemala. Also known as the Temple of Ah Cacao or Temple of the Great Jaguar, it is 154 feet (47 meters) high.

Built around 750 AD, it is a funerary pyramid dedicated to Jasaw Chan K’awil, whose tomb was found inside the pyramid-temple.

You can not climb Pyramid I, but you can admire it from the plaza – and from the top of Temple II.

Standing across from Temple I, Temple II is set up with a wooden staircase to climb. From the top, you’ll get a perfect view of the Plaza and Temple I. Also known as the Temple of the Mask, it dates from the same period, and it was dedicated to the wife of Jasaw Chan K’awil. Although no tomb was found inside it, the queen’s portrait was carved into the lintel above the doorway of the shrine on top.

Central Acropolis

The Central Acropolis is a palace complex, with its stairway standing and easy to climb for a good view of the Plaza.

North Acropolis

The North Acropolis is one of the most studied architectural groups of the Maya World. A complex group, with several pyramids and many stelae, it spanned centuries of Tikal’s existence, with its first structures dating from the Preclassic period, around 350 BC. During the Classic Period, it was a funerary complex for the ruling dynasty, with temples, stelae, and altars erected for the royal burials.

The tallest pyramid not only in Tikal, but in all the Maya area (as far as we know today), Temple IV is set up with a wooden stairway for a comfortable climb the top. Standing 230 feet (70 meters) high above its surroundings, it truly offers an unforgettable view.

Built around 741 AD, it marked the reign of Yik’in Chan Kawil (the son of Jasaw Chan K’awiil I).

The second tallest pyramid in Tikal at 187 feet (57 meters) high, dating from about 700 AD, Temple V stands alone in a plaza. Closed to climbing, and out of the way, few people visit it, so it is a great place to get away from crowds – if you are at the site during a busy time.

Mundo Perdido – Lost World

The Lost World Pyramid is the main structure in the Mound Perdido complex. Dating from the Late Preclassic period, it is one of the oldest structures in Tikal. At the time of its building, it was one of the largest structures in the Maya region, with stairways on all four sides and a flat top that might have supported other structures.

This is one of the pyramids set up with a wooden stairway for comfortable climbing. Shorter than Temple IV, it is easier to climb. A large platform on top offers gorgeous views in all directions.

Plaza of the Seven Temples

A quiet area in Tikal, the plaza is surrounded by a row of seven nearly identical temples on the east, two palaces on the south and west, and a ball court on the north side.

Also known as the Temple of the Inscriptions, Temple VI is far from the rest of the site, and mostly unrestored. However, its roof comb is filled with hieroglyphic inscriptions, visible in the morning sun.

Wildlife in Tikal National Park

You’ll find wildlife everywhere you look in Tikal National Park.

Ocellated turkeys and coatimundis walk around near many of the structures. We even saw coatis on top of Pyramid IV.

You’ll see both spider monkeys and howler monkeys up in the canopy as soon as you stop to look. We watched several spider monkeys jump from tree to tree near the Lost World pyramid; we also watched a family of howler monkeys dine on a few trees at eye-level, from Pyramid IV.

How To Visit Tikal in 2024

As they are making Tikal easier to visit each year, things change – though not much. The ancient ruins are in a large nature preserve, which means you will still walk through jungle paths from one site to another. After walking along a path past the main entrance, you have a choice to make.

Where to start?

Three paths diverge in the dense jungle… choose which one to take first.

It depends. If it is your first time in Tikal, I would recommend to start with the middle road.

If you go straight ahead…

It is the one we took, the path that leads to the Gran Plaza, the center of Tikal.

After about a mile walk through the thick jungle (some of it uphill), you’ll be greeted by the stunning view of the back of Temple I, rising about 170 feet above its surroundings. The path enters the plaza near this spectacular pyramid.

This is the best choice if it is your first time in Tikal, especially if you start your visit early, soon after the site opens.

The most popular area of the archaeological site, the Gran Plaza, gets crowded fast – although do not imagine “crowded” like Chichen Itza or Tulum . However, you’ll encounter a fair amount of visitors most of the day here – except soon before the site opens and right before closing.

I started with climbing the central acropolis, since it was empty (everyone who entered the plaza rushed to the center), a short climb (an easy start for the climbing adventures at the site), and it gave me a great view of the whole plaza.

Since it is in the center, roads from the Gran Plaza lead in every direction of the site.

From here, most people walk to Temple IV, the highest pyramid in Tikal – and in all the land of the ancient Maya.

Then visit the Lost World, another spectacular site, and from there, walk to Temple V.

If you go left…

The second day of our visit we took the least traveled path leading to Temple VI. Few people go out that far, and if you only have one day in Tikal, it might not make sense to walk out there, anyway.

Temple VI is in ruins, you can’t climb it, and compared to much of the site, there isn’t much to see there. However, the reason I loved seeing it was the hieroglyphic text on the back of the Temple, best seen in the morning light.

If you go right…

If you go back the third day, start with the third path. We returned through that one, after exploring the site the first day. It leads to the North Acropolis, another area where we saw very few people. The structures at the North Acropolis here are shorter, and not as spectacular, but if you have time and want to explore away from the busiest areas, it offers a different perspective of the ancient city. It was a nice walk through the jungle, and we could climb a few short pyramids halfway overgrown with vegetation.

Can You Visit Tikal in one day?

It is possible to visit Tikal in one day, if you are in a rush and you only want to see the highlights. Or, if you start early and stay until closing time, and you are a fast walker, you can see just about everything in one day.

However, I would not recommend it. For the best experience, take three, or at least two days for the full visit.

It took us two full days to explore the ruins, both days spending from opening to closing time in the park, plus another day to visit the museums, to feel like we could walk away.

Which means, you should buy two tickets for the ruins per person for two consecutive days, and buy another ticket for the museum for the next day.

Can You Climb Pyramids in Tikal? – in 2024

Temple II, Temple IV (the tallest Maya pyramid known at this time), and Mundo Perdido pyramids are set up with wooden staircases to help the climb to the top. All three are worth the climb, even if only for the spectacular views.

You can climb several smaller pyramids directly on their staircases.

However, you can not climb Temples I, III, V, and VI. This may change (at least with Pyramid V), but in February 2024 these are all closed to climbing.

How to get to Tikal?

Tikal is so close to the border of Guatemala and Belize, we found it easier to fly into Belize and drive over from there. However, this version has its challenges, since it is difficult to cross the border with a rental car; you can only find one agency that rents a car you can take across. However, we found the best way to do this was to hire a car.

We went with a small, local company from San Ignacio, who drove us everywhere we wanted to go while in Belize; besides that, they partner with a similar company on the Guatemala side, who picked us up on the other side of the border – you have to walk across the border – and took us to Tikal.

We liked this version of independent travel – even if we didn’t drive ourselves -, since we didn’t have to worry about insurance or driving through unknown roads. But since it is not a tour, we were free to design our itinerary. Besides, that, we also got to know several locals, the drivers who took us to these places, who often had insights we normally wouldn’t have known about the areas visited.

However, most visitors to Tikal go from Flores, the nearest town in Guatemala, where they can take a tour from, or rent a car and drive themselves.

Where to stay when visiting Tikal?

Several hotels offer rooms and amenities near the entrance to Tikal.

We stayed at the Tikal Inn , in a comfortable room, with a pool, and restaurant on the premises. This is the oldest hotel near the entrance, Jeff stayed here thirty years ago, as well. Of course, the rooms are renovated, and new ones build over this time, but the quaint, comfortable feel remains.

Other options include the Jungle Lodge Tikal, offering a variety of rooms, from luxury to budget options, also with pool and restaurant on the premises, and the Hotel Jaguar Inn, smaller than the other two, and with no pool.

You can also camp in Tikal, where you can rent a hammock or a tent if you don’t have one.

You can also stay in Flores, where you have a larger variety of hotels and hostels to choose from. Flores is about an hour’s drive from the park, and offers tours to the ruins, and other transportation options.

What is the best time to visit Tikal?

We visited Tikal in February, which is one of the best times to do it, since it is the cool and dry season.

Considering that Tikal is in a tropical jungle setting, weather is a primary factor for timing your trip. As I mentioned earlier, our winter, from November through February, is the best weather there. Even March is comfortable.

By midday it gets hotter, no matter the season. We used this time to find a shaded spot to sit for a midday snack, but we also found that if we avoided climbing pyramids at this time of the day, we didn’t have a problem walking in the shade.

However, it is most likely different in April and May, the hottest months in and around Tikal. With the added to humidity, makes it uncomfortable to be outdoors, especially walking and climbing.

It is most likely even worse in the summer, during the wet season, when you can expect rain every day – and the rain is the best part of the day.

Don’t Forget To Visit The Archaeological Museum(s) at Tikal

You need to buy a separate ticket to visit the Tikal museum, but this ticket entitles you to visit three different museum buildings – though it’s hard to figure this out, unless you talk to someone on the premises.

The old museum, the one that existed decades ago, still stands, but very few artifacts are in it at this time, except a tomb you can see under a glass case and several stelae. You need to get someone to open it for you, and wait for you to see it, then lock it. The building itself is historic, but no longer fit to house artifacts.

The site you’ll find most of the stelae, is also an older museum, near the market across main entrance.

The newest building is a new structure with a sterile environment, and we were told it will house all the artifacts from Tikal. This is the one you most likely will visit if you go in the future; however, at this time, to see all the artifacts in Tikal, visit all three buildings.

Other Tips On Visiting Tikal in 2024

Buy your tickets ahead of time:.

In 2024, you can not buy tickets at the entrance to Tikal.

However, they made it convenient to buy them online , so take advantage of it. Although the site is only in Spanish, it is fairly straightforward, you can figure it out with a bit of help from google translate, or even on your own (you might need to learn a little of the country’s official language. Here are some tips on learning the basics of a new language ).

Make sure you buy tickets for foreigners, “Boletos para extranjeros”, since the pricing is different for locals. Tickets are sold separately for regular entrance, sunrise tour and sunset tour, and for the museum. Make sure you buy each one you want.

We did neither the sunrise nor sunset tours, so I can not speak for those experiences. However, on most mornings, it was misty, so it was not possible to see the sunrise; I think the sunset would be beautiful though; we stayed until closing time and saw the beginning of a sunset in the Gran Plaza.

Don’t forget bug repellent

For me, the only thing that worked was citronella. I actually used undiluted citronella essential oil. I meant to dilute it and add it to a mini spray bottle, but I ran out of time and just grabbed the bottle. Putting it undiluted Besides it actually working, it is natural, doesn’t harm you or the environment.

Wear comfortable walking shoes

No matter how many sites you want to visit in Tikal, even if you only stick with the major ones, you will walk a lot. Most of this walk is on jungle trails, sometimes across roots and rocks, so you need comfortable, closed shoes for a good experience.

Wear a hat and use sunscreen, especially if you are prone to sunburn

Although the trails are all shaded, if you plan on climbing to the top of the pyramids, you will need sunscreen and a hat. Besides the top of the structures, the Gran Plaza is also exposed, with no shade, so you are most likely to get sunburned if you don’t protect yourself.

Carry water and some snacks

No matter how much you want to see of Tikal, chances are, you will be at the site several hours. Snacks help (we always carry Cliff bars, Luna bars, and a trail mix, or just several kinds of nuts), and water is a must to keep your energy while walking and climbing.

They have several drinks and snack vendors set up within the park; take advantage of them, but don’t rely fully on them.

You will find food and bathroom facilities inside the park

You’ll find several food stands, where you can buy cold drinks and snacks, within the park. They are at the main sites, near the Gran Plaza, and near Pyramid IV.

You will also find bathrooms near them. Besides these, you’ll find several other bathrooms in less popular areas, either at crossroads, or near other structures or smaller plazas.

However, you won’t find restaurants inside the park, and the only snacks you’ll find at these stands are chips. Pack lunch, since you will most likely spend a full day at the site. If you need to leave to get a full lunch though, you can go to one of the restaurants at the nearby hotels, and return the same day with your bracelet ticket. We thought about doing that, but the long walk to the park entrance and back wasn’t worth the trouble.

Although we carried enough food and water for a full day of exploring, each day we spent at the site we stopped at one of the snack bars for a cold drink – it was absolutely worth it.

Leave your drones at home

Flying drones is not allowed in Tikal. They would disrupt the lives of the bird population and other wildlife of Tikal National Park.

Exploring Tikal is a truly unforgettable experience, especially for those fascinated by the ancient Maya civilization. In addition to the amazing structures, the surrounding jungle adds a unique perspective, a new dimension to the experience.

Recommendations and resources

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that if you make purchases or bookings through my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission, with no additional cost to you. However, it may help me offset the costs associated with running this site. Please read our disclosure policy for more information. Thank you!

Read more about Tikal and Central America:

If your visit to Tikal is part of a longer trip through Central America, I recommend Lonely Planet’s Best of Central America Travel Guide . Carrying a physical book with you might be old-fashioned, but in a world where cell service is spotty or nonexistent, it pays to do so. The Lonely Planet guide books are my go-to travel books. If buying the book through the link above, a 10% discount will be automatically applied to your purchase (but if you don’t see the discount, use coupon code EMESEFROMM10)

Book your flight:

When flying anywhere, check several different sites to find the best deals. Unless you know what airline you are using use (and have a credit card with points from that airline), you could check CheapOair and WayAway for deals.

Book your rental car:

If you visit Tikal from Guatemala, it might be helpful to rent a car – even if you fly into Flores. To compare prices of different car rental companies, Discover Cars is a great place to start. Or, use RentalCars.com .

If you go to Tikal from Belize, I would not advise to try renting a car; Instead, book a drive with a company that drives you; they drive you to the border and arrange for a different car to pick you up on the other side of the border.

Book your accommodations:

You can use Trivago to compare deals on hotels and alternative accommodations. Or, book a place through Booking.com .

About the Author

Emese-Réka Fromm has been visiting Maya ruins and archaeological sites for over thirty years. Besides exploring well-known and off-the-beaten track ruins all this time, she reads about the ancient Maya, and in 2023 attended a lecture of respected Mayanist and epigrapher David Stuart at the Maya meetings at the UT of Austin. A published travel writer with bylines in publications like Lonely Planet and several others, she is also a language instructor in Phoenix.

Maya Civilization Lowland Region UNESCO World Heritage National Park Maya Biosphere Reserve Lush Jungle Mayan Ancient Ruins Peten Yaxha Lake Peten Itza Flores Island

Tikal Travel Guide

Guatemala's dense jungle is the Crib of the Mayan Civilization. This particular place hosts the biggest and best preserved Mayan city, Tikal. The National Park is among the world's travel wonders. It welcomes thousands of people every year because of its incredible architectonic Mayan treasures and the ancient mysteries that remain hidden in this spot.

This sanctuary of flora and fauna was the home of the Mayas. In Tikal Guatemala you will find around 3,000 structures like temples, terraces, ceremonial platforms and plazas. All of these structures were connected with an aqueduct system that filtered the water and feed a city of around 90,000 people. Tikal never fails to impress their visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to revive the Mayan culture by exploring the Tikal Guatemala ruins.

Things to do in Tikal Guatemala

Visiting tikal.

A recent investigation made in 2018 with laser technology discovered around 60,000 undetected Mayan ruins. Scientists were able to create a map of the jungle floor in just 50 hours of work thanks to this amazing technology. Tikal Guatemala was revealed to be four times bigger than it is nowadays. It was thought that the entire Mayan population was of 2 million people, but now counts were revised to above of 10 million. This is an incredible discovery that left all archaeologists and specialists speechless. Make sure to visit Tikal while you visit Guatemala, it is the Heart of the Mayan World.

Tikal tours to other destinations near by

Flores This charming town at the edge of Lake Peten Itza is just an hour away from Flores to Tikal. It serves as the gateway to initiate your expeditions to any of the archaeological treasures the Peten has to offer. You will find many cafés, restaurants and souvenir stores in Flores.

Yaxha This is another famous archeological site in the northeast of the region. Is the third largest city in ruins and has covered around 237 square kilometers (92 sq mi). Wander around the area and enjoy the atmosphere of ancient times, surrounded by the flora and fauna that covers this old Mayan city. Hearing the monkeys scream and searching for crocodiles inside the lagoon is one of the biggest attractions of this place.

El Mirador/La Danta In El Mirador you will find La Danta, the biggest pyramid of the world. It is located in the middle of the Guatemalan's jungle. La Danta in El Mirador is only reachable by helicopter or on land with an authorized guide. This second option will immerse you into the tropical jungle for five days, until you reach this magical architectonic treasure. Embark on this lifetime adventure and witness the beauty of nature and Mayan civilization at its purest.

Ixpanpajul Ixpanpajul is the perfect place to enjoy Eco tourism. Surrounded by more than 200 different types of trees, 150 bird species and around 40 type of mammals, this natural reserve offers a big amount of activities to keep you active while enjoying the nature. An exciting journey going through hanging bridges is an experience you don't want to miss.

Tikal Guatemala ruins and Museums

Grand Plaza The Grand Plaza consists on the ball court and Temples one and two. These temples are majestic prototypes of the Maya's architecture. Temple#2 is facing east to see the sunrise, and Temple#1 is facing west, to catch the sunset. This second one is Tikal's finest and most dominating monument, being one of the most notable pyramids in the World, the Big Jaguar.

North Acropolis The North Acropolis served as a cemetery for the royalty. A large number of royal tombs have been excavated and 12 temples were built to bury the Mayan kings. Mahler Palace and the Palace of the Five stories were the most important buildings of this area.

The Lost World This area is composed by 38 structures that are astronomical commemorations. The spot was sacred to the Maya since it was used as a solar observatory in relation with the other small temples to the east of the big pyramid of the area.

Museum Sylvanus G Morley A good addition to your tour of the Mayan ruins in the jungle is this museum outside Tikal National Park. Divided in two small museums, one part will show you original Mayan artifacts found in the excavation of the park and the other is a photographic timeline of the discovery process of the site.

Visit Tikal booking our Guatemala Executive Pacakge.

Extensions from Tikal to Belize

Belize is rather close to Tikal and offers beautiful beaches and lots of Eco-tourism. You can easily combine Belize with your visit of Tikal. You will also find an area rich in bird sanctuaries, many varieties of wildlife and the second largest coral reef system in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef. Unique adventures and direct contact with the nature will inspire your senses. For more information please visit our sister site Enjoy Belize .

Contact our Guatemala Vacation experts today by visiting our Trip Planner !

Tikal Location and Map

Located in the rainforest in the lowlands of Guatemala, Tikal is the largest archeological site excavated in the Americas. Travelers can reach this National Park from Flores in within an hour. From the Guatemala City, you can take a flight to Flores, Peten and then reach Tikal with a tour bus to begin your adventure. Tikal is located about 65 km/41 mi away from Flores and the International Airport of Flores (FRS).

Tikal, Peten

Northern Guatemala Population: approximately 100,0000 Elevation: 307 m/100 ft

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Guide to Tikal in Guatemala: Exploring Maya Ruins

• Central America , Guatemala , Travel Guides
• Updated: April 10, 2024

In the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, the ancient city of Tikal is one of the major archaeological sites of the Maya civilisation.

As I stood in the middle of the Great Plaza, rotating slowly around on my two feet, looking above at the complex pyramids and architectural structures, I was both mesmerised and baffled.

Tikal appeared as an aberration in the middle of the jungle. Words escaped me as I tried to get my head around the ingenuity of the Maya people.

How was this imposing city built using only basic tools and without the use of the wheel or working animals? And why was it abandoned?

The beauty of Tikal is that it creates more questions than it answers. A glimpse into the fascinating world of the ancient Maya has the power to change the way you think.

What makes visiting Tikal so special?

Tikal boasts some of the biggest and best Maya ruins in Central America. But what we see today only reveals a small fraction of the many thousand structures that lay buried underground.

The ruins of Tikal offer a bridge to the past. They hold secrets about the Maya civilisation that scientists have been trying to decode since its rediscovery in 1848. (I say rediscovery very loosely because local populations would have known about Tikal). 

For thousands of years, the Maya made remarkable advances in art, architecture, mathematics, astronomy, agriculture, and the written language that far superseded advances in the Western world at the time.

Today, these subjects still play a central role in society as well as our understanding of life and our relationship to the universe. While the way we live might look completely different now, our search for meaning has not changed very much which tell us more about the human condition than most of us probably realise.

In its heyday during the 8th century AD, when trade and infrastructure flourished, Tikal was comparable to any of today’s major cities like London, Paris, New York or Shanghai.

One of the items that was said to have been heavily traded was cocao . That’s right, the confectionary we love around the world. What’s more, the Maya invented chocolate so we have a LOT to thank them for.

In rather gnarly reports, evidence reveals that cacao was also mixed with blood and consumed before human sacrifice.

Tikal travel guide

There are many show-stopping reasons to visit Guatemala (far more than I initially imagined), and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal is without doubt one of them.

While I loved exploring Tikal, there were a few things that I wish I’d known before visiting. Knowing these things would have enhanced my visit, so I’ve put together this travel guide to help answer any questions you might have before visiting for yourself.

Overview: facts & figures

• Location:  Northern Guatemala, part of the 1 million hectare protected Maya Biosphere Reserve
• Claim to fame: Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites in Central America and is encompassed by Tikal National Park.
• When:  Tikal flourished between roughly 600 BC. and 900 AD.
• Peak population:  Estimates vary wildly, but it’s likely that somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 people lived in the the city at the height of its power.
• Collapse of Maya empire: Tikal and much of the Maya world collapsed around 900 AD.
• Declared a National Park:  1955
• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site : 1979
• Area:  575 sq. kilometres (222 sq. miles)
• Indigenous land: The land was originally home to the ancient Maya civilization. Tikal’s strategic location allowed it to establish strong connections with other significant Maya sites in different countries. The Maya developed a complex network of trade routes, and communication systems that linked Tikal to places such as Copan in present-day Honduras, Palenque and Chichen Itza in Mexico, and Caracol in Belize.

Why did Tikal collapse?

The decline of Maya civilisation and eventual abandonment of Tikal, and other connected ancient Maya cities, is a complex process that likely involved a combination of social, political, environmental, and economic factors rather than a single cause.

While the exact reasons for Tikal’s disappearance are still debated among archaeologists and historians, several theories have been proposed but a severe  drought  is thought to be the main cause.

Periods of prolonged drought may have severely impacted agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages, social unrest and illness.

In a rather tragic twist of fate, instead of adapting, the Maya are said to have doubled-downed on their beliefs by praying to the Maya god of rain which put the nail in the coffin so to speak. 

The Maya people themselves are not gone, their decedents lives on in Yucatán Peninsula and across Central America. Their great temples and cities like Tikal, were left to be reclaimed by the rainforest. 

Nowadays, much of Tikal is still hidden by dense rainforest, with only about 10% of the former city being excavated. Gone are the Mayas from Tikal, and instead it is the abode of native animals prowling the jungle and the prying eyes of curious tourists.

It’s quite surreal when you wander around Tikal and see how all the mounds surrounding you are just more pyramids and structures entirely enveloped by nature. There’s still so much waiting to be discovered. What we see out in the open – the Great Plaza and a handful of awe-inspiring pyramids is just a small percentage compared to what lies beneath the undergrowth. Crazy!

Can you climb the temple steps?

Adding to the fun and adventure of exploring Tikal is that visitors can climb up most of the Maya Temples. If the setting of Indiana Jones were real-life place, Tikal would be it.

Climbing the monuments might seem like a tall task under the hot Guatemalan sun, but it’s worth it. The panoramas of towering pyramids emerging from the greenery is a breath-taking vision.

Temples & structures to see in Tikal

At the centre of Tikal lies the Great Plaza (sometimes referred to as the Grand Plaza or Central Plaza) flanked by two large temple pyramids on either side.

It made me think of all the great plazas or main squares around the world , and how they all serve as main meeting points for social life.

This Plaza is definitely among the the finest I’ve ever seen. I can only imagine how incredible it must have been during its glory days.

To the north of the Great Plaza is the North Acropolis said to be used for funerary activity, and to the south is the Central Acropolis that holds a striking maze of seven internal patios.

There are 5 major temples spread throughout the site as well as a number of notable areas.

The highlights

Fun fact: Once you negotiate the 180+ stairs you’ll be greeted by the iconic view that impressed George Lucas enough to put in Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope.

Biodiversity at Tikal

Tikal National Park not only preserves the architectural marvels of the Maya but also showcases the vibrant biodiversity of the surrounding jungle.

You will likely spot howler monkeys, toucans and the adorable coatis, and if you’re lucky, jaguars, though sightings are not generally common.

I was thrilled to spot a toucan in the wild. I was both mermerised and amused by how much their beaks looked like straight up bananas!

Perhaps bringing me the most joy were the coatis, an animal I wasn’t even familiar with before setting my eyes on their long, slender tails, protruding upwards with the uncanny straightness of a ruler. They appeared just as curious to see me, as I was to see them. 

Should you visit Tikal independently or with a guided tour?

It is totally possible to visit Tikal independently, however I had a pre-booked day at Tikal. I recommend arriving at the park early. It’s still cool in the morning so it’s better to start early and finish early in the afternoon before the heat begins to sap the energy out of you.

As time was pretty limited for me, I found this was the best way to cover the site and learn of its historical importance and the significance of Maya civilisation.

I definitely recommend doing a tour despite the fact that I was a bit disappointed with my tour. The group size was larger than I would have preferred and the guide seemed to lack basic historical knowledge.

Maybe my guide was tired, or just having an ‘off day’ but his passion really didn’t shine through. In the end I ending up wandering off so I could let my imagination roam free. I simply kept an eye on the group so I could join them at the end to catch my bus back to Flores.

If I ever visited Tikal again, I would look for a small-group tour with a guide that really knows their history. I’m not suggesting you go all out and find yourself an archeologist, but rather find someone who is truly passionate about the rich history of Tikal. Such a guide will truly bring this incredible place alive! 

After some research, I’ve selected two small-group tours which both have an emphasis on archeology and wildlife. I think either of these would really enhance your experience of visiting Tikal.

An underrated wonder of the world?

Today, Tikal is perhaps less known and less celebrated than Palenque, Copán or Chichen Itza, in part due to its more remote setting and relative difficultly of getting there. Fortunately, Tikal’s remoteness means fewer crowds, which only serves to add to the wonder and allure of exploring Tikal.

I’ve personally not been to Chichen Itza, the world’s most famous Mayan site being hailed one of the N ew 7 Wonders of the World . I have, however, heard that mass tourism sadly detracts away from the enjoyment of visiting. 

When I’ve spoken to people who have visited both Chichen Itza and Tikal, most people say they enjoyed visiting Tikal more which is revealing. When things start getting too popular, sometimes visiting becomes more about ticketing it off the ‘bucket list’ than actually experiencing it, which quite frankly is rather sad.

Also, if reaching Chichen Itza was already easy enough, only a few months ago in December 2023, a new ‘Maya train’ was unveiled that connects beach resorts to archeological sites including the aforementioned, tearing up land largely used by indigenous groups in the process. Indeed, the irony of naming it the ‘Maya train’ seems to be lost on those who created it in the name of tourism. Maybe I’m being too cynical, I’m not sure?

In the meanwhile, as long as Tikal remains a little harder to reach, it will be a rewarding place to visit for sure.

Final thoughts about visiting Tikal

My visit to Tikal got me thinking about how the Maya created such a developed civilisation while working with Mother Nature, and not against her.

The Maya practiced animism , which is the belief that all things, from stones and trees to animals and humans, has a soul or spiritual essence.

Reflecting on how the Maya people lived has nudged me to think more about how I engage with the things and people around me more deeply.

I think being mindful of the principles of animism seems like a positive place to start.

Are you planning a trip to Tikal and Guatemala?

Where to stay: I stayed near Flores which is the main base for travellers making their way to Tikal. Search and compare accommodation in Flores via booking.com .

It takes about an hour and a half to get from Flores to Tikal. However, getting to Flores can be trickier depending on where you are prior. Tourist shuttles to Flores are frequent and leave from all major towns in Guatemala.

There’s also an airport in Flores so you have the option to fly. It is usually more expensive, but you can find some affordable flights if you book in advance. I recommend using Skyscanner to purchase tickets and find the best flight times and prices.

Hi, I'm Shing

Welcome to The Culture Map, a place where I share my travel guides, adventurous tales, and capture the inspiring diversity of our world.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more unique places from around the world

Best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala – Travel Guide

Chichicastenango Cemetery in Guatemala: Colour, Symbolism & Rituals

Oxford Travel Guide – the Quintessential and the Quirky

© 2024 The Culture Map · Privacy Policy

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• Central America & the Caribbean
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

Robert, Canada

We had an outstanding trip to Guatemala.

Towering above the rainforest, Tikal, 68km from Flores down a smooth paved road, is possibly the most magnificent of all Maya sites. The ruins are dominated by five enormous temples, steep-sided limestone pyramids that rise to more than 60m above the forest floor. Around them are thousands of other structures, many semi-strangled by giant roots and still hidden beneath mounds of earth.

Brief history: The rise and fall of Tikal

The site itself is surrounded by the Parque Nacional Tikal, a protected area of some 576 square kilometres that is on the edge of the much larger Reserva de la Biósfera Maya. The sheer scale of the place is overwhelming, and its atmosphere spellbinding. Whether you can spare as little as a morning or as long as a week, it’s always worth the trip.

Dawn and dusk are the best times to see wildlife, when the forest canopy bursts into a frenzy of sound and activity. The air fills with the screech of toucans and the roar of howler monkeys, while flocks of parakeets wheel around the temples, and bats launch themselves into the night. With a bit of luck you might even see a grey fox sneak across one of the plazas.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Guatemala, created by local experts

12 days  / from 6840 USD

Off the tourist trail and highlights of Guatemala and Belize

Meet school kids in Antigua and traders in Chichicastenango before learning ancient cookery and weaving skills and viewing a Mayan ceremony. This fascinating tour visits archaeological sites such as majestic Tikal before an idyllic private island stay off Belize’s Caribbean coast completes the trip.

12 days  / from 2820 USD

The Best Of Guatemala & Belize

Visit Antigua with the nearby Pacaya volcano before heading to Lake Atitlán and further to Tikal, once one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Afterwards, cross the border to Belize to visit the Caracol ruins and enjoying some sun & sand on Ambergris Caye.

12 days  / from 2450 USD

Guatemala and Belize Family Adventure

Take a family-friendly adventure through Guatemala and Belize. Discover Lake Atitlan on kayaks, explore the active volcano Pacaya or play hide and seek in the large archaeological complex of Tikal before heading out to Belize for its fantastic underwater world and gorgeous beaches.

According to recent evidence, the first occupants of Tikal arrived around 900 BC, probably attracted by its position above the surrounding seasonal swamps and by the availability of flint for making tools and weapons. For the next four hundred years there’s nothing to suggest that it was anything more than a tiny village of thatched huts. By 500 BC, however, the first steps of a modest astronomical stone temple had been constructed. Tikal remained a minor settlement during the latter years of the Middle Preclassic (1000–400 BC), while 50km to the north, towering temples were being built at Nakbé, the first city to emerge from the Petén forest.

In around 250 BC the first significant ceremonial structures emerged. A small pyramid was constructed in the Mundo Perdido, and minor temples were built in the North Acropolis, though Tikal was still a peripheral settlement at this stage. Dominating the entire region, formidable El Mirador was the first Maya “superpower”, controlling trade roots across Mesoamerica.

The sheer scale of the ruins at Tikal can at first seem daunting. The central area, with its five main temples, forms by far the most impressive section; if you start to explore beyond this, you can ramble seemingly forever in the maze of smaller, unrestored structures and complexes. Compared with the scale and magnificence of the main area, they’re not that impressive, but armed with a good map (the best is in Coe’s guide to the ruins, available in the visitor centre), it can be exciting to search for some of the rarely visited outlying sections. Don’t even think about exploring the more distant structures without a map; every year at least one tourist gets lost in the jungle.

Discover more places in Guatemala

• Travel Guide Morocco
• Travel Guide Namibia
• Travel Guide South Africa
• Travel Guide China
• Travel Guide India
• Travel Guide Indonesia
• Travel Guide Japan
• Travel Guide Laos
• Travel Guide Malaysia
• Travel Guide Myanmar (Burma)
• Travel Guide Nepal
• Travel Guide Philippines
• Travel Guide Singapore
• Travel Guide South Korea
• Travel Guide Sri Lanka
• Travel Guide Taiwan
• Travel Guide Thailand
• Travel Guide Australia
• Travel Guide Fiji
• Travel Guide New Zealand
• Travel Guide Belize
• Costa Rica Travel Guide
• Travel Guide Cuba
• Travel Guide Guatemala
• Travel Guide Honduras
• Travel Guide Jamaica
• Travel Guide Nicaragua
• Travel Guide Panama
• Travel Guide Puerto Rico
• Travel Guide Trinidad and Tobago
• Travel Guide Albania
• Travel Guide Austria
• Travel Guide Belgium
• Travel Guide Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Travel Guide Bulgaria
• Travel Guide Cyprus
• Travel Guide Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Travel Guide Denmark
• Travel Guide England
• Travel Guide Estonia
• Travel Guide Finland
• Travel Guide France
• Travel Guide Germany
• Travel Guide Greece
• Travel Guide Hungary
• Iceland Travel Guide

The Rough Guides to Guatemala and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Guatemala?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

Travel to Tikal: Pyramids, Tarantulas and Star Wars

The Mayan ruins of Tikal were definitely one of the highlights of Central American journey of wonders. Located in the lush Mayan jungle of Guatemala, they offer a great insight to the daily life of the ancient Mayan civilization that once inhabited these lands.

I hope you enjoy this amazing travel guide to the Mayan ruins to Tikal and yes, be warned that there is a tarantula photo that will leave you speechless!

A brief story of Tikal

With an architectural style and setting that might remind you of the Mayan ruins of Palenque , the Pyramids of Tikal are somewhat different in the sense that they are very tall and not so broad, giving a clean unique look that you will only find here.

In the centuries before the Spanish conquest, Tikal was a thriving city where thousands of Mayans lived.

However, exploitation of the natural resources of the area and overpopulation ended up dooming this magnificent site and it was soon completely abandoned as the Mayans scattered to other areas.

A few decades ago, archaeologist began to invest their time restoring the Pyramids of Tikal and in order to do so, they evicted the modern-day Guatemalans that had settled there.  The restoration got so out of hand that Pyramid I (Temple of the Jaguar) was 100% exposed, which ended up causing some damage to it.

Today that is the only one that you cannot climb along with Temple III. You can go up to Temple II and IV but only through a modern wooden scaffold so it really takes away some of the authenticity factor.

From above Temple II, you can get a very good panoramic view of Temple I and the main plaza of Tikal.

It was here that the main city life was happening and yes, according to our guide, those rounded stones were actually used for human sacrifices. This is very different from the methods used in the Yucatan peninsula where the sacrificed were thrown to the cenotes.

The estelas (rectangular vertical stone labs) in front of them represent depictions of the ancient rulers of Tikal, the most famous being the King Chocolate. I wonder if he was as tasty as his name would imply.

Tarantulas, Pyramids and…Star Wars?

The wildlife of Tikal is the most diverse one of all the Mayan sites. On a good sunny day you will be able to see raccoons, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, exotic birds such as toucans, bees and yes…tarantulas.

Our guide was probably off his meds when he reached for a hole in the ground to show us a tarantula. What followed after was probably one of the most crazy things I’ve ever seen on my life. Would you dare to do this?

On an average day, most tourists arrive as early as opening time (8:00 am) while some even earlier to watch the sunrise from atop the Pyramids. Most groups leave around noon so you can stay longer if you want and be able to have the ruins all for yourself.

Yes, Tikal is a mess in those early hours of the mornings but it completely changes when the mass tourism leaves. Plus, you don’t really want a lot of people to photobomb your selfie, do you?

Are you a big Star Wars fan? If you are you probably remember the planet of Yavin IV in the first movie of the original trilogy. It was here that the rebels had their base in order to organize the big battle against the Empire.

The establishing shot of the planet might seem eerily familiar to you once you have climbed the Pyramid IV of Tikal….

How to get to Tikal

From Flores, you can take any of the tour shuttles for 80 quetzals round trip. It’s an open-return so you can come back almost every two hours. Alternatively, you can pay 30 quetzals for a one way ride from Santa Elena’s bus station but the journey takes one extra hour and it’s not really worth it.

If you’re starting your journey from Guatemala/Antigua, you have basically two options. One is to use a flight search website such as Skyscanner to find a cheap flight between Guatemala and Tikal while the other is to take the overnight bus of Linea Dorada that runs from Guatemala City to Flores and back.

The night bus takes about 10 hours and costs 190 quetzals.

My experience in Tikal was absolutely breath-taking. If you think that this is just “another Mayan Pyramid” then you’re clearly in the wrong. Tikal is not only about the architecture or the history, it’s about the wildlife, the view and yes, the chance of having a beer after hours of walking.

How awesome is that?

I would definitely recommend you to take the complete package leaving from Flores (80 quetzals transportation + 50 quetzals for a guide) and then stay for at least three hours after the tour is finished in order to explore Tikal at your own pace and yes, to take lots and lots of Mayan selfies.

Last but not least, don’t forget to use our  Booking.com Affiliate Link of Wonders  for making hotel reservations.

Same price for you and a small pocket money commission for this website of yours.

Sweet deal, uh?

Have you ever been to Tikal? Would you like to? Is the Mayan guide with the tarantula crazy or awesome? Share your thoughts and let me know what you think!

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Guide

Tips For Visiting Tikal In Guatemala: 11 Dos And Don’ts

Published: October 6, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Kyla Torrez

• Central & South America
• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Destinations
• Travel Tips

Dos and Don’ts for Visiting Tikal in Guatemala

Located in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, Tikal is one of the most magnificent archaeological sites in the world. With its towering pyramids, ancient temples, and rich history, it’s no wonder that thousands of visitors flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site every year. To make the most of your trip to Tikal and ensure a memorable and respectful experience, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

• Plan an Early Morning Visit: One of the best ways to fully appreciate the grandeur of Tikal is by arriving early in the morning. Not only will you beat the crowds, but witnessing the sunrise over the ancient ruins is a truly breathtaking experience.
• Hire a Licensed Guide: To truly understand the historical significance and architectural marvels of Tikal, consider hiring a licensed guide. They can provide insights into the ancient Maya civilization, point out important structures, and enhance your overall understanding of the site.
• Wear Comfortable Clothing and Footwear: Exploring Tikal involves a fair amount of walking and climbing, so it’s important to wear comfortable clothes and sturdy footwear. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics and closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from the uneven terrain.
• Carry Insect Repellent and Sunscreen: The jungle environment of Tikal is home to mosquitoes and the sun can be intense, so be sure to bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Protect yourself from bug bites and sunburn to make your visit more enjoyable.
• Stay Hydrated and Pack Snacks: Exploring Tikal can be physically demanding, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle and pack some energizing snacks to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
• Respect the Historical Site and Wildlife: Tikal is not only an archaeological treasure but also a thriving ecosystem. Respect the site by not climbing on restricted structures, touching the ancient ruins, or disturbing the wildlife you may encounter.
• Take Your Time Exploring the Ruins: Tikal is a vast complex, so don’t rush through it. Take your time to soak in the awe-inspiring beauty, marvel at the intricate carvings, and imagine the lives of the ancient Maya people who once inhabited these structures.
• Climb the Temples Safely and Responsibly: Climbing the temples can provide amazing panoramic views, but it’s crucial to do so safely and responsibly. Follow designated paths, use handrails if available, and be cautious of your surroundings to prevent accidents.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Forget to Bring Cash for Park Tickets: Tikal requires cash for park entry tickets, so make sure to have enough on hand. Credit cards may not be accepted at the ticket office, so plan accordingly.
• Avoid Visiting During Peak Tourist Seasons: To avoid large crowds and have a more intimate experience, try to avoid visiting Tikal during peak tourist seasons. Consider visiting during weekdays or during the shoulder seasons for a more tranquil experience.
• Don’t Touch or Climb on Unauthorized Structures: While some structures at Tikal are open for climbing, others are off-limits to prevent damage and preserve their integrity. Respect the signage and avoid touching or climbing on any unauthorized structures to protect the site for future generations.
• Respect the No Drone Policy: Tikal has a strict no drone policy to preserve the tranquility of the site and protect the wildlife. Please refrain from flying drones within the Tikal National Park boundaries.
• Do Not Feed or Approach Wildlife: Tikal is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles. While it may be tempting to approach or feed them, it’s important to remember that these animals are wild and it is best to observe them from a distance.
• Avoid Creating Excessive Noise or Littering: To maintain the peaceful ambiance of Tikal and preserve its natural beauty, please avoid making excessive noise or littering. Help keep the site clean and respect its serene atmosphere.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can have a truly remarkable experience exploring Tikal while showing respect for its historical significance, natural environment, and the local community. Enjoy your journey into the ancient Maya world!

• Plan an Early Morning Visit: One of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Tikal is by arriving early in the morning. By doing so, you not only beat the crowds but also have the opportunity to witness the stunning sunrise over the ancient ruins. The soft morning light filtering through the jungle canopy creates a serene and mystical atmosphere, making it the perfect time to explore the site.
• Hire a Licensed Guide: To truly appreciate the historical and cultural significance of Tikal, consider hiring a licensed guide. These guides are well-versed in the history, architecture, and mythology of the ancient Maya civilization. They can provide insightful commentary, point out fascinating details, and bring the ruins to life with captivating stories. Their expertise adds a layer of depth to your visit, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of Tikal.
• Wear Comfortable Clothing and Footwear: Exploring Tikal involves a fair amount of walking and climbing, so it’s essential to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow for ease of movement, and choose closed-toe shoes with good traction to navigate the uneven terrain. Dressing in layers is advisable, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day.
• Carry Insect Repellent and Sunscreen: Tikal is nestled in the Guatemalan jungle, where mosquitoes and other insects thrive. Protect yourself from bug bites by applying insect repellent that contains DEET. Additionally, the sun’s rays can be intense, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen with a high SPF to shield your skin against harmful UV radiation.
• Stay Hydrated and Pack Snacks: Exploring Tikal requires physical exertion, and it’s important to stay hydrated throughout your visit. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at the available water stations within the site. It’s also a good idea to pack some energizing snacks such as granola bars or fruits to keep your energy levels up and satisfy any hunger pangs during your exploration.
• Respect the Historical Site and Wildlife: Tikal is not just a tourist attraction; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vital ecological habitat. Show respect for the site by refraining from climbing on restricted structures, touching the ancient ruins, or removing any artifacts. It is also important to respect the wildlife you may encounter, observing from a distance and not attempting to feed or disturb them in any way.
• Take Your Time Exploring the Ruins: Tikal is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, and rushing through it would be a disservice to its grandeur. Take your time to roam the site, allowing yourself to absorb the palpable history and appreciate the artistic intricacies of the Maya civilization. Explore the various plazas, climb the pyramids, and immerse yourself in this breathtaking time capsule.
• Climb the Temples Safely and Responsibly: Tikal allows visitors to climb some of the temples, providing a unique perspective and panoramic views of the site. However, it is crucial to do so safely. Follow the designated paths and use handrails if available. Be aware of your surroundings, especially when climbing steep steps, and exercise caution to prevent accidents or damage to the structures.

By following these dos, you can make the most of your visit to Tikal. From experiencing the tranquility of an early morning sunrise to gaining insights from a licensed guide, wearing appropriate attire to respecting the site and wildlife, and taking the time to soak in the ancient wonders and climb the temples securely, these tips will enhance your overall Tikal adventure.

• Don’t Forget to Bring Cash for Park Tickets: When visiting Tikal, it is important to remember that cash is required for purchasing park entry tickets. Credit card payment options may not be available at the ticket office, so make sure to have enough cash on hand to avoid any inconvenience.
• Avoid Visiting During Peak Tourist Seasons: To have a more enjoyable and less crowded experience at Tikal, it is advisable to avoid visiting during peak tourist seasons. These periods, such as holidays or vacation seasons, tend to attract a higher number of visitors, which can diminish the tranquility and serenity of the site. Consider visiting during weekdays or during the shoulder seasons for a more intimate and peaceful visit.
• Don’t Touch or Climb on Unauthorized Structures: While Tikal offers the opportunity to climb some of the temples, there are certain structures that are off-limits to visitors. It is important to respect these restrictions and refrain from touching or attempting to climb any structures that are not authorized for such activities. This ensures the preservation and integrity of the site for future generations to appreciate.
• Respect the No Drone Policy: In order to maintain the tranquility and natural ambiance of Tikal, the use of drones is strictly prohibited. The buzzing of drones can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere and disturb the wildlife residing in the area. It is important to comply with this policy and refrain from flying drones within the boundaries of Tikal National Park.
• Do Not Feed or Approach Wildlife: Tikal is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles. While it may be tempting to feed or approach these animals, it is crucial to remember that they are wild creatures. Feeding them can disrupt their natural feeding patterns and may even pose a risk to their health. Additionally, approaching wildlife too closely can cause stress and be dangerous for both the animals and visitors. It is best to observe them from a safe distance and avoid any interaction.
• Avoid Creating Excessive Noise or Littering: To preserve the serene environment of Tikal and respect the experience of other visitors, it is important to avoid creating excessive noise during your visit. Shouting, playing loud music, or using loudspeakers can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere and mar the experience for others. Additionally, be mindful of your trash and dispose of it properly in the designated bins. Littering can harm the wildlife and the natural beauty of the surroundings, so taking care to keep the area clean is essential.

By adhering to these don’ts, you can contribute to the preservation and respectful enjoyment of Tikal. Remember to bring cash for tickets, plan your visit during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds, refrain from touching unauthorized structures, respect the no drone policy, observe wildlife from a safe distance, and maintain a quiet and litter-free environment. Following these guidelines ensures that both present and future visitors can have a meaningful and unforgettable experience at this awe-inspiring ancient site.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• Destinations
• Travel advice

#1 Best Tikal travel guide

• February 12, 2024

Table of Contents

welcome to the best Tikal travel guide. Welcome to Tikal, the number 1 destination of Guatemala! If you love discovering an archaeological site then you are in the right place! Tikal used to be the center of the Mayan civilization. The old town is well preserved despite being in the middle of the jungle. The special thing about Tikal is that despite being a wonder of the world, it has retained its intimacy, because you will not encounter many other tourists during your visit. You often have a large building all for yourself, which is really special. Tikal is therefore the favorite Maya ruins of central America to visit. For Tikal you need a whole day where you can cover everything on foot. There are several options how and when you visit Tikal. In this Tikal travel guide we share our tips on how you to get an unforgettable experience.

How do you get to Tikal?

This is very easy, you buy a bus ticket at one of the travel agencies in Flores. In 1 hour you arrive in Tikal.

Tikal travel guide: best way to visit Tikal

Most people visit Tikal from Flores as a day trip. When you arrive in Flores you will discover that there are a number of options to visit Tikal. Before you decide how you are going to visit Tikal, you should be clear whether you want to visit Tikal with a guide or independently. Whether you want to visit Tikal with sunrise or sunset and how long you want to stay in the park. The choice is of course personal, but we are happy to share the three best options in our opinion.

Option 1: Enter the park at 6am

The advantage when you visit Tikal early in the morning that there is hardly anyone else. This gives you a lot of time alone in the park. Because of this you are sometimes alone near a large ruin, which is very special. In addition, the temperature is a lot more pleasant early in the morning. Please note that you will receive your ticket from the bank in Flores the day before, because the ticket office is not yet open before sunrise.

Option 2: overnight close to the park

If you want to travel less, you want to spend a lot of time in Tikal, spend time to take beautiful photos and you want to see the sunrise and sunset then you should stay overnight close to the park. If you “just” want to see the park like most people, it is best to stay overnight in Flores and visit Tikal as a day trip.

Tip: spend the night at Jaguar Inn , which is located in the middle of the jungle in the national park and is only a 10-minute walk from the entrance.

Option 3: visit the park like everyone else during the day

This does not sound exciting, but it is the most chosen option. You “just” go to Tikal after breakfast and stay there until the sun goes down. The advantage is that you don’t have to get up extremely early, you don’t have to pack your luggage and you can still enjoy Flores in the evening.

Which option is best? Are you going to Tikal for sunrise or sunset?

The best choice does not exist, of course, because this is personal. Keep in mind when you want to go for option 1 you have to leave Flores at half past three in the night. If you want to see the sunrise and sunset, it is best to stay close to the park, so choose option 2. This is the most relaxing way to discover the park. We chose option 3 because we thought Flores was a nice place and it was fine to only see the sunset.

Is it necessary to use a guide?

The same as the choice of time of your visit is also personal. Sometimes using a guide can enrich your visit or not. It is always difficult to determine this in advance. We personally always consider whether we want to know all the details and stories of the place we visit. If this is the case, we will use a guide. If we need to discover a place at our own pace, we choose to do it without a guide. When we arrived at Tikal we saw that the groups for “one” guide were very large, we never really need this so we decided to do it independently. when we saw the large colonel groups with a guide we were happy with our choices. We had the opportunity to discover places all alone with the 2nd. This completely fulfilled the expectations we had of Tikal!

Tip: you can download the Tikal audio guide in advance. This gives you the necessary text and explanation without a guide. If you want a guide but without many other peoples you can book via below link.

Tikal Day Tour | $70 per person

What to bring to Tikal?

Best tip that we have in this Tikal travel guide is to bring your own food and drinks, because the costs for this are considerably higher than in other places. Wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes.

Tikal travel guide: other tips?

Take a picture of Tikal’s folder because they are not free. You can also download the folder in advance and save it on your mobile. It is important not to leave to late, because you don’t want to wait too long for a bus. At the end of the day it can be very busy and buses don’t leave very often.

Where to stay at Tikal?

If you want to travel less, you want to spend a lot of time in Tikal and see the sunrise and sunset then it is wise to stay close to the park. There are a few choices for sleeping close to the park. We have selected two accommodations that are still affordable. Other accommodations are quickly twice as expensive. Both are very good and highly recommended.

Jungle Lodge Tikal Hostal

The rooms of Jungle Lodge Tikal Hostal are not huge, but big enough. The big advantage of this hostel is that they have a swimming pool so that you can leave your Tikal for lunch when it is really hot. The beds are very good and the hostel has a good restaurant.

Price per night from: $ 49 double room

Hotel Jaguar Inn Tikal

At Hotel Jaguar Inn Tikal you have the choices to stay in a bungalow or in the hotel. Both look very neat. If you love nature and you want to sleep in the middle of the jungle, you should go in front of the bungalow, because you are really surrounded by nature. Many guests really experience this as an unforgettable experience.

Price per night from: $ 65 double room

Travel insurance

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

Next destination

After you visited Tikal you can travel back to Flores . If you follow our Guatemala itinerary your next destination is Antigua . From day of departure you travel from Antigua to the Airport of Guatemala city, we do not recommend staying in Guatemala City. It is also possible to continue your journey from Tikal via Flores to Bacalar in Mexico.

Did you enjoy this article? Then save it to Pinterest for later!

Hello, we are Cynthia & Alexander, the team behind Travel Your Memories! Traveling is our passion. When it comes to exploration, we love sharing our tips and adventures to inspire you. Welcome to Travel Your Memories, where we share our love for travel with you! Read our story .

Follow our adventure

More to discover.

Best places to stay in Guatemala

The #1 Antigua guide: best things to do in Antigua

Acatenango hike everything you need to know before climbing the acatenango volcano

Guatemala itinerary: best places to visit in Guatemala for 2 to 3 weeks

Guatemala trip cost: how much budget do you need?

Useful Guatemala travel guide

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let's get social

Follow our adventures, popular places.

• United Kingdom

2024 Travel Your Memories. Website created by Red Pineapple .

Privacy Policy       Sitemap

Privacy Overview

Follow our adventures on instagram.

Can’t-Miss Tikal Tours From Antigua, Guatemala City, and More

Posted on Last updated: January 25, 2024

You can’t travel to Guatemala without embarking on one of the many guided Tikal tours from Guatemala City or Antigua. Many people (like me) skip the guided Tikal tour and go alone—don’t follow my lead if you plan on visiting Tikal!

I’m sharing my mistakes and why I don’t recommend visiting Tikal without a Tikal travel group. I also recommend trusted Tikal tours you should consider booking and several hotel options in Tikal and Flores.

Need to know how to get to Tikal? Read this .

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet? The Insurance companies I recommend are  Hey Mondo and Safety Wing Hey Mondo  is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing  is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy. Read my full  travel insurance post  here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

Cheap Isn’t Always Best: My Tikal Tour Experience

If you’re backpacking Guatemala , you’ll want to do everything cheaply—I know I did! Most backpackers want to save money and skip organized Tikal tours from Antigua and Guatemala City. I had the worst time visiting Tikal because I was trying to save money. While trying to find the cheapest Tikal travel options, I had an awful time and spent more money than I would have paid for the tour upfront.

It was a disastrous trip from the hellish bus ride there ( see here ) to the sleepless night I spent in a hammock in the jungle. You can learn from my Tikal tour mistakes by reading this guide to Tikal travel.

Why I Didn’t Want to Take a Guided Tikal Tour

• Doing an organized tour is just that, organized. As a travel blogger , I prefer to do things the hard way. That way, I can do so from experience while writing about it.
• I’m always on a tight budget, so the more difficult way is typically the cheapest.
• It almost always makes for a better solo travel story .

Quick Tip:  Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.  Best Tikal Tours :  Click here to check out the top Tikal tours Best Tikal Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Tikal Best Tikal Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Tikal

Why I Recommend Booking Tikal Tours From Guatemala City and Antigua

Cost of guided tikal tours.

• Standard Tikal tours from Guatemala City and Antigua cost $100, including transportation to Tikal and a guide. If you want to do a sunset or sunrise Tikal tour, you’ll pay 350Q.
• Most Tikal tours will pick you up from your hotel and drop you there afterward.

Cost of a Self-Guided Tikal Tour

• 5Q for a tuk-tuk to the bus station
• 30Q for the public bus (which stopped every five minutes and took forever to arrive)
• 150Q for park entry
• 50Q for the bus back

I saved 15Q, but the extra hassle wasn’t worth it. Even if you don’t want the actual Tikal tour, you can tell the guide you want to go alone and ask what time to return for the trip home. Alternatively, if you tell them you want transportation from Antigua to Tikal, they will charge you 70Q. I could have saved myself 5Q and a lot of stress!

Book Your Tour Before Arriving

Tikal tours are some of the most popular things to do in Flores Guatemala, so I recommend booking your Tikal travel beforehand. Book the tour through your hotel or hostel when you arrive at Tikal or before you arrive with GuateGo . You will pay more by booking with them, but it’s worth the extra fee if you prefer to pay online ahead of time.

Specific tours must be booked at the bank. It can get confusing, and you won’t know who to trust. Book a tour with Heart of Travel if traveling from Antigua to Tikal. They will let you decide whether to fly to Tikal or go on their shuttle (which has WiFi and AC). They will plan and organize EVERYTHING—all you have to do is pay and show up.

Click here to learn more about my partnership with Heart of Travel and to book your Tikal tour with them .

Know What to Expect: Tips for Visiting Tikal

My state of mind arriving in Flores after two challenging bus rides affected my rational thinking. I wish I’d spent more time in Semuc, taken a day off before visiting Tikal, or flown to Flores from Antigua. It doesn’t cost much to fly and is the most convenient option if you’re in a rush.

Quick Tip : View my full  Guatemala packing guide here  including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Guatemala Essentials shopping list  here .

Don’t Lose Your Bank Card

This was a massive factor in my Tikal nightmare—I lost my bank card in Antigua , and my money ran low. Guatemala has no postal service, so I could not get a replacement. My dad sent me money via Western Union, but getting the money out of a Guatemalan bank was a significant pain. So, I was overly aware of how much Tikal and Flores cost me.

Don’t Skimp On Your Accommodations

I spent two nights at Los Amigos and highly recommend staying here! You have to book through email and let them know when you will be arriving, as they get swamped and will give your room away if you are late. It’s more expensive than other hostels in Flores, but it’s worth every penny. It’s only 10Q extra for a room with AC—pay the 10Q, you will need it! I didn’t the first night, and I didn’t sleep because of the heat.

It’s a bit of a party place, though, so if you want something a little more low-key, try one of these:

Hotel Jungle Lodge

Hotel Jaguar Inn

Do the Sunset Tikal Tour 

We spoke to the guides in the park about doing a Tikal sunrise tour, but they told us it’s almost always misty in the morning. If you’re willing to pay the extra 100Q to enter the park after closing, do the sunset tour, as you are more likely to get something photo-worthy. But this isn’t the cheapest way to see Tikal, as it’s an extra cost.

Buy a Map of Tikal

Tikal is huge—don’t be cheap like me. Pay 20Q for the map so you know where you are going!

Don’t Forget Your Spare Camera Batteries 

Yup, that happened. My camera battery died when I walked into the central part of Tikal, and my spare battery was flat. Wonderful. Always check your spares!

Don’t Sleep In a Hammock in Tikal

Sleeping in a hammock in the jungle sounds romantic and exciting. The reality, however, was it was cold. I was unprepared (I didn’t even have my head torch) and got no sleep because I forgot my earplugs. Those howler monkeys are LOUD! Besides drinking expensive beer in the hostel, there is nothing to do after dark. If we had just used the beer money, we could have booked a room in one of the hotels…

The cost for the campsite was 50Q, which is to use the bathrooms and showers. By 6:00 a.m., they had locked it as there was no water left, so we paid 50Q for nothing. The hammock rental cost 40Q, making the total 90Q…the same as a bed in a dorm with AC at Los Amigos.

Or even better, stay in one of the many hotels in the park. We thought it was a bit out of our budget, but the accommodation was reasonable. Read this Inspired By Maps review of his experience , including the accommodation he stayed at in Tikal.

Don’t Believe Everything You Read About Tikal in Guatemala

It’s probably worth saying at this point, too, that our original plan was to take advantage of the “buy your ticket after 3:00 p.m., and you can use it to go back into the part the next day” rule. So we would get there after 3:00 p.m., head into the park, sleep in a hammock, and then go early the following day to see the rest and avoid the crowds and the midday heat. We thought we had found the cheapest way to see Tikal and the best value as we could go in twice… Wrong.

We found out on arrival at the park at 3:30 p.m. that this rule had changed TWO WEEKS AGO—now you would need to pay another 150Q to re-enter the park. We had the public bus full of people waiting for us to get our tickets and then return on the bus so it could carry on. We were trying to argue our case and decide what to do, and the bus was honking its horn for us to hurry up. So we decided just to camp and go to the park the next day. This meant we had a long wait until 6:00 a.m. the next morning and not much to do to kill the time…

Don’t Forget Your Passport

To get your ticket to Tikal, you will need your passport. I didn’t know this, as it’s another one of those new rules brought in to fight corruption. Luckily, I always carry photocopies of my passport, which they did except (phew).

Bring Food or Eat Street Food

Suppose you are looking for the cheapest way to see Tikal, one place you can save money on food. The cafes are pretty expensive, and the food isn’t great. You won’t find anything inside the park besides chips and candy bars. It’s a long walk, so bring food and enough water to last 3-4 hours. If you eat at the park, head towards the campsite—there is a small section where you will find street food vendors. The food is excellent and costs just 10Q for a plate (and I managed to get a veggie meal).

Splurge On Your Bus From Tikal

Two leading companies operate transport from Flores: San Juan and Marlin. I have heard nothing but negative stuff about San Juan, so I recommend paying a few extra Qs to go with Marlin. They had AC, comfy seats, and WiFi, and they gave me coffee and toast for breakfast while we were waiting in their office for the bus. When we finally arrived in Mexico, they gave me two beers. Honestly, it was the happiest I’d been getting that beer in my hand…small things, hey!

Book your bus through GuateGo here.

If You’re Going to Mexico, Don’t Forget About the Belize Exit Fee

If you are transiting through Belize to get to Mexico , you must pay a $20 exit fee. Ensure you have it— they won’t let you out without it!

Where to Stay in Tikal

Los Amigos Youth Hostel (not on Booking.com)—stay here to enjoy the best things to do in Flores Guatemala.

Tikal Travel Tips

Coming from Antigua ? Read this

Coming from Semuc Champey ? Read this

Heading to Mexico ? Read this

Should You Skip Tikal?

I have visited many Mayan ruins —Tikal was amazing, and I’m so glad I went, but if you are struggling with time or on the fence about going, here are a few reasons why you might want to skip it:

• It’s expensive, and there’s no cheap alternative.
• It’s grand but not well-preserved—Tikal is a must-see because of its size. Instead, you can visit Copan for an equally impressive experience that’s a fraction of the price.
• Tulum is not only cheaper to access, but it’s much easier to find budget accommodations and cheap eats.
• Other sites, like the Yaxha Mayan Ruins , are still in Guatemala but get fewer visitors and are far cheaper. I didn’t go, but I wish I had!

Guatemala Travel Guide Planning

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Guatemala?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Guatemala which you can read  here  and you can also check out my packing list for Guatemala on Amazon  here .

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Guatemala?

I strongly recommend using  GottoGo . You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫  Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Guatemala?

I recommend either  Viator  or  GetYour Guide . They have a lot of options!

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using  Heymondo  for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out  SafetyWing  digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance  here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay  offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise  Skyscanner  or  Expedia  are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read  here . I personally use  GlocalMe  as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub  or  Alosim . Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are  Booking.com ,  Hotels.com , and  Expedia  They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅  Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list  here . I’m currently traveling with  this suitcase  and  this backpack. 

Tikal Tours: Final Thoughts

If you are on the fence about visiting Tikal, I advise skipping and going to Tulum , Coba , or Copan instead. That said, I’m still glad I went—I wish it hadn’t cost me so much money and I’d known about the crazy rule changes BEFORE arriving at the park! Sadly, the cheapest way to see Tikal wasn’t the best way.

Tuesday 19th of March 2019

We are going to be traveling from Semuc Champey to Flores/Tikal, then on to Belize City. The original plan was to arrive and stay the night in Flores via that nightmare transport you have written about

(which will never be worse than the Zimbabwe overnight train estimated to be 9 hrs and lasting 14 hrs. All while having food poisoning!)

Do sunrise at Tikal and head to Belize City.

I'm finding that the times for leaving Flores for BC will be before the tour would get back from Tikal, and we would have to stay another night. We also hate guided tours and just want to go for sunrise then leave.

Thoughts? Advice?

Would have emailed but app is being funny right now.

Tuesday 13th of November 2018

Well, i recently arrived to tikal hitchhiking from the border (got a colectivo from san Ignacio to the border for 2,5usd) to El Remate (took me 5min, busride was offered once for 25q), then hopped on a bus for 30q to the 2nd entrance of tikal. Paid 100 (2x50) for the hammock and slept like a baby - i thought bringing an inlet and a torch are a nobrainer. You do not need to book a sunset ticket, as sunset will be around 5.30pm and the park closes at 6pm. In my opinion its just a massive tourist Trap. Booked the sunrise ticket though, and after the first bus from flores arrived i asked the Tourguide if he can pretend that i was a member of his group which he did (Had to buy him a coffee though). And although i didnt see the actual sunrise it was still mystical walking around completely on my own listening to the incredible howler monkeys. At 11am i paid 45q for transportation to flores. Side note: If you do the sunrise tour, you do not need a daypass for that very day, the ticket of the day before is sufficient. Also, i was never checked in the park, although i was back at the entrance once at 6.15pm and the day after around 10am (sunrise ticket is officially valid till 7am). So it doesnt have to be a bad thing to organize everything on your own, i actually prefer diy and getting the reward.

Thursday 20th of July 2017

I am glad I read this, because I have been planning to visit Guatemala for a while now, and I am 100% sure I would not take the tour to Tikal either. As a traveler on a budget too, sometimes we realise it is just not worth the ordeal.. Thinking on the bright side of things, at least you ended up with material for this great guide. ;) thanks for sharing your experience

Archana Singh

Two difficult bus rides in a day can put any one out of order. Kudos to you for doing them. Your tips are very practical and useful. And I agree to get an authentic experience you really don't need to put yourself through hell :P

Swati & Sam

Wednesday 19th of July 2017

Great post and great tips. Will bookmark this page. It sucks to be in a situation where you find out that some rule has been changed just sometime ago. Love the pic of the tree.

Claire Summers

Hi I’m Claire!

At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldn’t fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road.

I started Claire’s Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. With no plans to stop anytime soon I’m always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano I’ll try (almost) anything once!

© 2023 Claire’s Itchy Feet  

Tikal Tours

Park information.

Map & expenses

You’ll undoubtedly be awestruck if you join us on one of our Tikal Tours to explore the timeless Mayan ruins. The towering temples emerge from the thick jungle, showcasing the incredible civilization of the Mayan people. Even after centuries, they still command reverence from all who visit. Tikal National Park, located in the El Peten region, was established in May 1955, and the government implemented its regulations by September 1957. It was designated as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979, owing to its unique cultural and natural richness blend.

Temple of the Great Jaguar

Temple III during sunrise

Temples II, III and IV

On our tours, you will experience the magic of the iconic department of Petén and explore the world-famous Mayan civilization of Tikal, located in the lush jungles of Northern Guatemala. Spend your night on a relaxing sunset tour looking out at the waters of Lake Petén.

The Tikal tour package begins with a flight from  Guatemala City  to the beautiful  Flores Island . Next, your professional guide will be waiting for you to take you to the impressive  Mayan city of Tikal . At Tikal National Park, your guide will walk you through this fascinating journey.

Tikal occupies an area of 576 square kilometers, and its sides are 24 kilometers long. It is considered one of the most important natural and cultural reserves of the country of Guatemala and the world for the great variety of fauna and flora species as well as for the numerous remains of the temples of the extinguished Mayan city located there. 

The Archaeological Site. The mapped area is 16 square kilometers, where more than 4,000 structures and buildings of various kinds are located. The earliest accessible evidence of occupation of the city dates back approximately to the year 800 B.C. A period of Maya history identified as the Middle PreClassic.

The last found structures correspond to the late Classic lapse, approximately 900 years A.C. These 1,500 years of consecutive occupancy gave it a high cultural, artistic, architectural, urban, mathematical, astronomic, agricultural, and commercial development, which has motivated international admiration and scientific interest. 

Afterward, you return to Flores Island to stay the night and enjoy the relaxing views of Lake Petén. During the boat tour, you will not only experience the beauty of the surrounding areas, but you can also explore the archaeological sites that surround the lake.

After breakfast, you have some free time to explore Flores Island. You may choose to take another tour to explore more Mayan ruins such as Yaxha and the Great Mayan City of El Mirador. If you are eager to see more historic ruins, opt for a day tour of the Mayan City of Yaxha.

In the late afternoon, you will take your flight back from Flores Island to Guatemala City. This marks the end of our Tikal tour, however, if you would like to extend your adventure in Guatemala.  Contact us for more information .   

In the Tikal National Park, there are six big temples, all of them built during the Classic period.

TEMPLE I. It is also called the Temple of the Great Jaguar. It closes the Grand Plaza by the East and is 45 meters high. It was built around 700 A.C. by the ruling Jasaw Chan. Also known as King of Cacao, whose tomb was found inside of the temple. A replica of it can be contemplated at the Sylvanus G. Morley Museum.

TEMPLE II. It is also called the Temple of the Masks. It closes the Grand Plaza by the West and is 38 meters high. Like Temple I, it was built by the ruling King of Cacao 700 A.C.

TEMPLE III. It is also known as the Temple of the Great Priest about 60 meters high. Stella 24 and Altar 7 are in front of it. This temple has an original Great Preacher wearing a jaguar pelt. It was built to the West of Temple ll. It was built around a temple, and it has an original carved wooden lintel with its central doorway. 

NORTH ACROPOLIS. It is located to the North of the Great Plaza. It has various structures of ceremonial character and masks.

TEMPLE IV. It is also known as the Temple of the two-headed Snakes Square and is 65 meters high, being the tallest in A.C. It is situated to the West of the Grand Plaza, being the tallest structure in Tikal. It was built around 740 AC. The traveler can climb to the base of the crest and have a delightful view of the site. A scene of the famous movie  Star Wars  was filmed at the top of this temple. 

CENTRAL ACROPOLIS. It is located to the South of the Great Plaza. It has various residential and governmental constructions, buildings with various rooms and stories, such as the Maler Palace and the Five-Story Palace, among others. It lines to the South with the so-called reservoir or watering of the palace.

SOUTH ACROPOLIS. This area has not yet been overlooked. It is situated between Temple V and the Square of the Seven Temples.

TEMPLE V. Located to the South of the Central Acropolis, this amazing temple is 57 meters high. Its North façade currently has excavations, it was built between 550-650 A.C. Its North face has been restored.

TEMPLE VI. Also known as the Temple of the Inscriptions. It is located at the southern end of the Mández Roadway. Its crest has the longest hieroglyphic text in the entire Mayan City of Tikal. Stella 21 and Altar 9 are in front of this temple.

There are various roadways detectable in Tikal. They were used as processional avenues. 

• MÉNDEZ: It begins at the East Square and goes to Temple N. It is almost one kilometer long.
• MALER: It joins the North area with the East Square and is approximately 350 meters long. Close to the North Zone, on the roadway, there is a nice sculptured rock of the Late Classic period.
• MAUDSLAY: It joins Temple I with the North zone. It is almost 750 meters long.

This name is given to groups of four big buildings, which are two truncated pyramids with stairways on each side, located to the East and West of the square; to the South, there is a design with nine entrances and to the North the so-called Ground of the Stella. 

Within this ground there is a Stella with its corresponding altar, commonly carved. In front of the pyramid located at the East, there are nine plain Stella with their altars, five of which can be seen. In Tikal, there are seven of these complexes, which were built at intervals of twenty years to commemorate the end of each lasting period of 20 years. 

• TOZZER: It joins Temple IV with the West Square and is almost 250 meters long.
• MORLEY: Located in the group Baringer, this roadway is perhaps 100 meters long. It doesn’t show on the map

Here are other places of interest inside this huge Mayan city:

• COMPLEX N: It is near Temple IV and was built in 711 A.C. It contains replicas of Stella 16 and Altar 5.
• COMPLEX O: It is located to the West of Complex R. It is the only one in the North ground that contains a plain Stella and altar. It is considered to have been built in 731 A.C. 
• GROUP G: This group is on one side of the Méndez Roadway and is made up of various palace-type constructions with 29 chambers. The outer wall of the 5E-58 structure is adorned in the form of grooves. The entrance to this complex is through a vaulted tunnel. The entrance is the mouth of a mask.
• COMPLEX P: It is at the end of the Maudslay Roadway. It has copies of Stella 20 and Altar 8, and it also contains five plain Stella and altars.
• GROUP F: This group is made up of four palace-type structures of the Late Classic period, partially consolidated. Nearby is the structure 5E-22, one of the two steam baths known in Tikal.
• COMPLEX Q: located to the East of Complex R. Stella 22 and Altar 10 are located here. It contains nine plain Stella and altars. It is partially restored, allowing a better idea of what constitutes this type of construction.
• PALACE OF THE WINDOWS: It is also known as the Palace of the Bats. It is constructed of a group of structures located to the West of Temple II. The building which gives its name to the group is partially restored and has a large number of interconnected chambers. 
• NORTH ZONE: on the west side of the platform that holds the structure 3D-43 is the other bathhouse discovered in Tikal, covered by later constructions. Inside the structure, 3D-43 was located the structure known as The Man of Tikal, of the Early Classic period. 

If you are interested in having more time to explore this amazing city. Contact us, and we will be more than happy to customize one of our Tikal Tours for you. 

map, expenses & price

Tikal Tours.

Expenses included: -All private transportation. -Domestic flights. -1 night of hotel accommodation. -All park entrance fees. -Professional guides. -Breakfast and lunch. *This tour is exclusively available to guests who plan their trip with us.

This expedition will give you exposure to some of the jungle and river areas of the country. Be on the lookout for many species of birds and other animals as you make your way across the river. On the other side of a lagoon is the Mayan site of Aguateca. The temples of the site of Ceibal are moderately restored and surrounded by a protected tropical forest. Duration: 1 day. Price: $100

The entire North of Guatemala is full of Mayan settlements and exceptional Mayan cities, and this site is one of them. Enjoy the splendor of being almost all by yourself at these awesome and magnificent archaeological sites in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle. Yaxha is the perfect extension for those who want to explore more of the Mayan culture and get easy entry into it. Duration: a full day. Price per guest from $80

Discover one of the most secluded Mayan ruins in Guatemala on this one-day excursion. Explore the archeological jewels dispersed in a little town and witness how the protection of the ruins is mixed with work to assist the local settlement. Find out why this site is known to be the crib of the Mayan Calendar and the writing structure with one of our experienced guides; visit the earliest Mayan Arch in the world, and appreciate the antique pieces of art. Price: $150

The Maya Biosphere Reserve is the biggest preserved lush forest in North America. Spread beyond 4.3 million acres (1.7 million hectares) in the north of Guatemala, this nature reserve protects huge areas of jungles, forests, and the exceptional Mayan ruins that lie within them. There are countless mysterious Mayan ruins, most of which are still covered by the jungle canopy. Join one of our jungle hikes and discover one of the most hidden parts of the world. Duration from: 1 day. Price per guest from $80

3 days & 2 nights

12 days & 11 nights

14 days & 13 nights

Travel Advisory

El Salvador

© MAYAN GATEWAY | TERMS OF SERVICE | PRIVACY

Speed optimized by Speedable

• The Netherlands
• Switzerland
• The Philippines
• South Africa
• The United States of America
• New Zealand
• French Polynesia
• Our destination wedding
• Budget tips
• Travel photography
• Packing lists
• Hotel guides
• Travel guides
• Itineraries
• Work with us
• Search for: Search Button

Tikal Guatemala: all you need to know for a visit of the Maya temples of Tikal!

Tikal, a huge Maya temple complex in the middle of the jungle of Guatemala, something very spectacular. The large ruins between the green jungle, makes you feel like being in an Indiana Jones movie. In this blog, I tell you everything you need to know before visiting the Maya Tempels in the Tikal National Park.

Travel guide: Everything you need to know before visiting Tikal in Guatemala!

The Tikal National park is located in the North of Guatemala and stretches over 576 km2. This is huge, you can compare it to the size of the entire island of Ibiza. Many wild animals live here: pumas, snakes, monkeys, parrots and toucans. In the middle of this park is the beautiful old temple complex of the Maya located. The ruins were excavated decades ago, but this former city is so immensely large that people are still not finished with these excavations.

How do you reach the Tikal National Park?

The easiest way to reach Tikal is from the city Flores. This colourful city lies partly on a small island and is just 90 minutes away from Tikal. We booked return tickets for a shuttle bus at a local travel agency (in Flores) and paid Q60 per person for this (€ 6.80). It’s useful to buy return tickets since this saves you a lot of money.

Multiple shuttle buses go back and forth to Tikal every day. We travelled at 12.00 AM and went back the next day at 03.00 PM. The first shuttle bus departs around 03.30 AM which will take you to Tikal just in time for sunrise. We haven’t seen any public transport directed to Tikal. Of course, it is also possible to arrange a private shuttle.

You can also easily reach Tikal from Belize. It is only two hours by bus from the Belizean border.

Which tickets do you need for the Tikal National Park?

To be able to enter Tikal National Park you will need entree tickets. You buy these at the Banrural Bank gate before entering the park. Don’t forget to bring your passport when buying them. If you are going on a tour where you will enter the park before sunrise, you will have to buy your tickets the day before. This is possible at the Banrural Bank in Flores (or any other city).

Important: you can only buy tickets at the gate before you enter the park. As soon as you are in the park, you can’t buy them anymore. So if you bought the wrong tickets, you will have to go back to the gate (15-20 minutes). Taxis to the gate are expensive so it would be a shame to buy the wrong ones.

What is the best moment to visit the Maya temples of Tikal?

Ohmy, we puzzled a lot before buying tickets. Nowhere could we really find out what kind of tickets we had to buy. After lot’s of searching and reading, we finally found the answers. Since we don’t want you to have to search so long, here is exactly which tickets you need for a visit to Tikal:

Which tickets do you need for Tikal when you arrive during the day?

• Do you come during the day and leave before sunset? – 1 day ticket – Price: Q150
• Do you come during the day and do you still want to see the sunset ? – 1 day ticket + 1 sunset ticket – Price: Q250
• Do you come during the day and do you want to see the sunset and sunris e? – 1 day ticket + 1 sunset ticket + 1 sunrise ticket – Price: Q350
• Do you come during the day and do you want to see the sunset, sunrise and visit the next day again? – 1 day ticket + 1 + 1 sunrise sunset ticket + 1 day ticket (unless you have entered the park on the first day after 3 PM) – Price: Q500

Which tickets do you need for Tikal when you arrive before sunrise?

• Do you come before sunrise , stay during the day and do you want to see the sunset ? – 1 sunrise ticket + 1 day ticket + 1 sunset ticket – Price: Q350
• Do you come before sunrise , stay during the day and leave before sunset? – 1 sunrise ticket + 1 day ticket – Price: Q250
• Do you come before sunrise and leave afterwards? – 1 sunrise ticket – Price: Q100

Which tickets do you need for Tikal when you arrive before sunset?

• Do you come at sunset , stay overnight and go see the sunrise and stay in the park during the day ? – 1 sunset ticket + 1 sunrise ticket + 1 day ticket – Price: Q350
• Do you come at sunset , staying overnight and going to see the sunrise ? – 1 sunset ticket + 1 sunrise ticket – Price: Q200
• Do you come at sunset , will you stay overnight but will you not enter the park anymore? – 1 sunset ticket – Price: Q100

Do you see? It’s a big puzzle!

What are the three types of tickets you can buy for Tikal National Park?

Day tickets valid from 6 am to 6 pm – Price: Q150 Sunrise tickets: valid from 4.30 am to 6.00 am – Price: Q100 Sunset tickets: valid from 17.00 to 20.00 – Price: Q100

If you only start using a day ticket from 3 pm onwards, the ticket will also be valid the next day.

Officially, the park opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm. Upon arrival, you get a coloured wrist band, which shows rangers what kind of ticket you have. The sunset is in the summer around 6:30 PM, and in the winter (October-March) something after 6 PM. If you have a day ticket in the winter, you can just see the sunset before you have to leave. This is not possible in the summer. When the park closes, rangers walk around and escort everyone outside. Are you at sunrise in the park, but don’t you have a day ticket, the Rangers will walk around to escort you out of the park after sunrise.

How to get the best guide for a visit to the Maya temples of Tikal?

We arranged on the spot (at the hostel) a guide for a tour during sunset, sunrise and daytime. Our guide was a nice man who had many interesting stories and made our visit to the ruins very nice. In any case, we recommend a guide. The park is immensely large and because it’s in the middle of the jungle, getting lost is easy. Our guide told us some horror stories about people who got lost and wandered around for weeks. Sometimes they were saved, but often not. Especially when it is dark, you do not just want to walk through the park. We were with a group of seven people and paid per person Q160 for these three different tours. This is relatively little, but because we booked with five people we got a nice discount.

What are the best hotels in the surroundings of the Tikal National Park?

We decided to spend the night in Tikal and that was a really good decision. This made Tikal for us even better. Staying overnight in Tikal, you can experience both the sunset and sunrise and they are truly magical. Because you’re in the middle of the park, you’re already in the park early in the morning before other tourists come.

There is not much accommodation available near Tikal, you can choose from the following three options:

Jungle Lodge Hostel €€

This is the hostel where we stayed. The rooms are brand new and beautiful. It’s part of the Hotel Jungle Lodge and you can use their pool and facilities. Shared bathroom and toilet. From € 56 per night for 2 pers.

Hotel Jungle Lodge €€€

This luxury hotel has a swimming pool, cinema and a beautiful lounge. You sleep in private bungalows that are fully equipped. There are a restaurant and a bar. The rooms are beautiful and luxurious. From € 132 per night for 2 pers.

Hotel Jaguar Inn €€

This is a slightly less luxurious hotel than the Jungle Lodge, but nonetheless it looks nice. You sleep in private bungalows with a private bathroom. The hotel also has a restaurant. From € 67 per night for 2 pers.

Finally, it is also possible to camp in the National Park. At Hotel Jaguar Inn , there is a campsite where you rent a tent for Q70 and sleep for Q50 per person. If you need a hammock, you pay Q50 for it.

What does a visit to Tikal National Park cost?

Well, Tikal certainly was not a cheap trip. Hereby our spendings for one and a half days in Tikal *:

• Shuttle bus return tickets: Q120
• Day ticket park: Q300
• Evening ticket park: Q200
• Sunrise ticket park: Q200
• Hostel: Q450
• Guide: Q320
• Two times lunch, dinner, breakfast and water in the hostel: Q475

So we paid a total of Q2065 or €235 for visiting Tikal National park. A considerable amount, but absolutely worth it! You can do this cheaper, for example, by bringing your own water and food so you don’t have to eat (every meal) in the restaurant of your accommodation. You can also save on your accommodation by camping out.

Doing just a day tour, you would probably only spent Q240 per person. This would be only for the bus, guide and entrance fee.

What do you pack for a visit to Tikal?

A lot of water! Especially when you walk through the jungle during the daytime, it is quite warm and so you need a lot of water. In addition, I recommend you to bring sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses and mosquito repellent. Also, something to eat is useful for when you walk through the park for many hours. We hiked on trainers and with the many kilometres that you will walk this is really a must. Finally, of course, your camera or phone.

Conclusion: A visit to Tikal is definitly worth it!

We really liked Tikal! There are very few tourists, so you have the feeling to have the park all to yourself. When your budget allows you, do spend the night in Tikal! Besides beautiful history in the form of ancient ruins, you will also find beautiful nature. During sunset, you will hear (and see) monkeys, parrots and sometimes a toucan.

In short, Tikal is a must visit when you are in Guatemala or Belize!

All my other blogs about  Guatemala .

Like it? Pin it!

More blogs about Guatemala

Itinerary guatemala: the ultimate two- and three-week itinerary for guatemala, why i wouldn't recommend semuc champey (lanquin) in guatemala, travel guide antigua: all you need to know about antigua in guatemala, hotel guide guatemala: the best, coolest and hippest accommodations in guatemala.

Hi Charlotte, thanks for your detailed post on visiting Tikal. Do you remember which agency you chose for the shuttle bus? As we read elsewhere that most shuttles cost 15 USD per person for one-way already from Flores to Tikal. You guys paid 60 GTQ per person for a roundtrip. We are also staying in the Jungle lodge. Thanks for your help and happy travels!

Hi Santi, Sorry I don't remember anymore, but what we did was just walk by some of the officies in Flores and negotiate about prices. It might be that in the meantime due to corona or inflation, prices have gone up. I am not sure about that :( Kind regards, Charlotte

Hello. I was in Tikal in January and I need some information because I don't remember a thing. to see the sunset with return to Flores in the day it seems to me a guide was mandatory. right? if so, is it included in the entry 250 quetzals or do you pay a supplement of 50 quetzals? a thousand thanks.

Yes a guide is mandatory indeed. And no, the sunrise is not part of the normal entry ticket, since the day ticket is only valid from 6 AM. So for the sunrise (when it starts before 6 AM), you will need an additional ticket. Kind regards, Charlotte

Hi Charlotte thanks for all your info about tikal, really helpful! I am trying to buy our tickets, i am going next week and still don't fully understand! So we are planning to arrive around 3pm, staying at Tikal jungle lodge, check in and chill by the pool for a bit, then do the sunset tour, understand I need a guide but assuming I can sort that at the hotel? Then in the morning we want to do the sunrise tour, then head back to the hotel after that have breakfast then leave for the city. So my question is, we need to buy sunset and sunrise tours for the 3 of us, but do we still need an entrance ticket on top of that? Even though we are purely only going at sunset and sunrise? Appreciate any advice you can share!

Hi Cherise, I am sorry I watched your comment probably too late. No, when we were there, you would have only needed to buy a sunrise and sunset ticket, no other ticket. However, it might have changed in the meantime. Let us know how your experience was! Kind regards, Charlotte

Hi Charlotte, I have a week in Guatemala soon. It’s work mostly. I have a day to spare & hope to get to Tikal. Just one question, do you know if once in Tikal, if I need to buy water, snacks etc (the tour I’m looking at provideslunch), if I can pay in USD or is it Quetzal? Thank you! Loved the blog!

Hi Clare, I am not completely sure anymore, but I think you can pay in Quetzal too. Or just by CC. However, do keep in mind there were no real shops back then, only the restaurant at the hotel. Perhaps, this has been changed, it was a few year ago (pre-covid) when we visited Tikal. Kind regards, Charlotte

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

THE MAJOR TEMPLES IN TIKAL - Tikal Purple Travel Guide

The major temples are the main attractions in tikal. we tell you what you can see here and we have lots of background information and photos so you understand what you will see., a description of temple i can be found here ., a description of temple ii can be found here ., temple iii is also called the temple of the jaguar priest . the name comes from finely sculpted lintel on the inner doorway representing an obese figure wrapped in a jaguar skin. unlike in other temples, there are only two chambers in the summit shrine and not 3..

Temple III is 180ft (55m) tall, has nine stepped levels, an east-facing access stairway and was built in 810AD. It is the last pyramid temple that was built in Tikal and its presence indicates that Tikal must have still been politically stable at that time.

Temple iii is associated with king dark sun of whom very little is known. it is assumed that this temple contains dark sun’s tomb, but as the temple has not yet been archaeologically investigated, the tomb has not been found. the temple is only partially restored and closed to the public..

Our Tikal Travel Guide has detailed information about the individual destinations, links to their locations in google maps, reviews and websites (if available). Please see the Backpack and Snorkel Travel Store for more information.

Back to the self-guided walking tour of tikal.

Built in 741AD, this partially restored east-facing Mesoamerican pyramid is the tallest structure in the entire Maya empire and it is one of the few pyramids you are allowed to climb on a designated and safe path.

It is believed that this temple if the burial place of king yik'in chan k'awiil. his tomb has not yet been found, but it may lie somewhere underneath the temple..

The base of the rectangular pyramid is oriented in north-south direction. It is estimated that this 212ft (64.6m) pyramid used 6.7mio cubic feet (190,000m3) of stone. The pyramid stands on a 472 x 354ft (144 x 108m) supporting platform which is accessed by a 144ft (44m) wide stairway. The lowest of the seven stepped levels measures 289 x 213ft (88 x 65m) and the uppermost platform is 126 x 64ft (38.5 x 19.6m). The massive 42ft (12.9m) tall roof comb was built on the highest part of the structure's rear and faced with a huge mosaic sculpture. It has three distinct levels with four internal chambers on each level on the inside. The summit shrine measures 105 x 40ft (31.9 x 12.1m) and is 29ft (8.9m) tall, excluding the roof comb. As usual for Tikal, the shrine had three chambers and each was behind the other. Each chamber was connected to the next by a doorway with a lintel made from sapodilla wood. Also, as usual, the lintel of the exterior doorway was plain but the two interior lintels were intricately carved. The two interior lintels are now at the Ethnographic Museum in Basel, Switzerland.

Does this view look familiar to you? If you say yes…I am impressed. The view from Temple IV in Tikal was used in a short sequence where the Millennium Falcon lands on the rebel base on moon Yavin 4 in the first Star Wars film: Episode IV: A New Hope, which premiered in 1977.

Source: Kurtz, Gary (Producer), & Lucas, George (Director). (1977). Episode IV - A New Hope [Motion picture]. United States: Lucasfilm. The Star Wars scene can be seen here .

Built around 700ad, this temple is 187ft (57m) tall, which makes it the second tallest structure at tikal..

The base of the pyramid covers an area of about 22,100 square feet (2,050m2). The base of the pyramid is 118 x 167ft (36 x 51m). Temple V is the only major temple in Tikal that has rounded corners. The main stairway is 66ft (20m) wide and is located in the north. This is also unusual for Tikal as most of the larger temples either face east or west.

The summit shrine is unique too as it only contains a single small room that is 3ft (90cm) deep, while its the rear wall is a massive 15ft (4.6m) thick. the room is 13ft (4m) wide and 14ft (4.4m) high and that makes it the smallest room of any shrine in tikal. the original wooden lintels are still in the shrine and its cornice is decorated on the north side with three masks of the rain god chaac and human figures on the sides., it is theorized that the temple was either dedicated to the rain god chaac, or that it was the burying place of a king who idolized chaac, based upon the large chaac masks and the fact that the temple faces tikal’s the water reservoir, the city’s greatest source of water. some archeologists believe that the oldest son of king jasaw chan k'awiil i, who likely died shortly after coming to power in 734ad, may be interred here., excavations of the platform have revealed that construction may have begun between 550 and 650ad., compared to other temples in tikal, temple v is in a much worse condition and it is not connected to the city's network of causeways like other major temples. the possible explanation for this is that the temple may have been abandoned early, because access to the temple was hindered in the north by a depression that was used as one of tikal's water reservoirs, in the west by the south acropolis, by a palace complex to the east and a natural depression in the terrain to the south. there is no sign that the temple was built in more than one construction phase and that it was not superimposed upon an earlier building. that strengthens the theory that the temple was abandoned and not of interest for any later rulers., so far, two burials have been found: burial 1 the skeleton of an adolescent female who was approximately 15 years old was found placed in a fetal position. her teeth were decoratively perforated and it is believed that she may have died from a tooth infection. an earthenware bowl was found near her right knee., burial 2 this unusual burial was discovered when archaeologists tunneled underneath the pyramid. they found a 1.5 x 2.3 x 1.1ft (0.5 x 0.7 x 0.35m) cist carved into the bedrock which was covered by a wooden plank (instead of the usual stone lid) with two ceramic vessels on top. also unusual is that the cist was not located under the central axis of the pyramid but under the central axis of the summit shrine. the burial was accompanied by funerary offerings that included an earthenware bowl containing a ceramic incense burner that were placed on top of the wooden lid closing the cist. the person who was buried here was a young male between 18 and 22 years of age. his skull was elongated and his teeth were filed and perforated. some pyrite incrustations from the fillings were found in the lower jaw. many of the smaller bones, like some hand and spine bones, were missing. the cist also contained ashes at the bottom and small carbon fragments which could be evidence of a ritual that was performed before the human remains were inserted into the cist. there was speculation that this person may have been a human sacrifice, but this is unlikely there were few signs of cutting marks on the bones and it would be unusual to dedicate a temple to a sacrificed person., it is believed that the cist was built after the terrain was artificially leveled and before the pyramid was built., the date of burial is believed to be between 600 and 650ad. due to the relatively poor offerings in the burial, it is not believed that this person was one of the rulers of tikal., this structure is also known as the temple of the inscriptions . it represents a mesoamerican pyramid which faces west towards a walled plaza. the three west-facing entrance doors and interior layout suggest that temple vi was actually a palace rather than a temple..

Source: mtsrs, photo resized and enhanced, license

The roof comb of the temple has hieroglyphic inscriptions on the sides and back which tell the history of tikal. the oldest inscription is for 1139bc and it shows either a mythical event or an event of historical importance that has been told through generations of mayan people and was finally recorded here., the pyramid's summit contains two chambers instead of the typical three. the roof comp is damaged and eroded and its highest surviving portion stands 40ft (12m) tall., what do you want to explore now.

Sharing is caring

Other popular Purple Travel Guides you may be interested in:

Like this Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel Guide ? Pin these for later: