Tikal is an ancient Maya city nestled in the dense Petén jungle and is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Therefore, you can imagine it can’t be missed on any Guatemala itinerary. Tikal is known for its impressive and towering temples, the expansive plazas and its rich history. Tikal offers a unique and unforgettable experience for every traveller, even though you might not be crazy about history. In this Tikal travel guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know before visiting this remarkable site.
Alternatively, you can visit Yaxha. A travel guide is coming soon.
I’m no history expert, and therefore, I would highly advise you to take a guide when visiting Tikal to understand more of the background of the Mayan history. However, this is the Mayan history in a nutshell. The Maya civilisation was one of the most sophisticated societies in pre-Columbian America, at its peak between 2000 BC and the 18th century AD. The Maya were known for their hieroglyphic script, astronomical systems and architectural innovations. Tikal was one of the greatest Mayan cities between 200 AD and 900 AD when the city was a political and economic hub.
Tikal is located around 65 kilometres from Flores, which takes around 1,5 and 2 hours by car. Flores can be reached with shuttles from the other main hubs in Guatemala. Shuttles can be booked through, for example, Itamati Travels. You can request their latest schedule and book specific shuttles through Whatsapp (+502 3974 2484).
Alternatively, you can fly into Flores from Guatemala City, like we did, if you want to skip the long ride between Lake Atitlan and Flores (with Semuc Champey in between.
If you want to get to Tikal, the easiest way to do so is to book a day trip from Flores, which includes transportation and a guide and therefore makes a hassle-free option. The tours typically depart early to avoid the heat. Alternatively, you can take a private shuttle from Flores to Tikal and get around yourself. Lastly, it is also possible to take a public bus. However, the bus might not drop you off at the entrance, and you will have to walk longer. Therefore, in my opinion, a guided tour is a good way to explore Tikal.
We booked our tour to Tikal through our accommodation as we arrived late in the evening and weren’t able to go to a tour office. This all worked out perfectly fine, and most hotels will be able to guide you in booking the tour.
If you have more time available, you can visit Getaway, a tour company in Flores. We booked our Yaxha tour with them and had a positive experience.
It is also possible to pre-book your tour here.
Most backpackers and travellers visiting Tikal stay in Flores, a charming island town that also offers a vibrant atmosphere. With its colourful streets and nice restaurants and bars, as well as a variety of accommodations, it’s the perfect spot to unwind before and after your Tikal adventure.
Casa Maya Itza (we stayed here!) for €40 a night. You cannot book this place far in advance.
Zapote Tree House Inn for a remote stay on the other side of the water (€40 a night)
Los Amigos Hostel for a social stay, bunk beds are available (€55 a night for a 2-person room)
Hotel Isla de Flores for a more luxurious stay, including a swimming pool! (€120 for a room)
If you are completely into history and you want to explore more of Tikal than just the one-day tour, it is worth considering staying within Tikal National Park. This allows you to experience the magic of Tikal both early in the morning and late in the evening. Also, there are some lovely places available, mentioned in this Tikal travel guide!
Hotel Tikal Inn located near the park entrance, featuring a swimming pool, restaurant and comfortable rooms. (€75)
Jungle Lodge Tikal Hostal is one of the top choices within the park, located in a jungle environment and includes a pool and restaurant (€80)
The basic ticket is a day pass and includes the entrance fee for the park between 6 AM to 6 PM. The entrance fee for Tikal is around 150 GTQ (which is approximately €20). Tickets that are bought after 3 PM are also valid the next day. This could be a perfect option if you will be staying in a hotel/hostel near the park.
In case you want to visit Tikal with a sunrise or sunset tour, there is an additional fee of 100 GTQ (approximately €13) that allows you entry after the set opening hours. Personally, I would advise you to go for a day pass – see point 2.
I can tell we have doubted for a long time before deciding whether to join the sunrise tour. After some consideration, we decided to opt for the early bird tour (you are still leaving at 4 AM to arrive in the park at 6 AM). So, while the idea of a sunrise tour sounds magical, we have learned it is often foggy, obscuring the views. Furthermore, the sunrise tour is also more expensive (the tour itself as well as the entrance fees) and requires an earlier start. Therefore, I would advise joining the early bird tour, still offering cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. If you want to do a sunset tour, I could recommend enjoying this tour in Yaxha the next day.
As already mentioned, it is possible to stay in Tikal National Park (Hotel Tikal Inn or Jungle Lodge Tikal Hostal) to maximize your time in the park. Especially if you are keen to spend plenty of time in the park, this is a great option. Furthermore, you will minimize travel fatigue as the trip to Tikal is still quite long. Alternatively, you can stay in El Remate, if you also plan to visit Yaxha the next day.
There are a couple of essential items to bring when visiting Tikal. The most important thing is YOUR PASSPORT, without a passport, you are not able to visit Tikal, which would be a shame. Not all tour companies and/or hotels communicate you have to bring a passport. Therefore, we were very happy to have read it on a travel blog.
Furthermore, you should bring CASH. The ticket register in Tikal only accepts cash, so make sure to bring sufficient funds for the entrance fee as well as some refreshers in the park.
Next to that, be mindful that Tikal is located in a jungle, which can lead to high temperatures and high humidity, also surprising you with occasional rain showers. Therefore, don’t forget sufficient water (there are stalls in the park), sunscreen, insect repellent and a poncho. Also, wear comfortable walking shoes for navigating the longer distances you will walk and the potentially uneven terrain.
Bring your passport, cash, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a poncho. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must for navigating the uneven terrain.
While exploring on your own is possible and route directions are provided, a guide can enhance your experience. First of all, if you are exploring on your own, stay with the official tracks, as it is easy to get lost in the jungle, which might not end well. However, a guide can tell you fascinating stories and provide you with historical insights. Furthermore, a guide is included in most of the tours, and the price barely differs from a ‘tour’ without a guide. Good to know, in case you are doubting, is that tours allow some free time for individual exploration as well (especially around Grand Plaza). For us, having a guide was, in the end, the perfect mix, even though we were slightly hesitant in the beginning.
While exploring on your own is possible, a guide can enhance your experience with fascinating stories and historical insights. Guided tours often allow free time for individual exploration as well.
With this Tikal Travel Guide, I provide you tips before visiting the park including a visual overview of what to expect. Nevertheless, I’m no historical expert and as most travelers join a tour around Tikal, I will stay away from detailed descriptions about Tikal’s highlights. However, to give you a short overview of what to expect in Tikal, you can find a quick summary below.
1. The Grand Plaza: The most iconic part of Tikal, the Grand Plaza, offers excellent opportunities for photography and exploration. This was my favourite place in Tikal, as you are also able to climb one of the structures to enjoy amazing views over the Grand Plaza.
2. Temple IV: The tallest structure in Tikal, Temple IV provides breathtaking panoramic views of the jungle canopy.
3. North and Central Acropolis: Complexes featuring a variety of structures that showcase Tikal’s architectural and ceremonial significance.
4. Mundo Perdido (Lost World) Complex: Home to some of the oldest structures in Tikal.
5. Wildlife: Tikal is also a natural reserve, so keep an eye out for howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, and other exotic wildlife.
In summary, visiting Tikal is an extraordinary journey into the past, where you get the opportunity to explore one of the largest cities in the Maya civilisation. The size of Tikal, including the size of the structures located in the middle of the jungle, makes it a unique place to visit. In my opinion, when visiting Guatemala, Tikal is a must-see. By following these tips in my Tikal travel guide, you will be coming prepared, and you’ll ensure a memorable experience. Tikal is sure to leave a lasting impression.
