Travelers flock to the island town of Flores in northern Guatemala mainly to explore Tikal National Park. Situated just outside Flores, Tikal stands as one of the largest Mayan archaeological sites globally and is a must-visit on any Central America trip. The area’s grandeur even caught the eye of filmmakers, who used it as a backdrop in Star Wars IV, perfectly capturing its otherworldly essence.
There are various ways to experience Tikal, from a quick solo visit lasting a couple of hours to immersing yourself for days in exploring every intricate stone and engraving across its roughly 3,000 monuments. For a unique overnight stay, you can camp near the park entrance, serenaded by the lively howler monkeys roaming the area.
Having recently visited several Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and the Palenque Ruins in Mexico, I found Tikal to be the most impressive. Its vast temples and monuments, set amidst the wild jungle teeming with diverse wildlife, left a lasting impression on me.
This guide aims to provide you with all the essential information for planning your visit to Tikal in Guatemala. Tikal thrived between 200-900 AD as a significant Mayan city in Central America before being mysteriously abandoned. Historians speculate reasons ranging from drought to overpopulation or disease.
To reach Tikal, the easiest starting point is the city of Flores in the Peten region of Guatemala. You can access Flores from various locations in Guatemala, Belize, or Mexico, with options like tourist shuttles, buses, or even flights from Guatemala City. Once in Flores, it’s a 90-minute drive to Tikal, with public microbuses and pre-booked shuttles available for transportation.
When it comes to exploring Tikal, budget at least half a day to cover its key areas, although some visitors spend days unraveling its every corner. You can choose to navigate Tikal independently, join a tour, or opt for a private guide. The entrance fee to Tikal is $150 Quetzals ($20 USD), allowing park access from 6 am to 6 pm. For sunrise or sunset visits, an additional $100 Quetzals ($13 USD) fee applies, requiring a guide or tour escort.
While I explored Tikal with a friend without a guide, I recommend joining a tour for a more structured experience. One highly recommended and affordable option is the tour offered by Los Amigos Hostel, providing various tour times with transportation and English/Spanish-speaking guides included.
For a unique overnight adventure, consider camping near the entrance of Tikal, immersed in the jungle’s untamed beauty under the starlit sky. Camping costs $50 Quetzals ($6.50 USD), with options to rent hammocks and tents on-site. Alternatively, nearby hotels like the Jungle Lodge Hotel offer comfortable accommodation starting at $85 USD.
In Flores, Los Amigos Hostel stands out as a top choice for lodging, offering dorms starting at $75 Quetzals ($10 USD) per night and private rooms from $215 Quetzals ($28 USD) onwards. While Flores is a charming island with limited activities, nearby attractions like Yaxha and El Mirador offer additional Mayan sites worth exploring. For a relaxed afternoon, try Jorge’s rope swing across the lake or indulge in street food delights by the west side of the island.
For grocery shopping, La Torre supermarket on the mainland provides a more budget-friendly option compared to smaller stores in Flores. With its rich history, natural beauty, and diverse activities, Flores serves as an ideal base for exploring the wonders of Tikal and its surrounding attractions.
