A visit to the Mayan ruins of Tikal Guatemala should be one of the most spectacular things you can do in Central America. Like something from Indiana Jones, these ancient temples were once the largest capital of the Mayan civilization.
If you have visited the huge pyramid of Chichen Itza in Mexico, this place is similar, but probably 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 a panoramic view of the jungle surrounding the ruins!
The other good news is that Tikal (pronounced “tea-bald”‘ is relatively easy and affordable to visit on a day trip from Flores in Guatemala, or you can also visit Tikal by land from neighboring Belize.
In any matter, it is an experience not to be missed when traveling to Belize or Guatemala! Star Wars fans will also appreciate that Tikal was used as a filming location for one of the original films.’
This Tikal travel guide will tell you where the ruins are located (plus a map of Tikal), how to get there from Guatemala or Belize, opening hours and entrance fees, safety tips, the best tour packages and everything you need to know before you go!
The best tours of Tikal
Tikal Guatemala is one of the places that is best to see on a visit, especially on your first visit. This is the safest and most convenient way to get transport to the ruins, and an English-speaking guide can be very helpful to explain everything and take photos for you.
GetYourGuide offers day trips to Tikal from Flores in Guatemala, or they also offer day trips 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 have used GetYourGuide for many tours and activities around the world, and they are great. Highly recommended!
Where Is Tikal?
Tikal is located in the north of Guatemala in the department of Peten (state).
The nearest town is Flores in Guatemala with many tourist hotels and restaurants, or you can also visit Tikal by land from San Ignacio in Belize.
How To Get To Tikal Guatemala
* From Guatemala
If you are coming from Guatemala, the nearest airport to Tikal is mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores, Guatemala. You can also take the bus from Guatemala City, which is a little affordable, but much slower and takes about 10 hours.
There are daily nonstop flights to Flores from Guatemala City or Cancun, Mexico. The choice of airlines is Avianca or TAG Airlines, and Avianca is best if you have the option (better safety record and more flexible luggage).
The flight from Guatemala City to Flores takes only about 45 minutes, and sometimes you can find prices starting from 400 quetzales. You can buy flights on Skyscanner.
Once you reach Flores, the next stop is Tikal, a 1.5-hour drive from the city of Flores. The easiest way to do this is a joint bus tour from Flores, which can be very affordable.
If you prefer to visit Tikal without a visit, this is also possible if you rent a car or take a shuttle bus from Flores. However, it’s not much affordable than a ride, and a guide can be helpful in explaining things at the park and taking photos for you.
* From Belize
If you are coming from Belize, first go to San Ignacio, a city in Belize near the border with Guatemala.
The journey from Belize City to San Ignacio takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and you can get there by car (taxi), bus or shuttle. I think shuttle is the best solution.
Sometimes there are also flights from Belize City to the small San Ignacio Airport, but they are puddle-jumping planes, and the possibilities are quite limited. You can inquire about this at Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.
Once in San Ignacio, it takes another 2 to 2.5 hours by car to cross the Guatemalan border to Tikal. The easiest way to do this is a one-day package that will take care of all the transportation for you.
