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
• FAQs

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

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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.

1. 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.
2. 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)
• Round-trip bus ticket WITH guide: 120Q ($16 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)
• Sarong
• Snacks
• 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)
• Sunscreen
• Kindle or book if you want something to do on the bus ride

Our experience at Tikal National Park

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.

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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. 

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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

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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!