I’ve heard a lot of people ask ‘Is Tikal worth visiting?’, and after being there myself, I can say it definitely is! Visiting the archeological site of Tikal is a must-do on any trip to Guatemala and it certainly won’t disappoint.
In this extensive guide, I’ll go through all the information you need to know before going to these fascinating Mayan ruins.
What is Tikal?
Tikal is a national park located in the northeastern part of Guatemala. The park comprises the ruins of the all Mayan city of Tikal, which once even used to be the capital of the Mayan empire.
In total, there are more than 3,000 buildings spread over 16 square kilometers in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle. Tikal is definitely worth visiting!
Where is Tikal Located?
Tikal National Park is located in the northern region of Guatemala. The closest tourist destination is Flores and Lake Peten, and many tourists visit Tikal on a one-day tour from this town.
How to Get to Tikal?
First of all, you’ll need to head to Flores, the closest tourist town to Tikal Ruins. Read this article to see the complete guide to Flores!
How to Get to Flores?
There are basically 3 ways to get to Flores:
- By plane: Flores has its own airport, so one option to get there is to take a 1-hour flight from Guatemala City. Fares start at $40 for a one-way ticket, hand-luggage included.
- By shuttle: There are tourist shuttles connecting the most popular travel destinations in the country. As I mention in this article, this is the best way to travel inside Guatemala, since it will save you tons of time. The length of the trip will depend on your departure city; for example, it will take 8 hours from Antigua and 13 hours from Lake Atitlan. If you want to see how you could include Flores in your Guatemala itinerary, don’t miss this article!
Keep in mind that all shuttles travel during the day, so, depending on your departure city, you might spend almost the whole day traveling.
- By night bus: If you don’t want to spend a whole day traveling, taking a night bus might be a good option for you. There are night buses to Flores both from Antigua and Guatemala City, and the trip will last around 11 hours (they depart around 8 PM and arrive in Flores around 7 AM).
Night Bus from Ciudad de Guatemala to Flores
This service is provided by the company Maya de Oro (you can check all the information and buy the tickets on their website here).
Some people might prefer to take the night bus at 10 PM so as not to waste many hours traveling during the day.
Duration: 9 hours
Cost: around 42 dollars
Departure time Arrival time
10:00 am 07:00 pm
02:00 pm 10:00 pm
09:00 pm 02:00 am
10:00 pm (night bus) 06:00 am
Departure address: 17 Calle, Zona 1 in Guatemala City (type Transportes Fuente del Norte in Google Maps)
Arrival address: Terminal Transportes Fuente del Norte in Flores (25 minutes walking from Flores Island, the main tourist area)
Luggage: one piece of 25 kg plus one personal item included
Amenities: A/C and toilets
Night Bus from Antigua to Flores
This service is provided by the company Maya de Oro (you can check all the information and buy the tickets on this website here).
Some people might prefer to take the night bus at 7 PM so as not to waste many hours traveling during the day.
Duration: 13-15 hours
Cost: around 64 dollars
Departure time Arrival time
9:00 am 23:00 pm
15:00 pm 06:00 am
19:00 pm (night bus) 08:00 am
Departure address: Pick-up at your accommodation
Arrival address: Terminal Transportes Fuente del Norte in Flores (25 minutes walking from Flores Island, the main tourist area)
Luggage: one piece of 25 kg plus one personal item included
Amenities: A/C and toilets
How to Get from Flores to Tikal?
Once you are in Flores, there are many ways to get to Tikal.
- Take a Tikal tour from Flores
In my opinion, this is the best way to visit Tikal. The tour company will either pick you up at your accommodation or you’ll have to meet them at a designated spot (usually at the entrance of Flores Island, the most tourist area in Flores).
From there, you’ll enjoy a pleasant 1-hour drive to the archeological site on a van. The best part is that this option includes a guided walking tour inside the site with an experienced guide.
These explanations will make the whole difference, as they are key to understanding the history behind every construction and getting a better perception of how life used to be for the Ancient Mayans.
Fares start at $35; the entry ticket is usually not included and must be purchased at the park entrance (around $20).
- Shared shuttle from Flores to Tikal
Another option is taking a shared shuttle (this one, for example) for 15 dollars one way.
The drive is one hour long and the meet-up point is the ‘I love Peten’ sign, at the entrance of Flores Island. These are the departure times:
06:00 AM / 07:45 AM / 10:00 AM / 12:00 PM
Once you get to the park, you’ll buy your ticket and visit the site by yourself.
- Public transportation from Flores to Tikal
The public bus from Flores to Tikal is the most budget-friendly option of all, as you’ll spend around 5 dollars per person. First, you’ll have to either walk or take a tuk tuk to the bus station in Santa Elena. There, buses depart for Tikal every hour. When taking the bus from Flores, ask for the return hours.
Even if companies have scheduled departure times, these can’t be trusted, as some buses never show up.
That’s why I strongly recommend taking a shuttle instead of the public bus, especially if you are a solo traveler or don’t know much Spanish to communicate with the locals.
- Private transfer from Flores to Tikal
It’s possible to book either a taxi or a private shuttle just for you and your group. This is the most expensive option, but it is also the most convenient in terms of comfort and time management. Fares start at 125 dollars.
The Best Time of the Year to Visit Tikal
While Guatemala enjoys pretty pleasant temperatures all year round, it would be wise to consider the rain factor.
There are basically 2 seasons in Guatemala: the dry season (from November to April) and the rainy season (from May to October).
The best season to visit Tikal Ruins is definitely the dry season. This is because the land can get really muddy when it rains, which makes walking around the archeological site and climbing up some of the ruins not only hard but also dangerous, since there are big chances you’ll slip.
Out of the dry season, the best months would be February and March. These months see the least rain and present fewer tourists than the rest of the year.
That being said, Tikal is worth visiting all year round!
Tours to Tikal from Flores
| Park opening hours: from 6 AM to 5 PM |
| Tour departure time: around 8 AM from Flores |
| Arrival time at Tikal: around 9:30 AM |
| Price: from 50 dollars |
| What’s included: Transportation and guided tour |
| What’s not included: Park entrance fee (150 quetzales, around 20 dollars) |
| It Tikal worth visiting on a tour: Absolutely yes! |
| *This information is based on the most basic tour. You can book a tour with other inclusions, like lunch, for a higher price. |
The table above provides a good summary of what a standard tour to Tikal from Flores includes. The company will either pick you up at your accommodation or you’ll meet your guide at a designated meeting point. Visiting Tikal on a tour is totally worth it!
After, you’ll head to Tikal (one-hour drive) and you’ll start your guided walking tour. You’ll be back in Flores around 5 PM.
Sunrise and Sunset Tours to Tikal
On top of the regular tours, the park offers two very special activities: the sunrise tour and the sunset tour.
Sunrise Tour at Tikal
The tour starts around 2:30 AM from Flores and most companies provide hotel pick-up. You’ll head to the park entrance, which opens its doors for the sunrise tour at 4 AM (regular opening hour is at 6 AM).
Your guide will take you to the top of Temple IV, where you’ll watch the sun come out on the horizon while having the jungle at your feet.
Then, you’ll continue your visit with the regular tour around the whole archeological site. Around noon, you’ll head back to Flores.
This option not only offers one of the best sunset spots in Guatemala, but also the possibility of beating the crowds during the first opening hours of the park.
The prices of this tour start at 90 dollars and you’ll have to check before booking if the price includes the park entrance fee. The company Adrenalina Tours offers the tour for 90 dollars with all tickets included.
Tickets for the sunrise tour are 250 quetzales (around 30 dollars).
Sunset Tour at Tikal
The tour starts around 2:00 PM from Flores and most companies provide hotel pick-up. You’ll head to the park entrance and begin your regular guided tour.
At 5 PM, the park closes for all visitors except those who have bought the sunset ticket. Now, you’ll head along with your guide to the top of Temple IV, where you’ll see the most amazing sunset ever.
After enjoying one of the best views in all of Guatemala, you’ll head back to Flores.
The price of this tour is around 120 dollars with the park entrance fee included. Before booking any tour, check whether the tickets are included in the price or not.
Tickets for the sunrise tour are 250 quetzales (around 30 dollars).
What Makes Tikal Worth Visiting?
There are many factors that make Tikal so special and worth visiting:
First, the incredible location in the heart of the jungle offers a unique experience, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by dense vegetation. You’ll also come across monkeys and many other local species that live in the jungle.
Second, visitors are allowed to climb some of the buildings. This is very special, as currently, due to conservation reasons, it’s not common to find archeological sites where tourists can climb up the ruins (most Mayan ruins in Mexico, for example). The views you’ll get from the top are unbeatable.
Third, although visiting Tikal is one of the best activities to do in Guatemala, the site doesn’t feel crowded at all. This probably has to do with the fact that many travelers don’t venture further than the 2 main destinations in Guatemala (Antigua and Lake Atitlan).
Anyhow, in comparison with other Mayan ruins, like the ones in Mexico, which are packed with tourists, here in Tikal you’ll be pleased to find that there are few crowds and plenty of space to enjoy the views and take incredible pictures.
Tips for Visiting Tikal
- Bring cash
There are no ATMs in Tikal, so make sure you take enough cash with you. Remember that, in many places, cards are not accepted (for example, on public buses and some restaurants).
- Bring your passport
You’ll need to show your passport at the park entrance!
- Wear comfortable shoes
The archeological site is located in the heart of the jungle, so wearing comfortable shoes is a must, as you’ll be walking around the place for at least a couple of hours.
- Take a raincoat with you
This is especially true if you are visiting the park during the rainy season (May to October). It can pour at any time, so take a rain jacket with you.
- Arrive early
If you want to enjoy the place with fewer crowds, arrive as early as possible. The park opens every day at 6 AM.
- Visit Tikal with a guide
Taking a guided tour is essential to getting a good understanding of the Mayan culture and what the ruins represent. Without it, you’ll just be watching old constructions.
- Bring water and maybe some snacks
Temperatures in that region of Guatemala can be very high all year, so bringing water with you will always be appreciated. You can take some snacks as well. There are some places inside the park where you can buy some food, but they don’t offer many options, only some cookies and chips.
Accommodation Near Tikal
The nearest tourist town is Flores. If you look at a map, you’ll see that the city looks quite big, but all the must-see places are located on the Island of Flores or on the shore of Lake Peten; so, these two spots are the places where you’ll want to stay. Moreover, most tours to Tikal depart from the ‘I love Peten’ sign, located at the entrance of Flores Island.
There are many great accommodation options on the opposite shore of the lake, but check that the hotel or hostel provides free transportation to and from the island. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to pay for a boat ride every time you want to go back and forth. Hostal Casa de Grethel, for example, offers a great location and free boat rides.
If you book a place on the island, you’ll have no problem getting there, as it’s not really an island; it’s connected by a small stretch of land to the city and you can cross a short bridge by foot to get there.
Another option is to visit Tikal from El Remate. This lesser visited small village is also located around Peten Lake and it’s actually closer to Tikal than Flores. You can read more about this off-the-beaten-path destination in Guatemala in this article.
Conclusion to Is Tikal Worth Visiting?
Tikal is definitely worth a visit! It’s by far one of the most special places in all of Guatemala, a site where you can experience the roots of the Guatemalan people.
The ruins are breathtaking and absolutely well preserved. And, in addition, you can climb up some of the buildings and get a bird’s-eye view of the jungle. An unforgettable experience that should be included in any Guatemala itinerary!
You might also like:
- Acatenango Hike Complete Guide
- 15 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Guatemala
- 16 Top Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala
- The Best Things to Do in Flores Guatemala
- Itinerary for Guatemala’s highlights (7 days, 10 days and 15 days)
- El Paredon Guatemala – Ultimate Guide
- Accommodation and Food in El Paredon Guatemala
- El Remate Guatemala – Ultimate Guide to this Off-The-Beaten-Path Destination
- Is Hobbitenango Worth Visiting? Complete Hobbitenango Guide
- Guatemala City Airport to Antigua Guide
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