Best Tikal Tours & Trips for 2021-2022

Discover Mayan history exploring the temples of Tikal and Yaxha on this 3-day tour of Guatemala's Peten region. Your guide is an expert archaeologist, so listen close as he takes you on a tour through these towering ruins. This historical itinerary makes for a great extension to any Mexico or Central America trip.

Handling an urchin while snorkeling at Turneffe Flats

Belize Explorer

Ambergris Caye
8 Days from $1,591

On this spectacular 8-day tour of Belize, you'll explore the Belizean rainforest spotting wildlife, visiting Mayan ruins such as Tikal, caving at Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, and end your Belize vacation relaxing on the beach and snorkeling at Ambergris Caye.

Tikal and Chiminos Lodge

4 Days from $1,175

This 4-day extension focuses on exploring the jungle and visiting some of the most well-preserved Mayan ruins in Guatemala. If you are looking to extend your vacation, this low-key tour is the perfect way to begin or end your Guatemala trip, including opportunities for fishing, rainforest exploration and plenty of wildlife viewing!

Tikal Experience

3 Days from $376

This 3-day Guatemala extension tour in the Peten region immerses you in the fascinating ruins of the temples of Tikal, deep in the jungle. Learn about the indigenous cultures who built these massive pyramids from your expert archaeologist guide, and enjoy the wildlife viewing of this biodiverse rainforest.

Guatemala Explorer

8 Days from $1,392

Spend 8 days traveling through Guatemala from Guatemala City to the Peten Jungle and the ruins of Tikal! You'll experience the warmth and hospitality of the Guatemalan people, visit local markets and villages, and learn about modern Maya culture and everyday life. This cultural highlights tour is a great introduction to Guatemala!

La Ruta Maya

11 Days from $2,375

This 11-day trip hits the highlights of both Guatemala & Belize! Visit the highlands of Guatemala, discovering the local markets and exploring the ruins of Tikal before heading off to Belize for the second part of your trip. Spend your time in Belize exploring archaeological sites by day, and relaxing in the beautiful jungle lodge in the evenings.

Tikal Ruins Travel Guide

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The central acropolis of the Maya ruin site Tikal

The Famed Ruins of Tikal

Explore the impressive architecture and ancient culture of the Mayan civilization. Here's a look at what you can expect to see and experience on a Guatemala tour to the Mayan ruins of Tikal in the El Peten region. It is a MUST on any trip to this country that is rich with history and heritage.

What to know about the Tikal Ruins

Timeline:

300 BCE: Settlement began
300-850 CE: High points of Tikal
900 CE: The city was abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle.

Purpose: Tikal served as one of the major Mayan metropolises, serving as a center of politics, science, religion, and society.

Why was Tikal abandoned? The Maya empire was a powerful kingdom for over a thousand years, and while Tikal was a prominent city for much of that, other cities also vied to be the seat of power for the empire. Although Tikal was able to recover from several valleys when political power was taken to another city by competing Maya royals, ultimately, it was abandoned in the late 9th century.

Getting to Tikal
To get to Tikal, you will likely catch a flight into the rainforest, from which point you will use land transportation for several hours before arriving in this impressive complex.

Where to stay around Tikal
La Lancha - This 10-room lodge on Lago Peten Itza is a sanctuary for those exploring Tikal. Each room is air conditioned and the lodge itself features a pool, an open-air restaurant, and exclusive access to the Lake and the jungle.

The Jungle Lodge - Located in the heart of the Tikal National Park, this lodge features 36 bungalows, each with a private bathroom and comfortable amenitites. There are also two luxurious Junior Suites that have hot tubs and 12 rooms that have shared bathrooms. The hotel also hosts a restaurant/ bar and swimming pool.

If you are doing Tikal as an extension tour or as a one-day destination, you might not stay in one of these hotels and simply take a bus to Tikal from neighboring Belize or other destinations in Guatemala.

Activities to do around Tikal

Exploring the ruins: The expansive complex of ruins at Tikal is the main attraction and in fact is enough to fill several days of exploration without even scratching the surface. The towering pyramids where kings were entombed are the centerpiece of the ancient city, but the surrounding buildings are also well preserved considering the environment and offer a rare glimpse into the early architecture and development of Mayan building. Much of the complex was actually reclaimed by the jungle and is still hidden, creating a more mysterious atmosphere.
Wildlife spotting: Since Tikal is located deep within the jungles of Guatemala, you are likely to come across all manner of tropical rainforest species, including spider & howler monkeys, white lipped peccary, brocket deer, coati-mundis, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots and even jaguars.