Guide to Tikal National Park in Guatemala

Visiting Tikal: A complete guide to Guatemala’s ancient Maya city

Last updated on June 10th, 2026 at 02:04 am

Introduction: What is the big deal about Tikal?

Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is also a part of the huge Maya Biosphere Reserve, of over two million hectares. It is one of the major sites of Mayan civilization with thousands of architectural and artistic Mayan remains.

Tikal National Park is also one of the very few World Heritage properties that is highly important for both its nature and its cultural heritage. The National Park is 57,600 hectares – with wetlands, savannah, as well as tropical and palm forests.

Tikal was inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The ceremonial centre has amazing temples and palaces, and public squares. Only 15% of Tikal has been excavated and the rest is still lying under the dirt and jungle. (With laser technology researchers have discovered more than 60,000 ruins not yet uncovered in Guatemala.)

Tikal is not only one of the highlights of Guatemala for most people it is a great place to unwind for a bit. That may sound weird as its a major tourist destination and a lot of people visit every day, but if you need a break from the cities, organised adventure and, long Guatemalan bus journeys – this is one of the best places in Guatemala for it.

I visited with my 17 year old niece after crossing the border from Belize and staying in Flores and before heading over to Semuc Champey and other iconic Guatemalan places on our way to El Salvador! Now you probably know, I’m a wildlife, hiking, swimming kind of person and definitely not a history, museums, culture kind of soul. But even for me, and despite there being plenty of other people there, it was absolutely worth the time and energy and a highlight of the trip. So, it really is a total must-do if you are in the area!

I believe we really got the best out of our visit to Tikal, so I will cover all our top tips in the following sections:

Temple-I-Temple-of-the-Grand-Jaguar-in-Tikal-Park-in-Guatemala — Temple I – Temple of the Grand Jaguar rises above the mist in Tikal Park

Is Tikal Worth Visiting?

Where is Tikal?

How to get to Tikal

How long do I need at Tikal?

When is the best time to visit Tikal?

When not to visit Tikal!

How to buy tickets for Tikal

Sunrise vs Sunset Tours: Which Is Better?

The best things to do in Tikal – what not to miss!

What wildlife can you see in Tikal

The best way to see Tikal

What to wear and what to pack for Tikal?

Where to stay when you visit Tikal

FAQs about Tikal

Important tips for visiting Tikal

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Plan for your trip

Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!

Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!

Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.

Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.

Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains

Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site

Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!

Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. These are some highly recommended options for Tikal:

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Is Tikal Worth Visiting?

Short answer – absolutely, yes!

I realise that getting there takes some effort, but definitely think the journey is worthwhile unless you have absolutely no interest in history, archaeology, or nature.

Tikal is not just ruins! Unlike many archaeological sites, Tikal isn’t sitting in an open field or surrounded by modern development. It is hidden deep within a vast tropical rainforest – seeing temples towering out above the forest canopy is quite incredible. The wildlife is an added major bonus for people like me that prefer nature to history and archaeology.

For a lot of people it is not only the highlight of Guatemala, but also one of the best Maya sites in the world and one of the most memorable archaeological experiences in the Americas!

My longer answer – still yes!

Where is Tikal?

Tikal is in the jungle near Flores in north-eastern Guatemala and near the border to Belize. These are the distances from key towns:

From Flores to Tikal – 65 km (40 miles) / 1.5–2 hours
Flores is the main gateway town for visiting Tikal. Most visitors stay in Flores and make a day trip to Tikal.
From El Remate to Tikal – 30 km (19 miles) / 30–40 minutes
El Remate is much closer to the park and a popular choice for travelers wanting a quieter stay. There are fewer accommodation and restaurant options than Flores. If you’re planning a sunrise tour, El Remate can be a better base than Flores because of the shorter journey.
From San Ignacio, Belize to Tikal – 110 km (68 miles) / 2.5–3 hours each way (including border formalities)
Many travelers visit Tikal as a day trip from San Ignacio – usually leaving around 6:00–7:00 a.m. and returning in the evening.

The-local-bus-to-Tikal-National-Park-from-Flores-in-Guatemala — The local bus to Tikal National Park from Flores

How to get to Tikal

There are three key ways to get to Tikal

By car – usually from Flores or El Remate
By bus or tourist shuttle – from Flores or El Remate
On a day tour – usually from Flores, Antigua or Guatemala City, or from San Ignacio in Belize
Fly into Mundo Maya Airport independently, and take a tour from there.

1. Getting to Tikal by car

If you have a car it is very easy to get to Tikal and there is plenty of parking. Just hit google maps and get your directions. The road is sealed the whole way. It takes about 1.5-2 hours from Flores, and 30-40 minutes from El Remate.

2. Getting to Tikal from Flores or El Remate by public bus

Take a tuk-tuk or walk to the bus stop in Santa Elena in Flores. Then take the bus from there to Tikal – its usually a mini-bus and they run around once an hour. It takes about 2.5 hours to get to the Tikal National Park gate.

From El Remate there are only a few public mini-buses a day but it is only a 40-50 minute trip. Your hotel or hostel will tell you how and where to catch the bus.

3. Getting to Tikal from Flores by tourist shuttle

Your hotel or hostel will arrange a tourist shuttle for you – basically minibuses once again but they go earlier than the public buses and will leave from the island closer to your accommodation. They are a little more expensive than the public bus but if you are only going for a day definitely worth the extra money to get you there earlier and quicker.
You can also take this Same day Round-Trip VIP Exclusive Transfer to Tikal from Flores

4. Visit Tikal on a day tour

If you want to visit Tikal in one day, and want to make it easy on yourself, there are plenty of day tour options from Flores, Antigua, Guatemala City or San Ignacio – Belize that will take care of everything.

Getting to Tikal from Flores on a day tour

There are a mass of tours from Flores to Tikal every day. Most agencies and hostels offer a few options and you can book ahead online as well.

Note – you can usually get picked up in any of the towns on the way to El Remate or just join these tours in the park as well. You can also usually get picked up in the park or El Remate and taken back to Flores or any of the towns on the way afterward!

Sunrise Tour – generally leaves Flores around 2.30am for a 4.00am sunrise tour at Tikal. A note on the sunrise tour – it is often misty and the sunrise may not be what you expect – but it can still be lovely despite the mist – kind of eerie and awesome! The sunrise tour is great for wildlife and a rather magical atmosphere as the jungle wakes up and the mist rises. Choose from these top rated tours:
Day Tours – leaving times start at around 4.30am – then 6.00, 8.00 or 10.00am. You can book one ahead online as well. Choose from these top rated tours:
Sunset Tour – various leaving times but stays later than standard closing time for the sunset. It is also quite magical and you (usually) get a lovely sunset as well. Choose from these top rated tours:

Getting to Tikal from Antigua or Guatemala city on a day tour

You can fly from either city to Flores, take a day tour of Tikal and fly back all in one day. This is a great option if you are very short of time and still want to see Tikal.

Getting to Tikal from San Ignacio, Belize on a day tour

You can either take a taxi to the border and cross the border from San Ignacio and pick up a tour from there, or keep it simple and go on a full day tour.

From San Ignacio – Tikal Day Trip with Local Lunch from San Ignacio or Tikal Maya Site Day-Trip with Local Lunch
From the border – Private Tour of Tikal from Belize Western border

Getting to Tikal after a flight to the Mundo Mayan Airport (near Tikal)

You can fly independently to the Mundo Maya Airport near Tikal and then take a tour from there. For example this Excursion to Tikal from Flores or Mayan World Airport.

Views-from-Mundo-Perdido-the-Lost-World-in-Tikal-National-Park-in-Guatemala — Views from Mundo Perdido – the Lost World in Tikal National Park

How long do I need at Tikal?

It really depends on who you are and what you love.

I’m not a culture, history or archaeology type person by any stretch of the imagination. I’m all about hiking, sailing, wildlife, off the beaten path – and that type of thing. But even for me, I was definitely happy to have had two days at Tikal. There was plenty of wildlife to keep me extremely happy (agoutis, coatis, deer, parrots, monkeys, howler monkeys, toucans….) but the pyramids and the buildings themselves are actually absolutely incredible. I also loved the areas that are still half buried under vegetation, or, not that impressive in terms of size and so not so visited. Its fun being the only one poking around in those areas.

So if you are a history, archaeology, culture kind of person I would suggest you want two days to really soak it in – if not three. I mean – will you ever come back? Probably not as there is a lot more of the world to see, so take your time and enjoy. I know I only scratched the surface of the park, and I was going slow – spending lengthy periods just sitting and looking out from one of the climb-able pyramids or just within a less visited area. So if this is your thing, you definitely need more than a day.

So my answer is – one day is good for many visitors who just want to see the main sights. But if you are into archaeology, photography, history and / or wildlife you will probably want two or even three days!

When is the best time to visit Tikal?

The best time to visit Tikal is during the dry season from November to April. May to October is the rainy season and the amount of rain can make the trails very muddy and the steps to the temples slippery.

April is the hottest month with temperatures up to 37°C (99°F)!

And the best time of day, for a peaceful visit, is early morning and late afternoon – more on that later….

When not to visit Tikal!

Try and avoid Sundays. Entrance is free for locals on Sundays, which is absolutely great, but means more people. I would avoid Sunday if possible.

If you want to avoid both the heat and rain, stick to visiting between November to February and avoid March to October.

How to buy tickets for Tikal

The basic entrance fee for foreigners to Tikal is 150 GTQ – approximately 20 USD.

If you want to visit the park during sunrise or sunset you have to have a guide and the entry ticket costs another 100 GTQ.

If you are going independently by bus, you could buy your tickets online and save the hassle of getting on and off buses to buy tickets at the gate – although it is no great stress.

NOTE 1: If you buy online make sure you download your tickets before heading to Tikal because you may not get cell reception there – and if you do it will be weak.

NOTE 2: You can also buy tickets in Banrural bank offices across Guatemala, at the airports of Guatemala City and Flores or at the entrance to Tikal National Park. Buying at the entrance to the park is perfectly easy!

Oscillated-turkey-coati-and-parrot-in-Tikal-National-Park-in-Guatemala — Oscillated turkey, coati, and parrot in Tikal National Park in Guatemala

Sunrise vs Sunset Tours: Which Is Better?

Both are great options – sorry but its true.

The sunrise tour is great for wildlife and a rather magical atmosphere as the jungle wakes up and the mist rises. Choose from these top rated ones:

But the sunset tour probably has even less people than the sunrise tour and still has lovely lighting.

Choose from these top rated ones:

Overall, if it fits your itinerary I recommend a sunrise tour, but if your itinerary fits a sunset tour better (or you don’t like getting up early) then the sunset tour is definitely fine too!

The best things to do in Tikal – what not to miss!

Temple-V-on-a-misty-morning-in-Tikal-Park-in-Guatemala — Temple V on a misty morning in Tikal Park in Guatemala

Tikal is huge and you probably wont get to see it all if you are there just for a day. But make sure you don’t miss these impressive spots in the complex.

The Gran Plaza: This is the center of Tikal and is surrounded by Temple I, Temple II and the Acropolis.
Temple I: This is a 47m-high temple – also known as the Temple of the Grand Jaguar. It is probably the most famous (and most beautiful) temple in Tikal and was a tomb for King Jasaw Chan K’awiil I.
Temple II: This is one of the temples you can climb and gives you great views of Temple I. The temple is also known as the Temple of the Masks and was built by Ah Cacao in honour of his wife.
Acropolis Centro: This is in two parts near the Gran Plaza. Its full of tombs, courtyards, chambers and smaller temples. It was a residential area and the center of funeral activity.
Temple III: This temple breaks through the tree canopy in a stunning almost eerie kind of way. It is 55m-high and can be seen from afar – in particular from the viewpoint of Temple IV. At the time of writing this was still closed while structural and conservation work is taking place.
Temple IV: This temple gives an amazing view over the park and jungle. It is the highest temple at 65m and is also known as the Temple of the Double-Headed Serpent. Climbing the temple is an absolute must do!
Temple VI: This temple is far from the main area and has a cool and rare group of glyphs that are worth seeing.
Temple V: This one is 52m high and somehow seems the most imposing and impressive from the bottom of the huge mossy steps up to the skyline. You can’t climb it – but it must be visited.
Mundo Perdido: This was my favorite for some reason. It was just very peaceful and had a lovely view of temples I to IV as well. Mundo Perdido means the ‘Lost World’ and is the oldest in Tikal. It has two large pyramids as well as some smaller buildings. You can climb to the flat top of one of the pyramids for that great view.
Plaza de los Siete Templos: This is kind of Indiana Jones like. There are seven little temples still partially under jungle. Its great to wander and just explore.

And these are the things not to miss doing:

Climb Temple IV and spend some time enjoying the view
Explore the Lost World Complex – many people skip past it but as I sad it was a favorite for me – it has a different perspective and is quite peaceful.
Spot wildlife as you go – don’t forget to keep your eyes open for the wildlife!
Watch sunrise above the jungle – I think its worth it!

What wildlife you can see in Tikal!

One of the best things for me was the wildlife I saw at Tikal! I did stay in the park so that is a big advantage, but even if you don’t, you are still going to see some wildlife.

I saw howler monkeys, spider monkeys, ocellated turkeys, toucans, coatis, agoutis, lizards, parrots, macaws, woodpeckers and other birds I did not know. I think most people will see all of these except the howler monkeys.

I did not see, but you might, deer, jaguars (very unlikely but possible), snakes (also unlikely), or motmots.

Howler-monkey-and-toucan-in-Tikal-National-Park-in-Guatemala — Howler monkey and toucan in Tikal National Park

The best way to see Tikal – in my opinion!

If you don’t have time to stay in the park for a couple of nights and just have a day, the best way to visit is on a sunrise tour or a sunset tour from Flores. This way you get the peace and quiet of either the early early morning (before the gates open) or the late evening (after the gates close) as well as the wildlife, and, you are also in the park during the quietest opening hours 6-10am and after 4pm.

But if you want more time in the park then the best way to see Tikal is to stay in the park for two nights if you have the time.

The key advantage is your access to the park which opens at 6.00am even without a sunrise tour. You are already there – way before the buses start rolling in. In fact you have 4 hours in the park before the main bus loads arrive. Equally you can stay until 6.00pm when the park closes, whereas most of the buses will be gone by 4.00pm. You can also choose to do a sunrise or sunset tour to extend your day – but again, you are right there and don’t have a long bus trip to get there before sunrise, or, after the day or the sunset tour.

The other advantage, with early access to the park – and even outside the park before the other tourists arrive – is the wildlife! Being woken by a troop of howler monkeys is a fantastic experience. I had lived in an area with howlers in Costa Rica before so knew what they were like, but it was brilliant seeing my niece experience the noise they make for the first time!

Finally, the really good thing is that if you arrive the afternoon before the day you plan to visit Tikal, and buy a ticket after 3pm it is valid for the next day. So you get to have three great quiet hours in the evening for free! That’s a great bonus.

Exploring-Plaza-de-los-Siete-Templos-and-glimpses-through-the-canopyin-Tikal-National-Park-in-Guatemala

What to wear and what to pack for Tikal?

Wear (breathable) lightweight clothing and good walking shoes. We had jackets with us and had our legs covered (insects).

These are the things we were glad we took with us in our daypacks:

Water
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Hat
Rain jacket (it was the wet season)
Camera
Downloaded AllTrails maps (as we didn’t take a guide the second day)

Where to stay when you visit Tikal

The best option is definitely to stay in the park itself, but if not then the next best option is to stay in nearby Flores or El Remate. Both towns have public bus access to the park. I stayed in Flores, and went to Tikal from there – staying two nights in the park

Where to stay in Tikal National Park

There are only a few options in the park but there is something for everyone. I really recommend to stay two nights so you can really enjoy your time. Spend the late afternoon in the park the first day, then the early morning through to evening the next day. All with no rush.

These are your options in the park:

Higher End – Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal

Mid Range – Jungle Lodge Hostel or Hotel Jaguar Inn

Budget – Hotel Tikal Inn

Tikal Campground – this is for the nature lovers on a budget and I highly recommend it. You can book when you buy your tickets online and you can in theory rent hammocks – but it seems to depend on the day. We had no problems, but…… You can bring your own tent though and that should work. Facilities are very basic – very. But – you get to wake up to the howler monkeys!

Hotel Jagua Inn Camping – contact the hotel for camping (bring your own tent or campervan) or for ready made tents. This is probably the better camping option!!

Where to stay in nearby El Remate

Higher End – Hotel Gringo Perdido

Mid Range – Casa Cahuí or Sun Breeze Hotel

Budget – Hospedaje y jardín botánico el Remate or Alice Guesthouse

Where to stay in Flores

I liked staying on the island itself, but there are options off island in the town, or across the lake (which requires boat rides to and fro).

High End – Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel and Bolontiku Boutique Hotel & Spa (both out of town)

Mid Range – Hotel Santa Barbara Tikal (on its own tiny island) or Villa Maya (out of town) or Hotel Isla de Flores (on the island)

Budget – Zapote Tree Inn or Casa Azucena (both on the island)

Backpacker – Ahau Tikal or Hostal Don Cenobio (both on the island) or La Casa Colorada (just off the island in town)

Hammock-camping-in-Tikal-National-Park-in-Guatemala — Hammock camping in Tikal National Park

Frequently Asked Questions about Tikal

Q: Is Tikal worth visiting?
A: Yes – even for people like me that aren’t particularly into museums and history. It is great!

Q: How many days do you need in Tikal?
A: One day for highlights, 2 or 3 for a more relaxed visit and more detailed exploration. If you are interested in archaeology, history, the ancient Mayan culture etc then I would advise two days or even three.

Q: Is the Tikal sunrise tour worth it?
A: It is worth it to be able to watch the jungle world wake up around you. the sunrise is not predictable – you might get a brilliant one, or just a ho-hum one. But the jungle itself is a lot of the attraction – and the lack of crowds! In short yes. If you don’t want a tour, then stay in the park and enter at 6am – you wont see sunrise in amongst the temples, but you will still be there early for wildlife and fewer crowds.

Q: Can you visit Tikal at sunrise or sunset without a tour?
A: No. For sunrise and sunset visits you have to have a special ticket and an authorized guide – you get these from the tours. You can enter alone at 6am after sunrise, and stay until 6pm – before sunset.

Q: Can you visit Tikal without a guide? Do I have to have a guide at Tikal
A: Yes you can visit without a guide. But it can be very good to have one. A mix of some time with a guide and some time alone is probably ideal. For example, take a tour one day, and go alone the next day, or take a guided sunrise or sunset tour and spend the rest of the time on your own. This way you learn a lot from your guide about the history of Tikal but also get to chill and wander at your own pace.

Q: What is the best way to visit Tikal?
A: Staying in the park if you have time gives you both the best times of day – the morning and evening. Otherwise taking a sunrise tour from Flores gives you the quieter morning period and the morning wildlife.

Q: Where should I stay when visiting Tikal?
A: Personally, I believe the best thing to do is stay in Flores and then in Tikal itself for a couple of nights. Otherwise, if you don’t have the time, I would stay in Flores and do a day trip including a sunrise tour.

Q: How far is Tikal from Flores?
A: 65 km (40 miles) / 1.5–2 hours in a car or shuttle bus, or, 2-2.5 hours in a public bus.

Q: Can I visit Tikal as a day trip from Belize?
A: Yes absolutely. The best place to do this from is From San Ignacio: Tikal Maya Site Day-Trip or from Belize city you can go on this Tikal day tour from Belize City. Read more about San Ignacio here.

Q: Is one day enough for Tikal?
A: It is enough to see the highlights, but if you want to explore in-depth 2 or 3 days is better.

Q: What is the best time to visit Tikal?
A: During the dry season from November to April, and in the early morning and late evening.

Q: Can you climb the temples at Tikal?
A: You can ‘climb’ some of the temples – but not all. It is very clearly signposted. When you can climb the temples, there are actually staircases beside the temples with access to the tops – this helps preserve the ruins. So its not exactly climbing the temples, but you can go to the top and sit up on them taking in the views. It is definitely a major highlight to look out over the vast expanse of jungle the ruins are dotted through.

The temples you can ‘climb’ are: Temple II, Temple IV and the Lost World Pyramid (Mundo Perdido)

Q: Is Tikal safe for tourists?
A: Yes, it is very safe to visit. The main concern you should have is to not wander off the pathways and get lost. People have gone missing here – not through foul play but purely by getting lost in the jungle (an American in 2023 and a German in 2022). Don’t worry the paths are well-marked and obvious despite this having happened. But do make sure you take a map, and its a good idea to download a digital one before you get there as well.

Q: What animals can you see at Tikal?
A: I saw howler monkeys, spider monkeys, ocellated turkeys, toucans, coatis, agoutis, lizards, parrots and macaws. I did not see, but you might, deer, jaguars (very unlikely but possible), snakes (also unlikely), or motmots.

Q: Which is better: Tikal or Chichén Itzá?
A: I have been to both, but think Tikal is more interesting with the jungle and wildlife. It was more memorable to me.

Q: What is the most impressive temple in Tikal?
A: Temple IV is probably the most impressive – it is the tallest temple in Tikal (65 meters or 213 feet) and from it you have the iconic view of distant temple tops emerging from an endless jungle canopy. But a lot of people think Temple I is the most beautiful! Definitely go to both!

Q: Can I get food and drink in Tikal?
A: There are a handful of cafes just outside the entrance to the Tikal monument area. They sell basic foods and a couple of places you can buy snacks within the grounds. You must use cash – and the prices are higher than normal as you would expect! There are also more overpriced eateries on the access road to the park.

Q: Are there bathrooms in Tikal?
A: There are some (free) bathrooms in Tikal National Park but they are few and far between. Check on your map and use them if you are nearby even if you don’t really need to yet! They can be tricky to find if you need one right now!

Important travel tips for visiting Tikal

Bring your passport or you might be denied entry. We definitely had to show ours.
Bring cash! If you’re planning to buy your entrance tickets at the park, or buy at any of the small kiosks and restaurants just outside the park entrance you will need cash! There are no ATMs in the park.
Book sunrise tours in advance – they do book out.
Start early – especially good for the wildlife and less crowds!
Stay at the park so you can start early / finish late. This way you also get the most peaceful parts of the day and can explore the likes of Temple IV alone like we did!
If you arrive the afternoon before the day you plan to visit Tikal, and buy a ticket after 3pm it is valid for the next day. So you get to have three great quiet hours in the evening for free! That’s a great bonus.
Bring at least some of your own food and drink if you can. Definitely bring a full water bottle.
Bring mosquito repellent!
Wear breathable clothing if you have it – expect heat and humidity.
Bring a rain coat / jacket at any time of year but definitely in the wet season.
Wear runners / trail shoes. It can get very mucky and slippery in parts. Obviously more so in the wet season.
Bring sunscreen!
You don’t need to buy a map – take a photo of the map at the entrance. And definitely download the AllTrails maps first– we found them very helpful.
Try and avoid Sundays. Entrance is free for locals on Sundays, which is absolutely great, but means more people. I would avoid Sunday if possible.
No drones! Don’t bring your drone – they are absolutely not allowed.