Tikal: Day Trips and Tours from Guatemala City

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tikal National Park is located in the one-million-hectare Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala. Lying 302 kilometers north of Guatemala City, Tikal is a site of immense cultural importance.

A tour to Tikal from Guatemala City is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the ancient Mayans.

You will find below all you need to know about Tikal, one of the best destinations for day trips from Guatemala City.

How to get to Tikal from Guatemala City?

Tikal National Park is located in the north of Guatemala and can be reached by road or air.

From Guatemala City to Tikal by road

Although Tikal is just over 300 kilometers from Guatemala City, the trip by road traverses over 500 kilometers. You can travel to Tikal via the CA-9 or the CA-14. You can see the sights of Tikal in one day, but you will need to book overnight accommodation for 2-3 nights if you choose to drive as the traveling time is between 9 and 11 hours one way.

From Guatemala City to Tikal by air

The best way to get to Tikal is by scenic flight, after which you will be driven to the national park for a tour with an expert guide. You can either choose to return on the same day or to overnight and return to Guatemala City the following day.

Guided tour to Tikal from Guatemala City

Most guided tours are multi-day journeys and include several other places of interest in the itinerary. You will join a small group and guide and travel by air, minibus, and even boat on your tour. If you would prefer not to join a group, some tours can be booked for 2 people only, and some tours have the option to upgrade to a private tour.

How much does the entrance ticket to Tikal cost?

Entrance to the Tikal National Park costs 150 Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ), equating to about US$20. Children under 12 can enter free of charge.

If you also visit Uaxactun, you will need to pay an additional 50 GTQ (US$10).

If you book a sunrise tour and enter the park before 6 AM, the price is 250 GTQ (US$35), and if you only enter the park after 3 PM, your ticket will be valid the following day.

What is a typical day tour itinerary to the Tikal from Guatemala City?

On a single-day tour to Tikal, you can expect to be collected early in the morning by your guide for your transfer to the airport. On your scenic flight, you will be able to appreciate the lush greenery of Guatemala before landing at Flores airport.

You will be driven to Tikal National Park, where your guide will direct you through the main highlights of Tikal, including the Central Acropolis, the maze of courtyards and multiple small temples and pyramid complexes.

After lunch in the park, you will have some time to explore at leisure before returning to Flores airport for your flight back to Guatemala City.

If you have chosen a two-day tour or are visiting both Tikal and Yahxa, you will overnight at a hotel close to Tikal and travel by road to Yahxa the following day. After touring Yaxha, you will return via road and air to Guatemala City.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Tikal?

Small-group tours, including flights between Guatemala City and Flores airport near Tikal, are the most convenient and time-effective way of visiting Tikal. You can also decide to participate in a private tour or a multi-day tour that includes other significant sites in Guatemala.

Small group guided tours to Tikal from Guatemala City

Small group guided day tours from Guatemala City to Tikal accommodate between 6 and 15 participants, although some of these tours can also be booked on a private basis for a surcharge. You are collected from your hotel for your flight to Flores, and your knowledgeable local guide will accompany you for the duration of your tour.

Day trip to Tikal with zipline adventure

On this tour, up to 15 participants visit Tikal with an expert guide before climbing into the jungle canopy and ziplining a 1.3-kilometer stretch of the Petenera jungle surrounding Tikal. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you on your flight from Guatemala City and back again.

Private tour to Tikal from Guatemala City

A private day trip with a guide is ideal if you would like to have your guide’s expertise to yourself. Some standard tours can be upgraded to private tours, and others are offered exclusively on a private basis. Most private tours need a minimum of two confirmed guests to operate.

Guatemala City to Tikal combined tour

You can choose to combine your journey to Tikal with several other natural attractions or culturally significant sites such as Yaxha, Lake Atitlan, Pacaya Volcano and Antigua. These multi-day tours combine air and road travel in the company of an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

How much does a tour to Tikal from Guatemala City cost?

Small group guided tours from Guatemala City to Tikal include a return flight and start at US$320 per person for a day tour, including entrance fees and lunch in the park, and US$530 for a 2-day tour, including lunch on both days and overnight accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.

A day trip including ziplining starts at US$520 per person and includes lunch, entrance fees and the ziplining experience.

Private full-day tours to Tikal start from US$500 per person, with a minimum cost of US$1000. This price includes private airport transfers, airfares, entrance fees, lunch in the park as well as the service of a private guide.

What will you see and do on a Tikal day trip from Guatemala City?

Tours from Guatemala City to Tikal start with a flight to Flores airport. Apart from the scenic flight over the Peten forests, most tours will include spending time at these temples:

The Temples

Temple I is a typical Petén-styled limestone stepped pyramid dating back to around 732 AD. It is located on the Grand Plaza and is known as the Temple of the Gran Jaguar because a lintel represents a king sitting on a jaguar throne. Temple I is the burial site of Jasaw Chan K’awiil I, one of the great rulers of the Mayan people.

Temple II is situated opposite Temple I and was built during the Late Classic Period. The Temple is known as Los Mascarones or Temple of the Masks because of the enormous stone masks guarding its doorway and is one of the best restored of the Tikal temples.

Temple III is the Temple of the Jaguar Priest and was built around 810 AD. Standing 55 meters high, this Temple is thought to be the funerary home of King Dark Sun.

Temple IV was one of the Mayan world’s tallest buildings. Standing 65 meters high, it provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The walk to the summit using wooden stairs is tiring but worthwhile.

Temple V stands 57 meters high and is the second tallest pre-colonial American structure after Temple IV.

Temple VI is the Temple of Inscriptions and was only discovered in 1951. It is recognizable by its 12-meter-high roof comb.

When is the Tikal National Park open over the year?

The Tikal National Park is open throughout the year.

What are the opening times?

The Tikal National Park is open from 6 AM to 5 PM daily. The Tikal Museums allow entry daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.

When is the best time to visit the Tikal?

The best time to visit Tikal is during the less humid dry season, especially for those not used to a tropical climate. This period is from October to May.

Are there any tours to Tikal from other cities in Guatemala?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Guatemala:

• Day Trips to Tikal from Antigua Guatemala
• Day Trips to Tikal from San Ignacio

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring plenty of bottled water with you.
• Remember a hat and sunscreen.
• There are no ATM’s in Tikal, so make sure you bring sufficient cash along.
• Pack insect repellent.