Tikal Ruins (Flores) – Travel Guide
The Tikal Ruins, located near Flores in the dense jungles of northern Guatemala, are one of the most impressive and well-preserved archaeological sites of the ancient Mayan civilization. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features towering pyramids, grand plazas, and ancient temples rising above the forest canopy. Temple IV, the tallest structure, offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. Visitors can explore complex structures like the Great Jaguar Temple and the Central Acropolis while spotting exotic wildlife, including toucans and howler monkeys. Sunrise tours provide a mystical experience as the mist lifts over the ruins.
All about Tikal Ruins (Flores)
Getting around Tikal Ruins (Flores)
Getting to Flores
Flores and Tikal sit way up north near the border of Mexico and Belize. You have a few options if you have not booked a transfer with us. The quickest and easiest way to get to Flores is by air from Guatemala City. The Mundo Maya International Airport currently only receives domestic flights from the city, so even if you are flying from outside Guatemala, you’ll first need to fly to Guatemala City and then transit to a domestic flight. There are multiple daily flights that fly into the Mundo Maya International Airport.
Coming from southern Guatemala, a coach bus is an option. It typically departs at night, but there is a day option if you’d prefer not to travel at night. This is a very common route and it is considered safe. The bus departs from Guatemala City, but it’s possible to come from Antigua or even Lake Atitlan during the day to connect with the night bus. It usually takes around 9 – 10 hours. The bus is run by Maya de Oro, and you can book via GuateGo.
The primary method of transport around Guatemala is by shuttle. Tourist shuttles ferry tourists from point A to point B in squished minivans. If you are anywhere in southern Guatemala, like Antigua, Guatemala City, or Lake Atitlan and going directly to Flores, this is an option. However, be prepared for a long and stuffy ride.
By Walking
If you’re staying on Flores Island you can walk pretty much everywhere. It’s a tiny place, and everything is within close distance.
By Tuk-Tuk / Moto Taxi
If you need to get a bit further, such as to Santa Elena on the mainland where eyou’ll find the bus terminal, shopping center, etc., you can use a tuk-tuk (aka moto taxis). They are all over the island, just negotiate a price before you take off. Short trips usually cost between 10 – 50 Q.
By Water Taxi
Being an island, water taxis or lanchas, the local wooden boats, are a common way to get around in Flores. A lot of attractions are on the San Miguel peninsula, which although does have road access, boats are the quickest way to get there. Just walk to the waterfront on the island and look for a captain hanging out on his boat. There is a fixed price for trips to San Miguel village, but anything else is negotiable.
By Tours
For activities outside of the island such as Tikal and other ruins, tours are the most common way to get there. This offers straightforward transport to and from your destination and the cost is inexpensive.
By Bus
The local buses around Flores are collectives (minivans). They offer a good network of connections, however, there is a lot of scamming that happens with tourists. Many of the collective guys will try to persuade you onto tourist shuttles instead of local ones that are much higher priced. In many cases, taking a tour is actually cheaper than using the collectives, unless you are lucky enough to get charged the local price.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
Tikal Ruins (Flores) FAQ
Where is Tikal located in Guatemala and what is it known for?
Located in the northeast of Guatemala, Tikal is a huge archeological site, a national park, that covers an area of 220 sq miles and is home to over 3,000 structures.
The name Tikal was given to the site by archaeologists when it was discovered and it means ‘the place of voices’ in the Itza Maya language. Another interpretation of the meaning of Tikal is ‘at the waterhole’. There are many Mayan sites in Guatemala but Tikal is the most impressive. It was one of the most important cities of the Mayan world. With its ancient ruins, lush rainforest teeming with wildlife, and the mystical aura that fills the air, Tikal is a place that will leave you awestruck.
Tikal is a part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, which was created to protect the rainforests of northern Guatemala.
How do I get to Tikal?
Tikal is situated in a remote area in northern Guatemala, close to the border with Belize and Mexico, however, it is not overly complicated to get to. From Flores, the gateway town to the Mayan city of Tikal, it is 40 miles from the park. Flores has its own airport, Mundo Maya International Airport, which receives several flights per day from Guatemala City. The flight takes just one hour.
From Flores, you can get to Tikal by taking a shuttle bus, joining a tour, or driving there yourself.
Is Tikal safe?
Yes, Tikal is very safe to visit. It’s probably one of the safest places to visit in Guatemala. The main thing to be aware of regarding safety is that you shouldn’t wander off the beaten path into the thick jungle without a guide. It’s easy to get lost in the forest if you venture off the trail and unfortunately, there have been some cases where tourists went missing in Tikal.
How do I get around the Tikal Ruins?
Getting around Tikal is very straightforward, as the temples are linked by walking paths. If you don’t go on a tour, we recommend purchasing a map or taking a photo of the site map on your phone as you enter the park.
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How many days should I spend in Tikal?
We recommend spending at least two days in Tikal. The park is huge, and there’s so much to see. It is possible to spend only a day, but this only scratches the surface of what this magnificent site has to offer. Every visit to the park offers something new to discover – a hidden pyramid buried under vegetation, a wild animal wandering around the forest or a new trail to be explored.
Can you climb the Mayan ruins of Tikal?
Yes, you are allowed to climb some of the Mayan pyramids in Tikal. Just pay attention to the signs in front of each temple that indicate whether you’re allowed to climb it or not. They are both for your safety and to preserve the fragile ruins.
Some of the temples have a lot of steps to reach the top, however, it’s a wonderful experience and one of the best things to do in Tikal. You’ll get to enjoy fabulous views of the ruins and the seemingly endless jungle around you.
When is the best time to visit?
Guatemala has two distinct seasons – rainy and dry. The cooler, dry season of the region is from December to February, making this the best time to visit Tikal ruins. The rainy season is from April to November.
While the weather in Tikal is hot and humid throughout the year, the rainy season brings daily long showers, which is not ideal as you’ll be outside the entire time. Christmas and Easter are the busiest times of the year when accommodation prices are likely to be higher.
If you want to try and avoid the heat, the best time to visit Tikal is from November to February when the weather is slightly cooler. Also, avoid the midday heat by visiting the site early in the morning or late in the afternoon before the park closes.
On Sundays, locals have free access to the Tikal ruins so you can expect to see slightly bigger crowds.
I don’t speak Spanish. Will many people speak English?
The official language of Guatemala is Spanish, and it is of course, widely spoken in Antigua. However, a lot of people do speak English as it is such a cosmopolitan tourist town. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and be able to talk and interact with local people, you should be able to speak some Spanish. We recommend you get a good guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me, and numbers 1-10.
Do you need a guide to visit Tikal?
While technically you can visit the Tikal Ruins without a guide, most people strongly recommend hiring a guide as the park is vast, lacks clear signage, and a guide can provide valuable insights into the Mayan history and culture that you might miss otherwise.
You can also plan to do both – explore with a guide and without. For example, you could take a guided Tikal tour and then stay in the park after your tour to explore independently. Or you could explore the park on your own during the day and then take a guided sunset tour. Or do a guided tour one day and explore on your own the next day. By combining these options, you’ll get valuable information about the history of Tikal from your guide but also have the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit any part of the park you want.
What is the best area to stay when visiting Tikal?
Most people who visit Tikal stay in the town of Flores, 40 miles from the ruins. There’s a variety of accommodation options to choose from in the town and Tikal is only around a 1.5 hour drive away by shuttle bus.
Alternatively, another place to visit Tikal is San Ignacio just across the border in Belize. If you are visiting Belize and just want to make a day trip to Tikal, there are plenty of tours to do this. But keep in mind that everything is much more expensive in Belize and the tour from here will cost more per person.
There is also the option to stay in a hotel inside Tikal National Park. There are three hotels in the park and they are all located just a short walk from the Tikal ruins.
What should I take with me to Tikal?
You will most likely be gone for most of the day so with that in mind we suggest you take these things with you:
-Plenty of water
-Sunscreen
-Mosquito repellent
-A packed lunch with some extra snacks
-Passport or ID – this is required when you buy your entrance ticket – pictures are accepted
-Cash, since card payments are not accepted
-Sturdy shoes – the stones can be slippery and you’ll be doing a lot of walking
-Camera
-Breathable clothing because it’s very hot and humid
-Map – If you’re visiting Tikal without a guide, be sure to have a map with you
It’s worth noting that plastic bags are not allowed into Tikal. There are no restaurants inside the park but there are a few just outside the park entrance.
What is the difference between a sunrise or sunset tour?
The sunrise tours usually depart around 3 am from Flores or 4 am if you’re staying at a hotel in Tikal. This tour will allow you to enter the park and scale one of the temples, right in time to watch the sunrise over the jungle. It’s also a great time to get to the park before the crowds arrive and experience seeing the forest come to life as all the wildlife starts to wake up and the mist rises. Alternatively, the sunset tours depart in the early afternoon to explore the park and end with a sunset.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
Guatemala’s emergency medical services can be reached by dialing 110 or 122, but response times may vary. Tourist Police, dial 1500 if you need help navigating medical services as a traveler.
Flores has small clinics and healthcare facilities, however, for advanced care, you may need to travel to Santa Elena (near Flores) or Guatemala City. Some recommended clinics/hospitals near Flores:
-Centro de Salud de Flores: A public health center.
-Clinica Médica Los Angeles: A private clinic in Santa Elena, which is nearby.
Top Attractions
Tikal National Park
Only about an hour drive from Flores, hidden in the jungle, you`ll find the Tikal National Park.
Templo del Gran Jaguar
Is a limestone-stepped pyramid with a roof comb that reaches 154 feet and was finished around 732 AD.
The Famed Ruins of Tikal
Set in a high canopy jungle, the site encompasses at least 3,000 buildings, including a handful of impressively tall temples that loom above the forest.
Temple IV
Ascend the wooden stairs to the top of this 212-foot structure, the highest in Tikal, for a magnificent view of the jungle below.
Unique Experiences
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Day Trip to Tikal Maya Ruins: Travel back in time as you follow your guide through the remarkable ceremonial center, where weathered stelae, sweeping plazas and imposing temples tell dramatic stories about this ancient civilization.
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Tikal Small Group all Included From Flores: Follow your guide on an immersive journey through the UNESCO listed Mayan Ruins to go beyond what you get in a typical group tour. You set the pace and are are free to ask as many questions as you like.
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What to expect while traveling
