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Belize to Tikal Day Trip: 17 Important Tips for Your Guatemala Day Tours

Last Updated: December 26, 2023 //  by  Ashley Smith 21 Comments

While planning my trip to Belize, it just so happened that a Belize to Tikal day trip came highly recommended. And if one of the top things to do in Belize is “go to Guatemala,” who was I to argue?

After all, flashing my passport is one of my favorite pastimes. Obviously, I jump at any chance to use it, especially when said chance involves exploring ancient ruins of mysterious origin.

The Maya ruins of Tikal National Park are an incredible side trip that’s not too far from Belize at all—just a 2-hour drive from our amazing jungle lodge outside San Ignacio. This ancient city is located in the rainforests of Guatemala and is one of the largest archaeological sites of pre-Columbian Maya civilization. It’s a can’t-miss if you’re in Central America.

When you’re ready to check out this amazing ancient city, here are 17 important tips for your Belize to Tikal day trip.

Table of Contents

1. Know your Belize to Tikal day trip will be a cinch

If you’re worried that crossing a border simply for a Belize to Tikal day trip will be too much of a hassle, think again. The whole Guatemala day tour process is both quick and easy.

Problem is, you’re probably judging all border crossings based on your experiences at LAX or Miami International. Not every customs line resembles the sidewalk outside a Best Buy on Black Friday.

Instead, it’s as simple as driving the lonely roads from your hotel in Belize to the Guatemalan border, walking through passport control, then getting in another vehicle on the other side and onto Tikal. Okay, that seems weird, but I’ll cover it.

And because you’re simply taking a Belize to Tikal day trip, there isn’t luggage to claim and check or a lot of paperwork. And, if you hire a great guide like we did, he or she will take care of all the nitty gritty for you and all you have to do is vaguely match your passport photo.

All this to say, don’t let the fact that you have to “cross a border” or “go into an entirely different country” deter you from heading from Belize to Tikal. It really is an incredible day trip!

2. Don’t forget your passport

I know bringing your passport to cross a border seems like a given, but so does not using the toaster in the bathtub yet we must still be reminded not to.

Judging by the number of times I was reminded to bring my passport for my Belize to Tikal day tour, I assume forgetting it is a common occurrence.

Personally, I was staying at the (amazing) Black Rock Lodge in nearby San Ignacio, a 45-minute drive from the Belize-Guatemala border. That’s still a long time if you have to turn around to go get your passport.

But many people take their Belize to Tikal day trip from Belize City or other areas in the eastern part of the country. That’s a 3-hour drive at least. If you forget your passport, consider your Tikal trip null and void.

Don’t forget your passport!

3. Don’t question the weird border policies

For someone who is telling you not to question the border control policies, I sure did ask a lot of questions. (I’m basically the neighbor’s kid from Home Alone though I prefer to call myself “passionately curious.”)

Remember when I said the Belize-Guatemala border crossing was a piece of cake? I wasn’t lying, but I also wasn’t being completely transparent. We had help. Not that we couldn’t have handled it ourselves—neither of us has ever brought a toaster to a pool party.

Our plan for our Belize to Tikal day trip came to fruition around 9:00 pm the previous night. We told the manager at Black Rock Lodge we wanted to visit Tikal and she responded, “Meet here at 7 am. Oh, and don’t forget your passport!”

That, I knew. But what I didn’t know was that we would have a Lodge-appointed escort for the entire day, a Guatemalan driver (in a brand new, air conditioned van), and a private tour guide we would pick up somewhere along the way.

Our escort from Black Rock Lodge, Victor, handled everything for us. At the border, he exchanged money for us, took our passports and did the whole shebang while I chatted with a tourism agent, and even gave me a dollar of his own to use the restroom. And I repaid him by asking a thousand and one questions about border control policies.

(Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about the quality and benefits of staying at Black Rock Lodge in Belize . Click that link for everything you need to know about staying at this spectacular eco-resort in the jungle!)

Belize-Guatemala border control policies

Here are some of the questions I asked at the border that you will undoubtedly also have, and the answers given by my guide.

This is not your typical border crossing but that’s what makes it (and traveling as a whole) so wonderful. It may be different than what you’re used to, but it works.

Can you drive from Belize to Tikal?

Yes, but it’s complicated. We can’t just drive across the border? No. So you’re telling me we have to park our car in Belize, walk across the border, then have someone pick us up in Guatemala, in another car? Yes.

Well, what if I didn’t have a guide and wanted to go to Tikal by myself? There is only one rental car company in Belize that is allowed to cross the border. They have a license.

For the record, if you did have a car while in Belize and want to just drive to the Guatemala border (or take a taxi), Viator offers a Tikal day tour that picks you up at the border and continues the trip. So you can just park your car at the border and pick it back up when you’re done.

Where to exchange money for your Belize to Tikal trip

Where is the currency exchange? See that man walking around the parking lot with the envelop and huge wad of cash? He will exchange it. He has a license.

Belize-Guatemala border car washes

Are those car washes? Yes. Cars crossing the border must be sprayed with chemicals to ensure stuff doesn’t cross the border. Don’t walk through the car washes! (See also: stuff that should be a given but that we still need to be reminded of.)

Side note: Border control does know about wind, right? How it can carry stuff wherever it damn well pleases? Ok just checking.

Belize-Guatemala passport control

Why don’t you (our guide) have to show your passport to get from Belize to Tikal? I am tourism. I have a license. (Read: He makes this trip multiple times a week—his passport would have to look like a phonebook to hold all the coming and going passport stamps. So they make exceptions for tourism workers.)

Belize is a British Commonwealth

Why does that sign (at the Belize-Guatemala border) say “Welcome Prince Harry?” Because the Queen is too old to visit.

There you go. I hope I’ve preemptively answered some of your Belize to Tikal border crossing questions.

Tikal National Park wasn’t the only thing that surprised me on my Belize trip. Check out the many other things that shocked me on this trip!

4. Embrace the drive on your Belize to Tikal day trip

Traveling the world, you can learn a lot about a culture as a passenger in a vehicle. This is actually one of my favorite cultural learning experiences now.

Riding through Guatemala I learned proper etiquette is to drive on whichever side of the street has the fewest potholes. Sometimes it’s both, simultaneously, regardless of the size of the truck coming directly at you.

Luckily, the driver we picked up at the Guatemalan border promptly let us know he had a PhD—a degree in Pothole Diversion. Obviously, our Belize to Tikal day trip was THE FUNNEST.

Along the route to Tikal we saw beautiful mountains next to beautiful lakes, beautiful people in their beautiful houses with their beautiful ponies. Guatemala is just so pretty. We even saw a snake standing up in the middle of the street.

If you had been asleep, you would have missed that! On so many trips I’ve been with people who sleep on the bus or train rides and I just can’t understand it.

We may not be exploring the major cities, but it’s what is in between them that is so fascinating—everyday life! Beautiful scenery! Stuff you’ve never seen before. Sleep when you get home.

5. Prepare for intense sun and heat

When I envisioned visiting Tikal and acting out scenes from Indiana Jones , the Nazi face-melting scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but here we are. You’ll understand when you get my Christmas card this year and it’s just a picture of a skeleton holding a Belikin.

If you visit in the summer as I did, you can expect ungodly high temperatures and smothering humidity levels. However, the sun is not your enemy here. Your own denial is.

The last thing I remember saying before my skin ran down and puddled in my shoes is, “I don’t know how much we’re going to be in the sun. I mean, Tikal is in the jungle. I think we’ll be under trees most of the time.”

Ladies and gentlemen, that was a stupid assumption to make. Even Indiana Jones wore a hat. As someone who took an archaeology class in college once, here are my tips:

Dress appropriately

Dress like you’re going to the hottest place you can conceive. You’ll actually be in the sun a lot more than you’d expect. And yes, there are trees. But while they provide shade, they actually prevent airflow. Understatement of the year: You’re going to sweat an unholy amount on your Belize to Tikal day trip. Here’s what you need to bring to Belize to wear to Tikal.

Wear sunscreen

Whatever SPF you normally use, double it. Unless you use SPF 8, then you’re going to want to at least square that.

Also, bring the bottle with you. That stuff only lasts like, what? 2 hours during swimming and sweaty activities? You’ll need to reapply often .

Wear the right shoes

Wear hiking shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of intense climbing (in the sun) on uneven, millennias-old structures with little support. And when you’re on the ground, you’ll be hiking through jungle terrain.

Hiking boots and socks will be way to hot and gross for this trip. Instead, I swear by Keens–breathable hiking sandals that are also incredibly sturdy and comfortable. (Bonus: They’re also the perfect , must-have shoe for touring the ATM cave !) Buy them here on Amazon or here on Zappos .

Bring a refillable bottle of water … and then another as a backup. Per person. This will get you through the first hour of your Belize to Tikal day trip if you ration.

Thankfully, you can buy water there and, more realistically, beer at the halfway point of your tour. Make sure you have extra quetzals on hand so you can hydrate your ass off. You will need it like you’ve never needed water before.

Another top tip is to bring some rehydration powder for when you’re able to find water. I personally bring Liquid IV packets everywhere I go. ( Açai berry is my favorite flavor.)

Bring snacks

Trail mix, Clif bars, a banana, whatever you prefer to replenish the energy you’re going to lose mock-escaping a temple in a mine cart with Short Round, played begrudgingly by your husband as Big Sexy. Just don’t bring things that will melt.

Pack all the right stuff

To help with making sure you bring the right stuff with you, read my eye-opening post on What to Pack for Belize (+ Guatemala) .

Belize Packing List

6. hire a private tour guide for your belize to tikal day trip.

Our day trip to Tikal without our guide Aquilino would have been one hell of a half-assed learning experience. I can walk around and look at broken buildings any time I want—but I want information .

I want this UNESCO World Heritage site to come alive. And I want to learn! But I want someone to lead me around and tell me all the good stuff because it’s like super hot out.

When our guide Victor met us at 7 am we told him we wanted a tour guide for Tikal—and so exhausts my knowledge on where Aquilino came from.

We stopped at a rest stop somewhere on the side of a Guatemalan dirt road for coffee and when we got back in the van, there he was. And he was the BEST. I don’t think anyone in Guatemala knows or cares more about Maya culture and history (and native wildlife and plants) than Aquilino.

Hiring a tour guide has so many benefits

Maybe you already know a little about the Maya. Maybe you’re like me and the only thing you know is that the world was supposed to end in 2012? Now, thanks to Aquilino, I know everything .

Even that the allspice in my cabinet is a kind of pepper made from the fruits of the Pimenta tree, not actually a jar with all the spices . I smelled some right there on the tree; I’m afraid we’ve been misled this whole time.

That being said, Tikal isn’t really a do-it-yourself kind of destination. There is almost no signage or informational placards around the park so unless you just want a really good workout and to not learn anything :

• Hire a guide – Talk to your lodging, they should be able to recommend someone.
• Join one of the available Guatemala day tours that includes knowledgeable Tikal tour guides
• Or stay at Black Rock Lodge and follow in my footsteps

Book your stay at Black Rock Lodge here.

7. Visit during the low season

The Central American low season goes from May to December. Gee, I wonder why. *thermometer explodes*

Maybe I’ve just been traveling around Europe too long, but I expect the crowds at top tourist destinations to look mostly like the pages of a Where’s Waldo book. But what I got on my Belize to Tikal day trip was this massive archaeological site nearly to myself.

I saw literally about a handful of other people during my entire day and two of those people were friends we’d made at Black Rock Lodge. What a refreshing change this was!

Our Tikal day tour was the complete opposite of visiting [insert any major European city here] in the summer and all the shoving, spitting, corralling, pickpocketing, and getting sweat on, harassed, knocked down that’s inevitably associated.

We had the park virtually to ourselves where we could move freely, get great photos, and enjoy a quiet day in this ancient space. Plus, summer is baby monkey season!

8. Prepare for a workout on your Belize to Tikal day trip

Don’t assume your Belize to Tikal day trip will be a leisurely walk in the park. I mean, don’t get me wrong, you will be walking… in a park. But it’s going to be exhausting. Physically, mentally, cosmetically.

To illustrate, here’s a photo of me taken just after our day at Tikal:

Yup, I died. I’m just flat out dead and the vultures have come to consume my body. (Shout out to Victor for asking if I wanted to pull over to take pictures of some birds eating a dead cow and not thinking any single bit of that was weird.)

You can thank the heat and humidity for a lot of the exhaustion you’ll experience on your Tikal day tour. However, you’ll actually exert way more physical energy than you expected.

This site is enormous and spread out and covered with incredibly tall structures. All of which you’ll climb. The Tikal temples are about 150 feet high and you’ll have to climb the most awkward steps to get up there.

You’ll be up and down and up and down all day—definitely wear your Fitbit, you deserve credit for this. The reward is that at the top of these towers are the best breezes in Guatemala.  

9. Climb all the towers

Yes, all of them. There are so many—all different heights, meaning, design. Yes, climbing them is a lot of work and descending them is even harder.

But not only are the views up here spectacular, this is also where all the good air is. The gods have been bogarting the breeze! See, that’s what happens when you’re “under trees most of the time.”

From the tops of the towers, you can see much of the entire park and the temples poking up through the trees. You can pretend you’re a scout on Yavin 4 watching the Millenium Falcon come in for a landing. (OK Harrison Ford is way more prevalent in my Belize to Tikal experience than I expected.)

Up at the top, you can get a more intimate view of these ancient temples, how they were used, and develop a new appreciation for their construction thousands of years ago. If you are physically able, I highly recommend climbing all the towers you can.

10. But stay away from the edges

For the love of gods, don’t get so close to the edge. Watching people get their photos taken at the top of Temple IV is enough to make anyone’s heart race with the same intensity as when you lean too far back in your office chair.

With only about three feet of standing room up there and no rails whatsoever, you’re actually risking your life taking that selfie. That is a legit, serious statement.

Honestly though, just because you’re allowed to climb the towers doesn’t mean they have made any kind of effort to protect your life. This is not the US; there are no waivers involved, no protective barriers; your life is in your own hands.

Climb if you can, but climb at your risk. Pay constant attention to your surroundings and your footing. Be careful up there, for crying out loud.

11. Try the local beer while you’re here

You’ve earned it! It’ll seep right outta your pores in record time, but you still earned the act of drinking a beer in the jungle.

I always recommend drinking local when you travel and Gallo is actually a really egg-cellent beer. Definitely worth a break to try this cock-a-doodle-brew. Gallo is Guatemala’s oldest and most famous beer and I love it because of its distinct German-ness.

And if you still want to try Gallo but simply can’t fathom drinking alcohol in those conditions, you can find it labeled as “Famosa” here in the US.

12. Remember this is still an active Maya ritual site

Oh, you thought the Maya disappeared thousands of years ago? Never to be heard from again? I guess it’s time I let you in on a little secret: the Maya are still around. They’re still people, guys. You’ve just been looking in all the wrong places.

In 1996 the Maya people were given the right to once again worship in their ancient sites however they pleased.

Here at Tikal, major festivals and casual Sundays are devoted to practicing their rituals and ceremonies and there’s even a not-at-all-unreasonable anti-Columbus day. The Maya—back with a vengeance!

I make jokes here but, when visiting, remember this is still an active worship site and should be treated with respect.

13. Remember Tikal is located in a thriving jungle

Your Belize to Tikal day trip is just as much about wildlife as it is ancient life. As much about monkeys as it monuments. As much about roots as it is ruins.

Don’t be shocked when a toucan flies right past you or when a monkey swings from a tree ten feet from where you’re standing. Or when a tarantula crawls up your leg while you’re scrolling through pictures on your phone. Seriously, just be cool.

As you can imagine, this was one of my favorite aspects of my day trip to Tikal. Seeing how the jungle has completely overtaken this one prominent metropolis leaves you with the same sense of wonder and imagination as when you first played Jumanji and then had to live alone in the jungle for 26 years. Man, those were good times.

Because Tikal is located in such a thriving natural environment, remember to conduct yourself accordingly:

• Don’t feed the animals – Seriously, the coatis will try to manipulate you out of the snacks you brought. Don’t fall for their cuteness, it’s seriously damaging.
• Leave only footprints, take your trash with you.
• Don’t touch or harass the animals in any way.
• Bring a zoom lens so you can get great wildlife photos from afar. (I imagine you do not want to get too close to a mama monkey and her babies.)
• Remember, you’re in their house now.
• And I know you would never do this, but please don’t carve your name into any trees.

14. Pay attention to the trees

When you hear sounds in the trees, don’t assume it’s just a couple of squirrels chasing each other. That is so North American of you. Here at Tikal, it could be anything .

And you know what? It’s probably a kickass monkey. Holding a baby monkey. With a group of other monkeys.

I just want the record to show that this mama monkey is carrying a baby on her back, while pregnant, and hanging upside down from a tree limb by her tail to get food. Anyone who says humans are the superior species is out of their minds.

On your Belize to Tikal day trip you can expect to see howler monkeys (the bigger black ones), spider monkeys (the skinnier black/brown ones), and lots of babies of both! You’ll see toucans and coatis galore. Bats, lizards, and all kinds of other jungle critters. Just remember to always keep your eyes to the trees!

15. Visit the Star Wars Tikal site

If you’re a Star Wars fan, then you probably already know that Tikal was the filming location for Yavin 4, the jungle-covered fourth moon orbiting the gas giant Yavin, a rebel base. If not, you can find this scene in Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope .

It’s a super short scene, but still very cool that you can visit a filming location from such a famous franchise. Aquilino explained to us that George Lucas heard about the site and made the trip all the way to Guatemala to film the five-second scene.

This was back in the mid-1970s, a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away when Tikal was still a fledgling archaeological site and not yet open to the public.

To get the same view as in the movie, you’ll want to climb to the top of Temple IV (that should be easy to remember). Templo IV, Yavin 4, Star Wars Episode IV.

You can also see Yavin in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story . However, by this point we have CGI so it doesn’t look all that much like Tikal anymore.

16. Eat at the on-site restaurant for lunch

There is an on-site restaurant at Tikal and it’s a great place to sit down, relax, and replenish during your Belize to Tikal day trip. You’ll need the break; don’t be a hero.

In true Ashley fashion, I recommend the fried chicken and fries. And the homemade limeade. Victor said it was thirst-quenching; I said, “GIMME!” Also good: the fajitas and a Gallo. It really is an eggs-quisite beer. Chicks love it.

17. Plan on spending more time in Guatemala

We dropped Aquilino off at the same rest stop where we found him on the way back to Belize, now knowing the beauty and history of his country. He schooled my husband on all the different types of Guatemalan liquor at the gift shop and, against all advice, he still purchased the stuff called “fire water.”

A Belize to Tikal day trip is a must-do if you’re visiting Belize, but one day in Guatemala is not enough. There is so much more to see and experience in this country that touches both the Pacific and the Caribbean.

It’s home to natural beauty, volcanoes, rainforests, and countless more ancient sites to explore. There are beautiful cities and amazing food. Definitely plan on spending more time in Guatemala in the future. In the meantime, here are some great Guatemala day tours for when you only have time for a Belize to Tikal day trip.

Guatemala Day Tours: Belize to Tikal

When you only have enough time for a Belize to Tikal day trip, check out this list of great Guatemala day tours.

Belize to Tikal Day Trip with Local Lunch from San Ignacio

This highly-rated full-day tour takes you from San Ignacio, Belize to Tikal National Park in a comfortable coach. It includes lunch and your very own local tour guide.

They'll take you through the park to give you all the ancient details and assist with all border crossing procedures. But you'll also have plenty of free time to explore the Tikal ruins on your own. Have fun!

VIP Private Tikal Day Tour from Belize Border 

This 5-star full-day tour includes private transportation to and from the border of Belize to Tikal National Park as well as a knowledgeable guide for the day.

This is a great option if you have other ways to get to the Belize-Guatemala border. Reviewers absolutely love the guide and all have had great experiences with this tour.

Private Belize to Tikal Day Tour with Lunch + Guide

This tour combines the best of the first two. It's highly-rated and includes:

• hotel pickup and drop off in San Ignacio
• private guide for the day to lead you through Tikal and assist with border crossing procedure
• private, air-conditioned transport all the way from hotel to Tikal and back
• Lunch at the on-site Tikal restaurant

More Guatemala day tours: Belize to Tikal

Additionally, there are many variations on the tours above such as shorter tours, transportation-only options, etc. Check out all the Belize to Tikal day tours here.

More info for your Belize to Tikal day trip

• Planning a visit to Tikal? Consider staying overnight at the Jungle Lodge Tikal Hostal or the Hotel Jaguar Inn
• What to bring: Check out my complete Belize packing guide before traveling.
• Want more Belize? See all my Belize posts here.
• Don’t forget: This Belize guidebook includes this side trip to Guatemala.

Like this post? Have questions about visiting Tikal? Let me know in the comments below! Enjoy your day trip to Tikal!

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 39 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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How To Visit The Tikal Mayan Ruins In Guatemala (+Map)

A visit to the Mayan ruins of Tikal Guatemala would have to be one of the most spectacular things you can do in Central America. Like something from Indiana Jones, these ancient temples once made up the biggest capital of the Mayan civilization.

If you’ve been to the giant pyramid of Chichen Itza in Mexico, this place is similar but arguably even better. Tikal National Park is home to all kinds of wildlife, and many of the Mayan temples here are open for climbing, so you can enjoy panoramic views of the jungle surrounding the ruins!

The other good news is that Tikal (pronounced ‘tee-kahl’) is relatively easy and affordable to visit on a day trip from Flores in Guatemala, or you can also visit Tikal overland from the neighboring country of Belize.

In any case, it’s a bucket list experience that you can’t miss if you’re traveling in Belize or Guatemala! Star Wars fans will also appreciate that Tikal was used as a filming location for one of the original movies, ‘A New Hope.’

This Tikal travel guide will explain where the ruins are located (plus a Tikal map), how to get there from Guatemala or Belize, hours & entrance fees, safety tips, best tour packages, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Table of Contents show 1) Where To Stay In Flores 2) Best Tikal Tours 3) Where Is Tikal? 4) How To Get To Tikal Guatemala 5) Visiting Tikal Guatemala: What To Expect 6) Tikal Map (Guatemala) 7) Best Tikal Temples & Ruins 8) Tikal In Star Wars 9) Entrance Fees At Tikal National Park 10) Opening Hours At Tikal National Park 11) Other Tips For Tikal Guatemala 12) History Of Tikal 13) Best Time To Visit Tikal Guatemala 14) Is Tikal Guatemala Safe? 15) Is Tikal Worth It? 16) Flores Hotels 17) More Guatemala Travel Tips

Where To Stay In Flores

Hotel Santana

Los Amigos Hostel

Bolontiku Boutique

Hotel Peten

Best Tikal Tours

Tikal Guatemala is one of those places that’s best seen with a tour, especially on your first visit. It’s the safest and most convenient way to get transportation to the ruins, and an English speaking guide can be very helpful for explaining everything and taking pictures for you.

GetYourGuide has Tikal day tours from Flores in Guatemala, or they also have day tours starting from San Ignacio in Belize. Some of these tours also include lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off to make things even more convenient.

We’ve used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great. Highly recommended!

Book Now: Tikal Tour From Flores / From Belize

Where Is Tikal?

Tikal is located in northern Guatemala, in the Peten department (state).

The nearest town is Flores in Guatemala, which has plenty of tourist-friendly hotels and restaurants, or you can also visit Tikal overland from San Ignacio in Belize.

Temple V is one of the best temple ruins in Tikal Guatemala

How To Get To Tikal Guatemala

• from guatemala.

If you’re coming from Guatemala, the closest airport to Tikal is the Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores, Guatemala. You can also go by bus from Guatemala City, which is a bit cheaper but much slower, taking about 10 hours.

There are daily nonstop flights to Flores from Guatemala City or Cancun, Mexico. Airline choices are Avianca or TAG Airlines, and Avianca is better if you have the option (best safety record and more flexible about baggage).

The flight to Flores from Guatemala City only takes about 45 minutes, and you can sometimes find prices as low as 400 Quetzales ($50 USD). You can shop for flights on Skyscanner .

Once you arrive in Flores, the next step is getting to Tikal, which is a 1.5 hour drive from Flores town. The easiest way to do this is a shared tour by bus from Flores , which can be very affordable.

If you’d rather visit Tikal without a tour, that’s also possible if you rent a car or take a shuttle from Flores. However, it doesn’t work out to be a whole lot cheaper than taking a tour, and having a guide can be helpful for explaining things in the park and taking pictures for you.

Temple I — one of the most epic views in Tikal National Park!

• From Belize

If you’re coming from Belize, your first step will be getting to San Ignacio, which is a city in Belize near the Guatemala border.

The drive to San Ignacio from Belize City takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, and you can go by car (taxi), bus, or shuttle. I think the shuttle is the best way to go.

Sometimes there are also flights from Belize City to the tiny airport at San Ignacio, but those are puddle jumper planes and the options are pretty limited. You can inquire about that with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air .

Once you arrive in San Ignacio, it’s another 2 to 2.5 hour drive to cross the Guatemala border and get to Tikal. The easiest way to do this is with a day tour package that handles all the transportation for you.

The border crossing adds a step or two to the process, but it’s not very difficult. If you’d rather go without a tour, you can rent a car or take a shuttle from San Ignacio to Tikal.  

Visiting Tikal Guatemala: What To Expect

The Tikal Guatemala ruins cover a pretty large area, but it’s still small enough to be walkable on foot. All of the paths are flat and easy, although if you choose to climb any temples then that part can be a bit strenuous. Some temples are easier to climb than others.

Some of the temples at Tikal are closed to climbing, so you’ll want to keep that in mind. Check the signage before you climb. Everything is posted in English and Spanish, so it’s easy for visitors to understand.

There are hundreds of animal species living in Tikal National Park, and you have a good chance of seeing some of them on your visit. In one day tour, we saw spider monkeys, coatimundis, turkeys, and other wildlife. It’s also possible to spot tarantulas and toucans here, and even the occasional puma or jaguar!

You can see the highlights of Tikal in a few hours, so I think one full day trip is enough time for most people, although some photographers might want to stay longer and take more pictures. There are a handful of hotels at Tikal with direct access to the park if you want to stay a night or two.

Tikal National Park

Tikal Map (Guatemala)

Here’s a handy 3D Tikal map you can use to plan your Guatemala trip. You can also buy a paper Tikal map at the entrance of the national park, which will be a big help for finding your way around the temples, ruins, and everything else in the park.

Among other things, this map shows where you can find bathroom facilities throughout the park. The park entrance is marked as ‘9 Ingreso’ on this map of Tikal. That’s where you’ll enter the park when you first start your tour.

Click to enlarge this Tikal map (© Mapas De Guatemala)

Best Tikal Temples & Ruins

This isn’t a complete list of all the Tikal ruins, but these are just some of the best temples in the park, in my opinion:  

Also known as the ‘Temple of the Great Jaguar,’ Temple I is probably the most beautiful and iconic of all the temple ruins in Tikal Guatemala. It’s also one of the tallest.

You can’t climb Temple I, but you can climb the opposite building (Temple II) and use that as a vantage point for taking pictures of Temple I. This is where the most famous pictures of Temple I are taken.

This temple was the burial place of the Mayan king Jasaw Chan K’awiil I. It’s photogenic from almost any angle, and there are also lots of other nice photo spots in the Great Plaza where Temple I is located.

This iconic view of Temple I is a picture taken from the top of Temple II

• Temple II

Also known as the ‘Temple of the Masks,’ Temple II is a nice building in its own right, but the best thing about it is that you can climb it for amazing views of Temple I and the Great Plaza, which sits right next to it.

This temple stands 38 meters (125 feet) high, but the backside has a wooden staircase, which you can climb to reach the top in just a few minutes. The view is well worth the climb!  

• Temple IV

Temple IV is the tallest temple in Tikal, and one of the tallest Mayan buildings in the world, with a height of 65 meters (212 feet).

You can also climb it! The wooden staircase has almost 200 steps to reach the top of the temple, so it’s a serious workout. Our group was exhausted and sweaty when we reached the top.

Also known as the ‘Star Wars temple,’ this one was used as a filming location for the jungle planet Yavin 4 in Star Wars: A New Hope . It’s a great view in the movie, and also in real life.

The Star Wars view from Temple IV

Last, but not least, don’t forget to visit Temple V. This is a very big and photogenic moss-covered temple located near the Central Acropolis of Tikal National Park. It’s the 2nd tallest building at Tikal after Temple IV, standing 57 meters tall (187 feet)!

You can’t climb the stairs of Temple V, but it’s still very impressive and great for photos. Archaeologists aren’t sure about the purpose of Temple V, but it’s believed to have been a mortuary temple (i.e. tomb) for one of Tikal’s ancient rulers.

Tikal In Star Wars

If you’re looking for the Tikal temple from Star Wars, that’s Temple IV. In the movie ‘A New Hope,’ a Rebel guard watches the Millennium Falcon spaceship landing on the jungle planet of Yavin 4.

The movie shot was taken on top of Temple IV, and in the distance you can see Temples I, II, and III rising above the jungle canopy.

You can see a screenshot of the Star Wars movie scene below.

The Tikal Star Wars scene at Temple IV (© 20th Century Fox)

Interestingly, the movie scene was shot in 1977 during the Guatemalan civil war, and according to a Reuters article , George Lucas’s team had to hoist the bulky camera gear and heavy lights to the top of the temple with a pulley system.

The Star Wars movie team paid a local Guatemalan security guard with six-packs of beer to protect the equipment with a shotgun for four nights!

I’ve always been a big fan of Star Wars, so it was fun to visit this spot in real life!  

Entrance Fees At Tikal National Park

Since 2023, you can now buy Tikal tickets online! This is done on the official website at https://boletos.culturaguate.com , and you can pay the Tikal entrance fee with foreign Mastercard or Visa credit cards. They have the current entrance fees listed on their website.

Remember to buy the foreigner ticket, not the Guatemalan domestic ticket since those are for local citizens. If you do a sunrise or sunset tour at Tikal, you’ll have to buy that ticket and also a day ticket for the park. Kids under 12 can enter Tikal free.

Alternatively, if you have problems with the online ticket portal, you can also buy your Tikal tickets at the entrance gate, or up to 30 days in advance at Banrural bank agencies in Guatemala. Remember to bring enough cash (in local currency), because they don’t accept credit cards in person and there’s no ATM at Tikal.

IMPORTANT: A passport is required if you buy your Tikal tickets in person. They won’t let you buy tickets without showing a passport for each person. I’ve heard of people using a photocopy of their passport and that was fine.  

Opening Hours At Tikal National Park

The Tikal National Park is officially open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM, although you can enter outside of these hours if you do a sunrise or sunset tour.  

Friendly coatimundis at Tikal National Park

Other Tips For Tikal Guatemala

• What To Wear: Shoes are ideal if you plan on climbing temples. Some of the footing would be sketchy with sandals. You’ll also want a hat and summer clothing. Tikal is hot!
• What To Bring: Water and snacks are a good idea. You can buy them in the park, but the prices will be higher.
• Guides: If you haven’t arranged a Tikal tour guide in advance, you can hire one at the entrance to the national park. However, I think it’s better to book a guide in advance that way you can read reviews and know what you’re getting.
• Facilities: There are a couple of small cafes in Tikal that sell snacks and drinks, plus you can find maps, bathrooms, picnic spots, and souvenir shops at the entrance of the park. There are no ATMs at Tikal yet.
• Credit Cards: Everything at Tikal is cash only, including the entrance tickets, cafes, and souvenir stands. They don’t accept credit cards for anything yet.
• Mosquitoes: Our group saw some mosquitoes at Tikal, so I would definitely recommend wearing bug spray with DEET. Malaria is not a significant issue at Tikal nowadays, and cases are rare in Peten. There isn’t much risk of dengue or Zika virus in the area either, although those can’t be ruled out completely, so it’s a good idea to use bug spray and protect yourself just in case.
• Cell Service: I had a little bit of cell service/phone reception while walking around in the Tikal area with Claro and Tigo via my T-Mobile roaming package, but it wasn’t very dependable. If you have any important texts or emails to send, best to do it before going to the park.
• Drones: Flying a drone is not allowed anywhere at Tikal National Park. According to the signs at the park entrance, they’re worried it might disturb the birds and other animals.

Mayan temple ruins hiding in the jungle canopy

History Of Tikal

Tikal was once one of the most important cities for the ancient Mayan civilization in Central America, and at one time it had over 3,000 buildings and a population of up to 100,000 people! Some of Tikal’s rulers were also buried in the temples you see today.

During the 6th and 7th centuries, the history of Tikal was characterized by lots of bloody fighting with rival Mayan groups from nearby places like Caracol and Calakmul. Tikal was defeated in the 6th century, but rose to power again in the 7th century under the ruler Jasaw Chan K’awiil I, who led the people to military victory and built some of the best temples in Tikal.

For unknown reasons, the Mayan civilization (including Tikal) started to collapse in the 9th century, and the once great city of Tikal was completely abandoned by the 10th century. Everyone deserted the city.

Tikal was slowly consumed by the jungle, and it became a lost world for the next 1,000 years. It was finally rediscovered by the governor of Peten Guatemala in 1848, who reached it after several days of hiking through the rainforest. Over the course of many years, archaeologists were able to excavate the ruins and restore them to their present condition.

Today, the lost city of Tikal is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its outstanding artistic value and history, as well as the wonderful rainforest and animal species in the area. It’s one of the prime sights of Guatemala, and it receives more than a million visitors per year!

Best Time To Visit Tikal Guatemala

The best time to visit Tikal Guatemala depends on what you’re looking for, although you can visit all year round.

The dry season for this part of Guatemala runs from December to April. During these months, it’s more sunny and there’s less rain, and the daytime temperatures are slightly less hot than normal. Dry season is generally the best time to visit Tikal.

The wet season for Tikal basically runs from May to November. During these months, there’s more rain and clouds on average. You can still visit in the rainy season, but you might want to bring a poncho in case of bad weather.

The best time of day to visit Tikal is in the morning. With an early start, you can avoid some of the heat and crowds. Sunrise is also nice because you can hear the animals awakening and the Mayan jungle coming to life.

If you’re a photographer and mainly wanting to take pictures without crowds, try to avoid weekends and holidays, when there are a lot more Guatemalan locals visiting the park. However, overall Tikal is a huge park so it absorbs crowds quite well!

Dry season is the best time to visit Tikal Guatemala without rain

The temples and paths in Tikal are well marked so it’s not too hard to find your way around

Is Tikal Guatemala Safe?

As you might know, Guatemala is not the safest country in the world, and there were some armed robberies at Tikal in the past. However, it seems like safety has improved now, and I haven’t heard of any crimes like that happening here in at least 10 years.

If you want some extra peace of mind, you could also bring a hidden travel belt (like this one ) and put some of your valuables in it, such as cash and credit cards.

With that said, our group had a great visit to Tikal and we didn’t encounter any crime issues at all. Even though Guatemala doesn’t have a very good reputation on safety, I think it’s improved a lot in the last 20 years, and still seems to be getting better.  

Is Tikal Worth It?

Yes, Tikal is absolutely worth visiting! It’s undoubtedly one of the best sights anywhere in Central America or South America.

The Tikal pyramids are every bit as amazing as they look in pictures, and it’s a good chance to see wildlife too. You shouldn’t travel to Guatemala without seeing this place.  

Flores Hotels

More guatemala travel tips.

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this Tikal travel guide and map for visiting the Mayan ruins on a day trip from Belize or Guatemala.

If you’re looking for epic hikes in Guatemala, don’t forget to check out my guide for the Acatenango Volcano Hike before you go!

Happy travels!

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Hi David, Got a question about hiring a guide at the Tikal Park Visitor Centre. I’ve read an old comment about a “guide booth” there where certified local guides were available to hire on-site. Can you confirm if this still true? My husband and I with another couple will be staying at the Jungle Lodge in the Park. We thought we’d do a self-guided tour of the ruins. But I now realised a guide will be very helpful. Thanks in advance! Khau Ming, London

Hi Khau Ming, yes it’s still possible to hire a guide on-site at the park, or your hotel can also arrange one for you. Hope this helps! Regards

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Atlas & Boots

The UK's most popular outdoor travel blog

Tips for visiting Tikal in Guatemala: 11 dos and don’ts

Our essential tips for visiting Tikal, the most fantastical Maya ruins in all of Central America

Mexico’s Chichén Itzá may be a world wonder and receive far more visitors, but there are few ancient ruins more atmospheric, romantic and impressive than Tikal in Guatemala .

These UNESCO-listed Maya ruins are truly unique. Towering above the steamy rainforest, the steep limestone pyramids of Tikal are arresting from every angle. On the jungle floor, mysterious burial sites and fortifications are carpeted in slippery moss while giant roots and twisting vines envelop the foundations of the great temples.

We visited Tikal during our month-long trip through Central America . It was a highlight of the journey, a real bucket list adventure up there with any of the wonders of the world , new or ancient. To help you with your own visit, we’ve put together the following tips for visiting Tikal in Guatemala.

What is Tikal?

Constructed in waves over a period of around 650 years between 250 to 900 AD, Tikal is a vast ancient Maya city comprising hundreds of temples, pyramids and monuments. The site is built on a low hill above swampy ground, making it an ideal place to construct a city. There is also an abundance of flint in the region which was used widely for tools and weapons and traded extensively across the empire.

Although Tikal may have been settled by 600 BC, it didn’t reach its zenith as a city until around 550 AD when the population may have peaked as high as 90,000. King Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil I (also known as Ah Cacao) defeated his rival in Calakmul, Mexico, in 695 AD in what is considered Tikal’s renaissance period. It was during this time and the ensuing 200 years when most of the great temples were built.

From around 900 AD onwards, Tikal’s dominance began to wane, as did that of the wider Maya civilisation, whose collapse still remains a mystery. Tikal was rediscovered in 1848 when the Guatemalan government sent out a team to find the site. Several archaeological expeditions took place over the next century-and-a-half, unearthing and restoring the many structures. In 1979, Tikal National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Tips for visiting Tikal

Our tried-and-tested tips for visiting Tikal will help you get the most out of this majestic site.

1. Do stay in Tikal National Park

The best piece of advice we can give you is to stay in the national park. By doing this, you can visit Tikal on your own schedule and avoid the busiest time of the day. The site opens at 6am but tour buses arrive en masse from 11am. The park then begins to empty from 4pm before closing at 6pm. Note that if you are staying in the park, you will still need to validate your ticket at the entrance before wandering in.

* When staying in the park, if you arrive after 3pm, your ticket will be valid for the following day. ** Accommodation in the park is limited – see below for more information.

2. Do start early (and stay late)

Chances are, you’re only going to see Tikal once so we recommend making a full day of it and not rushing.

Staying in the park offers you flexibility with your day and gives you plenty of time to see everything. We entered early and got around most of the sites by early afternoon. However, it had been rainy and overcast all day so when it brightened up in the afternoon, we revisited several of the main sites in order to see everything in the sunshine.

By spending the whole day in the park, we also managed to see some smaller sites such as the secluded Temple VI which we had entirely to ourselves. Even at the bigger sites, there was only a handful of visitors milling about in the late afternoon.

3. Do bring your own food and drinks

Outside the park, along the access road, is a string of overpriced and underwhelming eateries. There is also a simple restaurant at the visitor centre. All are a 20- to 30-minute walk back from the Gran Plaza.

Inside the park, there are some covered picnic areas where a vendor sells a limited range of sugary drinks and snacks, all similarly overpriced. We recommend carrying food and water with you.

4. Don’t feed the animals

This really shouldn’t need to be said but we witnessed visitors feeding the local wildlife, particularly the coati. You can tell this is an ongoing problem as the animals have become habituated to humans. Several came running right up to us and it was worse around the picnic areas. Human food is not going to be good for wildlife’s welfare so don’t feed them.

5. Don’t leave any litter in the park

On the whole, the park is reasonably litter-free. However, around the picnic areas, there is clearly more of a problem and, sadly, as a direct result of the above, we saw coati picking up bits of plastic such as bottle tops and nibbling them. While there are some open-top trash cans in the park, please do not use them. Instead, take everything out of the park and dispose of it properly at your accommodation.

6. Do bring mosquito repellent

When we first entered the park, we got swarmed. After dousing ourselves in DEET and pulling on long-sleeved tops, the critters gave us some space. By midday, once the sun was out, they cleared off for a few hours, only to return again at dusk. This is the jungle after all.

7. do try to avoid the rainy season

The best time to visit Tikal is during the dry season from November to April. While Guatemala enjoys a reasonably pleasant climate year-round, there is a rainy season from May to October which can make the trails extremely muddy and the steps slippery.

8. But do bring a raincoat

Regardless of the time of year, Guatemala has a tropical climate meaning downpours can occur throughout the year. We visited in December and the morning was a washout. Fortunately, by the afternoon the rain had cleared so we had time to see everything again (see points #1 and #2).

9. Don’t let the howling put you off

I woke up in the middle of our first night in Tikal unsure if I was truly awake or trapped in some kind of nightmare. In the jungle above our thatched bungalow, a troupe of marauding howler monkeys were making their way through the forest. They make a frightful sound – and don’t look much friendlier up close – but are harmless as long as they’re left to themselves.

10. Do wear the right footwear

During our visit, we saw a significant number of tourists slipping and sliding along the trails and struggling up the steps to the lookouts because they didn’t have the right footwear. Many were in flip-flops or sandals and we even witnessed a couple of visitors in heels! We recommend wearing something grippy and supportive such as sturdy trainers or hiking shoes or boots.

11. Do wear sunscreen

At any time of year in Guatemala expect the sun to be fierce. While a considerable part of your day will be under the shade of the jungle canopy, you will also spend plenty of time on the exposed lofty lookouts. Wear plenty of sunscreen – and ideally a sunhat.

Tips for visiting TIKAL: what not to miss

While you’re unlikely to see everything in Tikal (it’s spread across an area of around 576 sq km), the following sites should not be missed.

• Gran Plaza: Tikal’s ceremonial core is surrounded by Temples I and II and the Acropolis. The grassy area is a great spot to soak it all in.
• Acropolis Centro: Quieter complex to the east of the Gran Plaza, full of courtyards, chambers and smaller temples.
• Temple I: The 44m-high Temple of the Grand Jaguar was built to honour Ah Cacao and is Tikal’s most famous scene.
• Temple II: The 38m-high Temple of the Masks was built by Ah Cacao in honour of his wife. Climb it for the best views of Temple I.
• Temple III: Glimpsed through breaks in the canopy, the 55m-high temple is currently undergoing restoration. As such, it’s best viewed from afar – in particular from the viewpoint of Temple IV.
• Temple IV: This is arguably the best view in the park. At 65m, it is the site’s highest temple and reveals the true scale of Tikal.
• Mundo Perdido: The ‘Lost World’ features two imposing pyramids and some smaller structures. The summit of the flat-topped Lost World Pyramid reveals a superb side-on view of temples I to IV which helps to put everything in perspective.
• Plaza de los Siete Templos: Seven (relatively) tiny temples embedded in the dense jungle. Feels very Tomb Raider.
• Temple V: The steep moss-covered 52m-high temple is another gloriously mystical specimen.
• Temple VI: This secluded temple, some distance from the main plaza, features a rare set of glyphs on the back of its lofty roof comb.

Atlas & BOots

The views from the top of mundo perdido are outstanding, where to stay in tikal national park.

There are only three hotels in Tikal National Park so it’s worth booking ahead. We recommend staying two nights so you can make the most of your time in the park.

• Jungle Lodge : We stayed here and would definitely recommend it. The cute bungalows are located amidst the jungle along meandering paths. Originally built to house archaeologists, it is the closest hotel to the park entrance. There is also an adjoining hostel .
• Tikal Inn : This secluded resort-style hotel features thatched bungalows as well as more conventional rooms.
• Jaguar Lodge : Popular with independent travellers, the inn has duplex rooms and quad bungalows.
• Campground : Located across the road from the visitor’s centre, the campsite is positioned on grassy ground with a simple but clean bathroom block. There are thatched shelters for hanging hammocks.

More scenes from our visit to Tikal

Other tips for visiting tikal.

• Opening hours: 6am to 6pm
• Adults: 150 GTQ ($20 USD)
• Children under 12: free
• Museums: 30 GTQ ($4 USD)
• Visiting Uaxactun: 50 GTQ ($7.50 USD)
• Sunrise/sunset tour: 100 GTQ ($15 USD)
• Tickets purchased after 3pm are valid for the following day
• Camping: 50 GTQ ($7.50 USD)
• Credit cards are accepted but we advise bringing cash just in case.
• No need to buy a map, just take a photo of the sign at the entrance.
• Visit on a weekday and avoid Sundays and national holidays.
• Take the time to read the interpretive signs.
• Pay attention to the signs explaining what you can and can’t climb. Don’t be this guy.
• For more information visit tikalnationalpark.org .

How to get to Tikal

We travelled to Tikal from Belize City in  Belize  via a shared shuttle. We used shuttles to travel around much of Central America including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador . We used  Marvelus Travel  from Belize and Gekko Explorer  on other journeys.

There aren’t direct shuttles from Belize to Tikal, only to Flores, so we hopped off at El Cruce and met a local taxi driver who took us the remaining 36km/45 minutes to Tikal. We can recommend Pedro Morales (WhatsApp: +502 5807 6798; Spanish only).

Tikal’s nearest transport hub is Flores (65km/1.5 hours) where it’s possible to organise onward transfers to several destinations in Guatemala. The nearest airport is also in Flores but it only flies to Guatemala City (50 mins). Book flights via  skyscanner.net  for the best prices.

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