A two-days trip from Guatemala City to Tikal is a great way to explore the ancient ruins and immerse yourself in the history of the Mayan civilization. We booked our tickets in advance and left Guatemala City late afternoon. During our trip, we stayed in Jungle Lodge that is very close to the park entrance. The hotel located 10 minutes walk from the park entrance which allows you to spend the entire day in the park. Here is my two-day Tikal itinerary from Guatemala City
Can I do a Day trip to Tikal from Guatemala City?
The short answer is yes, but I do not recommend it.
If you have been following my blog for a while, you probably know by now that I’m all about packing my trips with as many activities as I can. But Tikal is an exception. Unlike Europe or US where you can plan your day by hours, travelling in Central America requires to have extra time planned into your trip. Our flight to Tikal was delayed half an hour, then we waited almost an hour and a half for hotel shuttle to arrive cause they simply forgot to pick us up. Yes, we had to call them and I wish we did it right after our arrival to Flores. This would have definitely saved us some time, but we didn’t.
So, having this extra day (and night in the amazing hotel in the middle of the jungle) will allow you to spend the entire day in the park. That is why I recommend doing two-days trip from Guatemala City to Tikal.
Two-Days trip to Tikal from Guatemala City Itinerary
Day 1
We took the 6 pm flight from Guatemala City to Flores, which is the nearest airport to Tikal. Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores is very small airport with one cafeteria and couple of small halls. When you arrive to the airport, take advantage of the time when you will be waiting for the hotel shuttle and go to the bank to buy Tikal park tickets. Yes, they sell tickets to the park in the bank and yes, most likely you won’t be able to buy the tickets at the park entrance. So, as of writing this post (December 2019), the easiest way to buy tickets to the park is upon your arrival to the Flores in Banco Industrial.
Buying Tikal Tickets
Banco Industrial located across the road from the airport on Centro Commercial Metro Plaza Mundo Maya Local( Address: 20 Peten Agencia Metro Plaza Mundo Maya Santa Elena, 17029, Guatemala).
Make sure to have cash in local currency, quetzales. There is no currency exchange in the airport and bank does not accept card payments (also as of time of writing this post).
Jungle Lodge Shuttle Service
Jungle Lodge and Tikal Inn offers shuttle service which cost approximately 20$ in local currency. Yes, it is super convenient. And no, it will not be on time, well at least based on our experience. It took several phone calls and almost an hour and a half wait until the shuttle finally arrived. Apparently they forgot that that they need to take another trip to the airport. So, in case you are waiting for the shuttle My advice would be to call the hotel and let them know that you are waiting for the shuttle.
Once you arrive to the hotel, make sure to have dinner and charge all you electronics as the hotel operates on solar power and they promptly turn off all the light and electricity at 10pm sharp. It is amazing to stay in jungle in complete silence and no light and hear the jungle at night.
Day 2
The park covers a vast area of over 200 square miles, so it’s best to start your tour early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. You can take a guided tour of the ruins, or explore on your own with a map and a guidebook.
Some of the must-see attractions in Tikal include the Temple of the Jaguar, the Temple of the Masks, the Great Plaza, and the Central Acropolis. Be sure to climb to the top of the pyramids for stunning views of the surrounding jungle.
Sunrise tour
You can start your day with a sunrise tour of Tikal. This is an incredible experience to add during your two-days trip to Tikal from Guatemala City, as you can watch the sun rise over the ancient ruins and hear the sounds of the jungle coming to life. We didn’t go to this tour but I talked to the people who went and they loved it. The only disadvantage is that you need to be up 3.30 am.
Breakfast
Not many options here, so your best bet is to have breakfast in the hotel and get ready for the park. Make sure to take enough water for the day. The only Place that had small kiosk in the park was by Great Plaza, but it was closed when we were in the park.
Morning
The park opens 6.00am, so you can start exploring early. We decided to sleep an extra hour and started our park walk around 7.00am. The park entrance is about 20 minute walk from Jungle Hotel. Once you get to the park, head straight to the Great Plaza, which is the heart of Tikal and the largest public square in the ancient city. This is where many of the most important temples and palaces are located.
Great Plaza
The Great Plaza is dominated by two massive pyramids, Temple I and Temple II. Temple I, also known as the Temple of the Jaguar, stands 47 meters (154 feet) tall and was built to honor the Tikal ruler Jasaw Chan K’awil. You can climb to the top of Temple I for stunning views over the Great Plaza and the surrounding jungle.
Temple II, also known as the Temple of the Masks, is slightly shorter than Temple I but is still an impressive structure. It was built to honor Jasaw Chan K’awil’s wife, Lady Tz’akbu Ajaw, and is decorated with carved masks of the Mayan god Chaac.
Mid-Morning
After exploring the Great Plaza, head to the nearby Temple III, also known as the Temple of the Jaguar Priest. This temple stands 55 meters (180 feet) tall and is one of the most recognizable structures in Tikal. It was built to honor the ruler Yax Yopaat and is located on the opposite side of the Great Plaza from Temple I.
Temple III
Although you can no longer climb to the top of Temple III, it’s still worth visiting for the impressive architecture and the views over the Great Plaza and the jungle beyond.
Afternoon
After exploring Temple III, head to the Lost World complex, which is located about a 10-15 minute walk from the Great Plaza. The Lost World complex is a large complex of pyramids, plazas, and platforms that was likely used for ritual and ceremonial purposes.
Lost World Complex
The main structure in the Lost World complex is Temple V, which stands 57 meters (187 feet) tall and is one of the tallest structures in Tikal. It was likely built to honor the ruler Curl Nose and is decorated with a series of intricate carvings.
Other structures in the Lost World complex include Temples III and IV, as well as a large pyramid known as the Acropolis.
Late afternoon
After exploring the Lost World complex, we headed back to hotel for lunch, drinks and some relaxing time in the pool. Later we got the shuttle back to the airport to catch our 7pm flight back to Guatemala city.
Tips and Suggestions
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during your tour of Tikal.
- You can rent a guidebook or hire a local guide to get the most out of your visit to the ruins
- Be respectful of the ancient structures and artifacts at Tikal. Do not climb on or touch the temples, and do not remove any items from the site.
- If you’re interested in learning more about the Mayan culture, you can also visit the nearby town of Flores, which has several museums and cultural centers.
- Be aware that Tikal is in a remote area, so internet and cell phone service may be limited.
- Book your jungle lodge in advance, as they can fill up quickly during peak season.
- Be prepared for the weather in the jungle, which can be hot and humid. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Take advantage of the pool at your jungle lodge to cool off after a long day of exploring.
- Consider bringing a small backpack or daypack to carry your water, snacks, and camera while exploring Tikal.
Wildlife in Tikal
In terms of wildlife, Tikal is home to a diverse array of animals, including howler monkeys, spider monkeys, white-nosed coatis, toucans, scarlet macaws, ocelots, jaguars, and many species of reptiles and insects. However, it’s important to remember that these animals are wild and should be observed from a safe distance to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors. Read more about wild life watchin in Tikal.
So, here you have it, my Two-days itinerary to Tikal from Guatemala City. Those almost untouched Mayan ruins are amazing. Enjoy!
