tour to tikal from flores

7 Terrific Tikal Tours From Flores

Are you looking for the best Tikal Tours from Flores? Congrats! You just landed on the perfect post to help you choose a winning excursion.

You’re going to love Tikal! I sure did.

A Tikal tour from Flores is essentially an entire day spent learning cool facts about Mayan cosmology, religion, and blood sacrifices (eep!). Fear no dry old history. Instead, discover secrets, mystery, creepy details, and fascinating stories.

But choosing the right tour is tedious.

Fortunately, I’ve done all the hard work for you. I scanned through tour options until my eyeballs went screwy, all to find the best-rated tours with fabulous guides and great value for the money.

Having been to Tikal myself, I know what things to look for in a tour. And yes, it is 100% worth the investment.

In a rush? Okay! Let’s get right to it with a quick guide of MY top picks .

Not in a rush? Cool. Read on at your leisure for all the juicy details on each tour.

***This page contains affiliate links, so if you book a tour through those links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more in my  disclaimer .***

Quick Guide:

#1 Top Pick ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Small Group Tikal SUNRISE Tour

⏰ Duration: 6 hours | Approx. Cost $ 9 8 This tour offers AMAZING value for the price. Not only will you get to experience Tikal at sunrise–which is beyond incredible–this tour also includes breakfast, lunch, a stellar guide, and only a nine-guest max group size. -> Check rates and book

#2 Pick ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Private Tikal Exclusive Tour from Flores

⏰ Duration: 6-8 hours | Approx. Cost $1 6 0 When it comes to private tours, this is the cream of the crop. The guides LOVE what they do, and it shows in every moment of the tour. Travelers called this “a life changing experience” and “the best tour I’ve ever taken.” Another commented that the “organisation was beyond perfect.” -> Check rates and book

#3 Pick ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Small Group Tikal SUNSET Tour

⏰ Duration: 6 hours | Approx. Cost $ 91 Golden hour, sunset, and cool temperatures are three GREAT reasons to book this small-group tour. It’ll just be you, a guide, and a max of 8 additional guests. Wildlife, fascinating archaeological monuments, and mind-blowing history await. -> Check rates and book

Why a Tikal Tour is Awesome

Nothing beats following a slightly eccentric but passionate guide through the jungle while he imitates howler monkey roars. That’s talent, right there.

Then, later, slipping past caution tape (shhh) to see an excavation in action.

Along the way, you might even spot toucans, sniff tree resin, and glimpse monkeys, coatis, and giant, fuzzy, mostly harmless tarantulas.

You’ll tromp through the jungle, climb wooden ladders, emerge above miles and miles of lush canopy, and watch the sun drop through the horizon. And yes, you’ll probably sweat profusely, swat at mosquitos, and chug gallons of water. I sure did—all while grinning like a maniac.

Pictures fall flat, my friends. You have to go there. You have to live it.

So, without further ado, I present 7 Terrific Tikal Tours From Flores.

Private Tikal Tours from Flores

Enjoy the complete attention of your guide, amazing organization and service, and the freedom to go at your own pace on these Private Tikal Tours from Flores.

1. Tikal Exclusive Tour from Flores all-Inclusive

⭐️ Rating: 5/5 Stars | ⏰ Duration: 6-8 hours | $160 | 👀 Check rates and availability

When it comes to private tours, you won’t get better value for the money than this Tikal Exclusive Tour from Flores, all-inclusive .

Passion, knowledge, and stellar customer service set this tour apart. The guides LOVE what they do, and it shows in every moment of the tour as they help you unlock the secrets and stories behind the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tromp up and down temples, listen to the call of the howler monkeys, and observe the cute coatimundis. But beware of the latter–they’re fond of begging for scraps!

Travelers called this “a life changing experience” and “the best tour I’ve ever taken.” Another commented that the “organisation was beyond perfect.”

Elmer was a fantastic guide. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. Had a terrific private tour, gave us options on itinerary and lunch (excellent). He was very enthusiastic and proud of the area and Maya culture. Just a really great tour with a great guy. Highly recommend!!! James H (Read more reviews )

This Tikal tour from Flores includes a bilingual tour guide, private transportation in an insured air-conditioned vehicle, the park entrance fee, lunch, and bottled water.

Note that tips and the museum entrance fee are not included in the price.

You’ll feel safe and in good hands from start to finish.

2. Tikal Private Day Tour Maya Adventure from Flores

⭐️ Rating: 5/5 Stars | ⏰ Duration: 8-9 hours | Approx. Cost $209 | 👀 Check rates and availability

Combine all the perks of a guided tour and an at-your-pace itinerary on this Tikal Private Day Tour Maya Adventure from Flores .

Ask ALL the questions you can think of, climb some of the ancient temples, and walk down jungly trails for a delicious hot lunch and a chilled beverage.

Reyes is so incredibly knowledgeable and worked the tour around our schedule making our day completely unforgettable! This place totally rivals Machu Picchu, it just doesn’t get as much marketing. It’s so much better to have a private tour and you can’t do better than Reyes. We weren’t sure about making this trip from Antigua, but are so glad we did. WallenE r (Read more reviews)

On this tour, you’ll see the Great Plaza, Temples I, II, IV, and the Lost World Complex.

This Tikal tour from Flores includes lunch, all entrance fees and taxes, mosquito repellant, and private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

3. Tikal VIP Private (Full) Sunset Tour all-Inclusive

⭐️ Rating: 5/5 Stars | ⏰ Duration: 7-8 hours | Approx. Cost $175 | 👀 Check rates and availability

Skip the crowds, watch the sun go down from the height of the Lost World Pyramid, and listen to the jungle come alive at evening.

All this and more makes the Tikal VIP Private Sunset Tour all-inclusive a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Join a stellar bilingual guide that starts at noon. Walk through the park, learning the fascinating history of this Mayan archaeological complex.

One of the perks of going later in the day is that the park empties out and you’ll have it mostly to yourself.

We had a great time at Tikal, our guide Roni was most attentive, polite and informative, he treated us so well! The site is amazing and a must do when in Flores or Peten. Lunch (included) was ok. All in all a memorable day. Oh and I highly recommend the sunset tour, the site is almost empty! hd96vxmz5w (read more reviews )

This Flores Tikal tour includes a bilingual guide, all fees and taxes, lunch, bottled water, and private transportation in an insured air-conditioned vehicle. It does not include tips and the museum entrance fee.

The lunch may not be spectacular, but the rest of the tour will make up for it.

Don’t forget to pack your flashlight!

Small-Group Tikal Tours from Flores

Small group day tours to Tikal are a great way to explore these iconic ruins at a lower price point and meet and make friends with other travelers.

4. Tikal SUNRISE, Archeological, and Wildlife Tour (North and West)

⭐️ Rating: 5/5 Stars | ⏰ Duration: 6 hours | Approx. Cost $98 | 👀 Check rates and availability

One of my favorite memories of Tikal is walking beneath howler monkey trees in the dark hours of the morning, climbing to the top of a lofty temple, and watching the sunrise.

Why not experience it for yourself on this Tikal SUNRISE, Archeological, and Wildlife Tour ?

Grey light spills into the sky, illuminating all the lush greens in the foliage below. Vibrant parrots fly through shreds of fog, calling to each other, and howler monkeys add to the wild beauty with their dinosaur-like roars.

INCREDIBLE experience !! Marlon was a wonderful guide, flexible and extremely knowledgeable. The sunrise is 100% worth it. Just walking through the jungle at 4am surrounded by howler monkeys was a journey on its own. The grounds were so impressive, much more than I expected. We thought we would want to leave early but ended up wanting the whole experience. Lunch and breakfast provided were wonderful and authentic. Melina (read more reviews )

Afterward, you’ll beat the crowds to all the top sites in this city of the ancients. Your guide will share fascinating information ranging from the history, culture, and beliefs of the Maya to how the temples were excavated and reconstructed.

This small group tour will have no more than nine travelers and includes breakfast, lunch, a Map of Tikal, mosquito repellant, water refills, a top-notch bilingual guide, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Note that it does NOT include the sunrise and day entry fees to Tikal (US$34), so be sure to calculate that into your costs.

5. Tikal SUNSET, Archeological, and Wildlife Tour

⭐️ Rating: 5/5 Stars | ⏰ Duration: 6 hours | Approx. Cost $91 | 👀 Check rates and availability

Discover Tikal at its quietest on this Tikal SUNSET, Archeological, and Wildlife Tour that visits the south and east portions of the park.

Golden hour, sunset, and cool temperatures are three GREAT reasons to book this small-group tour. It’ll just be you, a guide, and a max of 8 additional guests.

Wildlife, fascinating archaeological monuments, and mind-blowing history await.

This was our favourite tour of all the Mayan ruins we’ve visited (we’ve been to three). Not only did we see the stunning Tikal ruins, but we saw so much wildlife across the huge site, including many spider monkeys, a woodpecker, a toucan and so much more! Our guide Henry was hugely knowledgeable and very amenable, never making us feel rushed. The sunset over the ruins at the end was absolutely magical! Highly recommended tour we’ll never forget. iman k (read more reviews )

The tour includes a professional and passionate bilingual guide, lunch, a map of Tikal, water refills in the vehicle, mosquito repellant, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Note that the park entrance fee is NOT included.

This Tikal daily tour from Flores is perfect for photographers.

6. Tikal National Park Full-Day Guided Tour from Flores *Cheapest*

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏰ Duration: 8 hours | Approx. Cost $55 | 👀 Check rates and availability

Skip the frills and save big without cutting quality on this Tikal National Park Full-Day Guided Tour from Flores .

Join a top-notch bilingual guide and up to 19 other travelers on a foray into the mysterious world of Tikal. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Mayan aristocracy, their politics, religion, and values. You’ll explore the Temple of the Masks, the Lost World, the Grand Plaza, and the soaring heights of Temple IV.

The tour guy was amazing! He knows a lot about the Mayan civilization. He was a great and friendly person. The experience was truly spectacular and I highly recommend the guide. He always answered our questions. I 100% recommend the tour. Manuel (REad more reviews )

This tour includes a tour guide and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Note that it does NOT include lunch or the park entrance fees (so be sure to take cash for those expenses).

One traveler noted that there was an upsell at the beginning to include lunch and get your ticket faster, but was perfectly happy with the tour without the add-ons.

7. Tikal Full Day with Dedicated Exploration of the Archaeological Monuments

⭐️ Rating: 5/5 Stars | ⏰ Duration: 4.5 hours | Approx. Cost $85 | 👀 Check rates and availability

If you want to see EVERYTHING you can, this Tikal Full Day with Dedicated Exploration of the Archaeological Monuments fits the bill perfectly.

You’ll visit the Central Acropolis, Temple I, the Great Plaza, the North Acropolis, Temple II, Temple V, The Plaza of the Seven Temples, The Lost World Complex, and Star Wars famous Temple IV.

Finish off with a delicious lunch at the Jaguar Inn.

INCREDIBLE! Henry gave us a memorable day, full of commentary on Mayan history, flora and fauna. Several times he kindly offered to take our picture in front of the temple. The meal that followed was in a very charming restaurant. And the transport and communication went so smoothly! What memories! Thank you, thank you, thank you! We highly recommend! Maeva R (read more reviews )

In addition to lunch, this Tikal tour from Flores includes a bilingual guide, mosquito repellant, a map of Tikal, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. The park entry fees are NOT included.

If you are flying into Flores, this tour operator can help with arrangements.

Bonus: Round-Trip VIP Private Transfer to Tikal from Flores

⭐️ Rating: 5/5 Stars | ⏰ Duration: 1-2 hours | Approx. Cost $137 | 👀 Check rates and availability

Personally, I think a guided tour is worth it, but if you prefer a self-guided trip or simply don’t have six to eight hours’ worth of time (or energy), this Round-Trip VIP Private Transfer to Tikal from Flores could be the perfect solution.

Enjoy private transportation to and from the ruins of Tikal in an insured air-conditioned vehicle. Spend as much or as little time as you like exploring the ruins, then hop back aboard for the return trip.

Great service. Picked me up from my hotel and took me to Tikal, pointing out various other places during the journey. Helped with the ticket buying and stopped to allow me to buy some drinks for when I was at Tikal. When we got to Tikal’s entrance he showed me where all the facilities were, then left me to explore on my own. We had agreed on the time that we would leave, and when I got back he was waiting at the car. The best thing about having a private car is that you can arrive and leave at different times to the tourist groups. I stayed until late, and after about 3pm there was hardly anyone there! Phillip b (read more reviews )

Not everyone wants to spend the eight hours required by most group tours. If you’d rather spend only a few hours at the park, this Flores to Tikal option is ideal. Another perk is that you can choose exactly when you want to depart and return on this private transfer.

Tikal Lightning Guide *What You Need To Know*

*** Important Tip : You’ll need your passport in order to enter Tikal, so be sure to take it along. ***

Tikal Open Hours:

Special Sunrise Hours: 4 am to 6 am Regular Hours: 6 am to 6 pm Special Sunset Hours: 6 pm to 8 pm

Tikal is open every single day of the year

Tikal Costs

Sunrise Entrance Ticket: Q100 Regular Entrance Ticket: Q150 Sunset Entrance Ticket: Q100 Uaxactun Entrance Ticket: Q50 Museum Entrance Ticket: Q30 Camping Ticket: Q50

Buy your Tikal National Park tickets online and save the wait in line at the entrance.

Tikal National Park Address

Selva Tropical 100, Flores, Departamento de El Petén, Tikal National Park, 17013 Guatemala

Tikal National Park Contact

Whatsapp : +502 3041-3695 Email: [email protected]

Climate in Tikal

When is the best time to go to Tikal? It depends on what is more annoying to you: rain, mud, heat, or mosquitoes.

Actually, there are mosquitoes year-round, so you’re going to want to pack a lot of bug spray. If you plan to camp, prepare for war.

The driest time to go to Tikal is between the end of February through April. During this season, the department of Petén tends to be quite hot with less chance of rain.

The rainiest and muddiest time to go is between June and September, but these are rough estimates. The climate isn’t as predictable as it used to be. That said, expect and plan for rain between these months.

October, November, and December tend to offer slightly cooler weather and potentially fewer mosquitoes. This could be the optimum time for Tikal tours from Flores.

What to Take to Tikal National Park

Wear comfortable, lightweight, and breathable clothing and good walking shoes or hiking shoes on your Tikal tour from Flores.

Take along your:

• Passport/Photo ID
• Cash for the entrance fees, food, water, and tips
• Water (enough for several hours)
• Raincoat (Yeah, even in the dry season)
• Lunch (optional)
• Hat/Sunglasses
• Wipes (optional)
• Flashlight (if going for sunrise or sunset)

What NOT To Take During Tikal Tours From Flores

Drones aren’t allowed, so leave yours at home.

Also, don’t take illegal stuff (a shocker, I know).

Where to Eat in Tikal

In Tikal you can eat at the Restaurante Mundo Perdido (located at the entrance), Hotel Jaguar Inn, the Hotel Jungle Lodge, or at the small cluster of restaurants around the museum.

Wildlife in Tikal

In Tikal you are likely to see coatimundis, toucans, turkeys, parrots, hummingbirds, tarantulas, crocodiles, tons of tropical birds, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, and possibly even foxes and jaguars.

Hotels Inside Tikal National Park

I loved staying inside the park when I visited Tikal. There’s something magical about a hotel nestled in the middle of the jungle.

It was also nice not to have to travel all the way to Flores at the end of the day. Since I did the sunrise tour, it also meant I got to sleep in a tiny bit longer than if I’d been in Flores (which I appreciated, since the tour started at 4 am).

You can’t go wrong with a stay at the Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal . It has great ratings, a swimming pool, lovely rooms, a garden, and a restaurant.

The Hotel Jaguar Inn is another good choice. It doesn’t have quite as good ratings (mostly due to the facilities and an untimely chef), but I enjoyed my stay here. Next time, though, I’d probably opt for the hotel with the pool .

If you have the gear and like roughing it, you can also camp inside the park. I haven’t done it yet, but it sounds super fun (if rather sweaty and potentially involving crocodile pools).

Hotels in Flores, Guatemala

If you don’t want to stay in the park, Flores offers a ton of options and the opportunity to explore a tiny super-cute Guatemalan island.

Check out this interactive map to see what hotels are available.

Just give it a minute to load!

Top Sights In Tikal – Tikal Tours From Flores

When you visit Tikal, you won’t want to miss the Temple of the Double Headed Serpent, The Temple of the Great Jaguar, The Temple of the Jaguar Priest, and Temple IV… to only mention a few.

Tikal Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tikal Guatemala worth visiting?

Yes, yes, yes! Tikal is an amazing archaeological site you won’t want to miss. Travelers who have been to multiple Mayan ruins say it’s better than Macchu Picchu and better than Chichén Itzá. If that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will.

What makes Tikal special is that it combines an incredible cultural site with out-of-this-world natural diversity.

Wildlife viewing and Mayan temples? What could be better?

Is it safe to visit Tikal?

Yes—Tikal is quite safe. So is a Tikal tour from Flores.

The biggest dangers are from the heat and the mosquitoes, so take lots of water and douse yourself in bug spray. The UV index in Guatemala is high , so protect yourself from the sun.

There are many signs, and all the paths are clearly marked, but if you get a bit lost, there are usually plenty of guides around to ask if you need directions.

If you go on your own, exercise your usual road safety precautions.

Is the Tikal Sunrise tour worth it?

Oh man, yes! Though in truth, both sunset and sunrise are awesome in Tikal.

Which one you choose comes down to your preferences. For example, if the idea of a 4 a.m. tour fills you with dread, choose the sunset! Plus, sometimes the sky is socked in in the morning and clears up at night. It’s a tough call, but definitely do one or the other!

There is something truly humbling and beautiful about sitting on the top of a pre-Colombian temple listening to birdsong and monkeys in the canopy below while the sun rises (or sinks).

Mist drifts over the trees, parrots wing over the treetops, and the sun paints the expansive sky in pink and gold.

Considering a Tikal sunrise & sunset tour from Flores? This is the best sunrise tour Tikal has to offer . If you aren’t an early riser or crave golden-hour photos, check out this Tikal sunset tour from Flores .

How much is a tour of Tikal?

Guided tours to Tikal range from $55 USD for a no-frills group tour (plus $20 for the entrance fee) to upwards of $170 for a private all-inclusive tour complete with a hot meal.

These tours might sound pretty expensive, but having a guide packing the day full of fascinating stories, information, history, and wildlife insights will turn it from a “look at these cool rocks” type experience into a core memory.

If you have your own transportation or plan to take a shuttle from Flores to Tikal, the entrance fee will cost you Q150 (roughly $20 USD). Keep in mind that if you visit for the sunrise or sunset, you’ll need to pay an additional Q100.

How long do I need at Tikal?

It depends on how much you enjoy visiting ruins. If you’re a history buff, consider spending two days in the park. The average visitor can see all the top spots in 8 to 9 hours total. But if you only have a passing interest in ruins, give yourself half a day.

Personally, I’d recommend spending one full day in Tikal National Park, with a night in Flores (or the Park itself) as bookends.

How to Get to Tikal from Guatemala City

There are several ways to get to Tikal from Guatemala City. You can stopover and enjoy any one of the Tikal tours from Flores I cover in this post, or go all the way on your own.

Fly from GUA to FRS, then get transport to Tikal *Quickest*

If you are pressed for time, the quickest option is to fly from La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City to Mundo Maya Airport in Flores . The flight takes about 30 minutes.

Outside the airport, you’ll find multiple transportation options ranging from cheap minibuses to air-conditioned tourist shuttles. Be sure to settle on a price before committing.

Take a Coach Bus

Another option is to take a coach bus from Guatemala City to Santa Elena (Flores).

You can book bus transport directly through the Tikal National Park website .

I once took a night bus to Flores with two friends and though it proved hard to sleep with the cranked-up air-conditioning and crying babies, it got us there.

It’s a solid budget option. Sure, the bus station in the city can feel a tad sketchy, but once you’re on board, you’ll roll right along to your destination.

If you feel confident about driving in Guatemala, a rental car is another option.

This choice is best for travelers who want to see various sites along the route rather than travel directly there and back again.

Final Thoughts: Tikal Tours from Flores

Soaring temples, lush jungle, brilliantly-colored toucans, and fascinating history make Tikal National Park one of Guatemala’s top tourist destinations.

Some people say Tikal is even better than Machu Picchu and Chichén Itzá. (I’ll withhold judgment since I haven’t been to either of those places yet.)

The point is Tikal is absolutely worth seeing.Going on a guided tour is going to make it way more memorable than wandering around yourself. Knowing the stories and the meaning behind the temples is what will take it from “meh” to “marvelous.” Trust me.

Personally, I think this is the best Sunrise Tour Tikal has to offer for the money. Not only will you get to experience Tikal at sunrise–which is beyond incredible–this tour also includes breakfast, lunch, a stellar guide, and only a nine-guest max group size.

#1 Top Pick ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tikal SUNRISE Tour From Flores

⏰ Duration: 6 hours | Approx. Cost $88 This tour offers AMAZING value for the price. Not only will you get to experience Tikal at sunrise–which is beyond incredible–this tour also includes breakfast, lunch, a stellar guide, and only a nine-guest max group size. -> Check rates and book

But hey, if you don’t fancy getting up at 4 a.m., the Small Group SUNSET Tour is equally spectacular. We aren’t all morning people (as my sister can attest).

Which of these Tikal tours from Flores get you excited and itching to book? Hint : Go with that one.

Yvonne McArthur is a writer, word-lover, and adventurer born and raised in Guatemala. Since starting her niche travel blog in 2021, she's helped thousands of people discover Guatemala, from top tourist attractions to far-flung destinations.

Tikal National Park Full-Day Guided Tour from Flores

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Option 1 Embarcadero, Flores, Guatemala We will pick you up in Front of Raices Restaurant in Flores. You will recognize our bus for the logo of the company (Tikal Go) our Driver we also will looking for each of you!
• Option 2 Mundo Maya International Airport, W47C+XV8 Aeropuerto Mundo Maya, Flores, Guatemala We will be waiting for you at the exit of the Terminal with a sign with your name on it and our logo printed (Tikal Go). You will have some time you can spend in the cafetería of the airport or where you prefer. Your flight comes at 7.15 we leave at 8.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You’ll have 2 starting options See departure details
• 1 Tikal National Park Stop: 6 hours Visit one of the largest and most important Mayan places in Central America. Your Tour Guide will pick you up at your hotel and in about an hour trip, we'll arrive at the Tikal National Park. Once we are in the Park, let your imagination fly, we'll enter in a mysterious world, where there are more than 3000 structures and only 30% of them are discovered. We'll tell you how the Mayans lived in the Palaces of the Mayan Aristocracy, we'll teach you what their values ​​were, their structure, their religion. We'll arrive at the Central Park where you'll get to know the spectacular Pyramid symbol of Guatemala: The Great Jaguar and you'll be able to go up to the Temple of the Masks: The Temple 2. Then we'll continue our journey in El Mundo Perdido to understand where the City started and the calculation accuracy of the ancient civilization. But it doesn't finish here!!! We'll finish the tour going up one of the highest pyramids in the world: The Temple IV, with a height of 64 meters, which has been used as a scenario for several films, one of them, the first Star Wars movie of 1977, as well as the eleventh James Bond movie of 1979. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

More to explore in Flores

Tikal National Park Full-Day Guided Tour from Flores provided by Lets Go Tikal

Flores To Tikal: EVERYTHING You Need To Know In 2023

Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀

Looking for the best ways to get from Flores to Tikal? You’re in the right place! When backpacking Guatemala, our day trip to Tikal was one of our most memorable activities.

But there’s a lot of confusion about visiting Tikal from Flores. For instance, I didn’t realise it takes 2 hours to get there! I also didn’t realise that it’s a much better idea to take a tour to Tikal than to visit by yourself (and as someone who enjoys going at their own pace, this did annoy me at first).

However, guide or no guide, Tikal is so worth visiting from Flores. Known for being Central America’s most famous Mayan citadel ruins, Tikal has to be planned into your itinerary!

So, let’s get down to the details of how to travel to and from Flores and Tikal.

Other Guatemala posts:

• Is Tikal Worth Visiting? COMPLETE Tikal Guide
• How To Get From Flores To Semuc Champey
• Semuc Champey From Antigua: Step-By-Step
• Is Semuc Champey Worth It? A COMPLETE Guide
• Flores to Belize City: Complete Step-By-Step Guide

Flores to Tikal: A Summary

In summary, there is only one main way to get from Flores to Tikal  (or in reverse, Tikal to Flores) and that is by using a tour and a guide. However, you can use shared shuttles, private taxis or public buses, but it’s going to be a lot more complicated (and I really don’t recommend it).

Your options are:

• A guided tour (with a shuttle)
• Shared shuttle (drop off and pick up)
• Private taxi or transfer
• Public bus and tuk tuk

When you are travelling from Flores to Tikal, I highly recommend booking a tour . We arrived in Flores not knowing a) just how far Tikal is from Flores, and b) just how big Tikal is (it’s over 57,000 hectares!) assuming we could explore the site by ourselves. We were so wrong!

It is highly recommended (not just by myself, but by locals too) that you do not visit Tikal alone . It is exceptionally easy to get lost, and you’ll spend more of your time wandering where to go than actually enjoying it. There aren’t many signposts, and Tikal is quite literally in the middle of the jungle.

Getting lost can be pretty serious – in fact, an American sadly wandered off the beaten track just last year and the result turned out to be fatal.

I’ll be honest, we are not tour people. If we can explore by ourselves, we do. Especially as I’m not a big ruins fan, I wanted to turn up for 30 minutes, have a look around the site and leave.

This is not possible in Tikal. It isn’t the same as Chichen Itza, where you have one path that leads you to the main temple with lots of markets, people and facilities around.

Tikal is spread across a vast amount of land. It is hard to navigate if you do not know your way around!

⮕ View all online pre-booked Flores to Tikal tours here .

1) Flores to Tikal with a guide (best option)

We reluctantly booked a sunset tour in Flores to explore Tikal . It wasn’t cheap (around £45/$55/430Q per person), and we were annoyed that we couldn’t just explore by ourselves (there were no shuttles running that day). But wow, I am so glad we booked that tour!

It actually turned out to be one of our favourite days in Guatemala, and our tour guide was brilliant . He had a great sense of humour, was passionate about the site and led us to all of the major temples and ruins. He even added in a nighttime jungle walk, where we spotted tarantulas, scorpions, snakes, foxes and monkeys in the dark.

When we had been walking around Tikal for a while, I realised just how lucky we were that we didn’t visit alone. It’s a big, big place, and getting lost would not have been fun! Plus, it’s quiet. Because of how big it is, our group was usually exploring without another person around.

Take my advice – book a tour to explore Tikal. It might not be the cheapest option, but it really is your best option.

There are either sunrise or sunset tours (more explained in the section ‘tours to Tikal’), and they’re worth every penny. It doesn’t matter whether you book online , or book through a travel agent shop in Flores – just book a tour to explore Tikal. You’ll thank me later!

Flores to Tikal tour information:

• Price : £45 per person ($55/430Q)
• Tour type: Half-day tour, leaving either for sunrise or sunset
• Duration: Approx 8-9 hour tour (including transfers)
• Journey time from Flores to Tikal: 2 hours + depending on traffic

🤩 Visiting Tikal for the first time? Check out my complete Tikal guide here!

More Guatemala posts:

• Antigua To Lake Atitlan Guatemala: COMPLETE Guide
• BEST Hostels In Flores Guatemala For Backpackers
• Is Flores Guatemala Safe? Solo Female Travellers Advice

2) Flores to Tikal shared shuttle

There is *sometimes* a shared shuttle that will run to Tikal. Whatever you’ve read online, the shuttle to Tikal from Flores does not run every day. In fact, it runs quite rarely. Throughout our time in Flores, the shuttle to Tikal did not run once.

However, it does sometimes. It’s by far the most budget option, but it does mean you have to explore Tikal by yourself.

If you do manage to board the shuttle from Flores to Tikal, it shouldn’t cost more than £30 ($35) per person for a return. This can either be booked online here or via one of Flores’ travel agents.

⮕ View all shuttle options from Flores to Tikal here.

3) Flores to Tikal by tuktuk and public bus

If you’re on an even tighter budget, you can get the public bus from Flores to Tikal. If you are staying on Flores Island, you will need to get a tuk-tuk (or walk) over to the mainland to catch the bus. Buses to Tikal should leave every hour, but of course, this may not always happen.

If you’re travelling by public bus, you will need to ensure you’ve finished your day in Tikal relatively early (by 4 pm maximum). The return bus is unreliable and sometimes does not run past sunset.

If you are unsure about getting a local bus, talk to some of the locals, your hostel, talk to the driver and be sure to know exactly where the bus is going. Oh, and you’re going to need some Spanish for this!

Guatemala is known for its ‘chicken buses’, which are old school buses donated from the USA. Guatemalans have painted and turned these school buses into  public party buses.  Yes, they do play loud 80’s music as you travel!

Public buses are by far the cheapest way to travel around Guatemala,  but they can take much longer than the shuttles and are a lot bumpier. It’s also a bit riskier with your bags and luggage, but not impossible. If you’re the more adventurous type, travelling via chicken bus in Guatemala should be on your bucket list.

Want to start your digital nomad life?

Check out my ebook page (click here!) to see if there’s a guide that suits you. I’m here to help you leave the 9-5 and work remotely around the world! 💻 🌎

4) Flores to Tikal by private taxi

Of course, if you have a higher budget or are travelling with at least 4 of you, you can take a private taxi. This will be the most expensive option.

If you are getting a private taxi from Flores to Tikal, it will cost approximately £50-60 ($60-72 or 570 Q).

⮕ Want to pre-book a private transfer ? Check out your options here.

Sunset or Sunrise tour to Tikal?

There are two main tours from Flores to Tikal; the sunrise and sunset tours.

• Sunrise tour: leave Flores at either 3am or 4am, return around 1pm
• Sunset tour: leave Flores for Tikal at 12pm, return around 9pm

Most backpackers jump at the idea of sunrise (I don’t know what it is, but backpackers seem to love sunrises?!) However, even as experienced backpackers, we are not sunrise people!

Sunset will always suit us better, and we absolutely loved the sunset Tikal tour !

The only difference between the two tours is the time you visit. Both times are quiet and not too chaotic. You will climb to the top of a temple to watch the sunrise/sunset on both tours.

As part of the sunset tour, we also finished with a nighttime jungle walk, which was actually one of my favourite parts of the day. However, this isn’t guaranteed, and was just because our tour guide was so fantastic!

⮕ View all Flores to Tikal tours here .

Where to stay in Flores

If you’re visiting Flores for the first time,  I recommend you stay on the island rather than the mainland to get the full experience.

Flores Island in Guatemala is exceptionally small.  That means all of the accommodations, hostels and hotels are within walking distance of each other.

Again,  my biggest piece of advice is to book hostels in advance.  We missed out on so many of the best hostels in Central America as they fill up  so  quickly – get booking!

• Los Amigos Hostel:   This is by far the most popular hostel in Flores, but also the most expensive! A dorm will cost over £20 a night, and a private room up to £120. When we were staying in Flores, there was no availability even 4 weeks in advance, so make sure you book early!  ⮕   BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!
• Hotel Peten Express Tikal:   Another popular hostel in Flores with a good location on the water. It has a calmer atmosphere than Los Amigos.  ⮕  BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!

⮕  View all other  Hostelworld hostels in Flores here.

Accommodation in Tikal

As Tikal is so vast, some people decide to split their visit across two days. Most tourists will book a tour from Flores, then instead of getting the shuttle back, will stay in the park for their jungle accommodation . This is a great option if you have the luxury of time on your side!

NOTE: most accommodations in Tikal have limited electricity and wifi.

The best and highest-rated hotels in Tikal are:

• Hotel Jaguar Inn: eco-friendly hotel with bungalows, located on the site of Tikal itself, with budget-friendly rooms. ⮕ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!
• Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal: has an outdoor pool and a restaurant, bar, and garden and is right next to the Tikal entrance. Rooms are a little more expensive than Jaguar Inn, but it is more of a luxury hotel and experience. ⮕ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

⮕ View all other  hotels in Tikal here.

How do you get to Tikal from Flores?

The easiest and most popular way to get to Tikal from Flores is by a guided tour. The journey from Flores to Tikal is approximately 2 hours. Tours can either be taken at sunrise or sunset. You can also get a shared shuttle, private taxi or public bus to Tikal from Flores.

How much is a taxi from Flores to Tikal?

Is tikal worth the trip.

Yes, Tikal is worth the trip ! In fact, it was one of our favourite days whilst backpacking in Guatemala. Even if you aren’t a huge history fan, wandering around the jungle and spotting wild animals, learning about the Mayan way of life and watching the sunset/sunrise from the top of a temple that dates back to the 6th Century BC is pretty impressive!

Is Flores Guatemala worth visiting?

Flores Island in Guatemala is worth visiting for 1-2 nights, especially if you want to visit Tikal, the ancient Mayan ruins . If you are not interested in visiting Tikal, there isn’t much to do or see in Flores, so it may not be worth visiting.

How many days should I spend in Flores, Guatemala?

The biggest activity to do in Flores is Tikal (Mayan ancient ruins), which requires at least one full day.  In my opinion,  2 nights is enough in Flores, Guatemala.  The other day you can explore the island, head over to the rope swing, enjoy a cocktail at Sky Bar and relax.

There isn’t too much to do in Flores apart from Tikal,  so you don’t need much time there.

Best backpacker travel insurance for Central America

If you’re visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is  so  important to have  travel insurance .   And  if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you  definitely  need travel insurance.

Personally, I recommend  SafetyWing .  As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at  just $42 USD per month.

I know, I know, you’re thinking  ‘but I can’t afford that!’ . I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.

If you need medical help at  any point  whilst in Central America,  you need  travel insurance.

With  SafetyWing , you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Central America . Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a  lot  of debt. Don’t be that person!

If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the  best travel insurance companies , I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for  SafetyWing , and the job is done!

Flores to Tikal: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about  how to get from Flores to Tikal  whilst backpacking Guatemala.

When you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, make sure you let me know over on  Instagram  or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at  first-time backpackers on a budget.  I’m  backpacking Central America  with my boyfriend (read more  here !), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Guatemala content,  all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates  here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

• Is Tikal Worth Visiting? COMPLETE Tikal Guide (2023)
• How To Get From San Ignacio To Flores: Backpacker Guide
• Semuc Champey From Antigua: Step-By-Step Guide 2023
• Is Semuc Champey Worth It? A COMPLETE Guide For 2023

MEET THE AUTHOR!

Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.

If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).

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How To Get from Flores to Tikal [2024]

By: Author Virginia Bello

Posted on Last updated: February 9, 2024

Categories Central America , Guatemala

Wondering how to get from Flores to Tikal, Guatemala? Wonder no more, because you’ve found the ultimate guide to make your journey. Find out all the options and choose the best one for you!

Flores is commonly referred to as the gateway to several nearby Mayan ruins, among which Tikal is by far the most popular one. This impressive ancient citadel ought to be on your itinerary in Guatemala !

In this post, you’ll find the best alternatives on how to get from Flores to Tikal for all budgets, preferences, and desired comforts. Check them out!

Table of Contents

BEST FLORES TO TIKAL TOURS

The easiest way to visit Tikal is to join a tour, as you’ll not only have transportation covered but enjoy pick up at your hotel, and benefit from the insights of a knowledgeable guide. Below you’ll find the best Tikal tours from Flores. 

▶️ The Archeological Focus Sunrise Tour Tikal with Wildlife Spotting (North and West) takes you on an extensive tour around Tikal Natural Park at dawn (entrance not included). After witnessing the sunrise from the top of a pyramid, you’ll learn about the history of Tikal, the importance of its structures, and the flora and fauna of the place. You’ll enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ If you’re really not a morning person, you can join the Archaeological Focus Tikal Sunset Tour with Wildlife Spotting (South and East) . You and a small group will follow your guide around the UNESCO World Heritage Site (entrance not included), learning about the impressive ruins and spotting the wildlife as the day comes to an end. This Tikal tour from Flores includes lunch at a local restaurant. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The Tikal Maya Adventure Private Day Tour from Flores includes lunch and hotel pick-up and drop-off. You’ll tour Tikal National Park with a private guide, learning about the history of the park, and enjoying the chance of climbing some of the structures. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Pros and Cons of the Tours

✅ The tour offers roundtrip transportation , so you don’t have to plan your transfers to and from the archaeological site. Plus, you’ll have a tour guide with you at all times, making the experience much more informative and interesting.

✅ All the tours mentioned above include lunch , so there’s also no need to prepare a lunch box or snacks to take with you.

❌ It’s more expensive than making the trip on your own.

❌ The first two tour options don’t include entrance fees to the site, so you’ll have to purchase them separately.

READ ALSO : These Are the 11 Very Best Tikal Tours

TIKAL TO FLORES SHUTTLE WITH GUIDE

You can also make the trip from Flores to Tikal by shuttle , which picks you up at your hotel and takes you directly to the archaeological site.

The shuttle also includes a guide and a tour around the Tikal National Park , so you’ll enjoy a full-day trip with all the main benefits of an actual tour. This is the option we chose and it was a great experience.

When you click on GuateGo page, it’s not immediately obvious which option is this. If you click on More information , it will be the option that says Guide in the collapsible menu next to Pick up at hotel .

💲The Flores-Tikal shuttle departs daily at 8 AM and costs $45. Round-trip transportation is included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Pros and Cons of the Shuttle with Guide

✅ It offers roundtrip transportation, and a guide to show you around the ruins and explain their history and importance. It’s also cheaper than going on a tour while offering a similar experience.

❌ You’ll have to pay for the ruins’ entrance fee separately.

❌ It’s a fixed schedule , so you won’t have a say in the departure or return timings.

SHARED SHUTTLE FROM FLORES TO TIKAL

If you’d rather explore the site on your own, you can book the shared shuttle to get to Tikal and then wander around at your pace. It’s the most convenient option if you’re on a budget.

It doesn’t include hotel pick-up as the previous option or the private transfer. Instead, it departs from the I Love Petén sign at the entrance of Flores, where you’ll meet your driver and the other passengers. Depending on where you’re staying in Flores, it might not be the most convenient of options.

When you click on GuateGo page, it’s not immediately obvious which option is this. If you click on More information , it will be the option that says A/C in the collapsible menu next to Entrada Flores .

If you’re far from the location, the difference ($15) might well be worth booking the shuttle with a guide , with the added benefit of having a tour included. 

💲The shared shuttle departs at 8 AM daily, and it costs $30 round-trip. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Pros and Cons of the Shared Shuttle

✅ It’s a very affordable transportation option, and it offers a roundtrip service so you know your return journey is also covered.

❌ You won’t have a guide with you , which means you’ll have to explore the ruins, and figure out their history and archaeology facts on your own.

❌ There’s only one departure a day , so you’ll have to adapt to their schedule.

PRIVATE TRANSFER / TAXI TO TIKAL

How to get to Tikal with all the comforts? If you want to be taken directly from your hotel to the site , and picked up after your tour to get back, then your best option is to book a private transfer or a taxi . 

Although it’s the most expensive transportation option, it may be convenient if you’re a group of at least 4 people , and you’ll enjoy hassle-free and private transportation.

The Flores to Tikal distance is 39.7 miles (63.9 km), and the journey will take around 1 hour . Below are the best options:  

▶️ You can book in advance a Roundtrip Private VIP Transfer from Flores to Tikal with hotel pick up and drop-off included, which will take you and your group of up to 3 people to the site, and wait until you’re ready to get back. 

All vehicles have insurance and air-conditioning. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ If your hotel is in Tikal or you plan to visit the site as soon as you land in Flores, you can opt for a Private One-Way Transfer from either Mundo Maya International Airport or Santa Elena Airport to Tikal. It accommodates up to 5 people, and you’ll get to choose the time of the pickup. It doesn’t include the Tikal-Flores transfer after your visit.

All vehicles are air-conditioned and insured. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Read what the reviews say:

”So happy we went with this private tour instead of a group tour. We were able to decide the time our driver picked us up and he was able to come right to our hotel. He then stayed at the park while we explored and was right there when we were ready to go home. Most tour groups are an 8+ hour commitment. We only stayed in the park for 3 hours which is why we were so happy we used a private tour guide who was on our schedule. He was very nice and helpful in gaining access into the park.” emhoekstra19 – Check out more reviews on Viator

Pros and Cons of the Private Transfer

✅ The transfer revolves around your preferences. You’ll choose the pick-up time that best suits you, and return to Flores whenever you feel like it.

✅ You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel, making this a hassle-free transfer.

❌ It’s more expensive than taking the shuttle , and it doesn’t include a guide.

PUBLIC BUS FROM FLORES TO TIKAL

You can also take the bus from Flores, Guatemala to Tikal, which takes around two hours to arrive at the ruins. The bus departs almost every hour from Santa Elena bus station , and it’s the cheapest way to visit Tikal, costing around $5-7 at the time of writing, although not the most comfortable in the least.

If you’re on a really tight budget, though, the Tikal bus is an option to get to visit the site.

Pros and Cons of the Public Bus

✅ It’s the cheapest way to make the journey Flores – Tikal.

❌ It’s an uncomfortable trip , and you’ll have to be very mindful of the timings to return to Flores.

❌ It departs from the center of Flores, so depending on where your hotel is located, you might need to take a taxi to the bus station.

Flores to Tikal FAQ

You have several ways to make the journey. You can book an Archaeological Tour of the ancient ruins, or go with this Shuttle with a Guide to enjoy a comprehensive visit of the site. If you’d like to explore the ruins at your own pace and choose your departure times, a private transfer is the most convenient option. If, on the other hand, you’re traveling on a budget, you can choose the shared shuttle or the local bus.

Staying in Tikal is pricier, and there’s not much to do around other than the ruins. Flores is better connected to other places, and it offers a greater variety of activities.

A sunrise archaeological tour of Tikal from Flores lasts around 6 hours, and so does the sunset Tikal tour. If you want to spend longer on site, you can book a Maya Adventure Tour that takes approximately 9 hours.

Yes! Tikal National Park is enormous and magnificent, and its ruins are incredibly historic and interesting. I think visiting Tikal is worth the trip.

Virginia is a writer originally from Montevideo, Uruguay. She left her career as a TV Producer to gain more freedom and never looked back. She's been traveling the world full-time ever since! Virginia has traveled extensively through Latin America, Europe and Asia. You can currently find her gallivanting through Southeast Asia.

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Saturday 4th of November 2023

Hello Virginia, Can you tell me from where the public buses leaves from Flores to Tikal?

Stefania Guglielmi

Monday 6th of November 2023

Hi Zoltan! I'm not 100% sure and I don't want to give you a wrong answer. You'd be better off asking your hotel or hostel, they will know it for sure.

Monday 9th of January 2023

Going in a few weeks! Can you give me a sense what time these modes of transport return? And is it only once/day? Also, where does the bus leave from? How would I find out what the earliest bus departure is? Finally, if I stay near the park, can I go in and out for the price of 1 admission (so I could go to my hotel for lunch, or so I could go for both sunrise and sunset)? Thanks!

Tuesday 10th of January 2023

Hi Dan, it's hard to say because each company runs at different times, so you'd be better off checking on each individual company's website or contact them directly. Usually the tours that arrive before sunrise will leave around mid-day and most other tours early afternoon (3-4 pm). The shuttle usually runs once a day. I think your day ticket lets you go in and out as many times as you want, but again just send a quick message to the hotel you're thinking of booking and they will for sure know.

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Tikal Tour From Flores: Is It Worth Booking?

No doubt if you are coming to Flores, one of the most popular things to do here is to visit Tikal. Though there is quite a distance between these two locations so the best way to experience it is to make a Tikal tour from Flores.

I will let you know what types of tours are available, costs, opening hours, what to expect, and more!

There are several different Mayan ruins around the town of Flores in Guatemala , though no doubt the most popular one is Tikal, and this is for good reason. The extensive grounds, wildlife, jungle location, impressive views, and complete restorations draw in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The thing to be aware of is that it is a good hour’s drive to get to Tikal from Flores, and the most popular way to venture there is by taking a Tikal tour from Flores.

However be aware that not all these tours are created equal, not at all. Honestly, some can feel like they are livestock being herded around, whereas others can seem like an overwhelming amount of information has been thrust upon them.

Though if you are also the type of traveler who would prefer to travel to Tikal from Flores on your own I will let you know how you can do this as well. Whether by shuttle, public bus, or by taxi. This way you will have a lot more freedom around the park and can explore at your own pace.

Nevertheless, let’s get into this complete guide of what to expect on a Tikal tour from Flores or simply visiting by yourself. This includes why you should visit, how to get there, entry fees, opening hours, and whether it is even safe to swim in Flores. Let’s be honest no one wants to get sick.

Tikal Tours From Flores: What To Expect During Your Visit

History of tikal, types of tikal tours from flores, where to book a tikal tour from flores, how to visit tikal by yourself, tikal entrance fee, best time of year to visit tikal, what to pack on your tikal tour from flores, my experience booking a tikal tour from flores.

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Guatemala: GuateGo

Now I know you will learn a bit about the history of Tikal on your tour, but let’s get into some of the basics which will explain why it is worth visiting and why it has become such a popular temple site.

Tikal covers an area of 64 square kilometers, which is huge. It’s said to be more than 400 stone structures built across the land, with plenty more to be discovered as well. This is pretty crazy to think about considering archeological records date Tikal to around 1000 BC.

However, keep in mind it wasn’t until 300 BC that Tikal really started to grow are thrive as a city.

You can find Mayan ruins throughout Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, but none are considered as large and impressive as Tikal. While it is still a topic of discussion, many experts believe the population of Tikal was between 50,000 to 100,000 people during the Mayan Classic Period.

It also covered an area of 576 square kilometers, quite a lot larger than the small section of the park you will explore on your Tikal tour from Flores.

It was officially discovered in 1848, though when the Spanish came through during the 1500’s they had no idea of its existence. Nature had taken over this incredible site, reclaiming it as its own.

Walking through certain parts of the park it is easy to see how it went undiscovered for so long, the large impressive temples simply looking like small hills.

I will get more into the importance of each individual temple you will come across a bit further below when I share my experience visiting Tikal from Flores. Tikal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 in hopes of preserving the area and the history it holds.

Life would be easy if there was just one type of Tikal Tour you could book, but also thinking about it, no doubt it would be super crowded at that time of day. Luckily there are numerous different Tikal Tours you can choose to book.

That way you can find one that suits what you are looking to get out of this experience.

The bonus of booking on a tour is that you will have transportation sorted, and have a knowledgeable guide to take you around, just make sure you are booking with an English-speaking, or Spanish-speaking guide depending on what languages you speak.

Too many times I booked tours in Mexico and ended up on a Spanish-speaking tour understanding barely anything. Many tour agencies say they will pick you up from your hostel or hotel.

Though just be aware it is likely they will simply walk there and resort you down to where the bus will be waiting at the start of Flores.

Sunrise Tikal Tour: This sunrise tour is for those early risers who want to have one of the most spectacular sunrise views. You will have entry to the park before everyone else, though this does mean you need to pay slightly more for your entry ticket. Though more on the exact details of this are below.

Morning Tikal Tour: This is the tour I did, and I must say you still need to get up pretty damn early for it. Nevertheless, there was a lot of waiting around, but we were lucky enough to be on the first morning Tikal tour through the entry gates and exploring. As a result, we did see a lot of wildlife and they had been undisturbed.

Sunset Tikal Tour: For some more spectacular views you can do the sunset Tikal tour . This is perfect for people who aren’t early risers, and looking back it is the tour I definitely should have done. You will still get to experience lots of wildlife as they start to venture back out after the midday sun.

Private Tikal Tour: A private tour will give you a more intimate experience exploring Tikal from Flores. It can be a bit underwhelming being ushered around with a relatively large group, so if you can afford it and you are genuinely interested in the history of Tikal I highly recommend doing a private tour.

It is super easy to book your Tikal Tour from Flores, and to do so you have either two different options.

The first is booking online in advance. You can do this through Get Your Guide or Viator. Be aware you will pay a premium booking through a third party, though the bonus of this is you can read other travelers’ reviews and know what to expect.

The second option is to book your Tikal tour once you have arrived in Flores. There seem to be five travel agencies on each street around Flores, seriously there is a crazy amount. The problem with this though as it can be hard to know what you are actually getting, especially if your Spanish is limited.

I booked through my hostel called Los Amigos in Flores the day before the tour. I paid Q130 / $16.60 for return transport and an English-speaking guide. The actual entry fee to Tikal was not included in the price.

If you do decide to book a tour of Tikal, whether online or in person make sure to find out whether the entry fee is included or not, as this can greatly affect the price.

If you prefer to do things alone, or just don’t want to be stuck with a big crowd, fair play. Visiting Tikal by yourself from Flores not on a group tour is another excellent option.

This way you will have a lot more freedom to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed, or the opposite, and not be stuck waiting around for other people.

There are a few different ways you can visit Tikal by yourself:

Shuttle: Guatego offers a shuttle service picking you up at 8 am, and arriving at Tikal at 10 am. You will then be able to wander around the park at your own pace and meet back at the shuttle to be transferred back to Flores at a set time.

There is also an option to go on a guided tour for an extra $15.00. Just be aware this doesn’t include hotel pick-up, instead, you will need to meet at the I Love Peten sign at the entrance of Flores.

Taxi: Another choice you have which will take you directly from your hotel in Flores to Tikal is by booking a taxi. They will drop you off at the park, wait around and then drop you back off at your hotel afterward.

This is certainly the most expensive option, though if you are traveling in a group of 4 so you have someone to split the fare with this could be a perfect choice.

Bus : Lastly there is also the choice of taking the bus from Tikal to Flores. If you are keen on this choice your best bet will be heading to the local bus station over in Santa Elena. It should cost you around $5.00 to travel to Tikal, though be aware this will no doubt take the longest, and it may not be a direct journey.

Okay, so next up is the Tikal Entrance Fee. This will be purchased at the Banrural Bank at the entry gate to Tikal National Park (yes there is a bank here). Though be aware they only accept cash, and there is no ATM there, yes, even though they are a bank.

The Tikal entrance fee is Q150 / $19.11, which is quite pricey for Guatemala, but this is a must-visit during your trip.

Though there is also an additional fee if you wish to do the sunrise tour or sunset tour of Q100 / $12.75 on top of the standard entry fee.

If the ticket office isn’t open during your visit e.g. you arrive to do the sunrise tour you are able to buy your tickets in advance from Banrural or CHN Bank Agency.

These can be found at Flores Airport, Antigua, Guatemala City, Santa Elena, or Melchor de Mencos which is on the Guatemala side of the Belize border. Your ticket is valid 30 days after purchase as long as it hasn’t been used yet.

There are two distinct seasons in Guatemala, this is the dry season and the wet season. Though Tikal is located in northern Guatemala where you will find high humidity and high temperatures all year around.

Dry Season: This time of the year runs from November until April. Though the best months to visit are considered to be January, February, and March. I visited at the very end of April and the days were still perfectly clear, sunny, and pretty damn hot.

This is also the high season here in Guatemala so you will find more crowds and prices do tend to be a bit more expensive.

Wet Season: Secondly you have the wet season that runs from May to October. You may find long heavy showers resulting in a lot of humidity so it can be a bit uncomfortable.

These downpours do typically seem to occur in the afternoon, though up to you whether you want to take the risk as the paths around Tikal aren’t paved so things can get quite muddy.

Now seriously, make sure you read this properly as if you forget something you will be too far away to pop pack to your accommodation to pick it up. Also, there are some things you will need to bring along with you otherwise you will be refused entry to the park, so be aware.

Passport: I hate taking my passport around when I am traveling as I am always scared I will lose it. Though it is a must in Tikal and you will be denied entry if you try to enter without it. Make sure you have a safe spot to keep it once you have purchased your ticket so it doesn’t get misplaced.

Cash: Don’t make the same mistake as many others on my tour made, and bring cash! Even though many places in Guatemala and around Central America accept cards, you aren’t able to use them when purchasing your entry tickets, and they do not allow cash out.

Sunscreen & Hat: It is not and honestly there aren’t too many shady areas you can hide under. Therefore make sure you bring some protection, I learned my lesson in Mexico when I didn’t apply sunblock on my Sumidero Canyon tour and got super burnt, like blisters, and now I have scars on my chest and arms from it.

Camera: Seriously this is a once-in-a-lifetime spot, and even if you are visiting other temples in Central America, no two are the same so you will want to remember this moment. Drones are banned from Tikal so leave yours at the hotel.

Insect Repellent: You are in the jungle and no doubt don’t want to leave with any bug bite souvenirs. Make sure to put on some decent insect repellent, and bring some more with you so you can top up throughout the day.

Good Walking Shoes: Trust me you don’t want any blisters and you will do a fair bit of walking and climbing today so you will want to make sure you bring some sneakers.

Water: You will have opportunities to purchase water inside the park, though best to bring plenty with you as well. It can get super hot, so make sure to drink a lot so you don’t get dehydrated.

Food: A snack is important to keep your energy levels up. If you don’t want something basic like a packet of chips I can recommend stopping in at Delirio in Flores. They are a lovely little cafe/bakery on the island and have a cabinet full of delicious takeaway items!

I brought along a couple of pastries from there and people were a little jealous.

So I decided to book a tour through my hostel in Flores called Los Amigos . I definitely went with ease of availability over shopping around as I simply did not look anywhere else. Since I wasn’t making friends at the hostel in common areas my second best option was to make friends on the Tikal tour from Flores.

I ended up booking the morning before and paid Q130 / $16.60 for return transport and an English-speaking guide.

Pick Up By Our Tour Company

Now it was an early 4 a.m. start, well technically earlier to get picked up for the Tikal tour from Flores. I set my alarm for 3.40 a.m. in my hostel dorm and quickly got ready with everything I had prepared the night prior.

I mean there is nothing worse than someone rustling around getting ready loudly at ungodly hours.

We were told to head to the hostel reception where we would be picked up at 4 am. This time comes and goes, 4.15 am, 4.25 am. I check my camera and realize the battery is empty, it’s me and a few other sleepy people out in reception.

My room is a couple of seconds away, surely they can’t disappear by the time I grab an extra battery. I speed off to my room, grab it, come back, and of course, everyone is gone. Typical.

Now, what better way to start the day than a 4:30 a.m. run through the streets of Flores? Luckily I had spent the last couple of days here and know all the little alleyway shortcuts. God if my mom knew I was running around in the dark she would not be happy.

Luckily enough I make it to the start of the island where the vans are parked, The next challenge finding my van.

Driving To Tikal From Flores

Luckily the English-speaking guides were there as well, and I was easily able to find the van I was meant to be in, whew. With darkness still filling the sky we start making our way toward Tikal and catching up to the other vans who had left prior to us.

Unbeknownst to me, we had the main tour guide in our van so about 20 minutes out of the city we met up with everyone else so we could all travel together. Our van leads the group while the majority of us drift in and out of sleep, occasionally being awoken by the lights of passing cars.

The sun is starting to rise in the distance as daylight takes over. I imagine those people who paid for the sunrise tour standing on top of one of the temples with the most incredible views across the jungle.

Eventually, we reach a barrier stopping traffic on the road, we have arrived at the entry point to Tikal.

Buying Tickets At Tikal

Tikal doesn’t open until 6 a.m., so we had to wait around until this time for the Banrural ticket counter to open. Luckily enough we were the first tour group in front of the line, the only people in front of us were a couple of travelers who had driven themselves.

It was about 15 minutes of waiting around for the Banrural to open. Luckily enough I had read the night before, doing my minimal research, that I needed to take my passport and cash for the entry ticket.

Seriously unless I did this research I would have literally had no idea, especially about the cash. I luckily always travel and pay in cash, though because of the large American tourist numbers it is pretty common to also be able to pay for everything by card. Though not here.

Unfortunately not everyone, understandably, did this research in advance. One of the chicks from my hostel only brought her credit card, and even though you are technically buying your ticket at a bank, they don’t accept cards.

Now I ended up lending her a bit of money, about half the ticket price. I know this isn’t a scam, but seriously these days I am wary of fellow travelers after getting scammed by them quite a few times. Yes, she did buy me breakfast the following day to pay me back so all good.

After buying our tickets we headed back to our van and waited for the rest of the group to purchase theirs.

Arriving At Tikal

Arriving at Tikal we are led through a building and into a large restaurant. Here we are given the opportunity to have breakfast while we wait for the rest of the vans to catch up after buying their tickets. I am not going to lie, it was a lot of waiting around.

Though finally after about 40 or so minutes, all the bills are paid and our once small van load has increased in size a lot. All in all, there are around 20 to 25 of us today on the tour.

Now, I am not usually a fan of such large groups, and especially with an early wake-up call I am not always the most sociable. Nevertheless, we head into the park and show our tickets.

We take a wide path that leads past some very impressive trees while we all stay relatively quiet in hopes we will hear some howler monkeys, or witness some impressive wildlife.

The Great Jaguar

The first temple we come across is The Great Jaguar, well at least one side of it, as the rest opens up to the Grand Plaza, which we would be checking out next.

Though I would be lying if I said the reason we stopped here was in appreciation of its grandeur, instead it was because there was a cute coati stealing the spotlight.

One thing that is sure to catch everyone’s attention is a sweet little foreign-to-us animal roaming around, and boy it got us good. While it modeled away in front of the Great Jaguar temple our guide spoke about the wildlife in this part of Guatemala.

There is also impressive birdlife around Flores, so we all started searching in the trees and finding beautiful colored birds and some very impressive nests. Though I must say the turkey plodding around was a little bit underwhelming.

Our guide basically needs to convince us to keep going as the majority was still entranced by the adorable coati. Luckily for us, we soon stumble upon another, and another, as we wander into the Grand Plaza.

Grand Plaza

Entering the Grand Plaza it’s easy to see why this is such a popular spot in Tikal. Luckily on the morning tour, we essentially have It all to ourselves, though mid-day this place would be covered in travelers exploring its beauty. The Grand Plaza is home to Temple I, Temple II, Acropolis del Notre, and Acropolis Cental.

On arrival, we group together and are given some information from our tour guide, as well as where he recommends exploring. We are given 40 minutes to explore the Grand Plaza and all the temples surrounding it.

First off a smaller group of us headed to the Acropolis del Notre where we explored and took some photos of each other.

This is another bonus of a tour group as usually I would be traveling solo and having to struggle at taking photos of myself. It’s usually the self-timer and run-to-the-spot technique, which is often less than graceful.

Afterward, I head over to Acropolis Central to explore a bit of that before finding somewhere with an incredible view over the Grand Plaza where I have a bite of the snacks I bought from a bakery back in Flores.

This is also perfect for bird watching as I snap some photos of the birds going in and out of their nests scattered in the large trees.

Climbing Temple II

Lastly, I head to Temple II and climb up the wooden stairs that are located at the back. It is a pretty short climb as it doesn’t go all the way to the top of the temple, but instead about 3/4 of the way up where you can get a nice view over the Grand Plaza.

Be aware you don’t get those impressive jungle views and the tops of temples, like you, would do at some of the other temples. Instead, this one focuses on looking over the Grand Plaza.

The Lost World

Next up we head towards the Lost World which is an impressive temple also known as the Great Temple. Surprisingly this temple is actually 400 years older than temples 1,2,3 and 4, though this is certainly a quieter area of the park where some structures have been restored, and others still clinging to nature.

To climb to the top you will go up a wooden staircase, Honestly, it isn’t too difficult of a climb, though you may need a couple of water breaks if you are doing so under the hot sun.

This is also a popular spot to watch the sunrise or sunset at Tikal as you have excellent views over the landscapes and towards other temples in the area.

We stop at the top for 10 or so minutes to take in the impressive views, though it quickly starts to get busy as there has been a swarm of bees at Temple IV. That is the most popular temple to climb, so the majority of people have been redirected here as a plan B.

Climbing Temple IV

Of course, after hearing about the bee swarms we all were unsure about climbing Temple IV, but our guide decided to head over there to see what people were saying. On arrival, it had reopened again and people were advised to be cautious and just keep moving, not to stop.

As ummm someone of pretty average fitness level, I knew I wouldn’t be able to climb Temple IV without stopping. Luckily enough there was a drinks seller in a hut down some shade down the bottom so I grabbed a cold coca cola while I waited for some of the others to do the climb.

Jungle Walk

Turns up our guide grew up in this area and knows the surrounding jungle pretty well so he decided to take us on a shortcut back to the starting point. This shortcut was via a jungle walk where we wandered along eyes up at the trees looking for monkeys and other animals.

Unfortunately being such a large group we heard them, but by the time we had all walked to where they were, they had been scared off.

Nevertheless, this was a fun way to end the day and top off our awesome Tikal tour from Flores.

Returning To Flores

We all headed back to the restaurant where we had breakfast and have a little bit of a relax. There is a little bit of shopping to be done in this area so we were kind of given free rein for a while to check out the souvenirs. I personally didn’t purchase anything, though I did grab a cheeky ice cream to help cool down.

Once everyone was ready we jumped in the van ready to head back to Flores. We had the air conditioning blasting as it was now mid-day and it was pretty dam hot.

Luckily with the cool air blowing and plenty of tired travelers, we all ended up dozing off and catching up on the sleep we had missed thanks to the early morning wake-up call.

Where To Stay In Flores

Honestly, Flores is a super small island, and as long as you are staying on the island itself you will be fine in terms of a good location. There is a bridge that connects it to the mainland, but basically, the tourist area is on the island of Flores itself.

I did end up on the other side a couple of times though, the first was arriving there at the bus station, and having to take a taxi the rest of the way, and the second was to visit the supermarket and buy some food for dinner since my hostel had a kitchen.

I had an excellent time staying at Los Amigos , though it did kind of lack a social atmosphere if you aren’t into the party scene. There is a cute little hangout area with hammocks, but most people just seemed to sit there listening to music rather than talking to others.

Luckily for me, they have a few bunny rabbits hopping around and they became my friends. I stayed in the air-conditioned dorm, and this was freakin amazing, but the air conditioning is only turned on at night.

They have an excellent onsite restaurant which was perfect for me after visiting Jorge’s Rope Swing as, as a solo female traveler I don’t go out after dark by myself.

Things To Do In Flores

There are a handful of awesome things to do here in Flores apart from the popular Jorge’s Rope Swing . This is just a quick breakdown of some of the top options:

Jorge’s Rope Swing: This is the perfect place for backpackers and adventurous travelers to relax and get to know one another. With music playing, affordable drinks on offer, the hot Guatemalan sun beating down, and the inviting waters, you can’t really say no.

Now you may need to speak a little bit of Spanish or bring along your Google translate as you will need to negotiate with a local boat driver to take you over to Jorge’s Rope Swing.

There were three of us onboard the boat, and we did try to negotiate a better rate, especially because a lot of sources online seem to say 25Q / $3.20 one-way or 50Q / $6.40 return. Though our driver was firmly stuck at 30Q / $3.80 one way and 60Q / $7.60 return.

Who knows, the price of petrol has gone up a lot recently. Now, if I have convinced you to visit Jorge’s Rope Swing, you need to be aware there is an entry fee of 25Q / $3.20. This is on top of your transport cost, so that is something to be aware of.

Swim: There are lots of cool spots around the lake to go for a swim. You can either stick somewhere local, like at the dock on Flores or head to one of the nearby beaches. Talk to any boat driver and they will be able to take you there.

Wander The Streets: Seriously this place is freaking beautiful and the perfect showcase of the gorgeous buildings in Guatemala. Cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, incredibly painted murals, and delicious eateries seem to be around every corner.

Go for a walk and simply get lost, this isn’t a large town, so you can never go far.

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

Want more Guatemala Inspiration? Check out….

• ACATENANGO VOLCANO HIKE: TOP TIPS TO SUCCEED
• BEST HOSTELS IN EL PAREDON
• ANTIGUA TO EL PAREDON TRANSPORT GUIDE
• CAN YOU SWIM IN LAKE ATITLAN?
• EL PAREDON BACKPACKING GUIDE
• BEST HOSTELS IN LAKE ATITLAN
• PANAJACHEL TO SAN PEDRO & THE TOWNS BETWEEN: WATER TAXI LAKE ATITLAN
• ANTIGUA TO LAKE ATITLAN

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

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Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

2 thoughts on “ Tikal Tour From Flores: Is It Worth Booking? ”

Hello Tasha,

Very insightful. Thanks for sharing. Great blog :) BTW, did you go to Guatemala City or other places like El Salvador? If so, how safe did you feel?

Hey Scorrano, Glad you enjoyed reading. No didn’t go to Guatemala City, after traveling Guatemala I visited Honduras before heading back up through Belize and Mexico. Def plan to come back and visit El Salvador and Nicaragua. I did use common sense as a solo female traveler, but all in all I felt safe :)

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The Best Tikal Tours from Flores (2023)

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Tours to Tikal Guatemala combine transfers and guides to make your experience hassle free and convenient.

We loved our visit to Tikal! If you want to make the best of your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Tikal tour from Flores is the most convenient option!

Top 3 Tours to Tikal

1. flores to tikal group tour, 2. private tikal tour from flores, 3. all-inclusive tikal visit, 4. tour tikal with dedicated exploration of the archaeological monuments, 5. tikal sunrise tour, 6. tikal sunset tour, 7. tikal nature tour, 8. private flores to tikal shuttle, 9. 2-day tikal & yaxha tour, flores to tikal group tour.

• The most cost-efficient way to see Tikal.

All-Inclusive Tikal Visit

• The most convenient way to see Tikal.
• 222 satisfied guests.

Tikal sunset, Archeological focus and Wildlife Spotting Tour

• Archaeology

Tours Tikal Guatemala

⭐ Rating : 4.3 / 5 (53 reviews)

Why choose this tour? A Tikal Ruins Group Tour is the most economical way to visit the Tikal ruins with a guide.

Meet your driver at the meeting point and watch the sunrise on your way to the archaeological site.

Start hiking with your guide and listen to singing birds and swinging monkeys while you learn about the local wildlife.

Discover temples, pyramids, ruins, and palaces as you trek. Learn about the history of Mayan culture and how these wonders of archaeology were built and used.

• Transportation from the entrance to Flores Island
• Guided tour of Tikal
• Guided jungle trek

It was a really good day out to Tikal. I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent on the site (approximately 5 hours) learning from the guide on the Mayan civilization of Tikal, an impressive one it was. Our guide was excellent - he kept us all entertained and gave us enough free time on our own to explore the park (the whole park is huge so a guide is probably your best bet if you want to see the main things within a short space of time). I would highly recommend the tour without a doubt.

– Vigneswaran (see more reviews )

⭐ Rating : 5.0 / 5 (60 reviews)

Why choose this tour? The Tikal Private Day Tour is the most hassle-free way to see the Tikal ruins – from the hotel pickup and drop-off over a knowledgeable tour guide who will match your pace and answer all your questions to a delicious lunch.

Visit the main highlights and get the opportunity to climb some of the most important structures of Tikal with a guide who puts the Mayan ruins into context – you’ll have ample time to stop and ask questions.

Some of the highlights of this tour are the Great Plaza, Temple I, Temple II, the Lost World Complex, and Temple IV also known as the Star Wars Temple.

Enjoy a hot local meal and a cold drink of your choice at a restaurant.

• Private transportation.
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• Entrance Fees and Taxes.
• Mosquito Repellent.

So worth it!! Amazing private tour, Reyes was extremely knowledgeable about Tikal and it’s flora and fauna, he was well prepared for all or questions.. we covered every angle of Tikal and Reyes made sure to take the best photos and videos of this amazing experience. Thank you again for a great tour

– Selena (see more reviews )

⭐ Rating : 5.0 / 5 (222 reviews)

Tour provider: Tikal VIP Tours

Why choose this tour? The Tikal Exclusive Tour from Flores All-Inclusiv e is for you if you enjoy the personalised attention of a private tour. The suggested itinerary is:

7:00 a.m. Pick up at your hotel in Flores.

8.30 a.m. Beginning of the walking tour in Tikal with visit to the most impressive sites.

1:30 p.m. Lunch.

5:00 p.m. Arrive back in Flores.

• English/Spanish tour guide with a flexible itinerary.
• Car with insurance.
• All fees and taxes.
• Bottled water.

This was the best tour I've ever taken! Elmer is a FANTASTIC guide; seriously, he's the best. He was on time to pick me up at my hostel and I learned so much from him about Tikal! Elmer was prepared with waters, powerade, and even a wet washcloth to wash my face off after the tour (it was heavenly; Tikal is hot and humid!). After the tour Elmer took me to a local place for lunch and the food was amazing. Please don't hesitate one minute and book this private tour with Elmer!

– Lyndsey (see more reviews )

⭐ Rating : 5.0 / 5 (34 reviews)

Tour provider: Gem Trips

Why choose this tour? The Tikal Full Day Tour with Dedicated Exploration of the Archaeological Monuments is perfect for history and archaeology buffs. You’ll spend more than four hours exploring different archaeological monuments, many of which the regular tours don’t visit:

• Central Acropolis and North Acropolis.
• Temple I, Temple II, Temple IV, Temple V.
• Great Plaza.
• Plaza Of The Seven Temples.
• Lost World.

The walking tour ends at 02:00 p.m.. Afterwards, you can have a hot meal and a cold drink at the Jaguar Inn Restaurant.

• Professional bilingual tour guide in Tikal.
• Pick up and drop off at your preferred location.
• Mosquito repellent.

I had an amazing time in Guatemala and a large part of that was due to Marlon (GEM Tours). I have been on many tours, and he is the best tour guide I have ever had. 1. He really cares about your comfort and well-being. The tour was paced to my needs which was really nice when needing to stop a couple of times when climbing the many stairs. 2. Marlon has a wide range of knowledge that goes far beyond archeological facts. For instance, he was able to share names of birds, animals, and trees with fun tidbits about the forest. 3. He was patient with my many questions and has more of a dialogue with you instead of only reciting facts which makes for an engaging tour. […] I feel like I could go on and on about what a wonderful experience I had in Guatemala especially because of Marlon but hope you can book a trip with him and see for yourself.

– Jamie (see more reviews )

⭐ Rating : 5.0 / 5 (64 reviews)

Why choose this tour? The Tikal Exclusive Sunrise Tour is for those who want to watch the sunrise over the ruins and hear the sounds of the jungle as it wakes up. Additionally, it’s cooler early in the morning.

The suggested itinerary is:

3:15 a.m. Hotel pick up.

4:30 a.m. Begin the walk towards Temple IV and climb to the top for sunrise.

6:30 a.m. After sunrise, start the tour around the rest of Tikal.

9:30 a.m. End of the tour, breakfast.

11:45 a.m. Hotel drop-off.

• Tour guide.

Additional information:

• Bring a flashlight. We visited a lot of Mayan ruins for sunrise and they can get pretty stumbly without a light.

Even though it was misty and we didn't see the sun rise, being in Tikal listening to the jungle awaken was magical. The howler monkeys were deafening in a really good way! Our tour guide Elmer was amazing. He knew so much and shared the story of the Mayan culture. We also enjoyed all the birds and spider monkeys. It was so worth getting up at 3 for this adventure.

– Amelia (see more reviews )

⭐ Rating : 5.0 / 5 (23 reviews)

Why choose this tour? On the Tikal Exclusive Sunset Tour you’ll watch the sunset from atop the Lost World pyramid.

This is also a great photo op – your guide is happy to assist!

You will not only have a guide to yourself but also many parts of Tikal as the majority of tourists leaves early.

Noon pick up at the hotel and lunch.

2:00 p.m. Arrive at Tikal National Park and begin to walk through the park visiting the most impressive sites.

6.00 p.m. Sunset atop the Lost World pyramid 105 ft (32 m).

6:30 p.m. End of the tour.

8:00 p.m. Hotel drop-off.

• Bring a flashlight. We visited a lot of Mayan ruins for sunset and they can get pretty stumbly without a light.

Book this tour! We had a great time at Tikal, our guide Roni was most attentive, polite and informative, he treated us so well! The site is amazing and a must do when in Flores or Peten. Lunch (included) was ok. All in all a memorable day. Oh and I highly recommend the sunset tour, the site is almost empty!

– hd96vxmz5w (see more reviews )

⭐ Rating : 5.0 / 5 (70 reviews)

Why choose this tour? The Tikal SUNSET, Archeological focus and Wildlife Spotting Tour is the mother of all Tikal tours.

You'll spend more than six hours exploring Tikal:

• Archaeological monuments.
• Nature trails with a high chance of spotting wildlife.
• Watch the sunset from the top of the Great Pyramid.
• Visiting Tikal at sunset allows you to explore the site with fewer tourists and during cooler temperatures.
• This tour is also ideal for photographers, with plenty of photo ops.
• Professional excellent English-Spanish speaking tour guide.
• Water refill in the vehicle.

I have been on tours in many parts of the world and this experience soars above the rest. Marlon our tour guide was communicative from the minute we booked, picked us up right on time in Flores, and took us on an unforgettable experience through the Mayan ruins of Tikal. Tikal was breathtaking as we explored the entire park, climbed ruins, took some amazing pictures, learned, and ended the day with a perfect view of the sunset from the top of a pyramid. Words can’t even describe how knowledgeable our guide was. Marlon taught us so many incredible things about this beautiful country ranging from Ancient Mayans, Modern day life in Guatamala, wild life, government, religion, and the countrys history as a whole. By the end of the day my wife and I truly felt like we made a new friend. Thank you again Marlon! I wholeheartedly recommend booking this tour as it far surpassed our expectations!

– Brenda (see more reviews )

⭐ Rating : 5.0 / 5 (6 reviews)

Why choose this tour? The Round-Trip Transfer to Tikal from Flores is perfect if you want to be on your own schedule. With door-to-door service, you don’t have to worry about times and shuttle buses.

Whether you don’t have the time to do a full-day tour or you plan to ditch the crowds – Elmer from Tikal VIP Tours has got you covered.

So happy we went with this private tour instead of a group tour. We were able to decide the time our driver picked us up and he was able to come right to our hotel. He then stayed at the park while we explored and was right there when we were ready to go home. Most tour groups are an 8+ hour commitment. We only stayed in the park for 3 hours which is why we were so happy we used a private tour guide who was on our schedule. He was very nice and helpful in gaining access into the park.

– Emhoekstra (see more reviews )

⭐ Rating : 5.0 / 5 (2 reviews)

Why choose this tour? On the 2-Day Tikal & Yaxhá Tour from Flores , you will see two archaeological sites in two days.

Itinerary Day 1: Tikal

07:30 a.m. Hotel pick up in Flores. 09:00 a.m. Start of your tour at Tikal. Visit Complex Q and R, the Central Acropolis, Temples I and II, and the Lost World. 2:00 p.m. Return to the visitor centre for lunch. 3:30 p.m. Transfer to your hotel.

Itinerary Day 2: Yaxhá

07:55 a.m. Departure to the archaeological site of Yaxhá. 09:00 a.m Beginning of your tour at Yaxha, a former ceremonial centre and city of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The facilities are similar to Teotihuacan in their architecture and stelae. Stelae Plaza is the only twin pyramid complex outside of Tikal. 1:00 p.m. Lunch. 3:30 p.m. Transportation back to your hotel or the airport.

• Professional guide service in English or Spanish.
• Tour to Tikal.
• Tour to Yaxhá.
• 1 night at Casona de la Isla hotel or similar (based on double occupancy).
• 1 breakfast per person.
• 2 lunches (drinks not included).
• All ground transportation.
• Entrances and fees.

It exceeded expectations. The contracted service worked perfectly. The tour guide was very good, we learned a lot. The places, Tikal and Yasha, are extraordinary, and I know many other ruins. A must if you go to Guatemala. I would hire them again

– Andrea (see more reviews )

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• Nature & Adventure

Guatemala , Travel

Flores & tikal – how to visit guatemala’s top mayan ruins.

Completely & utterly encompassed by their environment, the ruins of Tikal are a must on anyone’s Guatemala itinerary. We opted for a sunset tour of the ruins, a magical time to visit when the jungle around us was starting to sleep for the night & the resident howler monkeys were happily lulling around in the trees. Staying in the sleepy town of Flores we were able to visit Tikal very easily on a day trip, Flores is also a nice little place to wander around & chill for a day or two. Here’s what we did when we were there & how we got to the ruins….

Note from the author:  This article has been written by me from my travel experience. I may recommend & provide links to products & services that I have used & may make commission from such links. This commission helps cover the costs of running this website & will be at no extra cost to you. Anything that I am recommend is from my personal experience & belief that it is worth using. Happy reading!

Flores is a peaceful & still little island town with everything centred around the lake it is set on, Lago de Peten. There is not much to do other than just wander around, drink coffee, do some shopping or maybe hire a kayak, it’s the perfect place to just chill out & catch up with yourself. Whilst we were there we did just that, from a recommendation we opted to stay at  Amigos Hostel  & we were not disappointed. With an awesome restaurant that had a big comfy area to just chill, a great menu & something going on every evening it was a great place to spend a couple of days & we were easily able to nip out to explore the town from there. The hostel also has a eucalyptus steam room that you can hire privately should you fancy really relaxing! The dorms are basic but good enough for a couple of nights, the booking desk covers everything from tours to Tikal & buses out of Guatemala, both of which we booked with them.

Tour Booking

You have the option of a sunrise, early bird, day or sunset tour to Tikal, we opted for the latter due to us arriving on a bank holiday weekend & not being able to get to the bank in time, which is where you need to pre-purchase your Tikal entry tickets from, or so we were told. We went to all the effort to try to get tickets in advance only to then find out that the bus stops along the way at the airport which has a bank counter for tickets purchases but honestly some people on our bus arrived with no pre-bought tickets & were still able to get in. All in all the whole thing is confusing, from what we could gather it’s only sunrise tickets that need to be purchased from the bank in advance to cover the extra cost required for entering at sunrise but we would strongly advise, if doing this yourselves being firm with who you book with to get a straight answer on what you need to do.

Once we were inside we actually opted to break away from our group & guide as we wanted the magic of exploring by ourselves, we met up with them again from time to time but really enjoyed being able to wander & just take it all in at our own pace. The ruins themselves were huge, the whole area actually spans an impressive 576 km². The time of day that we had opted for meant that everything was starting to slow down, it was perfect, we wandered around in cooler temperatures, howler monkeys all around us imagining what it would have been like during the classic period when Tikal reached its peak. We watched the sun go down from atop one of the temples, it was so beautiful & peaceful with birds fluttering all around us & nothing but jungle & ruins as far as the eye could see.

The Wildlife

We were lucky enough spot monkeys, ocelets & toucans whilst we were at Tikal but being surrounded by so much jungle there is also a chance you’ll spot other wildlife too, like, wild turkeys, tarantulas,  pisotes and foxes! This for us made the experience of the place, having so much wildlife around meant that the ruins were different to any we had visited at that point.

A Bit More Tikal Know

Tikal is an UNESCO world heritage site, which was inhabited by the Mayan from the 6th Century B.C. to the 10th Century A.D. You can also stay in one of the hotels in Tikal National Park to be close to the ruins or opt to camp there at the National Park Campground. The best times to visit are at sunrise or sunset. Tikal is located 65 km out of Flores & should take around only 1.5 hours by bus. The National Park entrance fee is 150 Q with the tour fee coming in at around 100 Q including return transportation & a guide. You can catch a local bus to Tikal to avoid paying the hefty bus & tour guide fee but for us arriving on Easter weekend with only 2 days to spare we opted for the more expensive option to save some time. So to round it up the whole thing cost us 250 Q per person, took around 1/2 a day & is best at sunset or sunrise. We would recommend taking plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen & maybe even some snacks with you!

Leaving Flores & Tikal

Our next stop after Flores was Mexico, we took the bus from Flores to Chetumal through Belize which we’ll be writing about very soon, so remember to subscribe to our blog for updates! If you have any thoughts, questions or anything you would like to add please tell us in the comments. Thanks for reading & happy travels 🙂 Kelly & Adam x

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about the wilder route...

In 2017 Kelly & Adam Peck embarked on a journey that would change their lives forever... 

Equipped with a couple of second-hand bikes, they took a one-way flight to Havana, Cuba &, after a cycling escapade that took them over four hundred kilometres - through remote villages & untouched landscapes, the roots of The Wilder Route were firmly planted. 

From there the adventure was destined to continue... this intrepid couple spent the next 10 months soaking up the vibrance of Mexico, hiking up volcanoes in Guatemala, taking in the wild scenery of Canada & experiencing the beauty & diversity of Colombia, before eventually returning to the UK. 

With the feeling of exploration in their souls, Kelly & Adam knew that they wanted to build a life that brought them closer to nature, a life that made adventure part of their every day. Selling most of their belongings & packing the rest of what they owned into their tiny home on wheels, van life became the next step of their journey.

Since moving into their motorhome in 2018 (a Bessacar E560 named Barnaby) they have experienced many more magical moments, built their online business on the road & have even planned a wedding & said "I do" along the way.

Featured in publications such as Wanderlust Magazine & Housesitting Magazine & speaking at events such as  Destinations Shows ,  Borderless Live  & The Caravan & Motorhome Show about living a location-independent lifestyle - they are passionate about helping & inspiring others to explore, to connect with nature &, to live alternatively.

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