Tikal National Park

Tikal National Park in Guatemala contains the remains of one of the largest ancient Maya cities. You can climb steep pyramid steps, examine intricately carved stelae, and walk through grand plazas. Stone temples rise above the dense jungle canopy, where you might spot howler monkeys and toucans. Tikal offers a glimpse into the advanced Maya civilization at its height.

Exploring the Ancient City

Tikal's central area covers about 16 square kilometers and includes over 3,000 structures. The Great Plaza forms the heart of the site, with the 47-meter Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar) and 38-meter Temple II (Temple of the Masks) on either side. You can climb to the top of 65-meter Temple IV for a view over the jungle canopy and other temple tops visible through the trees. The Central Acropolis contains a complex of courtyards and palace structures where Tikal's elite once lived. The Lost World complex features a distinctive radial pyramid.

Wildlife Encounters

The national park encompasses 57,600 hectares of rainforest with diverse tropical wildlife. As you walk the trails between ruins, look for spider monkeys in the canopy and listen for howler monkeys calling in the distance. You're likely to see colorful birds such as toucans, parrots, and ocellated turkeys. If you're fortunate, you might spot less common animals like coatimundis, agoutis, or even a jaguar. The surrounding jungle adds to the experience of exploring Tikal.

Getting There and When to Visit

Most visitors stay in the nearby town of Flores and take day trips to Tikal. You can reach Flores by bus from Guatemala City (an 8-10 hour journey) or fly into Mundo Maya International Airport. From Flores, it's about a 1.5 hour drive to the park entrance. The dry season from November to April has mild weather for exploring. To avoid crowds and midday heat, arrive early - the park opens at 6am. You can book a sunrise tour to see the jungle wake up from atop a temple.

Entrance and Guided Tours

As of 2023, entrance to Tikal costs 150 GTQ (about $20 USD) for international visitors. You can buy tickets at the main entrance. You might want to hire a guide to learn about the history and significance of the ruins. You can find official guides at the visitor center, or book a tour in advance. Plan for at least 4-5 hours to see the main structures, though you could spend a full day or more exploring the extensive site.

Where to Stay

While many visitors see Tikal as a day trip from Flores, staying within the national park lets you experience the ruins at sunrise and sunset when wildlife is most active. The Jungle Lodge has rooms close to the ruins. For more affordable options, try the basic cabins at Jaguar Inn or camping at the Tikal Campground. In Flores, you'll find various hotels and guesthouses for different budgets.