Exploring Tikal ruins: the heart of the Mayan world in Guatemala

Deep in the dense jungles of northern Guatemala, in the Petén region lies the Tikal Mayan ruins. It is one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites in Central America. Once a powerful capital of the ancient Maya civilization, Tikal is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers visitors a mix of towering temples, exotic wildlife, and fascinating history. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure traveler, Tikal will leave you speechless with its grandeur and mystery.

The Maya Biosphere Reserve is a nature reserve in the Petén region of northern Guatemala. Together with the Maya Forest of Belize and Mexico, it represents one of the largest areas of tropical forest north of the Amazon. Nevertheless, the northernmost tropical forest in the Western Hemisphere.

Tikal National Park is located in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. It has extraordinary biodiversity and archaeological importance. In 1979 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tikal was a major Pre-Columbian political, economic and military centre. Besides, it is one of the most important archaeological complexes left by the Maya civilisation.

The Maya is estimated to live there between around 900 BC and 900 AD. Tikal became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya, but at the end of the ninth century it started to decline and became abandoned. You can read more about Tikal Mayan ruins in Guatemala here on the Tikal National Park website.

You can get to Tikal mayan ruins either from Flores, Guatemala or from San Ignacio, Belize. The transportation options are shuttle bus, tours or rental car.

We travelled all the way from Antigua to Flores, we took the overnight bus to get there. This maybe your cheapest option to get to Flores, because you don’t have to pay for accommodation for that night, plus you don’t loose a day travelling.

Or you can fly from Guatemala City or Belize City, depends on where you are coming from, to Flores, which will be faster, but more expensive.

I will tell you about our journey to Flores below.

After the Acatenango volcano hike we got back to the CA Travellers office around 1 PM. We really needed to take a shower after the hike. Next to the CA Travellers office there is a hostel called Ocote. We asked at the reception if we could take just a shower and they told us yes, we could, we only had to pay 20 quetzals for it.

After showering we ate lunch, drank a cup of coffee and a glass of beer then left to Guatemala City by shuttle bus. We booked the bus tickets in the CA Travellers office. After one – one and a half hour with the shuttle, we arrived at the bus station in Guatemala City.

We had about an hour until the big bus left to Flores at 21 PM from Guatemala City. You have several options to choose from, which comfort level you want. We chose the middle one, the basic starts at Q350. The seats on the bus were very comfortable, they were adjustable and you can find leg rests there, too. I slept really well throughout the 10 hour journey and woke up feeling fully rested.

The next morning we arrived in Flores at 7 am. We hadn’t booked accommodation beforehand, so we sat down at the bus terminal to look for accommodation. While we were sitting there, a guy came to us. He told us there is a travel agency on the corner at the bus station, we shall check it out. He was a bit of a strange guy, but we checked it anyway.

In the end, we chose them and travelled everywhere from Flores with this agency. Their reviews aren’t so great, but we didn’t have any problems with the agency. Maybe because we spoke to them in Spanish.

So, we booked a trip to Tikal for that day, with an 8 o’clock departure. The staff at the travel agency was very nice. We had only half an hour until the departure to Tikal. It was very cold on the bus, but sweltering hot in Flores. The staff allowed us to change in the staff bathroom.

A quick wash, brushing our teeth, then we threw our luggage into the shuttle bus. And finally at eight in the morning, just an hour later after we arrived, we were ready for the adventure to Tikal. We also managed to book our accommodation.

After about two hours, we arrived at Tikal National Park. If you are a foreigner, you shall pay a bit higher price than the locals. The entrance fee for a foreigner adult is 150 GTQ (around $20 USD). I you want to see the sunrise or sunset you shall pay extra for these tours, the ticket fee is 250 GTQ (around $35 USD) for these. If you would like to visit Uaxactun, another ruin not far from Tikal, it costs an additional 50 GTQ (around $7 USD).

The Tikal National Park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you purchase your ticket after 3:00 PM, it is also valid for the next day. Unfortunately, you can’t purchase ticket online.

You can also choose between hiring a guide or you can do a self-guided tour. We did the latter. After we arrived at 7 in the morning we hadn’t had time to eat, so first, we ate breakfast in the park. After that, we started to wander around this magical place. We had about four hours, because our shuttle departed back to Flores at 3 PM.

We left at 3 PM and went back to Flores. It gets dark quickly, the sun starts to set at about 6 PM and it gets completely dark in 20-30 minutes. If you choose the sunset option, then you will arrive around 3 PM to Tikal.

So, you must visit these monuments on the site:

The Great Plaza is the heart of ancient Tikal. It is surrounded by:

• Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar): the most iconic pyramid, this is the pyramid you usually see on all the materials written about Tikal. It was once the tomb of King Jasaw Chan K’awiil I. The hight of the temple is 47 meters, you can’t climb it.
• Temple II (Temple of the Masks): opposite to Temple I with panoramic views from its upper tiers, you can climb up to this pyramid. The structure is standing 38 meters high.
• North Acropolis & Central Acropolis: you can explore palaces, altars, and stelae that formed the civic and ceremonial core. The Acropolis is built on level ground, and the Maler Palace and the Five Level Palace are the most outstanding buildings of this complex.

Tikal was one of the filming location for the 1977 Star Wars movie, Episode IV: A New Hope. One of the scenes was filmed in Tikal’s Great Plaza, with the massive pyramids and temples in the background.

The Lost World is a preclassic complex with a massive stepped pyramid. The area around here is peaceful, less crowded, and it is one of the oldest parts of the site.

The complex contains 38 structures, one of which was designed as an astronomical complex. The Grand Pyramid is 30 meters high, and it is the main structure of the complex. You can climb up to the pyramid.

• Templo IV: this temple is Tikal’s tallest structure with its 70 meters hight. A short jungle trail leads you to it. The climb is rewarding you with a sweeping view over the rainforest canopy and the tops of other pyramids. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit this temple.
• Templo V: it is the first great temple built in 600 AD by the 22nd ruler of Tikal, Animal Skull. It stands 52 meters tall, and it is oriented to the north, facing the Acropolis. It is the area where the previous rulers were buried. You can’t climb up to the top of this temple.

Tikal is deep in the jungle, so, you’re likely will spot howler monkeys, spider monkeys, coatimundis, toucans, or even a trogon. Jaguars are also live in the area, but possibly you won’t meet them.

There is a forest nature trail not far from the entrance called Benil’ja. The trail goes deep in the jungle, but very much worth it. You can complete it in about 25 minutes.

Best time to visit Tikal is in the dry season, from November to April for the most pleasant weather.

Tikal is a fabulous place. It was my first time in the deep jungle, I was really impressed. You can’t see all of Tikal in one trip, so if you have the chance, book accommodation there. Although the weather is very hot, the Park has a magical vibe.

You will need sunscreen or a hat, and insect repellent or bug spray. Wear comfortable walking shoes, because the site is huge. If you go in the wet season, pack a rain jacket, as well.

And of course, bring plenty of water. You can buy beverage there, obviously it is more expensive. At least they try to cool the beverages, possibly your refresher won’t be too cold.

Keep in mind to take enough cash with you, because the park doesn’t accept cards.

Have your passport ready at the entrance, you may need it.

Cell service is minimal and no drones are allowed inside the park.

Please respect the wildlife, do not feed animals or stray off the trails.

Visiting Tikal Mayan ruins in Guatemala isn’t just a trip to a historical site, it’s a journey back in time. Walking among the ancient ruins and listening to howler monkeys echo through the trees is an experience that will stay with you long after you leave. Whether you explore it on a day trip or stay overnight for sunrise views, Tikal is a must-visit gem in Guatemala’s rich cultural landscape.