Tikal, Pacific Lowlands Travel Guide

Explore Tikal, the legendary Maya city in Guatemala's rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with towering temples and rich history.

Tikal, an ancient Mayan city deep within Guatemala's rainforest, was once a powerful kingdom and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore towering temples, pyramids, and palaces, remnants of a civilization that thrived from 200 to 900 A.D.. The site boasts over 3,000 structures, offering a glimpse into the Mayan's advanced culture and architecture.

A brief summary to Tikal

855Q+6V2, Escuintla, GT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tikal.

Wear comfortable shoes, as Tikal is a large park with lots of walking.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent due to the hot and humid jungle climate.
Purchase your entrance tickets online in advance to save time and ensure entry.
Download maps of the area on your phone before entering the park, as cell service can be unreliable.
Bring cash, as it is needed for entrance tickets, small kiosks, and restaurants outside the park entrance.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Takalik Abaj Archaeological Park

San Marcos La Laguna

San José Cathedral Antigua

Museo Miraflores

Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó

Explore Tikal on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tikal, mapped for you.

Getting There

Shuttle

From Flores, the most common gateway to Tikal, shuttle services are readily available. These shuttles typically cost around Q60-Q100 per person for a round trip. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, traveling northeast on the CA-13 highway and then north into the jungle on a clearly signposted road. Ensure the shuttle drops you off at the Tikal National Park entrance where you can purchase your entry tickets.
Taxi

Taxis can be hired from Flores to Tikal, offering a more direct and private option. Negotiate the fare beforehand, as prices can vary. Expect to pay around Q400-Q600 for a round trip. The taxi will take the CA-13 highway towards Belize, detouring left at El Cruce (Ixlu) towards El Remate, then north to the park entrance. Parking is available near the visitor center.
Public Transport

Chicken buses run semi-regularly from Flores to Tikal, approximately once an hour, but they are not always reliable. The first bus leaves around 3:30 AM, reaching Tikal around 5:30 AM. The last bus back to Flores departs Tikal around 5:30 PM. The cost is approximately $5 USD. The bus follows the same route as the shuttles and taxis, providing an economical but less predictable option.

Discover more about Tikal

Tikal, likely called Yax Mutal in ancient times, is one of the largest and most significant archaeological sites of the Maya civilization. Located in the Petén Basin of northern Guatemala, the city was the capital of a powerful kingdom that dominated the Maya region for centuries. The site's monumental architecture dates back to the 4th century BC, with its peak occurring during the Classic Period (200 to 900 A.D.).As you wander through Tikal, you'll encounter impressive temples, pyramids, palaces, and plazas. The Gran Plaza, the city's main square, is surrounded by iconic structures like Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar) and Temple II (Temple of the Masks). Temple I, standing at 47 meters, was a tomb for King Jasaw Chan K'awiil I. Temple II reaches a height of 38 meters.Tikal was not only a ceremonial center but also a thriving settlement and political hub. The Mayans ingeniously managed the lack of nearby water resources by constructing dams to concentrate collected rain reserves. The city had ties with Teotihuacan, a major metropolis in the Valley of Mexico, evidenced by exchanges in architecture, ceramics, and sculpture.By 900 A.D., Tikal, like much of the Mayan empire, declined due to warfare, droughts, and disease. Overpopulation and deforestation may have led to crop failure, causing people to abandon the city. The site was reclaimed by the jungle until its rediscovery in the mid-19th century. Today, Tikal National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting both the archaeological treasures and the region's extraordinary biodiversity.