One of the most iconic destinations in Guatemala is Tikal, an archaeological site believed to have been the capital city of a powerful Mayan Kingdom. The ruins that remain are absolutely incredible!
Regarded as one of the most important sites of the empire, Tikal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, and it’s a must-visit on your Guatemala itinerary.
Tikal means Place of Voices, and it holds such fascinating history that it’s pretty much mandatory to visit with a guide.
I was so glad I went on a (sunrise) tour to Tikal, as I learned so many things that I would have never learned if I had visited on my own, and I thoroughly enjoyed the guided visit!
For this reason, I’ve created a list of the very best Tikal tours, which will help you experience this magnificent, ancient site to the fullest. Be ready to climb some pyramids!
Why should you trust me? I’ve been in the travel industry for well over a decade, and I’ve developed a knack for identifying extraordinary experiences, which are the only ones I include in my posts.
I’ve personally hand-picked these excursions to make sure they’re high-quality, offer great value, and are led by professionals. Besides, I’ve been to Tikal and know exactly what to look for in the tours to pick the best itineraries.
I generally use Get Your Guide and Viator to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. If your travel plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
OUR PICK: The BEST Tikal Tour
The Tikal Sunrise Tour, Archaeological Focus and Wildlife Spotting Tour (North and West) is a half-day experience that starts with an early pick-up from your hotel and a comfortable drive to the Tikal ruins in an air-conditioned vehicle.
You’ll arrive before dawn, and as the day slowly creeps in, you’ll catch the stunning views of the sunrise from Temple IV, also known as the Temple of the Double-Headed Serpent.
This is the highest pyramid in Tikal and one of the tallest pre-Columbian structures in the Americas, granting you the perfect vantage point over the jungle.
Your guide will introduce you to the history of the Mayan city, and the customs and traditions of the ancient civilization as you start to hear the sounds of howler monkeys and tropical birds.
Make the most of the relatively empty site before the bigger crowds arrive, and savor a scrumptious breakfast and lunch throughout the day. You’ll also get unlimited water refills and a map of Tikal.
At the end of the trip, enjoy hassle-free transfers back to your hotel.
Why is this the top tour? It’s been granted 5 stars by 100% of past travelers, and it offers a truly unique experience as it’s organized and guided by a local Mayan expert. You’ll have access to paths that are not visited by other tours, gain a wealth of information about the culture and history of Mayan civilization, and witness the ancient city and its surrounding forest come to life.
Read what the reviews say:
“Marlon is an incredible and rare guide. His depth of knowledge, years of experience, and love of Maya history and culture are peerless. The experience is magical, from walking through the dark jungle pre-dawn and climbing pyramids to the breakfast Marlon’s wife made for us (there was a great lunch later, too). Marlon runs his own company, and made sure every aspect of the trip was perfect and matched our interests.”
Alon_B – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Breakfast and lunch, mosquito repellent, water refill, and roundtrip transportation. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Tikal Tours from Guatemala
Best Tikal Tours from Flores, Guatemala
▶️ The Tikal Sunset, Archaeological Focus and Wildlife Spotting Tour (South and East) allows you to explore the area in the golden hour. You’ll wander around the ancient temples and plazas as the day draws to an end. You’ll be accompanied by a bilingual guide who will provide insights into the ruins’ history and the local wildlife.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, lunch, water refill, and mosquito repellent. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Tikal Guided Tour with Transportation From Flores offers multiple departure times, so you don’t have to rise before the sun unless you want to. You’ll be taken to the archaeological site in an air-conditioned vehicle, and tour around the ancient ruins with a professional guide.
You’ll have free time in the visitors center before going back to Flores. Entry fees to the ruins aren’t included, so you’ll have to purchase them at the entrance.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Best Private Tikal Tours from Flores, Guatemala
▶️ If you want personalized attention, you can book this Tikal VIP Exclusive Tour from Flores Guatemala. You’ll share the transfer with your friends or family and benefit from having an expert guide all to yourselves.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel or the airport and driven to the site. Wander around the massive ruins, learning about the Guatemalan and Mayan history and archeology. The trip lasts around 7 hours, so if you want a Tikal express tour, this is as close as it gets!
This tour includes: Lunch, private transportation, bottled water, Tikal tickets, and car insurance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The 2-Day Mayan Ruins Tour of Tikal and Yaxha from Flores takes you to 2 archaeological sites in Guatemala. You’ll become an (almost) expert in Mayan traditions, culture, and history!
You’ll embark on a 2-day adventure that starts with a tour around Tikal Archaeological Park with a knowledgeable guide. Spend the night in a local hotel, savor breakfast the next morning, and get ready for the second tour.
You’ll explore Yaxha, an ancient ceremonial center with over 500 structures and ball courts, on the second.
This tour includes: Overnight accommodation, breakfast and 2 lunches, roundtrip transportation, entrance fees, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Best Tikal Tours from Antigua
▶️ The Tikal Day Trip Including Round Trip Flights from Antigua with Lunch lasts approximately 17 hours, so it’s an intense excursion. You’ll leave before dawn and fly to Flores, from where you’ll be transferred to the archaeological site.
Enjoy a full-day tour around the Tikal ruins, where you’ll learn about the site’s importance to the Mayans from a professional. Make the most of the multiple opportunities for pictures, and take in the beautiful bird’s eye view over the jungle from a vantage point.
A tasty lunch and free time to wander at your leisure are included as well.
This tour includes: Roundtrip flight and transfers, lunch, entrance fees, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Tikal and Yaxha Overnight Trip by Air from Antigua takes you to the town of Flores by air, where you’ll discover two amazing Mayan ruins. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal, and Yaxha, a sacred Mayan center.
You’ll visit each ruin on consecutive days, and enjoy overnight accommodation with breakfast near Tikal.
This tour includes: Airfare, 2 lunches, hotel pick up and drop-off, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Best Tikal Tours from Guatemala City
Tikal is 326 miles (524.6 km) from Guatemala City, so if you’d like to go on a day trip to Tikal, the most reasonable option is to fly there.
Luckily for you, there are tours that include roundtrip airfare and transfer to and from the airport, so you don’t have to go through all the hassle. Check out the best Tikal National Park tours from Guatemala City!
▶️ With the Private Tikal Mayan City Tour with Lunch you’ll fly to the town of Flores, located near the Tikal ruins, and be transferred directly to the site, which you’ll explore with a knowledgeable guide.
Being one of the largest pre-Colombian archeological sites, it boasts over 3,000 structures that include temples, plazas, and ball courts; you’ll enjoy a substantial lunch after all that walking around!
This tour includes: Roundtrip airfare, hotel pick up and drop-off, and entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ You can also join a Tikal and Yaxha Overnight Trip by Air from Guatemala City. You’ll fly to the Tikal Archeological Park, which you’ll explore in-depth with the commentary of your guide, and then spend the night nearby, before heading to the Mayan ruins of Yaxha the next day.
You’ll also get to spot the wildlife as you immerse yourself in the Guatemalan jungle.
This tour includes: Hotel transfers, accommodation, a guide, breakfast, 2 lunches, and entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Tikal Tours from Belize
Staying in Belize instead? Do not fret, because there are fantastic tours to Tikal from Belize as well! Check them out.
Best Tikal Tours from San Ignacio, Belize
▶️ The Tikal Day Trip with Local Lunch from San Ignacio is a full-day excursion. You’ll be led by a professional guide, so besides marveling at the impressive Mayan structures (there are over 3 thousand!) you’ll also understand their meaning and history.
You’ll then have free time to roam around them after a quick lunch break.
This tour includes: Hotel pick up and drop-off, lunch, and park fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Private Tikal Mayan City Tour with Lunch departs from your hotel in San Ignacio. It offers a full day of exploration around this ancient site, where you’ll get to see temples, plazas, and ball courts.
Learn all about the traditions of the fascinating civilization from an expert, private guide. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant to refuel.
This tour includes: Private roundtrip transportation, professional guide, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
