Tikal Travel Guide

Guatemala's dense jungle is the cradle of Mayan civilisation. This area is home to the largest and best-preserved Mayan city, Tikal. The national park is one of the world's travel wonders. Every year, it welcomes thousands of visitors who come to marvel at its incredible Mayan architecture and ancient mysteries.

This sanctuary of flora and fauna was once home to the Maya people. In Tikal, you will find around 3,000 structures, including temples, terraces, ceremonial platforms, and plazas. All of these structures were connected by an aqueduct system that filtered water for a city of around 90,000 people. Tikal never fails to impress its visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience Mayan culture by exploring the ruins.

Things to Do in Tikal

Visiting Tikal

A recent 2018 investigation using laser technology uncovered around 60,000 previously unknown Mayan ruins. Thanks to this amazing technology, scientists were able to create a map of the jungle floor in just 50 hours. Tikal in Guatemala was found to be four times larger than it is today. Previous estimates put the total Mayan population at 2 million, but this figure has now been revised upwards to over 10 million. This incredible discovery left archaeologists and specialists speechless. Make sure to visit Tikal when you're in Guatemala — it's at the heart of the Mayan world!

Excursions from Tikal to Other Destinations Nearby

Flores
This charming town on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá is just an hour away from Tikal. It is the perfect place to begin your expeditions to the many archaeological sites that Petén has to offer. Flores has many cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Yaxha
This is another famous archaeological site located in the north-east of the region. The third largest ruined city, it covers around 237 square kilometres (92 square miles). Wander around and enjoy the ancient atmosphere, surrounded by the flora and fauna that now cover this old Mayan city. One of the main attractions here is hearing the monkeys scream and searching for crocodiles in the lagoon.

El Mirador/La Danta
In El Mirador, you will find La Danta, the world's largest pyramid. It is located in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle. La Danta in El Mirador can only be reached by helicopter or on foot with an authorised guide. The latter option will immerse you in the tropical jungle for five days until you reach this architectural marvel. Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and experience the beauty of nature and the purest form of Mayan civilisation.

Ixpanpajul
Ixpanpajul is the perfect place to enjoy ecotourism. Surrounded by over 200 species of trees, 150 species of birds and around 40 species of mammals, this nature reserve offers plenty of activities to keep you active while enjoying the great outdoors. A journey through the hanging bridges is an experience you won't want to miss.

Tikal Ruins and Museums

Grand Plaza
The Grand Plaza comprises the ball court and Temples One and Two. These temples are majestic examples of Maya architecture. Temple #2 faces east to see the sunrise, while Temple #1 faces west to catch the sunset. The latter is Tikal's finest and most impressive monument, and is one of the world's most notable pyramids: the Big Jaguar.

North Acropolis
The North Acropolis was used as a royal cemetery. A large number of royal tombs have been excavated, and twelve temples were built for the burial of Mayan kings. The most important buildings in this area were the Mahler Palace and the Palace of the Five Stories.

The Lost World
This area comprises 38 structures that commemorate astronomical events. This site has been sacred to the Maya since it was used as a solar observatory alongside the smaller temples to the east of the area's large pyramid.

Museum Sylvanus G Morley
This museum, located outside Tikal National Park, is a great addition to your tour of the Mayan ruins in the jungle. Consisting of two small museums, one displays original Mayan artefacts found during the park's excavation, while the other features a photographic timeline of the site's discovery process.

Visit Tikal booking our Guatemala Executive Package.

Extensions from Tikal to Belize

Belize is close to Tikal and has beautiful beaches and plenty of eco-tourism opportunities. It is easy to combine a visit to Belize with a visit to Tikal. The area is also home to numerous bird sanctuaries and a variety of wildlife, as well as the second largest coral reef system in the world: the Belize Barrier Reef. Unique adventures and close encounters with nature will inspire your senses. For more information, please visit our sister site Enjoy Belize.