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Published: 28-12-2021
The ancient Mayan city of Tikal rivals other impressive archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá in Mexico or Machu Picchu in Peru, due to its much more “off the beaten track” adventurous vibe than the previously mentioned wonders of the world. The Maya people settled in the area of Tikal around the year 900 B.C., but its most powerful time period was from the 200–900 A.D. This is also when the majority of the buildings we can witness today, were constructed. At the end of the ninth century, the city had fallen into decline and was eventually abandoned, with the jungle reclaiming the magnificent pyramids. The local Indigenous community kept vigil over the land for centuries, and in 1951, researchers began to excavate the area to find the significance of what was buried there. It is estimated that there are thousands of structures at Tikal, but only a number of them have been unearthed, adding to its mystery.
Gran Jaguar Temple, Tikal
Things to Do
The national park stretches over 400 square KM, however, only a small section is open to visitors, measuring 10 square KM. The most prominent structures are the six surviving pyramids that are named the Temples I–VI, some of which reach over 60 metres high. Temple I is a burial pyramid that contains the remains of a Maya king, while Temple IV is the tallest structure at Tikal, as well as being the tallest pre-Columbian structure in all of the Americas, at this time. The centre of the park is the Great Plaza, which is surrounded by two enormous building complexes: the Central Acropolis and the North Acropolis. Together, they form two of the most archeologically important sites in the Americas and much of what we know today about Maya culture comes from the palaces, royal homes, burial sites, and temples found inside.
awe-inspiring Tikal temple
For a more unique experience, you can arrange a sunrise or sunset tour of the Tikal National Park that allows you to enter before the park opens from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m, or stay after it closes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Not only is the light at these times more spectacular, you can also enjoy the park when the majority tourists have left. A guided tour through the park is one of the best ways to fully understand the impressive history of Tikal. Make sure you research companies before choosing a guide as unfortunately, scams are common place on a visit to Tikal, with tourists frequently being scammed. The best way to find a guide is to ask your hotel for a reputable company.
Local people enjoying Tikal
Temples are not the only thing you will witness at Tikal. The jungle is also home to over 50 mammal species and more than 300 bird species. Brightly coloured hummingbirds, toucans, and several types of parrots are common place, while other animal species include coatis, howler and spider monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, and even jaguars!
Howler monkeys chilling out
Where to Camp
Sleeping outside in the jungle is a completely unique experience and one you will never forget. There is a campground inside the national park, with easy access to the ruins, where guests can pitch their tent or rent out a hammock to sleep complete with mosquito net! You cannot book in advance for the campsite, so do so on entrance to the park.
Sunrise at Tikal
If this seems like a little too much adventure, you may prefer to stay at one of the nearby hotels. Most wildlife comes alive at night and while the sounds of animals are what draw many people, it's definitely not everyone´s cup of tea. If you do decide to camp, definitely pack some earplugs to drown out the chorus of howler monkeys, the howls are incredibly loud and not always welcome!
Where to Stay Nearby
There are a few lodging options located in Tikal and spending one night there to experience the jungle after dark is a once in a lifetime experience. Flores is the nearest big city and considered the gateway to Tikal, so many travellers will spend a night there at least.
Sunny day at Tikal
How to Get There
Most people will arrive to Flores, the capital city of the Petén department in Guatemala. The easiest and quickest way to get there is to fly into the Mundo Maya International Airport, located in Flores and with direct flights from Guatemala City and Belize. There are also regular buses from Guatemala City to Flores which take about 10 hours.
In Flores, there are a number of options to get to the national park. The journey is about an hour and a half and you can choose from shared vans or hire a private taxi. You will be bombarded by drivers and guides offering their services, try to travel in a group to share a shuttle and save money. If you're spending the night at one of the Tikal hotels, they will include transportation to and from Flores …usually!
admiring the view
Accessibility
Tikal National Park has little infrastructure to assist visitors with mobility issues, and the trails are difficult to navigate for travellers who use wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, or simply have trouble walking. There is a shuttle to assist visitors in getting around, but it's not always reliable. It is sometimes possible to drive tourists with accessibility needs into the park, and the best way to inquire about how to enter is to ask at your hotel.
Mayan Archictectural prowess at Tikal
Tips for Your Visit
The rainy season in Tikal is from May to October, when frequent downpours make it hard to enjoy the park. The most crowded time is December and January, so try to visit in February or March for mild weather, less rain and fewer tourists.
If wildlife is one of your priorities, book the sunrise or sunset tour to see animals when they are at their most active. The sunrise or sunset tour does not need to be the same day as your general entrance. For example, you can arrive at the park in the afternoon, spend the night nearby, and then enjoy sunrise the following morning.
Stunning sunset over Tikal
A common scam is that guides at the park entrance will tell visitors that they're not allowed to enter Tikal unless accompanied by a licensed guide. However, the only time you must enter with a guide is actually during the sunrise or sunset tour.
Hotels in Tikal accept major credit cards, but you'll need cash for everything else. There are no ATM´s in the Tikal National park, so make sure to have quetzales with you before you arrive.
