The Tikal ruins in Guatemala is the largest archaeological site and urban center of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The name Tikal may be derived from ti ak’al in the Yucatec Maya language; and it is said to be a relatively modern name meaning “at the waterhole.” This UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in a beautiful rainforest filled with tree canopy’s and moss-covered stones. For thousands of years the ruins were hidden in the jungle, until an 1848 government expedition uncovered the ruins. The temples are built from limestone, and include a large royal palaces and a number of smaller temples, palaces, residences, administrative buildings, platforms and inscribed stone monuments.
To Get There
Fly into Guatemala City (La Aurora International Airport)
From Guatemala City to Tikal, you can:
- Fly to Flores: A domestic flight (usually around 1 hour) from Guatemala City to Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores, the closest airport to Tikal. Airlines such as TAG Airlines or Avianca offer regular flights.
- Drive or take a bus: From Guatemala City, it’s about an 8-10 hour drive to Flores. Several bus companies, like Linea Dorada, provide comfortable buses for this route.
Fly into Belize City (BZE). From there:
- Drive or take a shuttle: It’s a 3-4 hour drive from Belize City to Tikal via the Belize-Guatemala border. You can arrange a private shuttle or rental car. You’ll cross the Benque Viejo border into Guatemala.
- Take a domestic flight: There are smaller airlines that operate flights between Belize City and Flores, Guatemala, such as Tropic Air.
When to Go
The best time to visit Tikal is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is cooler and rainfall is minimal. This period offers more pleasant hiking conditions, but it’s also the most popular time for tourists, so expect larger crowds.
Tikal Tours
We stayed in the nearby city of San Ignacio, Belize. We booked day trip into Guatemala. It was easier to book a tour to expedite getting through customs to enter another country for the day. We got 4 passport stamps along the way for exiting and entering Belize and Guatemala.
Get your guide has different tours to this site coming from San Ignacio, Guatemala City, and Flores.
The History of the Tikal Ruins
Tikal, located in present-day Guatemala, was one of the largest and most powerful cities of the ancient Maya civilization, flourishing between 200 and 900 AD. It became a dominant political and military center, controlling trade routes and influencing other city-states.
Tikal’s wealth and power were reflected in its impressive pyramids, palaces, and monuments, many of which were dedicated to its rulers and gods. The city engaged in warfare with rival Maya cities, including Calakmul, with shifting alliances shaping its fortunes.
By the late 9th century, Tikal began to decline due to environmental pressures, political strife, and possibly overpopulation. The city was eventually abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, only to be rediscovered in the 19th century.
Today, Tikal attracts visitors from around the world to explore its towering pyramids, temples, and other ancient structures amid dense jungle. The site offers an opportunity to witness Maya history and culture. It’s one of the most iconic and well-preserved archaeological sites in Mesoamerica.
This beautiful site is also home to toucans, parrots, wild turkeys, howler monkeys, coatis and countless other creatures. It also has thousands of ruins, two of the tallest being The Temple of the Grand Jaguar (Temple I) and the Temple of the Masks (Temple II). These two temples tower above the trees on opposite sides of the Great Plaza. You can no longer climb these ruins for safety and preservation purposes. The steps are steep, and go 143 feet up to the top.
Visit Tikal to experience the awe of ancient Maya civilization with the vibrant beauty of the Guatemalan jungle. Tikal’s towering pyramids are one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, that continue to inspire wonder and appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Mayan people.
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