Want to know how to get to Tikal National Park? There are a few different ways to get to Tikal depending on where you are traveling from and what type of budget you are traveling Guatemala on.
Getting to Tikal involves a bit of planning and a lot of time, as Tikal is located in northern Guatemala, in the Peten region. In this article, we’ll go over all the best ways to get to the ruins of Tikal, and at the end of the post I’ll add any useful tips that will aid you in a trip to Guatemala.
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How to Get to Tikal in Guatemala
Getting to Flores is usually a long, sweaty, bumpy journey via bus. Tourist shuttles to Flores are frequent and leave from all major towns in Guatemala. This is a long and exhausting ride but the most economical option.
The quickest way to get to Tikal is to fly which can only be done from Guatemala City. This will be domestic flight to Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores. This is also the most expensive option to get to Tikal.
How to Get to Tikal from Antigua
By road, it typically takes around 8 to 10 hours drive depending on traffic conditions, road quality, and any stops along the way. This time frame is referring to traveling in a rental car or with private transportation.
If you are traveling by bus the journey can take hours longer depending on how many people they are picking up to begin the journey and number of stops, I recommend traveling with Guatego, they are a reliable transportation company that operates through Guatemala.
By air, flying from La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City to Mundo Maya International Airport near Tikal takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and these domestic flight are pretty economical.
How to Get to Tikal from Guatemala City
Guatemala City to Flores Bus
Buses typically depart from the main bus terminals in Guatemala City. You will arrive in Flores, from where you can take a taxi or shuttle to Tikal. Bus tickets should cost around $45 USD.
A tourist shuttle/bus is a great way to get to Tikal from Guatemala City if you are traveling Guatemala on a budget and you have the stamina to hit the ground running when you arrive in Flores. If you have ample time, I recommend spending a few days in Flores to recover from that overnight bus ride.
Flights to Tikal
Flights last about an hour and you will fly from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City to Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores.
It’s advisable to book your flights in advance, especially during peak tourist season. From Flores airport, Tikal is about an hour’s drive away. You can take a taxi, shuttle bus, private, transfer, rent a car, or book a group tour to visit Tikal.
Tikal from Guatemala City by Car
How to Get from Lake Atitlan to Tikal
- 🚌 Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City: Shuttle or private taxi (3-4 Hours)
- ✈️ Guatemala City to Flores: Flight (1 Hour)
- 🚍 Flores to Tikal: Shuttle or taxi (1-1.5 Hours)
How to get from Lake Atitlan to Tikal involves a combination of road and air travel due to the significant distance between the two locations. First, you’ll have to travel from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City via the road. You can do this two ways.
You can take a shuttle service from Panajachel (the main town on Lake Atitlan) to Guatemala City. The journey takes about 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can hire private transportation, which will be faster and more comfortable, but more expensive.
From Guatemala City, you can fly to Flores as I mentioned earlier. Of course you can also book a shuttle to Flores from Guatemala City but this makes an even longer and exhausting travel day.
🛵 Read Full Post: Best Ways to Get from Guatemala City to Lake Attilan
How to Get to Tikal from Belize
By Road
Option 1: Private Shuttle or Tour Service
- Tour Operators: Various tour operators in Belize offer shuttle services to Tikal, often as part of a day trip or multi-day tour package.
- Departure Points: Shuttles can be arranged from popular locations such as Belize City, San Ignacio, or Caye Caulker.
- Duration: The journey from San Ignacio (on the border of Guatemala) to Tikal takes about 3-4 hours, including border crossing time.
- Cost: Prices vary but expect to pay around $50-100 USD per person for a round trip, including park entrance fees and guided tours.
Option 2: Public Bus and Taxi
- Bus to Border: Take a bus from Belize City or San Ignacio to the Belize-Guatemala border at Benque Viejo del Carmen. The bus ride from Belize City to the border takes about 2-3 hours, and from San Ignacio, it takes about 30 minutes.
- Crossing the Border: After crossing the border on foot, you can take a taxi or a colectivo from Melchor de Mencos (the Guatemalan side of the border) to Flores or directly to Tikal.
- Duration: The taxi or colectivo ride from the border to Tikal takes about 1.5-2 hours.
- Cost: The bus ticket is about $5-10 USD, and the taxi or colectivo fare from the border to Tikal is around $30-50 USD.
By Air
Flight to Flores
- Airlines: Tropic Air offers flights from Belize City to Flores, Guatemala.
- Duration: The flight takes about 1 hour.
- Cost: Prices vary but generally range from $200-300 USD.
- From Flores to Tikal: Once in Flores, you can take a shuttle or taxi to Tikal.
Tips from the Journey from Belize to Tikal
- 🚌 Border Crossing: Be prepared for the border crossing process, which involves exiting Belize, entering Guatemala, and going through immigration. There will be a $20 USD exit fee that you will need to pay at the Belize border.
- 🛂 Documents: Ensure you have your passport, and check visa requirements for both countries. Some nationalities might require a visa to enter Guatemala.
- 💰 Currency: Carry some local currency (Belizean dollars and Guatemalan quetzals) for small expenses and border fees.
- 📍 Tour Packages: Booking a tour package that includes transportation, park entrance, and a private guide will allow you to have a hassle-free experience.
🚌 Read Full Post: Border Crossing Flores, Guatemala to Caye Caulker, Belize
How to Get to Tikal from Flores
Shuttle Service to Tikal
- Tour Operators: Numerous tour operators in Flores offer shuttle services to Tikal. These are convenient and often include a guided tour of the Tikal ruins.
- Departure Times: Shuttles leave early in the morning (around 4:30-5 am for sunrise tickets) to allow travelers to explore Tikal during the cooler parts of the day. There are also mid-morning and afternoon departures.
- Duration: The shuttle ride takes about 1-2 hours.
- Cost: Prices vary depending on the tour operator and whether a guided tour is included, but expect to pay around $20-50 USD for a round-trip shuttle
Taxi to Tikal from Flores
- Private Taxi: You can hire private transport for a more flexible and comfortable journey. This option can be arranged through your hotel or you can prebook private transportation here.
- Cost: Taxis are more expensive than shuttle, costing around $80-150 USD for a round trop.
- Duration: Similar to the shuttles, the journey takes about 1-1.5 hours.
Rent a Car
- Rental Services: Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Car rental services are available in Flores.
- Road Conditions: The road from Flores to Tikal is well-maintained and easy to navigate.
- Cost: Rental prices vary, but expect to pay anywhere from $30-90 a day depending on the vehicle you hire and the amount of people you are traveling with.
Public Bus to Tikal from Flores
- Colectivos: Local minibuses (colectivos) run between Flores and Tikal. They are the cheapest option but less comfortable and take longer due to multiple stops.
- Departure Times: Colectivos (public transport) leave from the Santa Elena bus terminal and other pick-up points in Flores.
- Cost: Around $3-5 USD per person.
- Duration: About 2 hours or more, depending on stops.
Tours to Tikal
📌 Here are a few top rated Tikal Tours to check out:
Tips for the Getting to Tikal
- ✈️ Book in Advance: Whether flying or taking a bus, booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons to avoid last minute hassles.
- ⏰ Timing: Plan your trip to ensure smooth connections between shuttles and flights.
- 🛖 Accommodation: Consider staying in Flores or near Tikal to explore the ruins early in the morning when it’s cooler and less crowded.
- 💸 Belize Exit Fee: If you are traveling to Tikal from Belize, the immigration procedure to leave Belize requires you have to pay the departure tax $20 USD.
- 💰 Local Currency: Ensure you have Guatemalan Quetzales (GTQ) for expenses, as not all places accept credit cards.
- 🚌 Travel Agencies: If you prefer convenience, use a travel agency to arrange the entire journey.
- ⛑️ Travel Insurance: Consider getting travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and travel delays.
Tips for Visiting Tikal
- 💰 Entrance Fees: The entrance fee to Tikal National Park is around 150 GTQ (Guatemalan Quetzal), and additional fees will apply for a sunrise tour and a sunset tour.
- 📍 Guided Tours: You must visit Tikal with a guide for sunrise and sunset hours. Guides can be booked in advance or hired at the park entrance.
- 🎒 What to Bring: Tikal is a tropical area, so bring breathable clothing, water, snacks, Sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the ruins.
- ⛺️ Did you know that you can stay inside Tikal National Park? There are a few hotels and campsites located inside the park which makes it very convenient to do a tour of Tikal for sunrise. Stay at the Jungle Lodge and wake up to the sound of howler monkeys echoing through the dense jungle.
Tikal National Park is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala, make sure you read my article below about everything you need to know before visiting this historic park.
🐒 Read Next: 17 Things to Know Before Visiting Tikal
How to Get to Tikal FAQ’s
What is the Best Way to Get to Tikal from Guatemala City?
How far is Tikal from Guatemala City?
Best Time to Visit Tikal
Just keep in mind that Tikal is a popular tourist destination in Guatemala, so during dry season and around major holidays, visitor numbers increase. If you want a less crowded experience, the shoulder months of November or April are best for that.
April and May are the best months for watching sunrise in Tikal, just prepare for the heat.
What Luggage to Travel Guatemala With
No, I am not sponsored (not yet at least 🙌🏼, Goals) but these pieces of travel gear have withstood me rolling, dragging, carrying, stuffing, and banging them around for two full years of travel all over the world. Still haven’t had to replace them.
Flores Travel Guides
Best Places to Stay in Flores – 15 Best hotels to stay in Flores.
Tikal National Park – Everything you need to know before visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
30 Guatemala Travel Tips to Know Before you Go – 30 Practical tips to know before you go.
15 Cool Places to Visit Guatemala – 15 of the coolest places to visit in Guatemala.
20 Epic Things to do in Guatemala – Find out 25 epic things to do in Guatemala.
Guatemala Travel Vlogs
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Final Thoughts on How to Get to Tikal
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