Central America
Guatemala
Peten Department
Tikal National Park
Things to Do in Tikal National Park
Tikal

Tikal, Tikal National Park: Hours, Address, Tikal Reviews: 5/5

See all things to do

Tikal

See all things to do
See all things to do
Tikal
5
1,019
#3 of 16 things to do in Tikal National Park
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Mysterious Sites • Religious Sites
Read more
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Tikal
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,019 reviews
Excellent
912
Very good
81
Average
14
Poor
5
Terrible
7
bucketlisttravellers
Sydney, Australia3,782 contributions
Towering Jungle Ruins
Feb 2020 • Couples
After visiting a number of ruins in Mexico, we were starting to reach the end of our tolerance for ruin sites. That said, we were glad to have visited Tikal for the following reasons; it is set amongst a jungle, which is a different experience to most sites in Mexico, whilst popular it wasn't overrun with tourists unlike Chichen Itza, you got to climb a couple of the temples, the temples themselves are quite spectacular and the complex is massive enough to spend multiple days at if you really want to. We took a 6:00am shuttle and spent a good 4-5 hours looking at temples 1 to 4 with a guide. our guide had mainly Spanish tourists and then us, which was a little frustrating in the end as we had to wait for 5-10 minutes for him to finish his explanation only to then rush our explanation. In hindsight, we would have done a self guided tour by downloading an app, which is what another person on our bus back did. We booked our tour through Los Amigos Hostel for Q110 each and highly recommend them as it was cheap relative to other providers, including our hostel, and everything went smoothly. You should also check out their restaurant and common area, which anyone is welcome to use.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,613 contributions
At the largest Mayan city!
Nov 2019
At the heart of the Guatemalan rain forest, surrounded by lush vegetation and wild animals, you will find the iconic "Tikal", the largest archaeological site and urban center of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. It is situated within the limits of the "Tikal National Park", an area of 575 square kms in the Northern Guatemala's "Departmento de El Petén". It comprises over 3,000 "already" unearthed buildings and is believed to have been inhabited, from the 6th century BC to the 10th century AD, by a population of over 90,000 persons. Visiting "Tikal" demands planning and money. The nearest airport is at Flores, a city 90 minute away from the Park. After crossing the main entrance gate, the ruins are still 17 kms away. Regular group tours arrive late and leave early, so private tours are strongly recommended, as sunrise and sunset, seen from the pyramid-temples, are a must. Spare at least two days and visit "part" of the complex, including temples, palaces, squares, tombs, stone monuments and altars. It is tiring and requires strong legs - lots of walking and climbing in the heat of the rain forest. In 1979, "Tikal" was appointed by Unesco as a "World Heritage Site". One more reason to visit this awesome complex, which was partially restored by the Government of Guatemala and the Universtity of Pennsylvania. Enjoy!
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rob C
San Jose, CA2,115 contributions
Stunning ruins and nature, but it'll cost you
Apr 2021
The Tikal National Park encompasses the ruins of the ancient city of Yax Mutal (known by their modern name of Tikal) and Siaan K'aan (Waxaktun) together with an ecological preserve that encompasses both former cities. The Entry ticket to the ruins of Yax Mutal (Tikal) cost 150 Q for foreigners. Services of a guide usually cost an additional 100 Q per person and are well worth it. The site itself is amazing from the fauna and the flora to the sprawling ruins, some of which are reconstructed. Tikal makes Chichen Itza look like your local playground compared to Disneyworld. While Chichen Itza sports one major pyramid (El Castillo) that measures 98 feet in height total, Tikal has at least 10 pyramids taller than that with the tallest reaching 230 feet in height. In addition, Tikal had at least 6 pyramids of size comparable to the Castillo of Chichen Itza and dozens of other buildings and temples, not to mention the thousands of structures that have not been excavated. It is truly a wonder to visit, especially with a knowledgeable guide who speaks English.
Written April 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KiTa
13 contributions
Many administration issues!
Mar 2020 • Family
I am disappointed with all the false information for such a famous National Park. Before my visit I read the Tikal
Website to be sure I was aware of the hours and prices and options for sunset and sunrise tours. My two kids are 9 and 11, so are free, as the website states that 12 and under are free. At the ticket gate they told us 9 and under are free. I asked to see that in writing, a price list or even to show me where it said that on the website; they said they had no internet and could show me nothing and that my 11 year old would not be allowed entry without a ticket; so we paid about $50cdn for my son who should have been free! The website also says if you enter after 3pm, your ticket is still good for the next day (but apparently they are not supposed to punch your ticket), well now it is 4:30 and they punched our ticket so we were not able to return the next day (supposedly our guide should have been watching and making sure this did not happen; our guide was great and I do not blame him).
I could go on but will stop. Please fix this before Guatemala gets a bad reputation.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pernille K
Sindal, Denmark108 contributions
Worth doing!
Jan 2020 • Family
We went on a trip leaving Flores 6 am to enjoy Tikal. I was a perfect thing to do and really awesome out there.
We booked with a guide - cost for guide and transportation was 150q person then you'll pay 150Q as well at the entrance.
Not only did we see and walk lots of temples, we also saw lots of spider monkeys and hear many howler monkeys- that was cool;)
We can recommend going with a guide. You will also have time on your own and it is up to you, when you catch the bus to go back to Flores
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jim L
Orillia, Canada684 contributions
An Archaeological Fantasy Land
Feb 2020
Even now, with the cleared paths and the forest beaten back, it’s hard to comprehend what Tikal must have looked like 1500 years ago. I imagine the city, like it is now, covered by jungle growth. Yet drawings of reconstructions show vast paved courtyards, streets and orderly cities. Where we walk on paths carved out of the forest, thousands of footsteps before us walked paved roadways. Now silent courtyards might have been bustling markets. Empty stone walled ruins might have been family homes with all the routine and drama of any typical household. Larger buildings would have been busy offices, while the pyramids were temples.

The massive pyramids with their amazing views were obvious highlights. But ‘discovering’ the more routine buildings, some down mysterious jungle paths was just as fascinating. Throughout the site, the forest was alive with animals, some seen, and others heard.

You could tour Tikal in a hurry, but if you have an imagination or interest in history, plan to take your time. We got there at dawn and had to leave at 2 to catch a plane. After six hours and 9 km of walking, it felt like we were just getting oriented to the huge park. There were entire sections we didn’t even have time to look at, and it felt like we had only just scratched the surface of exploring.

Crowds? We were there on a busy Sunday, and really, it didn’t feel busy. Expect to see people, but not lineups.
If you plan on getting that perfect shot from Temple IV, either do the sunrise shot or wait until afternoon. We got there at the regular opening, rushed to the far end of the park just to have the sun shining bright in our face. Went back in the afternoon for a much better view.
Where to get tickets – Our very experienced Hostel host in Guat City said ignore the advice of getting tickets in advance. When we were there at the beginning of February, a temporary ticket shop was at the entrance and took cash only. The line up at opening time took maybe 10 minutes to clear. Also, it looked like a permanent office was being built.
If you are the Peten region, it's likely because of this place. It's worth it.
Written May 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Riverliver
Cleveland, OH625 contributions
One of the major Mayan ruins in Central America
Feb 2020
There is much to see in Tikal and it can be overwhelming to try to sort it all out. But the temples and monuments are impressive as it the history they tell. The craftsmanship of these structures at a time when there was no wheel, no animals for transport and no metal tools is just amazing. You can climb up the structures, of course, to view the surrounding jungle.
We hired a guide in San Ignacio who rode with us to Guatemala where we picked up another guide. Between the two of them (one price) we had so much information on both the history and the construction but also on the plant life of the area.
Highly recommended. But if you are staying in San Ignacio and don’t have time or resources to get here, see Xunantunich. It is smaller but just as impressive. And it has the second tallest temple in CA.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Zach
6 contributions
January 2020
Jan 2020
Tikal is spectacular. It is the heart of the Lowland Maya classical world. Definitley worth a visit if you're interested in the Maya or even if you're just looking fora cool old ruin to wow over. A few things to consider if you plan to visit Tikal.
Tour guides: Get a tour guide but don't expect too much out of them. They offer a mashup of facts, anecdotes, and superstition to please the crowd. They are performers more than they are teachers.
Placards and information: Do not expect to find information about the site or the individual structures in the park. What placards and kiosks there are are mostly illegible and the guide they sell on site, despite being rather expensive, leaves a lot to be desired. You need to bring information with you.
Maps: The maps in the park seem designed to confound. Almost if they had first been flipped upside down and then end to end. They are virtually useless unless you already know where you are going. Again, best to bring something with you.
Bugs: Bring good bug spray or you will regret it.
Food: Drinks and snacks are available throughout the park. There are also a few restaurants if you want a sit down meal.
Footwear: Bring rugged footwear. The paths and roads are very rough and can be muddy too.
Sun: Bring sunscreen, a good hat, and consider an umbrella. The sun down here is no joke.
Enjoy!
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jenni A
18 contributions
Tikal - Guided Morning Tour
Jan 2020 • Couples
Tikal was beautiful, we were very happy we went with an organized group and tour guide as we were able to learn a lot about the park and Mayan history as we walked around (tour was coordinated through Crasborn Tour Agency in Flores, I highly recommend them for tour and transport needs).

We did a morning tour (not a sunrise tour and left by 12:30pm) and it was perfect. No issues with bugs and the temperature was cooler than I’d anticipated up until the time we left when it had started to warm up.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John H
Grand Rapids, Michigan95 contributions
The highlight of our trip to Central America
Feb 2020
We visited two Mayan sites in Belize (Altun Ha and Xunantunich, in that order) then went to Tikal. The sites in Belize were both excellent, but we had read about Tikal and our expectations were high, and we were not disappointed! This place has it all - beautiful Mayan structures and wildlife! We saw toucans, turkeys, coatimundis, spider monkeys, and an anteater!

Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and absolutely deserves its designation. The structures are amazing and there are so many of them! We only had one day here, but you could easily spend two or three days in the park with a guide.

Our guide told us that we were fortunate to be visiting from San Ignacio because the best route to the park is through Belize (flight to Belize City, then vehicle to Tikal). It is a much longer trip from Guatemala City.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 607
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Frequently Asked Questions about Tikal
Tikal is open:
  • Sun - Sat 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Tikal tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 33 Tikal tours on Tripadvisor
According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Tikal: See all Tikal experiences on Tripadvisor
Attractions near Tikal: View all attractions near Tikal on Tripadvisor