Tikal Tours from Flores

In an average year, over 300,000 travelers from nations across the globe visit Belize and Guatemala. That might not be a surprise; there’s a lot to love about these vibrant coastal nations!

In addition to the scenic beaches, reefs, and tropical wildlife, Guatemala is also home to a vital site of one of the most extraordinary ancient civilizations on Earth: Tikal.

Tikal was once the heart of the Maya Kingdom. What does it mean to explore the echoes of that ancient city through its ruins?

For many visitors, it means the adventure of a lifetime.

Historical and Cultural Importance of Tikal

The earliest structures of Tikal were built in the year 4 B.C. The site grew in vastness and political importance for centuries, until, between 200 – 900 A.D., it reached the height of its power. In that era (known as the Classical Period), Tikal was the capital and central heart of one of the strongest kingdoms in the history of Maya civilization.

The Heart of a Powerful Maya Kingdom

In this era, Tikal was both a hub and dominant political force across the Mesoamerican continent. It was a center of trade among peoples as distant as Teotihuacan in the Valley of Mexico, and Conan in what is now Western Honduras.

Tikal also held court, festivals, and even the seats of royal dynasties vital to ancient Maya culture.

Extraordinary History: Yax Mutal, Then and Now

Contemporary historians believe the Tikal site was called “Yax Mutal” by those who lived there. As an ancient city, it thrived for thousands of years, sometimes allying with or being taken by different ancient nations.

Around 900-950 A.D., the population of Tikal started declining. By 1100 A.D., the site had been entirely abandoned. The rainforest began to grow over the buildings and the ruins.

The ruins were rediscovered in 1848. But, they were almost entirely covered. It wasn’t until 1956 that archeologists from Guatemala and the University of Pennsylvania in the U.S. started excavating them.

The Tikal site as we know it today was finally drawn out and restored by the mid-1970s. In 1979, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, the influence of ancient Maya civilization is felt across Guatemalan culture. From the Guatemalan people’s syncretic spirituality, to the arts, architecture, and food, Tikal matters to modern Guatemala more than ever before.

What to Expect on a Guided Tour of Tikal

Get Ready To Walk (or Ride) Far

Tikal National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the Tikal ruins, covers a little over 222 square miles of land. It encompasses such a broad swath of diverse habitats, ecosystems, and wildlife, it can’t be explored in its entirety in a single day.

Most guided tours of Tikal either drive or bike to the ruins’ site, then tour the ruins themselves on foot. For most people, a Tikal tour involves 6 miles of walking and hiking. Typical tours are paced to be completed from 6 – 8 hours, with some breaks.

For those who cannot walk the distance, Tikal National Park allows visitors to explore the ground level of the ruins and the park with motorized scooters. This can still be enjoyable, although narrow or rocky paths wouldn’t be accessible. It’s also important that any bikes and scooters be appropriate for the terrain.

Experience Breathtaking Sights

There are too many extraordinary buildings and structures among the Tikal ruins to visit them all. Most tours emphasize some of the most spectacular, including:

• The North Acropolis
  • This series of 12 tombs house generations of Maya royalty
    • Each tomb is connected to its intricately decorated temple

• The Grand Plaza
  • This central court has a dramatic sunset view
    • Sports, spiritual rituals, and royal events were conducted here

• Temple of The Great Jaguar
  • This nine-level pyramid symbolized the levels of the underworld
    • It culminates in a royal tomb—a resting place filled with hieroglyphics, jade mosaics, and carved portraiture

• Temple IV
  • This is the tallest pyramid on the site
    • When they climb it, visitors can see the entire park.

• The Temple of Masks
  • This shorter pyramid offers beautiful views of the rainforest
    • Its inscription shows it was dedicated to a queen

Climb (Some) of the Pyramids

The pyramids of Tikal are often open to climbing. However, authorities may close specific pyramids to climbers (or entirely) for safety or restoration.

The Temple of Masks (Temple II) and Temple IV are the most frequently available to travelers to want to make their way to the top.

The Temple of The Great Jaguar is often also climbable, although it has been recently closed for repairs.

Wildlife and Flora You’ll Encounter in Tikal National Park

Tiklal’s extraordinary biodiversity is part of the reason Tikal National Park was selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to UNESCO, the protected preserve is home to an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, including over 330 identified bird species, 200 species of trees, 100 species of reptiles, “…over 60 species of bat.”

Walking through the tropics, travelers take in beautiful orchids, bromeliads, and rainforest canopies dotted with monkeys.

Keen-eyed visitors might catch sight of soft-footed ocelots and jaguars, a rare Great Curassow, or an endangered Central American River Turtle.

Tips for Preparing for a Tikal Tour (Clothing, Weather, and More)

Wear Lightweight, Protective Clothing, Strong Shoes

Insects like mosquitos, frequent bouts of rain, and the tropical heat, are all part and parcel of the environment in Guatemala. When exploring Tikal, it’s important to wear waterproof or water-resistant boots and outerwear, as well as fabrics that can prevent overheating. Clothing treated with insect repellent is a wise choice.

Gear Up To Prevent Injury and Illness

Last but not least, it’s important to take steps to prevent the risk of injury or illness when journeying through Tikal.

Abide by recommendations from the CDC to avoid food-borne and mosquito-borne illnesses. Be proactive against heat stroke as well; take steps to ensure your skin still experiences evaporative cooling in humid weather, and stay hydrated.

Abide By Travel Advisories

Stay alert to any travel advisories issued by your home country throughout every trip. Currently, the United States has issued a Level 3 advisory requesting Americans “Reconsider Travel” to Guatemala.

That said, while traveling to Guatemala as a whole is risky, but the Tikal site itself is highly secure.

How Caravan Tours Enhances the Tikal Experience

Tikal National Park is intriguing no matter how you visit it. Yet, when exploring with an expertly crafted, guided tour, the experience surpasses even the highest expectations.

Stay At Lovely Accommodations

Searching through lodging options to find the right fit for your trip can be frustrating. Fortunately, Caravan’s tours automatically include all accommodations.

When traveling through Belize with Caravan, you’ll stay at Hotel Camino Real Tikal. Guests relax in a room with a private balcony, air-conditioning, Jacuzzi, and even an authentic Mayan-style sauna bath called Temazcal.

Taste Diverse, Curated Guatemalan Meals

Caravan’s tours include meals every day. Tour curators ensure all guests can enjoy the rich culinary options each destination offers.

Safe Transportation Guaranteed

Staying safe on the road (or on boats) isn’t always easy. Yet, Caravan’s guests needn’t stress. 100% of the transit is handled by professionals.

Ancient Tikal Comes To Life With Caravan

Traveling should be fun, not stressful. At Caravan, we do the work for our guests stress-free.

Our guides curate all-inclusive trips with expertise.  Activities, lodgings, and meals are hand-picked and booked well ahead of time. The only thing left for guests to do is enjoy!

If you’re interested in experiencing the best of Tikal in one extraordinary trip, why not check out our weeklong Belize and Tikal Tour?

If you’d like to join in, or just want more information, we invite you to call us toll-free at 1-800-CARAVAN or 1-800-312-321-9800.