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Tikal temple rising from the rainforest

Petén · Maya temples rising from the rainforest

One of the greatest cities of the ancient Maya world, hidden in a protected jungle full of howler monkeys and toucans. Seeing its temples pierce the canopy is unforgettable.

Overview

At its height between roughly AD 200 and 900, Tikal was a superpower of the Classic Maya world, home to tens of thousands of people and locked in a long rivalry with Calakmul to the north. Thousands of structures survive across the site, from the twin temples facing each other across the Great Plaza to Temple IV, which rises some 65 metres and remains one of the tallest pre-Columbian buildings in the Americas.

The ruins sit inside Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and part of the vast Maya Biosphere Reserve. Spider and howler monkeys move through the canopy, ocellated turkeys strut across the plazas, and toucans, parrots and coatis are frequent companions on the forest paths.

We recommend staying at least one night inside or close to the park, so you can explore in the soft early light and late afternoon, when the day visitors have gone and the jungle comes alive. A private archaeologist-guide makes the city's history, dynasties and astronomy come alive.

Best time to visit

  • JanBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
  • FebBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
  • MarBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
  • AprBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
  • MayRainyRainy season.
  • JunRainyRainy season.
  • JulRainyRainy season.
  • AugRainyRainy season.
  • SepRainyRainy season.
  • OctRainyRainy season.
  • NovBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
  • DecBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
Best months● Rainy season (May–October): mornings usually clear, afternoon showers

November to April is drier and more comfortable, with February to April the hottest stretch. The May to October rainy season brings short, heavy downpours, muddier trails and more mosquitoes, but also lush forest, active wildlife and far fewer visitors.

Highlights

  1. 01

    The Great Plaza

    Stand between Temple I (the Temple of the Great Jaguar) and Temple II, surrounded by acropolises and carved stelae at the ceremonial heart of the city.

  2. 02

    Temple IV views

    Climb the wooden stairs to the top of Temple IV and look out over an endless green canopy, with the roof combs of other temples breaking through.

  3. 03

    Mundo Perdido

    The Lost World complex holds some of Tikal's oldest structures, including a great pyramid used as an astronomical observatory.

  4. 04

    Wildlife at dawn

    Early mornings bring the roar of howler monkeys, flocks of parrots and the best chance to spot toucans and spider monkeys.

Things to do

  • 01Watch sunrise or sunset over the canopy from Temple IV
  • 02Explore the Great Plaza and North Acropolis with an archaeologist
  • 03Walk the Mundo Perdido complex
  • 04Go birdwatching on the forest trails
  • 05Visit the site museums near the entrance
  • 06Stay overnight at a lodge inside the park
Tikal temple rising from the rainforest
CultureFull day (pre-dawn start)

Tikal Sunrise

Dawn over the Maya temples

From $180 per person

Traveller sitting on a dock looking at the volcanoes of Atitlán
Special occasionsFlexible, typically 8–14 days

Honeymoons

Volcano views, candlelit courtyards, just you two

From $220 per person

Practical tips

Start early
Arrive at opening time to beat the heat and the crowds. The light, the wildlife and the atmosphere are all at their best before 10am.
Dress for the jungle
Light long sleeves, insect repellent, a hat and sturdy shoes are essential. Carry plenty of water, as the site is large and the humidity high.
Hire a specialist guide
Tikal is huge and sparsely signed. A private guide will tailor the route to your interests and pace, and spot wildlife you might otherwise miss.

Where we like to stay in Tikal

Lodge lit up at night in the jungleJungle lodge

Petén rainforest, 15 minutes from the Tikal entrance gate

Ceiba Canopy Lodge

Thatched bungalows deep in the forest, close enough to Tikal for an early start and far enough for total peace.

From $210 per person · night

Tikal FAQ

Most travellers fly from Guatemala City to Flores in about an hour, then drive roughly an hour and a quarter to the park. We arrange flights and private transfers.

More questions? See our Guatemala FAQ.

Every tour is private and fully adjustable around your dates and pace.

See all tours

10 days, 9 nights Antigua · Western Highlands · Lake Atitlán · Petén

Classic Guatemala

Daily breakfast · 7 guided activities · All private transfers · Domestic flight

  • Walk Antigua's cobbled streets and ruined convents with a historian guide
  • Chichicastenango's market on a Thursday or Sunday
  • Private boat days between Atitlán's Maya villages
  • Tikal at first light, plus a sunset over Yaxhá's lagoons

From$3,650per person

≈ $7,300 for two · international flights excluded

View tour

6 days, 5 nights Petén

Maya Heartland

Daily breakfast · 5 guided activities · All private transfers · Domestic flight

  • A night inside Tikal National Park for sunrise among the temples
  • Sunset from Temple 216 at Yaxhá
  • Boat up the Río de la Pasión to El Ceibal
  • Evenings on the island town of Flores

From$2,250per person

≈ $4,500 for two · international flights excluded

View tour

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