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6 days, 5 nights Petén Private, from 2 travellers

Six days in the Petén rainforest with an archaeologist at your side: Tikal at dawn, Yaxhá at sunset and the river-bound ruins of El Ceibal.

Tikal temple rising from the rainforest

About this tour

The Petén is Guatemala's great green north, a lowland rainforest that still hides much of the ancient Maya world. This trip is for those who want to see it properly: not a rushed day trip to Tikal, but time to return at different hours, to reach sites few visitors see, and to understand what you are looking at.

You stay a night inside the national park to be on the trails before the day visitors arrive, then base yourselves on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá. Your guide is a working archaeologist or a long-time Petén specialist, and we can add a helicopter day to El Mirador for those who want to go deeper still.

Highlights

  • 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
Best for: History and archaeology loversBest for: Wildlife and birdwatchersBest for: Adding the Petén to another trip

Day by day

Sample schedule. Every day can be moved, lengthened or swapped.

  1. Day 1

    Fly to Flores

    Arrive in Guatemala City and connect to the one-hour flight to Flores. Evening on the island, with dinner by the lake.

    Overnight: Flores

  2. Day 2

    Into Tikal

    Drive about an hour to Tikal for a full afternoon exploring the Gran Plaza, the Lost World complex and Temple IV, then check in to a lodge inside the park.

    Overnight: Tikal National ParkMeals: B, L

  3. Day 3

    Tikal at dawn, Yaxhá at dusk

    An early walk as the forest wakes, with toucans, spider monkeys and the roar of howlers. After a rest, continue to Yaxhá for sunset over its twin lagoons.

    Overnight: Lake Petén ItzáMeals: B

  4. Day 4

    El Ceibal by river

    Drive around 1.5 hours to Sayaxché, then boat along the Río de la Pasión to El Ceibal, known for its finely carved stelae under the forest canopy.

    Overnight: Lake Petén ItzáMeals: B, L

  5. Day 5

    Lake Petén Itzá

    A slow day on the lake: kayak, swim, visit a wildlife rescue centre or take the hanging bridges at Ixpanpajul through the canopy.

    Overnight: Lake Petén ItzáMeals: B

  6. Day 6

    Depart

    Transfer to Flores airport for your flight back to Guatemala City and onward.

    Meals: B

Meals key: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

What's included

  • 5 nights in jungle lodges and lakeside hotels
  • Daily breakfast and 2 lunches
  • Domestic flights Guatemala City–Flores return
  • All private transfers
  • Archaeologist guide for Tikal, Yaxhá and El Ceibal
  • River boat to El Ceibal
  • All site entrance fees, including Tikal sunrise access
  • A dedicated local specialist on call throughout your trip

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not listed
  • Optional helicopter day to El Mirador
  • Tips for guides and drivers

Route map

Flores & PeténTikal
Map placeholder · not to scale

Flores & Petén → Tikal

Where you could stay

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

Thatched-roof entrance to a jungle lodgeJungle lodge

Lake Petén Itzá, near El Remate

Itzá Shore Lodge

Lakeside cabanas where the jungle meets the water, halfway between Flores and Tikal.

From $120 per person · night

Pricing

Per person, from$2,250Based on two sharing
For two, approx.$4,500International flights excluded
Budget levelPremiumUpgrade or adjust any hotel

Prices vary with season, hotel choice and group size. Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Christmas carry supplements. Your specialist will send a clear, itemised quote in your currency.

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

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