A Visitor's Guide to the Maya Ruins of Tikal

Nestled in the jungle of northern Guatemala lies an ancient Maya complex sure to make your heart skip a beat. The impressive ruins of Tikal will transport you to a time of power, mystique, and ritual polytheism. Unfold history as you stand before towering pyramids, elaborate palaces, ball courts, and weathered stelae. Walk in the footsteps of a renowned civilization while exotic monkeys swing overhead in the surrounding canopy.

Brad and I enjoyed a day trip to Tikal National Park on his birthday. Celebrating his special day at this bucket list destination was an experience of a lifetime. Below I cover logistics, recommendations, and a bit of history to make your visit to Tikal unforgettable!

Logistics

More than likely your city, budget, and travel preferences will determine your mode of transportation. Tikal National Park is DIY friendly and countless tour operators make it easy to find a ride. Companies from as far as the islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) in Belize even offer day trips!

In Guatemala, El Remate and Flores are the two most popular cities to stay in while visiting Tikal. El Remate is a rural village on Lake Petén Itzá directly south of Tikal. Flores is a charming island in Lake Petén Itzá with restaurants, boutique hotels, and cobblestone streets. Brad and I based ourselves in Flores for four days. The laid-back town is a great place to socialize with other travelers.

After shopping around for the cheapest price, we decided to book transportation with Los Amigos Hostel for 100 GTQ ($13 USD) per person. A tour guide was only 30 GTQ ($4 USD) more per person, but Brad and I wanted the freedom to roam by ourselves. The comfortable ride in the shuttle van took 1.5 hours to reach Tikal National Park.

Initially, we wanted to take public transit to Tikal via colectivos (shared mini vans), but couldn't find a reliable timetable online. If you want to go this route, I suggest heading to the Terminal Central de Buses on the mainland and asking the drivers for up-to-date information.

What to Expect Upon Arrival

Before arrival at the main entrance, you need to purchase a ticket for 150 GTQ ($20 USD) per person at the yellow gate. If you decide to do a sunrise or sunset visit, an additional cost of 100 GTQ ($13 USD) is required. Don't forget to bring a passport or photo ID. Brad and I had no problem using our Texas driver's licenses.

Tikal National Park is open every day, 6:00 AM-5:00 PM. High season is between December-March and weekends are the busiest. We visited on a Friday, 8:00 AM-12:30 PM. I recommend getting to Tikal as early as possible to beat the afternoon tour groups and hot temperatures.

English and Spanish speaking guides offer their services nearby the main entrance. Be sure to negotiate and settle on a price before the tour begins. Information placards are scarce at Tikal, so either do some research ahead of time if DIY is your preferred method or opt for a tour. Brad and I watched a few documentaries on YouTube the night before our visit to prepare.

Purchase a foldable map at the main entrance for 20 GTQ ($2.50 USD) to orient yourself with the complex. The map was especially useful since we decided to forgo a guide and explore the site on our own.

Helpful Tips

Entry tickets and vendor stalls are cash only. Bathrooms are located in the center and opposite ends of the site. Head to one of the pavilions if you want some beverages or light snacks. Brad and I packed water, electrolyte drinks, fruit, and trail mix in our backpack. Tikal National Park prohibits plastic bags.

The rainforest of Tikal has intense humidity. Mornings are pleasant, but afternoons heat up. Bring athletic clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen to stay comfortable. Wear sneakers or hiking boots since there are a lot of steep wooden stairs and limestone steps to traverse. Rest your feet at one of the countless shady spots or benches if you need a break. Whatever you do, make sure to pack bug repellent for menacing mosquitos, horseflies, and ants. Bug bites are not the type of souvenirs you want to take home!

History

Although Tikal's origins can be traced as far back as 1000 BC, the height of its power was between 200-900 AD. Hieroglyphic inscriptions at Tikal reference king Yax Ehb Xook who ruled the region during the 1st Century. The city of Yax Mutal (Tikal) was named in his honor. The following centuries were often plagued by warfare, including a devastating battle with Teotihuacán in the 4th Century. Tikal didn't break free from the outsider's grip until the end of the 7th Century.

Jasaw Chan K'awil and his heir, Yik'in Chan K'awiil, expanded Tikal's territory resulting in a period of prosperity. Both kings initiated various construction projects, such as the main structures of the complex visible today. By the 8th Century, Tikal reached its peak with a population of approximately 90,000 people. Tikal was abandoned by 900 AD. Archaeologists believe drought and disease caused its demise, a fate similar to other Maya cities.

Tikal National Park

Don't underestimate the size of Tikal National Park! The main urban area spans roughly 988 acres, which is a ton of ground to cover. Brad and I explored about 60% of the ruins with a moderate pace. Due to our limited time (4.5 hours) in the park, we had to prioritize our top structures. Create a route with the map to optimize your visit.

Below is a list (in order) of the structures we explored. My only regret was running out of time to see the roof-comb hieroglyphics of Temple VI (Temple of the Inscriptions). The complex seems too vast to complete in a half-day visit, but not impossible with a hefty dose of determination!

Temple I - Temple of the Grand Jaguar

Perhaps the most iconic structure within the Grand Plaza (main square of Tikal) is the 47 m (154 ft) high Temple of the Grand Jaguar. The funerary pyramid was constructed for Jasaw Chan K'awil who died in 734 AD. Artifacts such as inscribed bones, jade ornaments, and ceramics filled with food were discovered inside.

Temple II - Temple of the Mask

Directly opposite of Temple I is the Temple of the Mask. Built in 700 AD, the 38 m (125 ft) high pyramid was commissioned in honor of Jasaw Chan K'awil's wife. A portrait of the queen was carved into one of the wooden lintels spanning the three consecutive shrine chambers.

North Acropolis

The multi-level North Acropolis sits on the north side of the Grand Plaza. The large funerary complex evolved with each additional royal burial since its initial construction in 350 BC. Pyramids, roof-combs, altars, and stelae with hieroglyphics abound the structure.

Central Acropolis

An imposing labyrinth of platforms and façades makes up the Central Acropolis on the south side of the Grand Plaza. The massive complex functioned as both administrative and residential spaces for the royal families. Numerous passageways and rooms are decorated with ornate mythic scenes and hieroglyphics.

Temple III - Temple of the Jaguar Priest

To the west of the Grand Plaza behind Temple II is the Temple of the Jaguar Priest. The 55 m (180 ft) high pyramid was the last of the great structures to be built at Tikal. A carved wooden lintel was found depicting king Dark Sun dressed in jaguar skins performing a ritual dance.

Temple IV

On the western edge of the urban area is the tallest pyramid at Tikal which measures 70 m (230 ft). The giant structure was built to commemorate the reign of Yik'in Chan K'awiil in 741 AD. The views from Temple IV are spectacular because the roof-combs of Temples I, II, III, and V can be seen protruding from the misty jungle canopy. George Lucas filmed a scene for Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope from this vantage point!

Lost World Complex - Mundo Perdido

One of the most important structures at Tikal is the Lost World Complex. Ceremonial platforms, pyramids, and tombs make up the 60,000 sq m (650,000 sq ft) surface area. Continued construction began in 700 BC, up until the decline of the city in 900 AD. Climb up to the platform atop one of the pyramids to see a breathtaking panoramic view of Tikal!

Temple V

South of the Central Acropolis is Temple V, the second-tallest pyramid in Tikal. The unique wide balustrades bordering the stairway and rounded temple corners are not found anywhere else at the site. Dating to 700 AD, the partially moss-covered structure has an interior shrine with three masks of the rain god Chaac decorating the northern cornice.

Birdwatching

The dirt and gravel paths connecting the structures offer great vantage points for birdwatching. Undoubtedly, you'll hear exotic calls high above in the lush canopy during your visit. Brad and I saw multicolored Keel-billed Toucans, parrots, and Collared Aracaris feeding in the trees.

We also spotted turkeys, Slaty-tailed Trogons, and cuckoos. I highly recommend downloading the Merlin Bird ID app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology which identifies over 1,382 bird species by sound. It helped bring the aforementioned birds a bit closer to us!

Final Thoughts

One of the major perks at Tikal National Park is the ability to climb most of the structures and pyramids. To witness the stone temples rising out of the rainforest canopy was an unforgettable sight! I felt my jaw drop in pure amazement as my eyes moved up the mirroring pyramids of the Grand Plaza. The bright sun peeking above the roof-comb of the Temple of the Grand Jaguar made my eyes swell with happiness.

After visiting several Maya complexes in Mexico and Central America, Tikal was my overall favorite! Archaeologists are still unraveling the pieces of this incredible ancient city. The mysterious allure is irresistible. I can't help but wonder what else is hidden beyond the excavations. A tomb filled with priceless artifacts? A chamber of preserved Maya codices? Hopefully, one day soon, we will find out!