10 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Tikal National Park
Tikal National Park and Ruins was one of the highlights of my trip to Guatemala.
If you are visiting Guatemala and make it Flores, be sure a visit to this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site is on the top of your list of things to do.
I had an amazing day visiting the site via this tour that included transportation and a guide. I highly recommend using a guide for your visit to make sure you take in all of the highlights and get the full experience.
Whether you chose to visit Tikal with a tour or on your own, these are some of my takeaways from the day to help you plan yours
💵Admission to the site is 150Q (approximately $20) this is not included in tour rates
🪪You are required to show your passport when purchasing tickets in person. I was very lucky I was able to show a photo of my passport on my phone since I didn’t have mine with me.
🎫 Buy tickets online ahead of time - yes, you can buy tickets on arrival, however, the line can be slow and they are cash only (though the website states they take credit cards).
Tickets should only be purchased through this Tikal official site.
🗓️Mondays are the least crowded. I almost booked a Sunday visit but opted to wait until Monday and am very glad I did! It felt like our group had the entire site to ourselves the majority of the day and were told by 2 guides that Mondays are the least crowded and best days to visit, regardless of time of year.
🌄If you want to see the sunrise - commit to the 3am tour.
The 4:30am tour does not arrive in time for the sunrise. I actually saw no benefit to taking the 4:30am tour (though some say it is good to beat crowds and heat during peak season)
☀️Sunrise and sunset admission are an additional 100Q (approximately $13)
🥾 Wear good shoes - The site is expansive and requires quite a bit of walking, as well as going up stairs. Some areas are quite slippery and up/down hill.
🍎Bring Snacks - There is a small restaurant at the entry and vendors selling snacks throughout the site that are cash only and a bit overpriced compared to the tiendas. They also have limited options.
💧Bring water - The walk is several kilometers, and it can be hot and humid, so be sure to be hydrated
🦟Wear bug repellent - I was very glad to have my bug bracelets as others in the group were getting eaten up
🗺️Get a paper map and/or download the map ahead of time, especially if you are visiting without a guide - there is no service in the majority of the site
🚐 If taking a group tour - get to the bus early. They get packed full and you want to avoid the small middle seats
No matter when or how you visit Tikal, you are sure to have an amazing experience at this phenomenal, archeological site. The ruins are a site to behold, but the surrounding jungle with its playful monkeys and echoing howlers really makes this day trip one of a kind.
These tips will help assure a stress-free and pleasant visit as part of your Guatemala adventure.
