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Tikal Ruins
Once a powerful seat of the Mayan empire, Tikal is now the most famous archeological site in Guatemala and one of the most-visited sets of Mayan ruins in all of Latin America. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, consisting of temples, plazas, and pyramids, was first settled around 700 BC, and modern visitors still get swept away by their beauty and powerful aura.
The Basics
Tikal stands apart from other sites of Mayan ruins due to its location deep in the jungle and its easy access, as the roads leading to one of the most popular attractions in Central America are well-maintained. Guided tours make it seamless to visit the ruins on a bus, shuttle, or airplane from as near as Flores or as far as Antigua and Guatemala City, or across the border from San Ignacio, Belize—even on a day trip. Those who want to stay longer can take an overnight tour or book a hostel or campground for the night, which gives opportunity to watch the sunrise from the top of an ancient pyramid.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s best to book a tour with round-trip transportation or plan to stay the night as Tikal is in a somewhat remote location.
- Some of the not-to-miss highlights include Temple of the Grand Jaguar, Northern Acropolis, and Temple of Inscriptions.
- Visitors can explore an onsite museum to learn more about the ruins’ history and rediscovery.
- Lodging and camping are available outside the park.
How to Get There
As one of the most popular attractions in the region, Tikal is easy to access. The ruins are located in El Peten, and regular shuttles run from Guatemala City, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Belize. Flights help you make the most of your time, as the shuttle rides can last upwards of 12 hours.
Many guided tours include worry-free transportation.
When to Get There
Visit during the rainy season, generally May through October, for the fewest crowds (though come prepared with rain gear). Park hours are 6am to 6pm and are strictly enforced.
Lord of Chocolate
As the capital of a conquest state, Tikal served as a center for trade and economy, growing to a population of almost 100,000 before its decline. Some of its more noteworthy characters include Jasaw Chan K'awiil I, also known as Au Cacao (Lord Chocolate!), who conquered the chief rival Mayan state of Calakmul around 695 AD.
Address: Petén, Guatemala
From $ 40
El Ceibal
Strategically located above the Pasión River, a once important trade route to the Gulf of Mexico, El Ceibal (also written "Seibal") is one of the best preserved of Peten's Mayan cities.
Archaeologists are in awe of elegant ceremonial construction dated to 900BC, among the earliest known monumental architecture in the Mayan world. Most visitors, however, will remember El Ceibal for its remarkably detailed stelae and sculptures, many carved after 800 AD, when the rest of the Mayan Empire was already in a state of collapse. Rendered in unusually hard stone, these detailed portraits and glyphs were influenced by foreign civilizations, and are unusually beautiful. This is why El Ceibal is sometimes called the "Mayan Art Gallery."
The city was built on several elevated terraces overlooking the river, and is relatively small, covering about one square kilometer (2.5 acres). Plan to spend two or three hours exploring.
Archaeologists are in awe of elegant ceremonial construction dated to 900BC, among the earliest known monumental architecture in the Mayan world. Most visitors, however, will remember El Ceibal for its remarkably detailed stelae and sculptures, many carved after 800 AD, when the rest of the Mayan Empire was already in a state of collapse. Rendered in unusually hard stone, these detailed portraits and glyphs were influenced by foreign civilizations, and are unusually beautiful. This is why El Ceibal is sometimes called the "Mayan Art Gallery."
The city was built on several elevated terraces overlooking the river, and is relatively small, covering about one square kilometer (2.5 acres). Plan to spend two or three hours exploring.
Practical Info
El Ceibal is located close to the small town of Sayaxche, about 62km (38 miles) from Flores, a 1.5-hour trip. There are two rustic ecolodges (and some very basic hotels) in the working port on the Río Pasión, making this a good base for visits El Ceibal and other nearby archaeological sites. Day trips are also easily arranged from Flores.
From Sayaxche, you can make the 17km (11-mile) trip to the ruins by public bus, though you may need to catch a pickup truck for the last few kilometers. Consider spending a few extra dollars to make the trip by boat, a lovely 45-minute trip up La Pasión River. There are no restaurants, shops, or hotels, so pack water and snacks.
From Sayaxche, you can make the 17km (11-mile) trip to the ruins by public bus, though you may need to catch a pickup truck for the last few kilometers. Consider spending a few extra dollars to make the trip by boat, a lovely 45-minute trip up La Pasión River. There are no restaurants, shops, or hotels, so pack water and snacks.
Address: El Ceibal, Guatemala
From $ 100
Lake Pet en Itza
Guatemala’s second largest lake, a sparkling expanse at the heart of the hot, humid Petén Basin, was one of the earliest cradles of Mesoamerican civilization. The lush rainforests at its fringe are home to at least 27 archaeological sites, in addition to Flores, capital of Petén Department. Once known as Nojpetén (City Island) by the Itza Mayans, Flores was also their regional capital, and was the last Mayan city to fall to the Spanish, in 1697.
You’re probably staying on the island, a great base for enjoying the lake. Head to the north shore for a walk on the malecón, or jump in for a swim with the locals. The west side boasts lakefront restaurants and bars where you can watch the sunset. Hire a cayuco (small, motorized boats) to other attractions overlooking the water, including ruins, Petencito Zoo, Cerro Cahuí Nature Reserve, “El Museo,” a small archaeological museum, and other towns along the lakeshore.
You’re probably staying on the island, a great base for enjoying the lake. Head to the north shore for a walk on the malecón, or jump in for a swim with the locals. The west side boasts lakefront restaurants and bars where you can watch the sunset. Hire a cayuco (small, motorized boats) to other attractions overlooking the water, including ruins, Petencito Zoo, Cerro Cahuí Nature Reserve, “El Museo,” a small archaeological museum, and other towns along the lakeshore.
Practical Info
While the vast majority of visitors to Lake Petén Itza stay in Flores, with its wide range of hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, there are other options. The small towns of El Remate, San José, and San Miguel all have basic lodging, more authentic ambiance, and access to their own small ruins, hiking trails, caves, Spanish schools, and other diversions.
Note that inexpensive public boats that once plied the lake have been gradually phased out as roads and bus service improve. Instead, operators offer group boat tours, or you can hire a pricey private cayuco. Budget travelers may want to stick to chicken buses from the Santa Elena market to destinations around the lake.
Note that inexpensive public boats that once plied the lake have been gradually phased out as roads and bus service improve. Instead, operators offer group boat tours, or you can hire a pricey private cayuco. Budget travelers may want to stick to chicken buses from the Santa Elena market to destinations around the lake.
Address: Lago Peten Itza, Peten, Guatemala
From $ 120
Maya Biosphere Reserve
The vast tropical basin that covers Petén, the northern third of Guatemala, remains largely wild, its jungle-carpeted Mayan cities and traditional indigenous villages left largely unmolested within the protected 2.1 million-hectare (almost 8000 square-mile) Maya Biosphere Reserve, created by UNESCO in 1990.
Home to only 3% of Guatemala’s population, it has become an adventurous ecotourism destination. The reserve comprises Tikal National Park, El Zotz and Naachtún-Dos Lagunas Biotopes (Uaxatún), Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, and Mirador Basin National Monument, along with at least 200 other Mayan ruins, mountains, rivers, cenotes, hiking trails, and 14 lakes, including Lake Petén Itza, gateway to the reserve.
The reserve is part of a protected area stretching from central Mexico, through northern Guatemala and Belize. The Mayan city-studded forests are home to thousands of rare and beautiful species, including jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, spider monkeys, tapirs, deer, scarlet macaws, and much more. There are dozen of ways to explore the wilderness, most of which are easily arranged from Flores.
Home to only 3% of Guatemala’s population, it has become an adventurous ecotourism destination. The reserve comprises Tikal National Park, El Zotz and Naachtún-Dos Lagunas Biotopes (Uaxatún), Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, and Mirador Basin National Monument, along with at least 200 other Mayan ruins, mountains, rivers, cenotes, hiking trails, and 14 lakes, including Lake Petén Itza, gateway to the reserve.
The reserve is part of a protected area stretching from central Mexico, through northern Guatemala and Belize. The Mayan city-studded forests are home to thousands of rare and beautiful species, including jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, spider monkeys, tapirs, deer, scarlet macaws, and much more. There are dozen of ways to explore the wilderness, most of which are easily arranged from Flores.
Practical Info
The Petén lowlands are classified as either Tropical or Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forest, which means it will be hot and humid—much more so than Antigua and Lake Atitlán. It is coolest (relatively speaking) from November through February, when you may need a light jacket. Rainy season is steamy, and runs from late May through October; bring mosquito repellant.
Remember that while the reserve is protected on paper, the Guatemalan government has other pressing problems (poverty, narcotrafficking, corruption, etc). They can’t stop all the squatters who hunt, log, and mine the wilderness, or raid unprotected ruins for Mayan artifacts. Use your best judgment as you travel responsibly through the region.
Remember that while the reserve is protected on paper, the Guatemalan government has other pressing problems (poverty, narcotrafficking, corruption, etc). They can’t stop all the squatters who hunt, log, and mine the wilderness, or raid unprotected ruins for Mayan artifacts. Use your best judgment as you travel responsibly through the region.
Address: Reserva de Biosfera Maya, Peten, Guatemala
From $ 268
Petencito Zoo
The Petencito Zoo, located on two small islands just east of Flores, offers visitors the chance to encounter local wildlife such as ocelots, pumas, jaguars, spider monkeys, lizards, and crocodiles.
A suspension bridge connects the two islands. Colorful native birds such as the scarlet macaw and toucan can also be spotted here. The zoo maintains various forested trails to walk through as you look for the animals, and several local trees and shrubs can be seen throughout.
Signs in Spanish, English, and Mayan identify the different species. A visit to the zoo grants the opportunity to see the local wildlife from a much closer perspective. Expansive views of the surrounding lake add to the scenery and experience. One trail leads up to a treehouse outlook of the water and surrounding jungle. There are concrete water slides that lead into the lake, though some advise against their use.
Practical Info
The Petencito Zoo can be reached via cayuco (small motorized boat) hired from Flores. It is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Admission is 40 Guatemalan Quetzel. Camping is permitted.
Address: Lake Peten Itza, Santa Elena, Flores, Guatemala
Hours: Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
Admission: Admission: 40 Guatemalan Quetzel
From $ 120
Uaxactún
Uaxatún (wa-sha-TOON) is best known as the most accurate observatory in the Mayan world. The city was founded centuries before Tikal, and may well be the birthplace of the Mayan calendar and writing system; the oldest known arch in the Mayan world is also here. It was conquered by Tikal in 378AD, but probably become a learning center for elites from the capital, rather than a vassal state.
Today, its pyramids and plazas are interspersed with the tiny houses of a modern village (also called Uaxatún), once dedicated to the gathering of chicle. Tourism is now a small but growing business.
The city's original Mayan name, Siaan K'aan, or "Born in Heaven" reflects the city's astronomical obsession. Solstices are marked by temple pyramids, which form part of the oldest known Mayan calendar. While crowds come to see these impressive alignments, you may have the site to yourself other times of year.
Today, its pyramids and plazas are interspersed with the tiny houses of a modern village (also called Uaxatún), once dedicated to the gathering of chicle. Tourism is now a small but growing business.
The city's original Mayan name, Siaan K'aan, or "Born in Heaven" reflects the city's astronomical obsession. Solstices are marked by temple pyramids, which form part of the oldest known Mayan calendar. While crowds come to see these impressive alignments, you may have the site to yourself other times of year.
Practical Info
Uaxactún is located 87km (54 miles) from Flores, 23km (14 miles) north of Tikal. It can only be reached in 4WD vehicles or public buses. In rainy season, the road may be impassable.
Buses leave the Santa Elena market in Flores in the afternoon, returning very early the following morning. Since you need to obtain permits and pay fees at Tikal, independent travelers usually spend the first day at Tikal, catch the afternoon bus to Uaxactún, then spend two nights in the village, with a full day at the ruins.
Buses leave the Santa Elena market in Flores in the afternoon, returning very early the following morning. Since you need to obtain permits and pay fees at Tikal, independent travelers usually spend the first day at Tikal, catch the afternoon bus to Uaxactún, then spend two nights in the village, with a full day at the ruins.
Address: Uaxactún, Guatemala
From $ 80
Ixpanpajul Natural Park (Parque Natural Ixpanpaul)
So, you want to explore Guatemala’s subtropical rainforest, but without getting too wild? Ixpanpajul Nature Park offers a several lush and well-maintained ways into the jungle, perfect for a family outing.
The pretty little park preserves 450 hectares (1.7 square miles) of almost untouched rainforest, into which they’ve packed all sorts of activities. The most popular trek is a self-guided hike (a little over an hour) that takes you to several spectacular viewpoints. There are also suspended bridges through the forest canopy, horseback rides, night safaris, birding treks, ATV rentals, and even a Tarzán Zip Line Canopy Tour, if you’re feeling particularly brave.
Though this tiny corner of the jungle has been partially developed, it’s still wild: More than 200 species of trees, 150 birds, and 40 mammals, including three types of monkey, all call the park home. It’s a great half-day trip, but keep in mind that wildlife is most active in the morning and evening.
The pretty little park preserves 450 hectares (1.7 square miles) of almost untouched rainforest, into which they’ve packed all sorts of activities. The most popular trek is a self-guided hike (a little over an hour) that takes you to several spectacular viewpoints. There are also suspended bridges through the forest canopy, horseback rides, night safaris, birding treks, ATV rentals, and even a Tarzán Zip Line Canopy Tour, if you’re feeling particularly brave.
Though this tiny corner of the jungle has been partially developed, it’s still wild: More than 200 species of trees, 150 birds, and 40 mammals, including three types of monkey, all call the park home. It’s a great half-day trip, but keep in mind that wildlife is most active in the morning and evening.
Practical Info
The park is located at KM 468 from Guatemala City to Flores, just ten kilometers (six miles) from Mundo Maya International Airport in Santa Elena–Petén. Cabs and buses make the run from the airport or town, or arrange pickup through the park itself.
There are campsites (and tent rental) and cabins with electricity and private bath onsite, but note that they are very popular with Guatemalans escaping the city. Make reservations for weekends and holidays.
There are campsites (and tent rental) and cabins with electricity and private bath onsite, but note that they are very popular with Guatemalans escaping the city. Make reservations for weekends and holidays.
Address: Ixpanpajul Nature Park, Peten, Guatemala
From $ 68
Yaxhá
The third-largest archaeological site in Guatemala is not well known, overshadowed by the fame of neighboring Tikal. Archaeologists are only now sorting out the secrets of this city on the northern shore of Laguna Yaxhá, named “Blue-Green Water” for the lake’s unusual color. Founded around 800 BC atop a long, limestone ridge, the city was home to more than 40,000 people at its peak, around 250 AD.
Yaxhá’s sophisticated builders left behind more than 500 structures, including nine temple pyramids, two ball courts, forty unusually carved stelae, and numerous causeways. Climb to the top of Temple 216 for remarkable views over the lakes and rivers. While the city must have become quite isolated during the Mayan civilization’s (and Tikal’s) collapse between 800 and 900 AD, it continued to function well into the 1500s.
Today, Yaxhá is rarely visited, and therefore offers a peaceful and introspective experience of the Mayan world. Birders and wildlife watchers will especially appreciate the solitude, as well as the numerous crocodiles in the lake.
Yaxhá’s sophisticated builders left behind more than 500 structures, including nine temple pyramids, two ball courts, forty unusually carved stelae, and numerous causeways. Climb to the top of Temple 216 for remarkable views over the lakes and rivers. While the city must have become quite isolated during the Mayan civilization’s (and Tikal’s) collapse between 800 and 900 AD, it continued to function well into the 1500s.
Today, Yaxhá is rarely visited, and therefore offers a peaceful and introspective experience of the Mayan world. Birders and wildlife watchers will especially appreciate the solitude, as well as the numerous crocodiles in the lake.
Practical Info
You’ll need a 4WD to visit Yaxhá on your own. The main site is located about 12km (7mi) from the pavement, and it can be treacherous going in rainy season. Because the site is still relatively undeveloped, you’ll want to bring your own water and food.
Your entry fee covers all sites within Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, an enormous 37,160-hectare (144-square-mile) expanse that includes three other major sites: Topoxte, on the south shore of the Lake Yaxhá; Nakum, an ancient port on the Holmul River; and Naranjo, about 20km (12mi) north, Yaxhá’s long-time rival. While you can visit all of them, poor roads and worse maps make that an adventure best undertaken with a guide.
Your entry fee covers all sites within Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, an enormous 37,160-hectare (144-square-mile) expanse that includes three other major sites: Topoxte, on the south shore of the Lake Yaxhá; Nakum, an ancient port on the Holmul River; and Naranjo, about 20km (12mi) north, Yaxhá’s long-time rival. While you can visit all of them, poor roads and worse maps make that an adventure best undertaken with a guide.
Address: Yaxhá, Peten, Guatemala
From $ 100
Pet en Forest
This northeast region of Guatemala contains about 30% of the country’s land but only 3% of its population. The area was mostly isolated until the 1960s but has always been the home of dozens of Mayan archaeological sites, as well as tropical swamps, jungles, and rain forests teeming with unique wildlife and plant life.
Birds such as toucans, hummingbirds, and hawks are common, as well as mammals such as the ocelots, jaguars, and monkeys, and hundreds more colorful reptile and insect species. Ancient mahogany trees and dense jungle canopy much of the forest. The area is considered endangered, and conservation of the rainforest’s unique biodiversity has only recently come to the forefront as the human population continues to expand. Forty percent of the forest is protected under the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
The Lago de Petén Itzá and the town of Flores are the hubs within Petén Forest from which to explore the area. The highlight for most visitors is a trip to the impressive ruins of Tikal, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Practical Info
The Petén region of Guatemala is bordered by Belize on the east and by Mexico in the north. Its capital, Flores, can be reached via Guatemala City by bus or plane. The flight time is 50 minutes from Guatemala City, and driving time is approximately 8 hours.
Address: Guatemala
From $ 68
Passion River (Rio La Pasión)
The Rio La Pasión and its tributaries cover nearly 2,000 square miles in Guatemala, forming a diverse ecological zone and a main transportation source. Many visitors to Guatemala use the river to access the many Mayan archeological sites alongside it.
Arising in the Sierra de Santa Cruz, the river flows through the western part of the region of Peten. The waters, along with heavy rainfall, created several dense swamp and jungle habitats home to animals such as crocodiles, iguana, howler monkeys, and several hundred endemic species of birds and fish. There are also many indigenous medicinal plants. Dozens of small villages are built alongside the riverbanks, where many local farmers and fisherman live.
The river traces the ancient trading route used by the Mayans. Maya ceremonial and urban centers located within the region include Dos Pilas, Aguateca, Ceibal, Tamarindito, Altar de Sacrificios, and Machaquila.
Practical Info
Several ferries offer transportation across the Passion River. Most visitors access the river via the town of Sayaxche, which is located between Flores and Cobán. There are frequent bus routes between the two that stop at Sayaxche.
Address: Guatemala
From $ 100