Guatemala > Peten / Tikal

Top Things to Do

Much like the Egyptians and the Romans, the Mayan people were way ahead of their time when they constructed this city in honour of the Mayan rulers and deities. The temples and hieroglyphics here demonstrate not only architectural genius, but also show traces of a civilization far more advanced than many ever believed. The Mayan civilization mysteriously collapsed after 900 AD and the jungle took over many of these areas. In fact, when the Spanish moved in during the 16th century, the ruins went unnoticed for nearly three centuries.

It is possible to stay in the park itself, and if you are a sunrise or sunset person you should definitely make the effort, for some argue that Tikal provides the best of both in the Americas. You will also experience the treat of waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys outside, although this is not exactly the best substitute for an alarm clock. Unfortunately the hotels in the park cater to one-time visitors. Reservations are often 'lost' as they tend to work on a first-come, first-serve basis in an effort to fill their rooms as often as possible. There have been many instances of travelers having to return to Flores because their hotel gave away their room. This applies to all three of the park hotels in Tikal.

Tikal can easily be reached in a day trip from any number of tour providers in Flores. It is also possible to fly from Guatemala City to Flores and see the ruins in a day, returning to Guatemala City that evening.

Known to be the largest of the Mayan ruins, El Mirador has remained relatively untouched by tourism due to its lush jungle surroundings. Researchers believe that the city was abandoned and reoccupied several times and at one point had a population of 80,000. The 18 story Tigre Pyramid has a base the size of three football fields! There is also a larger temple, La Dante, which is 230 feet tall with a base that could cover nearly 36 football fields, but only the top point has been excavated so you won't be able to appreciate its extreme size.

This excursion is for the true adventurer and should be considered if you are serious about the Maya culture and the flora and fauna. There are no hotels in the area, so be prepared to do some serious trekking and camping. Be sure to go with a tour guide (which can be organized from Flores) on this multi-day adventure. Most tours originate in Flores but the trekking starts in Carmelita, the village that lies closest to El Mirador. January - August are the best months to attempt this trip. The rest of the year is too wet.

A great way to be 'one' with the water on those hot, humid Peten days is to take a kayak out on the lake and explore some of the lakeside communities. Discover the rivers that run into the lake and get a close up view of the local wildlife.

Pedal to the ruins? Well, maybe not. But there is some incredible mountain biking through the back roads of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. You can admire stunning outlooks along the way and enjoy the respite from the beaming sun under the canopy of the forest. Conservation Tours Tikal runs a 4-5 hour tour with English guides. Lunch is provided and prepared by a local women's cooperative.

After a long day of touring, combat the heat with a lakeside drink and watch the glow of the sunset in the distance. The Crocodile Club has a lovely patio out back, overlooking the lake, and is known for producing the best Margaritas in town.

If you want to feel at one with nature there is nothing like zipping through the jungle of Tikal in Ixpanpajul Natural Park. Why simply get a “birds eye view” of things when you can fly like one? At this privately owned park you can do just that, equipped with a harness and one glove, the Tarzan tour lets you fulfill your childhood dreams, climbing up a tree trunk (by means of a metallic ladder over 5 stories high) attaching yourself to a wire and…letting go. Rushing past tropical vegetation and howling monkeys.

The region of Peten is considered one of the earth’s lungs thanks to its exuberant vegetation. At Ixpanajul you can appreciate over 200 species of plants and trees, 150 species of birds and approximately 40 species of mammals. Of course, rushing past them with adrenaline blurring your sight might not be the best way to see any of these, and that’s why they have created the Skywalk. A group of suspended bridges (six in total) lead the way to outstanding views of nature. These bridges are not your everyday bridges though, you will feel the breeze shaking the rope structure and the walk is a little tiring since it is all uphill until you reach the overlook, with a rewarding view of the tropical forest and lake Peten Itza. The longest of these bridges measures 200 meters from one tree to the next! Here you are literally shaking hands with the monkeys who, curious by nature, often come up to visitors trying to inspect things a little closer.

Other activities like horseback riding and night explorations, where you can explore the fauna and flora by moonlight in the park’s jeep, are also available.

Ixpanpajul National Park is only 18 minutes away from Flores and easily combined with a visit to Tikal’s ruins.

Entrance: $25 adults and $15 children 6-12.