Tikal & Flores Destination Guide

Located in the northern tropical rainforests of Guatemala in the region of Peten, you’ll find the world-famous site of Tikal, one of Guatemala’s top destinations, and for good reason - these Mayan ruins will take your breath away. In addition to Tikal, the Peten region offers other attractions well worth the visit including the nearby island of Flores, other Mayan ruins, and an abundance of exotic flora and fauna.

Tikal National Park

Hidden within Guatemala’s northern jungle is the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tikal National Park, and home to the ruins of an ancient city and once-prominent center of the Mayan Empire. Tikal is an impressive archaeological site consisting of a large complex of step temples, plazas, and pyramids. Visitors to the park can unearth the mystical history of Maya by viewing the various hieroglyphic texts, royal portraits and inscribed stone monuments situated alongside the structures of the site, while fully immersed in nature. The park is the home to rare and exotic wildlife including howler and spider monkeys and birds such as hummingbirds, parrots, toucans and woodpeckers. Visitors will find a variety of tour options from multi-day tours to one-day tours departing from Antigua. Sunrise tours are highly recommended to view Tikal's glory as the sun rises beyond the splendid silhouettes of the temples - this time of day offers the best opportunities to see the native wildlife and is the best way to avoid the crowds of peak visiting hours.

La Isla de Flores

Normally just a stopping point on the way to Tikal, the charming island of Flores is worth a visit all on its own. Lined with colorful houses, life on the island is laid back. During the day, visitors can enjoy activities on the Peten Itza Lake including taking a boat tour, renting canoes and taking a dip at Jorge’s Rope Swing. In the evening, enjoy dinner or a cocktail from one of the island’s rooftop bars and restaurants for breathtaking sunsets over the lake.

Ixpanpajul Natural Park: Ixpanpajul Natural Park is a natural ecological park approximately 15 minutes drive from Flores. Here visitors can trek through the dense jungle, move through the forest on a canopy zip-line or walk along the suspension skyway bridge, taking in the sights and sounds of the Peten jungle. This is a destination for all of the family to enjoy some outdoor fun.

Visit Nearby Ruins: From Flores, in addition to Tikal, visitors can access the nearby ruins of Uaxactún and Yaxha. The Yaxha site is 74 km northeast of Flores and is based on the shores of the Yaxha lake. At the park, visitors will discover over 500 Mayan structures including terraces, roads, monuments and plazas. Located to the north of Tikal, Uaxactún is a Mayan ceremonial center believed to be the oldest Mayan astrological observatory.