• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Layer Culture

Latin America Travel & Culture Blog

  • Start Here
    • About
    • My Story
    • Travel Bible
  • Travel Tips
    • Travel Gear
    • Dan’s Checklist
    • Medellin Tips
    • Culture Shock
    • Travel Safety
  • Destinations
    • Mexico
    • Colombia
    • Central America
    • South America
    • Jamaica
    • Brazil
  • Resources
    • Safety Gear
    • Learn Spanish
    • Travel Journals
    • Backpacking
    • Latin Culture
Home / Travel Tips

Flores to Tikal Guatemala Guide

Travel Tips Last Updated · Jan 20th, 2023 · Daniel James

tikal from flores guatemala
Tikal Temples emerging at dawn by Marcelo (CC BY-SA)

Welcome to this guide for anyone traveling to Tikal from Flores.

One of the most important sites of the Mayans, Tikal lies in the jungle in the Petén region of northern Guatemala.

With many pyramids and structures still intact today, it is one of the best ruins to explore in all of Latin America!

This guide will cover all, including why you should visit, how to get there as well recommendations to make the most out of your trip.

Table of Contents

  • Flores to Tikal Guide
    • Is Tikal Worth Visiting?
  • How To Get to Tikal from Flores
  • Getting to Tikal: Travel Tips
    • Got Travel Insurance for Tikal?
  • Flores to Tikal Guide

Flores to Tikal Guide

Without a doubt, the ruins in Tikal are some of the most impressive and infamous of all in Central America.

If you’ve not already, it’s time to familiarise yourself with the buses in Guatemala.

tikal guatemala
Map of Tikal by mrgarin (CC BY)

As anybody who has previous experience with backpacking Guatemala will tell you, Tikal is the ultimate location to visit in the country.

The park itself is very expansive, and has lots of different pyramids and ruins to explore!

Is Tikal Worth Visiting?

The most impressive is Tikal Temple IV, which still stands, is often regarded as one of the tallest of the Mayan World.

Whilst it is touristy, the area still retains a primal and untouched feel once you head into the park.

The fact that lots of the jungle still surround the area firstly looks impressive, but also provides some much-needed shade during the hotter months.

As you’ll notice with most Tikal tours from Flores, the entry price to the ruins is around 150Q, which for all its grandeur really is a steal!

How To Get to Tikal from Flores

The nearby town of Flores is a key jumping-off point for a trip to Tikal.

In Flores, there are shuttles that have various times for getting to and from the ruins. Are you already planning on spending a couple of days here? See this guide on things to do in Flores for detailed information.

tikal guatemala
View of Tikal Ruins, Guatemala

Nearby Santa Elena has more options, with public minibusses running there for a lot cheaper than the tourist buses.

This option will cost you around 30Q. Both of these options will take between 2-3 hours to reach the entrance of the Tikal Ruins.

💡Smart Travel Tip
If you want to have the most reward experience I hight recommend you take the earliest possible bus to avoid the crowds.

Get ready for the influx of hungry travel agents offering excursions to the Tikal National Park this is UNESCO world heritage site after all.

My advice… Take your time! Be smart with your money and ensure that the package you choose matches up with what you’d expect.

It’s wise to know what’s included when budgeting for tickets.

Below are some of my recommendations for getting to Tikal:

  • Remember to carry nutritional snacks with you
  • Get the earliest bus to avoid the crowds
  • Consider doing the overnight hike
  • Book the Tikal Jungle Lodge in advance to avoid dissapointment
  • Familiarize yourself with buses in Guatemala
  • Check prices with your hostel of in doubt

When comparing the best tour options you’ll find that they focus on either getting to Tikal for sunrise or sunset.

Whatever you do, don’t turn up here without bug spray. I carry a Deet-free travel-sized bug spray that I can easily fit in my pocket.

Getting to Tikal: Travel Tips

First of all, try to avoid using the agencies and tourist companies in Flores if possible.

They charged ridiculous rates, and care less about your experience and more about making a profit.

tikal guatemala

You’ll be much better of using the shuttle, or even the public shuttle from Santa Elena.

Prefer the sunrise tour? Book It Here online.

Even with the comfort of having everything sorted for you, it is much better value to do it independently.

The Flores to Tikal shuttle ride will be an experience even before you arrive at the site!

Another great option is to camp overnight in Tikal Park. You can bring your own hammocks or rent a hammock or tent.

near tikal
Boat taxis near Tikal by 4Neus (CC BY)

The advantage is that after the tourists leave at 6 pm (official closing time), you can still explore in the evening.

This is when the jungle comes to life, and you may spot wild pigs, monkeys, and exotic birds during your adventure!

Got Travel Insurance for Tikal?

travel insurance
🔒 World Nomads provides Travel Insurance

Designed by travelers, for travelers, World Nomads covers more than 150 adventure sports and activities so you can explore your boundaries.

Flores to Tikal Guide

And that’s all for this guide on traveling to Tikal! One of the last, true strongholds of the Mayan empire, this site is fascinating to visit.

If you’ve just arrived and are uninspired by the things to do in Guatemala city, hopefully having read this guide, you’re inspired to trek to Flores and explore the ancient ruins and pyramids.

Be sure to look around for the best options to get there, as tourist companies can be very expensive!

Also see if you can camp there for the ultimate experience, as you can see the park in a different state once the crowds have left.

Will you travel back from Flores to Antigua? See this guide on things to do in Antigua to see any activities you may have missed.

📌 Like this article? Pin it…

minca colombia
minca travel guide
Did this guide help you to plan your trip to Tikal from Flores?

💬 Leave a comment below or let’s start a meaningful conversation…

“Dear friend! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps me to keep traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: Central America

Daniel James

Helping thousands of people worldwide with independent travel in Latin America. Layer Culture means to dig deeper into the ideas, customs, and behavior of a group of people.

Primary Sidebar

Meet Dan 👋🏽

south america travel with dan

After spending years on the road Dan is now offering to help you find your feet in Latin America; inspire you to learn Spanish and get you started on your adventures. Learn how to travel longer and stronger!

Yes Dan, help me!

Need something specific?

Recent Posts

  • Is Costa Maya Safe? 2023 Travel Guide
  • Safest States in Mexico 2023 Guide
  • Is Punta Cana safe? 2023 Travel Guide
  • Is Guatemala safer than Mexico?
  • Tulum vs Cancun

Footer

  • South America Safety
  • Connect with locals
  • Dan’s Travel Bible

Work with Dan

  • Be a Travelpreneur
  • About This Blog
  • Ask Me Anything

Travel Tips

  • South America Safety
  • Connect with locals
  • Dan’s Travel Bible

Get Inspired

  • South America Itinerary
  • Central America Safety
  • Solo Travel Tips

Learn Spanish

  • Learn Spanish Conversation
  • Become Fluent in Spanish
  • Top Places to Learn Spanish

© 2023 · Daniel James · Built on Genesis · See my site Policies

Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
8 shares