The Best Things to do in Flores and Santa Elena, Guatemala

Yaxhá is the third largest Mayan site in Guatemala, but due to its seclusion, it tends to lack large crowds. Enjoy a visit to Yaxhá (including both the ruins and nearby jungle) during this one-day tour.

Watch an unforgettable sunset from Platform 360 at the "Lost World" Astronomical Complex in Tikal. Perched atop the 30-meter pyramid, this viewpoint offers sweeping panoramas of the main temples emerging from the dense jungle canopy Sunrise: This tour kicks off in the early morning at 3:30 a.m., offering a chance to experience one of the most popular Tikal sunrise tours. As you walk through the dawn towards the highest temple, Temple IV, you'll witness a mystical sunrise from its peak. It's the perfect way to start your day, filled with the energy and magic of Tikal! Sunset: For this tour, if you're staying in Flores, we will pick you up at the "I Love Petén" sign at the entrance of the town at 12:00 p.m. If your hotel is in El Remate, pickup will be directly at your hotel at 12:50 p.m.

Yaxhá is Guatemala's third-largest Mayan site, but its remote location means it's often free from large crowds. Experience a one-day tour of Yaxhá, which includes both the ancient ruins and the surrounding jungle. As the third-largest Mayan site in Guatemala, Yaxhá follows Tikal and El Mirador. Its secluded position results in fewer visitors compared to Tikal, offering an ideal opportunity for those who prefer a quieter exploration. Nestled between two scenic lakes, Yaxhá is situated around 18.5 miles (30 km) southeast of Tikal and 47 miles (75 km) from Flores.

Join us for a unique afternoon adventure at Tikal, where you’ll experience nature and history at a time when the park is quieter, allowing for intimate encounters with wildlife and breathtaking views. Wander through ancient plazas, where you may catch sight of coatis, spider monkeys, and a variety of bird species. This tour immerses you in the fascinating blend of nature, flora, fauna, and archaeology as you explore Tikal’s iconic structures. Visit the Twin Pyramids, the Central Acropolis, once Tikal’s administrative and residential hub, the famous Temple of the Great Jaguar, the Temple of the Masks, the Great Plaza, the North Acropolis, the Temple of the Jaguar Priest, and the Serpent Mouth Temple (Temple IV). The tour concludes at the Lost World Pyramid, a 33-meter-high structure used as an ancient astronomical observatory. From the top of the wooden platform, take in a panoramic 360° view of the jungle canopy and the towering temples. If the weather cooperates, witness a stunning sunset over the western horizon as the shadows lengthen across the plazas and temples. As twilight falls, enjoy the magical experience of watching the stars slowly emerge above this mystical landscape.

On this tour, you will explore one of the largest Mayan cities of its kind. Tikal, one of the most extensively excavated sites in the Americas, is home to some of the most captivating archaeological remnants of the ancient Mayan civilization. The Tikal complex spans 576 square kilometers of dense jungle, enveloping the ceremonial center. It is highly recommended to visit Tikal early in the morning to avoid the high daytime temperatures. For this tour, we will pick you up at your hotel, the second pick-up point will be Mundo Maya Airport at 8:00 a.m., followed by El Remate as the last stop. We will arrive at Tikal around 8:45 a.m. After entering the park, you'll reach the Visitor Center at approximately 9:15 a.m., where you can view the walking trails. A professional tour guide will then lead you through the main complexes and plazas via roads and pathways, with the tour concluding around 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided inside the park, and the return journey will begin at approximately 2:45 p.m.

This tour takes you to Uaxactún, one of the oldest Maya cities in Guatemala. Uaxactún is notable for its astronomical observatory, and is thought to be the place where Mayans began developing their calendar. Uaxactún came about around 600 BC. The city reached its height between 350 BC and 250 AD, and it was during this time that many of its structures were built. There are several partially restored temples here that travelers will enjoy seeing. Three of these temples function as an astronomical observatory, and are precisely structured to align with the sun on certain days of the year. Another temple has a base that may date to around 2,000 BC. It's all very impressive. Uaxactún is located 14 miles (23 km) north of Tikal. It's a lesser-visited, but no less interesting, site than Tikal. This tour departs from the Flores-Santa Elena area.

Yaxhá and Topoxté are ancient Mayan sites in Petén, Guatemala. During this tour, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Yaxhá and Topoxté and also experience the sights and sounds of the jungle.

Lake Petén Itzá has a number of interesting sights that travelers might easily miss without a little guidance. On this tour, you'll see a little bit of everything that this once-thriving Maya stomping ground has to offer.

Join us for an unforgettable journey to Yaxhá, where you’ll experience a perfect blend of lush flora, unique wildlife, and ancient archaeology. Our adventure begins at an ancient astronomical observation point, leading us along the historic "Calzada de las Canteras" to visit the iconic ball court. Keep an eye out for Spider Monkeys swinging from tree to tree and listen for the haunting calls of Howler Monkeys echoing through the jungle. We’ll visit the main astronomical observatory and explore the North Acropolis, a fascinating ceremonial and administrative complex. From there, follow ancient paths to the Eastern Acropolis, home to the legendary Temple of the Red Hands, also known as Temple 216. If the weather is on our side, we’ll climb this structure at sunset, taking in the breathtaking views as the sun sets over the jungle and Yaxhá Lagoon. Enjoy the symphony of toucans, orioles, and parrots singing as the day gently fades away. Get ready for an enchanting exploration of nature, history, and mystery!

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Tikal at dawn on this unforgettable tour. Departing from central area hotels in Flores/Santa Elena, your adventure begins early in the morning, heading towards the majestic Tikal National Park. Upon arrival, you'll start your journey with a scenic walk from the parking area to Temple IV, where you’ll witness the magic of the jungle awakening. Watch as the mist lifts, revealing the lush green canopy and towering temples and pyramids that rise above the treetops. If the weather permits, you’ll be treated to a stunning sunrise—a true gift of nature. After observing the sunrise from Temple IV, you’ll descend and explore the iconic Great Plaza and Complex Q before enjoying a delicious breakfast around 8:00 a.m. The archaeological tour continues at 9:00 a.m., with visits to Complex F, Group G, the Central Acropolis, Temple V, Mundo Perdido, the Palace of the Windows, Temple III, and the North Acropolis, providing a deep dive into Tikal’s rich history. At 1:30 p.m., enjoy a delightful lunch at El Mesón restaurant, followed by a leisurely return to the visitor center at 2:30 p.m. The tour concludes with your departure from Tikal at 3:30 p.m., heading back to Santa Elena, Flores, or Mundo Maya Airport.

This is an unforgettable experience in the pristine waters of the Blue Crater. This stunning spot, with its mesmerizing nymphs and underwater gardens, enchants all who visit. Prepare to be captivated by the sun shimmering on the untouched turquoise waters, as otters playfully sneak among the nearby trees. The journey begins with a 2.5-hour drive to Sayaxché, followed by a scenic boat ride along the La Pasión River, taking us to the enchanting Blue Crater ponds.

Explore the ancient Mayan site of Topoxte, located on a small island in Yaxhá Lagoon. This adventure begins with a scenic boat ride across the lagoon, offering stunning views along the way. After visiting Topoxte, we'll take a break for lunch at a nearby restaurant, where you can savor the rich flavors of local cuisine in delicious dishes. The journey continues with a visit to the ancient Mayan city of Yaxhá, where we’ll walk along the historic paths once trodden by the Maya. We’ll conclude our adventure atop Temple 2-16, or "The Red Hands," to watch the breathtaking sunset.

This full-day tour explores the Mayan site of Ceibal, which is near Sayaxché in Guatemala’s Petén department. Ceibal was once one of the largest cities in Guatemala's southern lowlands.

Morning transfer to the Rio La Pasión pier where a boat will be boarded to reach the crystal clear waters of the river's source. In the Lagoon you can enjoy nature and you can also bathe. During the visit you can enjoy a packed lunch.

Uaxactún is a remote Mayan site in Petén that’s notable for its astronomical observatory. This one-day tour allows you to explore the lesser-visited ruins of Uaxactún.

Spend a day exploring the Mayan ruins at the Aguateca Archeological Site in Guatemala. Aguateca is found on a limestone bluff above the Petexbatún Lagoon in the department of Petén.