Tikal
Tikal, with its towering Mayan ruins and vast primary forests, is one of Guatemala’s most awe-inspiring sites. The ruins are undoubtedly the country’s best—huge temples and limestone pyramids dominate the landscape. The structures are a part of the Tikal National Park, a huge protected area that helps conserve some of Guatemala’s most pristine outdoor areas. Visiting Tikal is an absolute must while in Guatemala.
The Tikal National Park is the oldest and most famous national park in Guatemala. Created in 1956, it covers 222 square miles (575 sq. km) of primary tropical forest and protects all manner of plant and animal species. The Mayan ruins – many of them perhaps still undiscovered – fall under this protection too. As such, trips here offer travelers the opportunity to experience some of Guatemala’s best natural and cultural attractions.
The park is massive and lies at the edge of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Visits to the park can range from a day to a week—it really depends on how much time you have and how much you want to do. Daytrips are usually a sufficient amount of time to see the ruins. Staying in the park overnight, however, will allow you to enjoy its offerings in an unhurried and uncrowded fashion. As other travelers leave, you’ll have the whole place to yourself. Watching the sunrise or sunset from the top of Temple IV is magical.
There are three lodges and a campground within the Tikal National Park. The lodges are fairly comfortable and allow you unparalleled access to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their rooms are fairly comfortable and can include a private bathroom and ceiling fan. There are more basic options – including dormitories, hammocks, and camping – available as well. Electricity within the park can be spotty, but is usually quite reliable in the morning and evening.
As far as food goes, your best bet is to eat at one of the lodges. They usually have dependable fare that includes meat dishes, sandwiches, pastas, and salads. There are also comedores within the park that serve basic Guatemalan food.
An alternative to staying in Tikal is to book a hotel in Flores or El Remate. Both destinations are lovely and set along Lake Petén Itzá.
Tikal itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Tikal itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
A Grand Family Anniversary Trip
Belize is beautiful and completely exceeded our expectations. This special 50th wedding anniversary celebration trip for the 10 of us went flawlessly, and we all couldn’t wait to come back!
This is the Jungle? Ohh La La!
Take the children on an exciting adventure without sacrificing your comfort. Spend time outdoors, then enjoy high thread count linens, swimming pools, and private transportation.
The Colors & Culture of Guatemala
Don’t just take your family somewhere new, teach them about the world on a colorful expedition of Guatemala full of outdoor adventures, history, and cultural exchanges.
Colorful Cultural Adventures
Explore the world in vivid color when you make your way through Guatemala. Get outdoors, enjoy cultural exchanges, learn something new. Sample the best of Guatemala now!
Live, Laugh, Love in Guatemala
Rediscover your passion for adventure and each other when you make your way through beautiful Guatemala. Sample a little of everything –– from ruins to cuisine.
An Expedition in Guatemala & Belize
You’re an intrepid traveler with an explorer’s spirit –– it’s time to make your way through the wild heart of Guatemala and Belize. This vacation, walk with the ancients.
Heart of The Mayan World
I would warn them about the deceptive practices of Casa Azul though about the stocking and charges of the alcohol in the fridge. No warning at check in. No signage on fridge. Not locked. No tally sheet. No warning or heads up by Anywhere. I have never had to pay for alcohol before. ($92. U.S.) There was a store a few doors away. My only complaint about this hotel. I would stay there again. I just wouldn't be tricked twice.
We Dreamt. Then We Went.
When we told our family and friend that we were going to Guatemala, their first impression was your kidding. The country is not safe. Let me say we had a fantastic time from beginning to end of our trip. Guatemala has a lot to present and the country has a lot of history and the people are wonderful. I would come back again. In general I would say we had no issues with the Itinerary and the drivers of Anywhere were very professional and most of all kept us safe where ever we went. The hotels that we stayed were very nice and in safe location.
Volcanoes, Lakes, and Hot Springs
The rich history and beautiful sights blew us away! We got more than we expected from this Guatemala trip.
We Journeyed Together
This had been a memorable family vacation for us. Guatemala is a beautiful country, and Anywhere welcomed us warmly from the moment we landed.
Enchanting Highlights of Guatemala
Guatemala was an enchanting country to visit, and Anywhere presented a fun-filled, scenic, and cultural experience beyond our expectations.
Wow, Did We See Wildlife!
We were nervous about booking a Guatemala trip during its rainy season, but we did not regret it one bit. We were looking for adventure and nature from this vacation, and we definitely got it — in spades!
An Unforgettable Trip to Tikal
Visiting Tikal is a one of a kind experience that we recommend to anyone traveling to Guatemala. Our family is fairly active and this exploration type vacation was just what we wanted.
Adventure, Relaxation, & Mayan Explorer
Our entire trip in Belize was flawless. Drivers and tour guides met us on time every day. All details with transportation and hotels were great. Any future trip I take to Central America will be booked with Anywhere.com
Friends Vacation Exploring Mayan Ruins
I think efforts are being made, and change can be slow. People are aware of the problems of pollution in the air and lake.
Experiences in Tikal
Explore hand-picked Tikal tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Tikal One Day - EX
Amazing Crater Azul Tour Experience
Where to stay in Tikal
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Tikal accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Hotel Tikal Inn
This hotel is one of a handful of hotels located within the Tikal National Park. The resort has big room, a swimming pool, and an unbeatable location.
Jungle Lodge Hotel
A stay at this hotel grants you proximity to the Tikal National Park, which draws visitors from all over the world. The national park is home to world-famous Mayan ruins and rainforest that protects several endangered species. The schedule for electricity in this hotel is the following: 5:30 - 08:00 13:00 - 15:00 17:00 - 22:30 It may be the possibility that there is no HOT WATER between this hours.
Hotel Jaguar Inn
This hotel is set within the incredible Tikal National Park. It has an amazing location and accommodations that are simple but sufficient.
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list, it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
