Hotel Jaguar Inn

The Tikal National Park is one of the highlights of Guatemala. Set within the northern reaches of Petén, this park includes both massive jungles and ancient Mayan ruins. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979 and lives up to the name—the temples and pyramids here are truly treasures of mankind. The surrounding jungle is filled with animals and offers travelers a good chance to spot wildlife. There are also a few zip-lines here that extend through the forest canopy.

The Hotel Jaguar Inn has an unbeatable location. Set within the Tikal National Park, the hotel is a short ten-minute walk from the ruins. This is not a luxury hotel, but it is a great place to stay for guests who want to take a sunrise/sunset tour and be in the park when other travelers are absent. The jungle surrounds the hotel, and it’s not uncommon to spot monkeys, toucans, and turkeys while staying here.

The hotel has thirteen clean and comfortable bungalows. All bungalows come equipped with a private bathroom and showers that usually have hot water (remember, this is a remote location and sometimes hot water is unavailable). A ceiling fan keeps the inside of the rooms cool, and there are bedside lamps that allow guests to read during the evening. The rooms are decorated simply and have a front patio set with hammocks.

The hotel’s restaurant offers three meals a day and serves fairly large portions. For breakfast, there is granola, yogurt, fruit, coffee, and juice. Dinner options include chicken and pasta dishes. There is an assortment of hot and cold drinks available, including Guatemalan beer.

The hotel has free Wi-Fi and computers that guests can use to get online and check their email. If after a long day in the park you’re ready to really relax, the hotel can arrange for an in-room massage.

Please note that electricity is only available from 9 AM until 11 PM.