Located in the Peten jungle of Northern Guatemala are the impressive and expansive Mayan ruins of Tikal. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was one of the largest Mayan cities in the pre-Columbian Mayan realm and the site was used as a rebel base in Star Wars IV: A New Hope. Apart from ruins you will also have the opportunity to see plenty of jungle wildlife at Tikal including Howler Monkeys, Coatimundi and Scarlet Macaws. The Tikal ruins are a worthwhile side trip if you only have a day and even better if you can spare a few.

There is accomodation available right at the site. There is the Jaguar Inn Hotel with rates ranging from $40 to $60 (single/double), the Jungle Lodge with rates at $150+ and finally the Tikal Inn with rates topping $200+. There is also a campsite available for around $3 per night or you can rent hammocks from the Jaguar Inn and sleep under the stars. Most people stay in the town of Flores which is very traveler friendly with plenty of places to eat, sleep and check email. My personal preference is along the road to Tikal from Flores in a town called El Remate. Usually I stay at El Mirador del Duende, a sparse but pleasant place offering thatched palapas to sling a hammock or a place to park your tent. The food here is an excellent vegetarian cuisine and the proprietors can organize jungle treks for you. There are other options available in El Remate as well but I haven’t stayed at them so you’ll have to consult your guidebook or ask around.

I prefer El Remate because it’s laid back, basic, quiet and offers you great access to the lake for a cool swim from the public docks. The town has become known for its wood carving and by purchasing a souvenir here you are not only helping locals but also helping to preserve the rain forest. The town is also located near the Biotopo Cerro Cahui nature reserve where you can view some of the local wildlife and climb to the top of the hill for great views of Lake Peten Itza. The website of La Casa de Don David has more information available on the local area including accommodation and tours.

Flores is also a quiet town with all sorts of amenities including an Interac machine if you’re running low on funds. If you find an Interac card here it belongs to me. I left mine behind the last time I was there and someone helped themselves to $50 from my account. My fault completely I just hope it went to a needy family and not into the beer bellies of a some other travelers. Located across a causeway, this town is surrounded by Lake Peten Itza with plenty to keep you busy without having to catch the early bus to Tikal each morning. You can wander the cobblestone streets shopping for Mayan arts and crafts, take a covered boat tour of the lake or just relax over a few cold drinks while jumping into the water for the occasional swim. None of the accomodations I stayed at have really stuck out in my mind so scan your guide books and I’m sure you’ll find somewhere to stay as there are a myriad of choices. For safety reasons I would highly recommend staying in the town itself and avoiding Santa Elena even though the hotels tend to be cheaper on the other side of the causeway.

I won’t go into great detail on the ruins at Tikal themselves as any self respecting guidebook will more than accomplish this task on their own. Fees to enter the park are $20 and the park is open from 6AM to 6PM, 365 days a year. As anyone who has traveled to Guatemala will attest, $20 is a hefty sum in this country but the park is well worth the dent it might put in your budget. Arrange for an early shuttle to the site, get lots of sleep, bring lots of water and plan to only scratch the surface if you’re going to spend the entire day walking. While I would recommend camping at the park and taking two days to visit this isn’t always possible. You can still manage to see most of the major building in a day if you don’t mind hoofing it.  If you’re in a hurry or want to plan a specific type of tour this can be arranged through through their official website at www.tikalpark.com. When you’ve had your fill of Mayan ruins then take a zip line tour through the jungle canopy which is located nearby.

Safety

Please be advised that robberies at gunpoint have taken place within the park.

• Check the current conditions.
• Only take as much money as you’ll need.
• Leave passports, credit cards and valuables locked in the safe at your hotel.
• Only travel to the site with reputable shuttles.
• Travel in groups and if you are going it alone try not to venture too far from other tourists.

That being said there is still no reason to avoid these wonderful ruins. With some legwork and research you can do more in the Peten jungle than just visit the ruins and your stay can be pleasant and relaxing while you enjoy the hospitality and friendliness of the wonderful Guatemalan people.

Complete photo galleries of Tikal and the surrounding area are located below.