Step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Tikal, the crown jewel of the Maya world. This incredible Tikal Temples tour from San Ignacio is the ultimate day trip for history lovers and adventure seekers alike. Located in the heart of Guatemala’s Petén region, Tikal was once a dominant power in the ancient Maya civilization, renowned for its monumental architecture, political influence, and cultural significance. Our Belize to Tikal tour offers you a seamless, stress-free journey into this remarkable archaeological site.
Tikal photos
Tour Itinerary
- Departure: Your journey begins promptly at 6:30 a.m. from our downtown San Ignacio office, where you’ll meet your friendly guide and fellow travelers. A short 15-minute drive will bring you to the Western Border of Guatemala. Our expert guides will ensure a quick, hassle-free 15-minute border crossing, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
- Scenic Drive: Once in Guatemala, a comfortable, private minivan will transport you to Tikal. The 2-hour drive is an adventure in itself, showcasing the beautiful countryside of the Petén region. We include two scenic stops: a serene lake for incredible photo opportunities and a local gift shop for souvenirs and a restroom break.
- Guided Exploration: Upon arrival at Tikal National Park, enjoy a comprehensive 4-hour guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its towering pyramids, expansive plazas, and intricate palaces. Your guide will bring Tikal’s vibrant past to life, detailing its rise to dominance, its connections to other great cities like Teotihuacan, and the mysteries of its eventual decline. You’ll visit iconic landmarks, including Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar) and Temple IV, which offers a breathtaking view of the jungle canopy.
- Lunch Break: After your tour, a short 20-minute drive will take you to a local restaurant where you’ll savor a delicious meal, offering a chance to relax and reflect on the awe-inspiring sights of the day. You’ll have time to exchange stories with your group and enjoy a taste of local Guatemalan cuisine.
- Return Journey: The return trip includes a 1-hour drive back to the border, a brief 10-minute border crossing, and a comfortable 15-minute ride back to San Ignacio. You’ll arrive at our office around 4:00 p.m., completing a memorable Tikal day trip and arriving back in Belize with plenty of time to relax.
Why Visit Tikal?
As one of the largest and most iconic Maya cities, Tikal holds immense historical and cultural significance. At its peak, the city was a thriving metropolis, home to an estimated 11,000 people in its core and up to 40,000 in the surrounding areas. Its towering temples, some reaching heights of over 70 meters, are marvels of ancient engineering and serve as a testament to the Maya’s ingenuity.
Why is Tikal so famous? This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its scale and its pivotal role in Classic Maya civilization. Visitors are left in awe by its incredible preservation, and the chance to walk through the Grand Plaza, flanked by monumental structures like Temple I (The Temple of the Great Jaguar) and Temple II (The Temple of the Masks), is an unforgettable experience.
Beyond the rich history, a visit to Tikal is an adventure into a vibrant natural ecosystem. The Tikal National Park is a protected area, and the jungle surrounding the ruins is teeming with exotic wildlife. On our Tikal tour, you can spot howler monkeys and spider monkeys swinging from the trees, listen for the calls of toucans, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a coati or a wild turkey. This blend of ancient Maya history and rich biodiversity makes a trip to Tikal one of the best things to do when visiting Belize.
Why Book with Explore Inland Tours?
At Explore Inland Tours, we provide more than just transportation to Tikal — we offer a truly curated and personalized experience. As a 100% Belizean-family-owned company, our knowledgeable guides are experts in Maya history and are passionate about sharing their culture and personal stories. From seamless border crossings to comfortable private transportation, every detail is carefully planned so you can focus on the adventure. Choose us for professionalism, safety, and an unforgettable journey into the past. We are proud to be a trusted Belize tour operator dedicated to making your Tikal tour the highlight of your vacation.
Our Tikal Temples tour is a full-day experience, running approximately from 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This comprehensive day trip from San Ignacio offers incredible value, as the price is all-inclusive, covering your expert guide, comfortable transportation, a delicious lunch, and all entrance fees and taxes. We handle every detail, so you can focus on enjoying this unforgettable Maya ruins tour.
The difficulty of this tour is considered moderate. The Tikal National Park is extensive, and you will be walking for several hours on uneven terrain and climbing some steep temple stairs. We recommend a basic level of fitness to fully enjoy the day’s exploration.
What to bring: To ensure you have the best possible experience, here is a list of what we recommend you bring on your Tikal day trip from Belize:
Passport: A valid passport is required for the border crossing into Guatemala.
Bug spray: Essential for a comfortable walk through the jungle.
Bottled water: We provide water on the tour, but we recommend bringing extra to stay hydrated.
Pocket money: For any souvenirs you wish to purchase at the gift shop or tips for your guide.
Tour info
- Price: Includes: Guide, Transportation, Lunch, Entrance fees and Taxes.
- Duration: Full Day
- Tour leave: 6:30 AM
- Tour Return: 4 PM
- Difficulty: Moderate
What to bring
- Bug spray, pocket money, passport, bottle water
