Guided Excursion to Tikal from Flores Mayan Temples Living History

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• Flores (Pass by)

  The pickup will be directly at your hotel in Flores or at the YO AMO PETÉN meeting point. Please be ready at 7:30 a.m. to start the tour punctually. We recommend having breakfast before leaving, as we will be taking a trip of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Tikal National Park.

  Admission ticket free
• El Remate (Pass by)

  During the drive to Tikal, we will enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the majestic Lake Petén Itzá, the third largest lake in Guatemala. This imposing body of water houses more than 25 species of fish and is surrounded by the Cerro Cahuí Biological Reserve, a protected area where the humid tropical forest is conserved, a refuge for howler monkeys, toucans, and exotic flora. As we border its crystalline waters, you will learn about the natural wealth of the basin and the fascinating history of the Itzá culture that flourished on its shores.

  Admission ticket free
• 1
  Tikal National Park

  Upon arriving at Tikal National Park, we will have a few minutes to use the restrooms and get ready before starting the adventure. Then we will go to the entrance gate, where tickets will be checked and an entry wristband will be placed on each visitor. Once inside, we will begin our tour to the archaeological zone along ancient paths and roads surrounded by the impressive Petén jungle. During the walk, we will keep our eyes open, as, if conditions allow, we will be able to observe birds, pikas, monkeys, and other species that live freely in the park. As we advance through the vegetation, the great plazas, structures, and majestic Mayan temples of Tikal will begin to appear before us, creating an experience where history and nature meet at every step.

  25 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 2

  The first stop will be Complex Q, one of the first plazas we will find during the tour of Tikal. This archaeological site will allow us to begin discovering the greatness of the ancient Mayan city, surrounded by the jungle and impressive structures that have remained for centuries. Here we will see stelae, altars, and a small oratory that are part of this ceremonial complex. Furthermore, we will have the opportunity to climb one of the first structures enabled for scaling during the tour, from where we can enjoy beautiful views of the Petén jungle and begin to appreciate the magnitude of Tikal from the heights. It will be our first close encounter with the monumental architecture of Tikal and an excellent introduction to the history, spirituality, and landscape that make this place a unique experience.

  25 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3
  Great Plaza

  We will arrive at the majestic Grand Plaza of Tikal, the monumental heart of the ancient Mayan city. In front of us will rise the imposing Temple I, known as the Great Jaguar, and Temple II, creating one of the most emblematic views of Tikal. We will have enough time to contemplate the greatness of this place, appreciate its details, and enjoy the impressive jungle environment surrounding it. We will also tour the North Acropolis and the Central Acropolis, where we will discover ancient temples, palaces, and ceremonial spaces that will bring us closer to the life of the Mayan elite. We will also learn about the history of the famous ruler Jasaw Chan K'awiil I, whose tomb was found under Temple I. It will be one of the most special moments of the tour, where history, architecture, and nature come together to show the true greatness of Tikal. Here you can stop, take photographs, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this ancient city.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 4

  We will continue your tour to the majestic Temple III, also known as the Jaguar Priest Temple. With its approximate height of 55 meters, it is one of the great structures that dominate the landscape of Tikal and an impressive display of the power and architecture of the ancient Mayan civilization. In front of this monumental construction, we will have the opportunity to stop, appreciate its dimensions, and learn about the details of its history and meaning. Surrounded by the exuberant jungle of Petén, Temple III offers a different perspective of the greatness of Tikal and allows us to imagine what this ancient city must have looked like during its heyday.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5

  Temple IV, with its imposing height of 70 meters, is the tallest pre-Columbian structure in Tikal and a masterpiece erected in the year 741 AD by Yax Kin Chaak, the 27th ruler of the dynasty. You will have 25 free minutes at the summit to live an unforgettable experience with the best panoramic view of the park: an infinite green sea of tropical jungle from which the ancient crests of the other temples emerge, enveloping you in mist and the sounds of nature. In addition to its astronomical and political legacy, this corner is world-famous for being the real setting where the iconic rebel base on the planet Yavin 4 was filmed in the Star Wars movie. An essential ascent that rewards every step with the most legendary view of Mesoamerica.

  25 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  Lost World

  The Lost World represents the primordial and most mysterious heart of Tikal, an architectural jewel whose origins date back to 800 B.C. This emblematic complex not only hosted the city's first sacred ceremonies, but also functioned as a sophisticated Mayan astronomical observatory. From the apex of its Great Pyramid, the alignments with the sun allowed for the precise mathematical fixing of the equinoxes and solstices. Its greatest visual secret lies in its imposing talud-tablero structures, irrefutable testimony to the powerful alliance and cultural exchange with Teotihuacan in central Mexico. Walking among its plazas is going back in time to the true foundations of Mayan civilization.

  35 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 7

  After an intense day exploring the paths and pyramids of the ancient Mayan city, we will move to one of the most outstanding and prestigious restaurants in the area to enjoy a well-deserved rest. Here you will taste a delicious lunch made with first-quality local ingredients, combining traditional flavors with top-level service in a comfortable, fresh, and relaxing environment. You will have the perfect time to recharge your batteries, process the wonders seen in the jungle, and share impressions with your travel companions before embarking on a comfortable trip back to Flores Island or your hotel.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 8
  Flores

  Upon returning to Flores Island, the service concludes directly for those who are staying in the town. For travelers with a late-night departure flight to Guatemala City, this time transforms into a perfect opportunity to enjoy free time at your own pace. You can stroll through its picturesque cobblestone streets, admire the colorful colonial architecture, take spectacular photographs of the sunset in front of the lake, or enjoy a coffee by the water. At 6:00 pm we will meet again to make your punctual transfer to Mundo Maya International Airport. If your flight schedule requires an earlier departure, we will take you directly to the airport after the tour in Tikal.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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