Tikal is a magnificent Maya site, covering an area of 16 square kilometers (about 6 square miles) with some 3000 various temples, palaces, shrines, ceremonial platforms, residences, ball courts, terraces, causeways, plazas and even a ritual sweat-bath. Excavations have revealed that the site was under constant construction for at least 1,100 years. The earliest records date to sometime before 600 B.C. until about 900 A.D. when Tikal was mysteriously abandoned. 

Easily accessed from Belize, Tikal is a "must see" if you have the opportunity. 

Getting There

Round trip flights leave twice daily from Belize City international airport for the 45 minute flight to Santa Elena, Guatemala. From Santa Elena it is easy to arrange transportation to Tikal or to the town of Flores.

Rental vehicles can be driven across the Guatemalan border from Belize. The road is paved except for a 15 mile section after crossing the border. From Belize City to the site of Tikal or the village of Flores will take about 4 hours, including the border crossing. If staying in the San Ignacio area in western Belize, it is about a 2 hour trip. Early risers can explore Tikal in a day trip, returning to Belize in the afternoon. 

Many of the lodges, resorts, and hotels in San Ignacio offer, or can arrange, day trips or overnight trips to Tikal. Usually included is transportation, lunch, and guided tour.

Lodging

Make the most of your time at Tikal and stay at one of the hotels at the entrance to the site. Three hotels offer clean, basic rooms with restaurants.  Power is supplied by a generator which is turned off at night. 

For the budget minded traveler, there is a camp ground across the road with restaurants next door.

Flores, Guatemala, about 65 kilometers (39 miles) from Tikal, is a small, quaint town built on an island in Lake Peten.  Narrow, cobblestone streets crisscross and circle the island and there are many shops showing off local handicrafts and artwork. Transportation to Tikal is available daily and lodging in the town is usually less expensive than the hotels at Tikal.