Tikal Tourist Places to Visit in Tikal, Guatemala, America
Tikal is an archeological site located in Peten Department of Guatemala. Tikal is located between 17°13′19.54″ N latitude 89°37′25.01″ W longitude. Tikal is situated around 60 km northwest of Flores city and about 475 km northwest of the national capital, Guatemala City.
Tikal city covers an area of 16 sq. km. and the surrounding area of Tikal has been declared as the Tikal National Park which is spread over an area of 570 sq. km. and it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Etymology and History of Tikal:
It is believed that, the name Tikal derives from the Yucatec Maya language word ‘ti ak’al’ means ‘at the waterhole’. The major rulers who were ruled Tikal from pre-classic period to terminal-classic period are Siyaj Chan K’awiil I, Chak Tok Ich’aak I, Siyaj Chan K’awiil II, Jasaw Chan K’awiil I and Yax Nuun Ayiin II.
How to reach Tikal?
Tikal is served by Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores which is placed 58 km away from Tikal.
San Juan Travel Agency is well known minibus operator in Tikal that will pick up tourists from Flores city every hour from 4 to 10AM and one more trip at 2PM. It costs around Q60 per way and takes 75 minutes for each way. San Juan Travel Agency starts return trips at 12:30PM and every hour trip from 2 to 6 PM. Second class buses charge around 30Q per way from Flores to Tikal.
Food and shopping in Tikal:
Visitor Center of Tikal is home to handicrafts shops, book stores and shops with snacks and drinks. Tikal houses many internet centers as well.
The food corners in Tikal include:
- Caffee Ital – Espresso
- Jaguar Inn Restaurant
Things to do in Tikal:
- Jungle canopy tour
- Tikal Visitor Center
- Uaxactun
- Especialistas en Ecotourisma
Places of interest in Tikal:
Tikal National Park:
Tikal National Park is a World Heritage Site housing many archeological sites such as the North Acropolis, Tikal Temple I and II dating from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The animal species found in the park include Geoffroy’s Spider Monkeys, Falcons, Toucans, Jaguarundis and Gray Foxes.
Sylvanus G. Morley Museum:
Sylvanus G. Morley Museum also called as Tikal Museum is the main cultural centre in Tikal, established in 1964 and it features a precious collection of archeological remains from the middle of the 19th century.
Tikal Temple I:
Tikal Temple 1 is an ancient structure dating back to 732 AD. It is called by different names like ‘Temple of the Great Jaguar’ and ‘Temple of Ah Cacao’ because of its historical significance. It is placed in the heart of Tikal.
Other places of interest in Tikal are as follows:
- Central Acropolis
- Great Plaza
- North Acropolis
- South Acropolis
- Plaza of the Seven Temples
- Mundo Perdido
- Stelae Museums
- Temple IV
- Temple I
- Temple II
- Lost World Pyramid
Best time to visit Tikal:
From December through February is the best time to enjoy holidays in Tikal.
Accommodation options in Tikal:
Tikal is an archeological and World Heritage site, visited by a large number of tourists throughout the year. Tikal is home to 3 standard hotels with upgraded facilities like swimming pool, semi-luxurious rooms, private bathrooms and much more. Camping is budget option charging around Q50 per person or per site. List of hotels and lodges in Tikal and Flores (60 km) include:
- Jaguar Inn
- Jungle Lodge
- Tikal Inn
- Tikal National Park Campground
- Hotel Casa Amelia
- La Lancha Lodge
- Hotel Villa del Lago
- Hotel Casazul
- Hotel Casona de la Isla
- Hotel Villa Margarita
- Hotel Casona del Lago
- Peten Esplendido
- Gran Hotel De La Isla
- Hotel Peten
- Green World Hotel
- Mayan Internacional
- Hotel Casa Elena de las Flores