Located in Central America, in the Northern Guatemala area of Petén, 60 km from Petén's capital city of Flores. There is no Tikal village or town.
The park boundary entrance is located 17 km before the parking area and Visitors Center. Tikal has an entrance fee of Q150.00 or about $20.00 (at time of posting). It's best to pay in Quetzales, because if you pay in U.S. dollars you may not get a good exchange rate. Park hours are 6:00 am to 6:00 pm everyday. There is no electricity in Tikal. Generators run about 3-4 hours in the evening for services and accommodations offered there. In the high season sometimes the generators run longer.
The main arrival area includes the Visitor's Center, two museums, a post office, Park Administration offices, souvenir handcraft shops, three hotels, a campground, and a few restaurants and "comedores". The Visitor's Center, open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, is located just before entering the trails that lead to the ruins, which are approx. 20 min. away by foot. Located at the Visitor's Center entrance is a large model of Tikal, the way it would have looked when inhabited. Here you will also find one of the two museums, consisting of carved stone monuments and photos taken during the restoration in the 1960s. Also, there is guide service, information desk, souvenir shops and a restaurant.
A smaller museum housing some Tikal artifacts is located a few hundred meters away, near the hotel area. A small fee is charged to enter (in addition to the park entrance fee). Please note, access to the ruins is by foot only. All cars must remain at the parking lot. People requiring handicapped assistance can get special permits at the park headquarters. Tips to get the most of your day in Tikal:-If you're only visiting for one day, plan on just hitting the main spots, such as the Main Plaza, Temple IV, Temple V and Mundo Perdido. You can easily spend two days to a week or more at the park and not see every ruin that has been excavated. -Wear sensible shoes. There is plenty of walking. -Try to climb at least one of the temples, especially Temple IV. This is where you will get the best view. -It's best to pack a lunch, or some snacks. There is no food sold within the ruins area, which is a 20 min. walking distance from the restaurants. Beverages are available in the park.-Have insect repellent on hand. The jungle around the ruins is dense and mosquitoes can be a problem.-The earlier you can get to the ruins, the better. Dawn is the best time to see birds and animals. Temple IV is the most popular early morning spot.-Don't miss seeing the two large masks in the North Acropolis in the Main Plaza.-Wildlife is abundant in the park. Walk slowly and listen. If you hear or see small fruits and branches falling, look up and you will usually see monkeys or birds. -Upon exiting to the parking area, visit the small museum near the hotels. Cost is Q15 and is worth it. The Visitors Center has a free museum which mostly has stelae and restoration photos.Tikal facts:-Tikal National Park is located within the 6,000 square mile Maya Biosphere in the northern part of Peten, Guatemala
-Park area: 576 sq. km. (222 sq. mi., 125,000 sq. acres)
-the ruins area encompasses about 24 sq. kms. About 80% are still unexcavated.
-Only 30% of the ruins area has been mapped (around 6 sq. mi.)
-Tikal was declared a National Park by the Guatemalan Government in May of 1955, and a National Monument in 1970. It was the first National Park established in Central America.
-The name "Tikal" means "Place of Voices" or "Place of Tongues" in Maya.
contact us - Daily tours
Turismo Aventura tour operator
Santa Elena, Flores, Petén
Tel. 502. 7926.0398
info@toursguatemala.com
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