From Guatemala to Tikal
People ask me all the time what’s the best way to get to Tikal from Guatemala City. If you have zero budget problems you can take a flight early in the morning (6:00-7:30). TAG and TACA have daily flights for about US$200 roundtrip. Check their websites for updated prices. (TAG, Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos, and also, check TACA Airlines).It only takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The price I mention here is round trip. Now, when you get to Santa Elena International Airport you’ll find lots of travel agencies and shuttle services to Tikal right there for different prices.
Again, if you have no problems with your budget you can also rent a car (KOKA) right there at the airport, they wait for you at the exit of the airport.
Tikal on a modest-low budget
Linea Dorada has daily buses to Peten and Back to the City. The buses are really comfortable and the price starts around US$32 (economic) to US$55 (deluxe). You get to see a movie and also a little meal on your way to Petén. The buses leave Guatemala City at 9:00PM every day and get to Flores at 6:00AM. Right at the bus station you can choose from the many options available to get to Tikal, from private shuttles to public ones with very low prices.Try to get to Tikal early in the morning before it gets too crowded, also to avoid the midday sun.
Read more about Tikal and check out the pictures on our article about Tikal, City of Voices.
If you want to drive on your own to Tikal, then read our guide of Driving from Guatemala City to Tikal for more information. Good luck on your trip!.
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Among the beautiful places to visit near Guatemala City, Lake Amatitlán is the biggest lake. It was a few years ago almost the identical brother of Lake Atitlán. So far, the pollution and industrial waste coming from the “modern growing city” show the impact on its waters.
So you want to visit Tikal on your own? driving? excellent!! Renting a car or taking your own car on a trip from Guatemala City to Tikal is a great way to see the places around and visit several destinations keeping a low budget, better if you stay on cheap hotels or if you camp around.
This was a very hot day on a travel to Tikal. The sun was not “heating” the air, it was punishing us!. This is one of the most hot summers I can remember (global warming?)
This beauty is real. The name “Water Volcano” or “Volcan de Agua” is because in time of the Spanish Colonization the constant rain caused a flood which destroyed most of the city of Antigua Guatemala. But those days, it was the main city of Guatemala “Santiago de los Caballeros”.
Hunapu Volcano (Agua Volcano)Climbing a volcano is always better in the early morning. This way not only you avoid the heat of the midday sun, you also get the best of the day: clear sky and amazing view.