Tikal Day Trip with Local Lunch from San Ignacio
Description
- Explore Tikal, one of the largest and most iconic ancient Maya cities, set within a UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park - Marvel at towering pyramids rising above the jungle canopy — some of the tallest pre-Columbian structures in the Americas - Spot native wildlife like howler monkeys, toucans, and coatis along the park's forest trails - Learn from a professional guide who brings Maya history and culture to life for travelers of all ages - Cross the border into Guatemala hassle-free with round-trip hotel transport included - A true one-day international adventure — combining history, culture, and nature without the need for extra planning
Tour Options
Itinerary
-A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest excavated archaeological sites in the Americas - Tikal's Rainforest Trails – Home to native wildlife such as howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, and coatis - Ancient Maya Causeways – Raised stone roadways once used to connect different sections of the city
The ceremonial heart of ancient Tikal, flanked by two of its most iconic temples
Temple II (Temple of the Masks) – Standing opposite Temple I, offering a classic view across the Great Plaza
Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar) – One of Tikal's most recognizable pyramids, built as a royal funerary monument
Temple IV – The tallest structure at Tikal, with panoramic views stretching across the jungle canopy
The Central Acropolis and North Acropolis – Sprawling complexes of palaces, courtyards, and temples that once housed Maya royalty and elite
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
- A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity is required for all travelers, including children - Non-citizens of Belize or Guatemala should confirm visa requirements before booking - This tour involves an international border crossing; processing times can vary - Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent are recommended - Tour duration and border wait times may affect the exact return time to San Ignacio
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It is recommended you wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Please note: a minimum of 2 passengers is required in order for this tour to operate. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Hotel pick up and drop off included in pricing is for hotels within San Ignacio town limits. For hotels outside of San Ignacio a surcharge applies
Reviews(332)
We were lucky and got a private tour with Danny. They will pick you up from your Airbnb if you need them to and drive you to the Guatemala border. Crossing the border on foot was so fun! We saw a howler/spider monkey turf war within 10 minutes of entering the park. Tikal is HUGE and so interesting to tour. Would definitely go again.
Ronnie, our guide, was very knowledgeable and we had A LOT of questions. The drivers on both sides were great, too! Not only would I highly recommend Living Adventures, but I will use them next time. They walked us through the border and handed us off to their colleagues. We were never unattended. Tikal should be a Wonder of the World. One day was not enough. Lunch was also perfect! Go with Living Adventures/Belize Family Adventures.
Great experience. Our bus driver picked us up on time from our resort in San Ignacio and drove us to the border where we met our tour guide Levi. Levi was a great guide. Very informative and helpful. He taught us a lot about the pyramids and ancient Mayan culture. Would definitely go on this tour again.
The guides made this trip smooth and easy crossing the boarder in very comfortable vehicles. Reggie was extremely knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. He took his time and explained parts of the site and Mayan beliefs. The pace was just right to see what we could in 1 day (seeing everything would take much longer than a day!) We also saw monkeys! So glad I found this tour! And thank you for allowing a solo booking!!
Coco was the most passionate and knowledgeable guides we could have had.
I was expecting a much more informative and enjoyable trip but unfortunately this experience was very disappointing. Instead of providing the full hours that were advertised for the tour, Reggie repeatedly mentioned that there was “no rush” and kept asking if we wanted to shorten the trip because it was “our time.” If the tour was advertised as a 9.5 hrs trip, then it should have been honored as such. During the drive to Tikal, Reggie and Jonathan, the driver, spent most of the time chatting among themselves. On the way back, Reggie was sleeping for much of the trip, which was very unprofessional. After crossing back into Belize, Ronald, the driver, dropped us off at the Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve. Unfortunately, my wife accidentally left her not so cheap hat on the bus. I attempted to contact the activity provider through Viator 3x on Sunday and once again on Monday, but I received no response. I then contacted Viator directly 3x and they also reached out to the provider 3x. I offered to drive and pick the hat anywhere in Belize and no response. Only after the third attempt was I told that Viator said the provider would send an email within three days, yet I still have not heard anything back. I truly regret booking this trip. Between the poor service, lack of professionalism and lack of communication, this was a very disappointing experience, especially after leaving a $60 tip. I would highly not recommend this tour provider. And Viator is also a disappointment!
I was expecting a much more informative and enjoyable trip but unfortunately this experience was very disappointing. Instead of providing the full hours that were advertised for the tour, Reggie repeatedly mentioned that there was “no rush” and kept asking if we wanted to shorten the trip because it was “our time.” If the tour was advertised as a 9.5 hrs trip, then it should have been honored as such. During the drive to Tikal, Reggie and Jonathan, the driver, spent most of the time chatting among themselves. On the way back, Reggie was sleeping for much of the trip, which was very unprofessional. After crossing back into Belize, Ronald, the driver, dropped us off at the Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve. Unfortunately, my wife accidentally left her not so cheap hat on the bus. I attempted to contact the activity provider through Viator 3x on Sunday and once again on Monday, but I received no response. I then contacted Viator directly 3x and they also reached out to the provider 3x. I offered to drive and pick the hat anywhere in Belize and no response. Only after the third attempt was I told that Viator said the provider would send an email within three days, yet I still have not heard anything back. I truly regret booking this trip. Between the poor service, lack of professionalism and lack of communication, this was a very disappointing experience, especially after leaving a $60 tip. I would highly not recommend this tour provider. And Viator is also a disappointment!
Our tour guide, Levi, was informative and friendly. He walked us through the major locations in Tikal and explained some local facts about Guatemala. The transfer across the border was smooth and effortless. Overall, I would book this tour again!
Seeing Tikal and Guatemala during our trip in Belize was a great experience! Our guide was awesome. Would highly recommend.
Great Journey and Experience. The ‘Maya Mundo.’ Was truly a wonderful path as I walked among the ruins of Tikal. N Gomez
