Tikal Day Trip: Maya Ruins & Jungle Wildlife Tour
Walk among four-story pyramids rising above the jungle, then spot howler monkeys and toucans on the forest trails between them.
A full-day tour from San Ignacio to Tikal National Park in Guatemala combines ancient Maya archaeology with rainforest wildlife in a single outing. Hotel pickup and drop-off, park entry, a local guide, and lunch at a restaurant near the site are included. The tour handles the border crossing so you don't have to. The day runs about nine and a half hours and requires a moderate level of fitness for walking the trails and climbing temple steps.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Explore Tikal Ancient Maya City
- Cross border from Belize to Guatemala
- Visit Tikal Rainforest Trails and wildlife
- Explore Ancient Maya Causeways
- See the Central Acropolis and North Acropolis
- Visit Temple I, the Great Jaguar
- View Temple II, the Masks
- Climb Temple IV for jungle views
- Tikal National Park 3h
- Great Plaza 30m
- Temple II 10m
- Temple I 30m
- Temple IV 15m
- Central Acropolis 10m
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio town limits.
- entrance fee to Tikal National Park.
- a local guide fluent in English or Spanish.
- lunch at a local restaurant with a choice of main dish and a soda or juice.
- air-conditioned transport in a minivan or SUV.
- water refills along the way.
- Every day 07:00
Information
Spend a full day exploring Tikal's towering pyramids and rainforest trails from San Ignacio with a local guide, hotel pickup.
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The experience
The tour starts with pickup at your San Ignacio hotel and a drive to the Guatemala border. Once across, you head into Tikal National Park, where a local guide leads you through the rainforest to the site's major structures. Temple IV, the tallest building at Tikal, rises above the canopy and offers views across the jungle. Temple I (the Temple of the Great Jaguar) and Temple II frame the Great Plaza, the ceremonial heart of the ancient city. Between the pyramids, the rainforest trails pass through sections where howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, and coatis move through the trees: wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed.
Lunch happens at a local restaurant, where you can choose a main dish with a soda or juice included. The guide explains Maya history and culture throughout the day, and the pace suits travelers of all ages, though the forest walking and temple climbing do require moderate fitness. You'll also see the ancient Maya causeways (raised stone roadways that once connected different sections of the city), and the sprawling palace complexes of the Central and North Acropolis where Maya royalty lived.
The return journey crosses back into Belize and brings you to your hotel by late afternoon. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels within San Ignacio town limits. Hotels outside town incur a surcharge. A current valid passport is required. The tour operates with a minimum of two passengers, and the operator provides air-conditioned transport. Bring a water bottle for refills along the way.
Top questions
Can I be picked up at my hotel?
You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. When you book, you choose your hotel from 20 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you can type in your address. Pickup is about 30 minutes before departure.
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 14 years); Child (under 11).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What's the difference between the shared tour and the private option?
The shared Tikal Day Trip runs on a fixed schedule with other travelers. The private tour lets you set the pace and timing with your own guide and vehicle, at a higher price point.
Do I need to arrange my own border crossing into Guatemala?
No. The tour handles the border crossing from Belize into Guatemala and back, so you only need a valid passport on the day of travel.
What kind of wildlife will I actually see at Tikal?
Howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, and coatis live in the rainforest at Tikal and are often spotted along the trails, though sightings depend on the time of day and season.
Is the lunch included, and can I choose what I eat?
Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included. You can choose your main dish and pick either a soda or juice to go with it.
How much walking and climbing is involved?
The tour requires moderate physical fitness. You'll walk forest trails between the temples and climb steps to reach the top of the pyramids for views across the canopy.
Does the price cover the park entrance fee?
Yes. Park entry to Tikal National Park is included, along with the Belize departure fee of $20 USD for tours booked from July 18, 2026 onwards.
Operated by Belize Family Adventure. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 9 days ago
Tikal Day Trip: Maya Ruins & Jungle Wildlife Tour
9h 30m · EN · ES
from US$ 165 per person
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