Tikal and Yaxhá 2-Day Mayan Ruins Tour by Air

Two separate Mayan cities in one overnight trip, reachable only by air from the capital

This 2-day tour from Guatemala City flies you to Tikal National Park and Yaxhá, two UNESCO and major Mayan archaeological sites spread across Guatemala's jungle. Day one covers Tikal's central temples (the Central Acropolis, Complex Q and R, and Temples I and II) with an overnight stay in the park or nearby Flores. Day two explores Yaxhá's 500 structures, including pyramid temples and ball courts overlooking two lakes, before flying back to the capital. Roundtrip airfare, accommodation, breakfast, lunch, park entry and an English- or Spanish-speaking guide are included. You choose between standard and luxury room options.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Guatemala City to Tikal National Park

• Pick up from Guatemala City hotel
• Transfer to GUA Airport
• Fly to Tikal National Park
• Explore Central Acropolis and Complex Q and R
• Visit Temple I and Temple II
• Enjoy lunch
• Overnight at Hotel Villa Maya or similar

Day 2: Yaxha National Park and Return

• Breakfast at hotel
• Travel to Yaxha National Park
• Tour pyramid temples, ball courts, and plazas
• Enjoy lunch
• Return to Guatemala City

The experience

The route starts with hotel pickup in Guatemala City and a flight to Flores, landing you at the edge of Tikal National Park. The park sprawls across 341 square miles and holds thousands of separate structures, but your guide takes you through the central area where the most significant temples stand. You'll walk the Central Acropolis (a maze of courtyards, small rooms and interconnected temples), then move through Complex Q and R to see their twin-pyramid complexes with altars. Temple I, known as the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, and Temple II, the Temple of the Masks, anchor the most visited section. Lunch comes after the morning exploration, and you stay overnight at Hotel Villa Maya or a comparable property in or near Tikal.

Day two begins with breakfast before you head southeast to Yaxhá, a ceremonial site that overlooks the Yaxha and Sacnab lakes and contains more than 500 ancient structures. The jungle setting here is visibly different from Tikal: the water views and the density of smaller structures create a distinct sense of the site. Your guide walks you through pyramid temples, ball courts and elevated plazas, explaining the history and purpose of each section. After touring, you eat lunch and then drive back to Flores for the return flight to Guatemala City, where you're dropped at your hotel.

The overnight format is what makes both sites possible in a single trip: Tikal alone would fill a full day, and Yaxhá adds a second destination without the fatigue of a same-day turnaround. The domestic flights are included, which removes the logistics of ground transport across the jungle. You'll need a moderate level of fitness for walking the uneven terrain and climbing temple steps, and infants travel on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Guatemala City.
• roundtrip domestic flights to Flores.
• overnight accommodation at Hotel Villa Maya or similar.
• English- or Spanish-speaking guide.
• breakfast and lunch both days.
• entry to Tikal National Park and Yaxhá.

Options for this experience

6 options

Standard Option – Triple RoomUp to 9 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 04:15Overnight to Tikal and Yaxha in a triple room, departing from Guatemala City, with pickup included

Standard Option – Double RoomUp to 9 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 04:15Overnight to Tikal and Yaxha in a double room, departing from Guatemala City, with pickup included

Standard Option – Single RoomUp to 1 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 04:15Overnight to Tikal and Yaxha in a single room, departing from Guatemala City, with pickup included

See 3 more options

Luxury Option – Triple RoomUp to 9 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 04:15Overnight to Tikal and Yaxha in a triple room, departing from Guatemala City. Accommodation at Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel. Pickup is included

Luxury Option – Double RoomUp to 9 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 04:15Overnight to Tikal and Yaxha in a double room, departing from Guatemala City. Accommodation at Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel. Pickup is included

Luxury Option – Single RoomUp to 1 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 04:15Overnight to Tikal and Yaxha in a single room, departing from Guatemala City. Accommodation at Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel. Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:15

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (2 to 9 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 29 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Guatemalan Adventure

Is this one for you?Choose between standard and luxury room options depending on your comfort preference and budget. Both include the same sites, flights and meals. The overnight format works best if you want to see both Tikal and Yaxhá without rushing. A single-day tour would skip one site entirely.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 9 years); Infant (under 2).

What's the difference between Tikal and Yaxhá, and why visit both?

Tikal is the larger, more famous site with the tallest temples and the Central Acropolis at its heart. Yaxhá is a ceremonial center with over 500 structures spread across a smaller area and set beside two lakes. Visiting both shows the range of Mayan architecture and settlement patterns across the region.

Do I fly both ways, or just to get there?

Roundtrip flights are included: you fly from Guatemala City to Flores on day one and return the same way on day two. Ground transport between Flores, Tikal and Yaxhá happens by vehicle.

Where do I sleep, and can I choose the room type?

You stay overnight at Hotel Villa Maya or a similar property in the Tikal area. You can choose between standard and luxury room options at checkout, and the accommodation is included either way.

What meals are covered?

Breakfast and lunch are included both days. Dinner is not included, so you'll arrange that separately at your hotel or in the area.

How much walking and climbing is involved?

The tour requires moderate fitness: you'll walk uneven terrain, climb temple steps and explore multiple sections of each site over the two days. The pace is set by your guide, and you can rest as needed.