Tikal National Park: Private tour with guide & lunch

Summary

Private Tikal day trip from Flores with guide, lunch & pickup

You’ll explore Tikal’s ancient ruins with your own local guide, starting from Flores with hotel pickup included. Walk jungle trails at your pace, spot monkeys overhead, enjoy a Guatemalan lunch inside the park, and hear stories you won’t find in any guidebook — all in a private group you choose.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed when we pulled into Tikal was the sound — birds everywhere, and this kind of thick, green quiet that you don’t get in cities. Our driver had picked us up right on time in Flores (I was still half asleep), and by the time we reached the park it felt like we’d crossed into another world. Our guide, Luis, greeted us with a grin and a cooler full of water bottles. He joked about how he’s walked these trails more times than he can count — “but I still find something new every week,” he said. I liked that.

Walking through the jungle paths, the air felt heavy but not too hot yet. Luis pointed out spider monkeys overhead — one dropped a fruit right in front of us and my friend jumped back so fast she almost lost her hat. The main keyword here is Tikal private tour; honestly, having just our group made it feel less like a tour and more like wandering with someone who actually knows the place inside out. We stopped whenever we wanted for photos or just to stare at those massive temples poking through the trees. At one point I just sat on a stone step and listened to the wind moving through the leaves — cheesy maybe, but I still think about that silence.

Lunch was simple but good: chicken stew for me (there were five options), tortillas warm enough to steam in your hands, and some kind of sweet hibiscus drink that Luis insisted we try. He laughed when I tried to say its name in Spanish — probably butchered it. After eating under the shade near Temple IV, we wandered back slowly, stopping for more stories about Mayan kings and old rituals. The whole day trip to Tikal from Flores felt both relaxed and packed at the same time; no rush, no strangers tagging along.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tikal Mayan Site Visit

• Visit Tikal Mayan site

Top questions

What time does the Tikal private tour start?

The tour starts with pickup at 7 am from your hotel in Flores.

Is lunch included on this day trip to Tikal?

Yes, lunch is included inside Tikal National Park with five meal options.

How long does it take to get from Flores to Tikal?

The drive takes about 2.5 hours each way between Flores and Tikal.

Are snacks and drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water and snacks are provided throughout the tour.

Is this a private group or will there be other travelers?

This is a private tour—only your group will join with your own guide.

Can children join this Tikal day trip?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking involved.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Flores, all entry fees for Tikal National Park, bottled water and snacks along the way, plus a traditional Guatemalan lunch inside the park before heading back in your private van later that afternoon.