Tikal Private Day Tour from Flores: Local Guide & Lunch

Summary

Private Tikal tour from Flores with local guide and lunch included

You’ll walk ancient Mayan temples in Tikal with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect early pickup in Flores, cool shade under jungle trees, laughter over lunch, and quiet moments above the canopy — memories that stick long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“If you listen, you can almost hear the old city breathing,” our guide Marco said as we stood under the shadow of Temple IV. I wasn’t sure what he meant at first, but then the jungle went quiet for a second — just birds and that thick, earthy smell after last night’s rain. We’d left Flores early (Marco was right on time, which honestly surprised me), and by 8:30 we were already inside Tikal National Park, just us and a few other sleepy faces at the gate.

I’d read about Tikal before — how it’s the most excavated site in Central America — but walking those mossy steps up Temple II felt different than any photo. My shoes slipped a bit on the stone (bring good ones, trust me). Marco pointed out some spider monkeys overhead; one dropped something that landed near my friend’s shoulder and we all cracked up. He told us stories about Mayan astronomy that made me wish I’d paid more attention in school. The air was heavy but not too hot yet, and every so often you’d catch this sweetish smell from some yellow flowers I never learned the name of.

Lunch came after hours of wandering — simple grilled chicken with rice and beans, nothing fancy but tasted perfect after all that walking. There was cold juice too, which hit the spot. We had time to wander Flores by ourselves before heading back; I bought a weird little wooden jaguar mask from an old man who smiled without saying much English. The whole day felt unhurried, like nobody was pushing us along or rushing through the main sights. I still think about that view from Temple IV — mist curling over endless green, no crowds around us at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tikal National Park Tour

• Pick up from airport or hotel
• Walk and visit Tikal temples
• Lunch break
• Free walk in Flores
• Drop off in Flores

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Tikal tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels or the airport in Flores or El Remate.

How long does the private day trip to Tikal take?

The tour starts around 7:00–7:30 am and returns to Flores by 5:00 pm.

Is lunch provided during the Tikal private tour?

Yes, lunch and drinks are included after visiting Tikal National Park.

Are entry fees to Tikal National Park covered?

Yes, all park fees are included in your booking price.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed.

What should I bring for the Tikal day trip?

You should bring snacks, passport, comfortable shoes, rain jacket, bug spray, sunscreen, and any personal medications.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, round-trip transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with guest insurance.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking and climbing steps at the site.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation with air conditioning from your hotel or airport in Flores or El Remate, entrance fees to Tikal National Park covered up front so there’s no hassle at arrival, an English or Spanish-speaking local guide throughout your visit, cold drinks along the way to keep you going, plus a traditional lunch before heading back in the afternoon.