Tikal: Private Day Trip from Flores with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Walk temple stairs in Tikal jungle hear birds and old stories

You’ll walk beneath jungle trees in Tikal with a local guide who knows every bird call and story. Climb ancient temples, taste homemade lunch, and feel history under your feet. Expect honest moments—sweat, laughter, maybe sore legs—and leave with more questions than answers.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first sound to be howler monkeys — honestly, they startled me more than the early morning light did. Our guide, Carlos, met us right at our hotel in Flores (he gave this little wave I’m still trying to copy) and we set off for Tikal. The drive was quiet, a bit misty, and I kept thinking about how close the jungle felt even before we got there. Bottled water in hand, we bumped along and Carlos started telling us about his childhood near here — apparently he used to sneak into the ruins as a kid. He laughed when I asked if he ever got caught.

Walking under those trees in Tikal is something else. It’s humid but not heavy, and you can smell earth and something sweet — maybe orchids? We stopped every few minutes because Carlos would spot a toucan or some plant with a name I couldn’t pronounce (I tried, he grinned). Climbing the wooden stairs up Temple IV was harder than I thought; my legs wobbled at the top but that view over the canopy — it’s weirdly quiet up there except for wind and distant birds. I still think about that view sometimes when I can’t sleep.

Lunch was simple but good — chicken with rice, lots of lime. We sat at a picnic table while Carlos told us about Mayan astronomy (he pointed at the sky even though it was midday). The whole thing felt unhurried. On the way back to Flores I realized my shoes were caked in red dust and honestly, I didn’t mind at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Tikal National Park tour

• Round-trip transport from Flores
• Walk under the jungle
• Trek and observe flora and fauna
• Explore Mayan temples and staircases
• Learn Mayan and Guatemalan history
• Discover archeology of the region

Top questions

Is pickup included for hotels in Flores?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Flores as well as San Miguel and El Remate.

Does this private tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch is included during your private day trip to Tikal.

How long does the drive from Flores to Tikal take?

The drive from Flores to Tikal usually takes around 1 hour by private vehicle.

Are entrance fees to Tikal covered?

Yes, archaeological entrance fees are included in this tour.

Is this tour suitable for people using wheelchairs?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Will there be a specialized guide during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have a specialized guide with expertise in archaeology throughout your visit.

Are infant seats available for transportation?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for transport during the tour.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If canceled due to bad weather you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from your hotel or airport in Flores (or San Miguel/El Remate), bottled water along the way, entry fees to Tikal itself, an archeology-focused local guide who leads you through both history and wildlife sightings, plus lunch served onsite before heading back home again.