Tikal & Yaxha Temples Tour: Sunrise & Sunset in One Day

Climb two temples at opposite ends of the day and watch the light change the jungle twice

A full-day tour from Flores combines sunrise at Tikal National Park and sunset at Yaxha National Park, with a certified guide leading you through both archaeological sites and hotel pickup included. You'll climb Temple IV before dawn to witness the jungle awaken, explore Tikal's Grand Plaza and major structures through the morning, break for lunch at a local restaurant, then drive to Yaxha for an afternoon walk through its causeways and a final climb to Temple 216 for sunset over the lagoon. Park entry tickets are purchased separately: buy Tikal's online in advance (Q250, roughly USD 34) or Yaxha's in cash on arrival (Q80), and the tour lasts around 17 hours from pickup to return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Tikal and Yaxha Mayan sites

• Transfer from Flores to Tikal
• Arrive at Tikal National Park entrance
• Check entrance tickets and start jungle walk
• Climb Temple IV for sunrise view
• Visit the Lost World complex
• Explore the Great Plaza and temples
• See Temple I, the Great Jaguar
• Visit Temple V and take photos
• Return to Visitor Center for free time
• Lunch break at Las Gardenias
• Transfer to Yaxha National Park
• Arrive at Yaxha Visitor Center and pay admission
• Explore Yaxha Archaeological Site
• Watch sunset from Temple 216
• Return to Flores, tour ends

The experience

The day starts with a pickup from your Flores hotel 15 minutes before departure, then a 50-minute drive to Tikal's main entrance. After the park ranger checks your tickets at the gate, you'll walk into the jungle with your guide toward Temple IV, arriving in time to climb and wait for the dawn. The temple rises 65 meters. From the top, you watch the sun break over the canopy while howler monkeys call and birds fill the air. This is the centerpiece moment, and the timing is what makes it work. You're there when the light changes, not arriving after.

The rest of the morning moves through Tikal's major sites: the Lost World (Mundo Perdido), the largest Preclassic ceremonial complex with 360-degree views; the Great Plaza, ringed by pyramids including Temple I (the Great Jaguar, 45 meters tall) and Temple II; the North Acropolis; and Temple V, the second-tallest structure at 57 meters. Your guide explains the archaeology and history as you move between them. By midday you return to the visitor center, then head to Las Gardenias restaurant in Flores for lunch on your own (not included in the tour price). A bus picks you up at 12:45 to drive roughly an hour to Yaxha National Park.

At Yaxha, you pay the park fee in cash, then walk the causeways and explore the archaeological site in the late afternoon light. The final climb is Temple 216, positioned to frame the sunset over Yaxha lagoon: a different kind of spectacle from the dawn, with the water catching the color as the day ends. After sunset, the drive back to Flores takes about an hour, and you arrive at your hotel as the tour officially closes.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle for the full 17-hour day.
• certified guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup and return to Flores.
• access to Temple IV, the Grand Plaza, and major structures at Tikal.
• walk through Yaxha's causeways and Temple 216 for sunset.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 03:00

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 42 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 45

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mayan World Travel Agency Tours And Treks

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Flores without a car and want to see both Tikal and Yaxha in a single day. The pickup from your hotel and the fixed schedule (starting before dawn and ending after sunset) mean you don't arrange transport or split the sites across two days. Everything is coordinated and timed to catch the light at both temples.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (2 to 11 years).

Do I need to buy the park tickets before the tour starts?

Tikal's tickets should be purchased online at least one day ahead (Q250 per person, roughly USD 34, which includes both park entry and dawn access). Buying them in advance avoids delays at the gate. Yaxha's ticket (Q80 per person) is paid in cash when you arrive at the park in the afternoon.

What time does the pickup happen and when do I get back to my hotel?

Pickup is 15 minutes before the stated departure time from your Flores hotel. The full tour runs around 17 hours from pickup to return, so if you're picked up at 3:30 am for a 3:45 am departure, you'll be back at your hotel by late evening.

Is lunch included, and where do we eat?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. You'll have free time at Las Gardenias restaurant in Flores between the Tikal portion and the Yaxha portion. You can order and pay there separately.

What is Temple IV like to climb, and how difficult is it?

Temple IV is 65 meters tall and requires climbing steep stone steps in the dark before dawn. You'll need a moderate level of physical fitness and a good head for heights. The guide leads the way and you have time to rest at the top before sunrise.

Will I see wildlife during the tour?

Howler monkeys are commonly heard at dawn from Temple IV, and you'll see birds throughout the jungle walks. Other wildlife like jaguars and pumas live in the Petén forest, but sightings are not guaranteed. The focus is on the archaeological sites and the light at sunrise and sunset.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a certified guide in English or Spanish, and access to both archaeological sites. Park entry tickets, meals, and drinks are separate.