Tikal

Guatemala

Tikal is a majestic ancient Mayan city nestled within a lush rainforest, offering awe-inspiring temples and pyramids that showcase a rich historical legacy. It's a prime destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers, providing an unforgettable experience of ancient civilization and diverse wildlife.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay2 days
Budget$30/day
Mid-range$100/day
Luxury$600/day

Known For

Mayan ruinsancient cityarchaeological sitePeténjungle

🇬🇹 Country Information: Guatemala

CapitalGuatemala City
CurrencyGuatemalan quetzal (Q)
Language Spanish , 23 indigenous languages (e.g., K'iche', Kaqchikel, Mam, Q'eqchi'), Xinca, Garifuna
Phone Code+502
Electricity120V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

  • Tipping is customary in many situations
  • Restaurants: 10% is standard if a service charge isn't included
  • Tour guides: Q20
  • Q50 per person per day is common
  • Hotel staff: Q5
  • Q10 for porters, Q10
  • Q20 for housekeepers per night

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas; credit cards are accepted in many hotels and larger businesses, but cash is often preferred for smaller purchases and in rural areas
  • It is advisable to carry some cash, especially outside of major cities
  • There isn't a significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or indigenous communities
  • It's polite to greet people with 'Buenos días', 'Buenas tardes', or 'Buenas noches'
  • Asking before taking photos of people, especially indigenous individuals, is respectful
  • Punctuality is often flexible; 'hora guatemalteca' implies a relaxed approach to time

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Guatemala does not have specific laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. Societal attitudes can be conservative.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

  • Be aware of local laws regarding archaeological sites; it is illegal to remove artifacts
  • Smoking is prohibited in public enclosed spaces

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)
YesSí (SEE)
HelloHola (OH-lah)
PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR)
Excuse meCon permiso (kon per-MEE-so)
Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs)

Climate

Generalized climate for the ancient Mayan city within the Petén rainforest.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Pepián de Pollo regional_speciality

A rich, flavorful stew considered a national dish of Guatemala. It features chicken (or other meat) in a thick sauce made from ground seeds, tomatoes,

Hilachas must_try

Shredded beef in a tangy, tomato-based sauce. The sauce is colored and flavored with achiote and usually contains potatoes and carrots, offering a hea

Tamales street_food

A staple food made from masa (corn dough), filled with meat, chiles, and recado (a rich sauce), then wrapped in plantain or corn leaves and steamed. T

Revolcado regional_speciality

A traditional stew often made with pork head and offal, seasoned heavily with ground spices and annatto, giving it a characteristic reddish color. Thi

Rellenitos de Plátano dessert

A sweet treat made from mashed, cooked plantains that are shaped into dough, filled with a mixture of refried black beans and chocolate, then fried un

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Tikal National Park Entrance Ticket (Standard Day Pass) Attraction
Book 1 week to 1 month in advance, especially for peak season

Although often available, buying in advance, especially at a bank in Guatemala, streamlines entry and avoids potential issues at the remote ticket office.

Tikal Sunrise Tour/Special Entry Ticket tour_or_activity
Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Sunrise entry requires a special ticket and must be bought the day before, as the main ticket office is closed, and availability for guided sunrise tours can be limited.

Fun Facts

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