Tikal Day Trip Including Round Trip Flights From Antigua With Lunch

Explore the ancient Mayan wonders of Tikal on a captivating day trip from Antigua. Departing early, this comprehensive tour whisks you away to the Flores airport for a flight to the heart of Guatemala’s renowned national park. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the secrets of the Central Acropolis, Temple I, and Temple II – iconic structures that have stood the test of time. Indulge in a delicious lunch at the site before returning to Flores for your evening flight back to Guatemala City. Get ready to be immersed in the grandeur of Tikal’s magnificent Mayan ruins and uncover the rich history that lies within.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Lunch Experiences In Antigua.

Contents hide

1 Trip Overview

2 Transportation and Inclusions

3 Exploring Tikal National Park

4 Highlights of the Ruins

5 Traveler Experiences and Reviews

6 Physical Fitness Requirements

7 Flight Schedule and Tips

8 Group Size and Cancellation Policy

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

The Tikal day trip from Antigua includes round-trip flights from Guatemala City to Flores, hotel pickup/drop-off, entry fees, and a professional guide.
The tour explores the highlights of Tikal National Park, such as the Central Acropolis, Temple I, and Temple II, over the course of 17 hours.
Lunch is provided within Tikal National Park, offering a break during the extensive exploration of the Mayan ruins.
A moderate level of physical fitness is required as the tour involves uneven terrain, stairs, and a full day of walking.
The tour has a maximum group size of 18 and is non-refundable, with cancellation fees to ensure reliable transportation and entrance fee reservations.

Trip Overview

The day trip from Antigua to Tikal offers a comprehensive exploration of the renowned Mayan city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Departing at the early hour of 3:40 am, travelers will take a flight from Guatemala City to Flores, then transfer to the Tikal National Park.

Here, they’ll discover the iconic Central Acropolis, the towering Temple I, and the impressive Temple II.

After enjoying lunch within the park, the group will return to Flores for the flight back to Guatemala City and the drive to Antigua.

This 17-hour excursion allows visitors to experience the grandeur of Tikal’s archaeological wonders in a single, well-organized day trip.

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Antigua

Transportation and Inclusions

The tour package includes round-trip flights from Guatemala City to Flores, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off in Antigua.

It also covers the transfer to and from the Tikal Ruins, lunch, entrance fees, and departure taxes, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive experience for travelers.

The flights depart Guatemala City at 5:45 am and return at 5:15 pm.

A professional English- and Spanish-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the day, providing insights and information about the Mayan history and heritage.

With all these inclusions, travelers can focus on exploring the impressive Tikal Ruins without worrying about logistics or additional expenses.

Exploring Tikal National Park

Spanning an impressive 341 square miles (550 sq km), Tikal National Park boasts one of the largest archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the grandeur of this ancient culture. During the tour, you’ll explore several key highlights, including the Central Acropolis, a labyrinth of temples and courtyards, the twin pyramids and religious complexes of Complex Q and R, the burial site of Mayan King Moon Double Comb at Temple I, and the iconic Temple II, known as the Temple of the Masks. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer scale and architectural prowess of these impressive ruins.

Site	Description
Central Acropolis	Labyrinth of temples and courtyards
Complex Q and R	Twin pyramids and religious complexes
Temple I	Burial site of Mayan King Moon Double Comb
Temple II	Known as the Temple of the Masks
Tikal National Park	Covers 341 sq mi (550 sq km)

Highlights of the Ruins

Towering above the lush jungle canopy, Tikal’s iconic temples captivate visitors with their impressive scale and intricate Mayan architecture.

Travelers will marvel at the Central Acropolis, a labyrinth of temples and courtyards that once served as the heart of this ancient metropolis.

The immense Temple I, known as the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, stands over 140 feet tall and is the burial site of a revered Mayan king.

Nearby, the twin pyramids of Complex Q and R offer a glimpse into the spiritual and religious practices of the Tikal civilization.

Exploring these remarkable ruins allows visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the Mayan people’s ingenuity and architectural prowess.

Traveler Experiences and Reviews

Travelers have largely praised the Tikal day trip from Antigua, with the tour garnering a rating of 4.5 out of 92 reviews.

Highlights of the traveler experiences include:

Knowledgeable and personable guides who ensure a smooth and well-organized experience.
Awe-inspiring views of the impressive Mayan ruins, accompanied by sightings of diverse wildlife like toucans and monkeys.
An enjoyable lunch break within the park, providing a chance to refuel amidst the ancient structures.
An overall sense of satisfaction with the value and quality of the tour, despite the long travel hours involved.

While some suggest considering an overnight stay in Flores to break up the journey, the Tikal day trip remains a worthwhile and memorable adventure for visitors.

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Antigua

Physical Fitness Requirements

The tour’s itinerary and activities necessitate a moderate level of physical fitness, as the day trip doesn’t accommodate wheelchair users.

Travelers should be prepared for a full day of exploration, including walking through the sprawling Tikal National Park. The journey involves navigating uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and navigating the site’s many ancient structures.

While the pace is relaxed, visitors will need to be able to keep up with the group and handle the overall duration of the tour, which lasts around 17 hours from start to finish.

Those with concerns about their physical abilities should consult with the tour operator before booking to ensure the excursion aligns with their fitness level.

Flight Schedule and Tips

The flights for this day trip depart Guatemala City at 5:45 am and return from Flores at 5:15 pm, allowing ample time to explore the Tikal ruins.

Travelers should arrive with cash on hand for tips, breakfast, souvenirs, and other incidentals, as well as pack essential items like bug spray, a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Be mindful that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
With a maximum group size of 18 travelers, you’ll have a personalized experience led by knowledgeable English- and Spanish-speaking guides.
Keep in mind that the tour is non-refundable, and any cancellations will incur fees.
Embrace the long day, as the breathtaking views and rich history of Tikal make the journey well worth it.

Group Size and Cancellation Policy

With a maximum group size of 18 travelers, the tour offers a personalized experience led by knowledgeable English- and Spanish-speaking guides.

However, it’s important to note that the tour is non-refundable, and any cancellations will incur fees. This policy reflects the careful planning and organization necessary to deliver a seamless day trip to the iconic Tikal ruins.

While the non-refundable nature may deter some, it ensures that the operator can reliably secure transportation, accommodations, and entrance fees well in advance.

Travelers should factor this into their decision-making and plan accordingly to avoid any unexpected costs or disappointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

According to the trip details, travelers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks for the Tikal day trip. However, a provided lunch is included as part of the tour package.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, there is an option for a private tour. The tour company typically offers private tours for an additional fee, allowing travelers to explore Tikal at their own pace with a dedicated guide.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors/Students?

The tour operator may offer discounted rates for seniors and students, though these details are not explicitly stated. Interested travelers should inquire directly about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Can I Extend My Stay in Flores After the Tour?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Flores after the Tikal tour. However, this would need to be arranged separately and is not included in the tour package. Additional hotel nights and transportation would need to be booked independently.

Does the Tour Provide Any Photography Tips or Recommendations?

The tour does not provide specific photography tips or recommendations. However, travelers are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the impressive Mayan ruins and abundant wildlife at Tikal National Park. Ample time is allotted for personal photography.