From Ancient Ruins to Peaceful Shores: Why You Should Visit Tikal and Flores
Stepping into Tikal National Park is like walking onto the set of an Indiana Jones movie. This ancient Mayan city, rising majestically out of the Guatemalan rainforest, isn’t just a collection of old rocks; it’s a living, breathing testament to a civilization that once thrived.
Our journey to Tikal was a day tour from the charming island town of Flores. From the moment we stepped onto the jungle trails, the air thrummed with the sounds of howler monkeys and exotic birds. The sheer scale of Tikal is breathtaking. Massive temples, such as Temple IV, the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, and the Lost World Pyramid, pierce the canopy, offering dizzying climbs and panoramic views that stretch for miles over the verdant jungle. It’s humbling to imagine the ceremonies and life that unfolded here centuries ago.
Why should you visit Tikal? Beyond the obvious awe-factor of the pyramids themselves, Tikal offers an unparalleled blend of history, nature, and adventure. You’re not just seeing ruins; you’re immersed in a vibrant ecosystem. Howler monkeys roar in the trees above, spider monkeys swing playfully, and if you’re lucky, you might spot toucans or even a jaguar (though that’s rare!). The very act of navigating the jungle trails, discovering hidden stelae and smaller structures, feels like an archaeological expedition of your own. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s reclaiming power and humanity’s incredible ingenuity.
In Flores, Guatemala, you can arrange a Tikal tour through tour operators, hotels, and hostels. Many offer daily tours that include transportation, a guide, and often lunch. You can also book private tours for a more personalized experience.
Sunrise Tour (This guided tour offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience of witnessing the ancient Mayan city come to life as the sun rises over the jungle. The early hours of the day can be a prime time to see wildlife that may be less active during the daytime.)
Basic Tikal Tour (This tour includes both transportation and a knowledgeable guide. It keeps things affordable without sacrificing quality or experience, making it a great option for travelers on a tighter budget. We recommend the 4:30 a.m. option, which allows you to witness the forest awakening. You will beat the heat and crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.)
We primarily visited Flores as our launchpad for Tikal, but this colorful island town, nestled in Lake Petén Itzá, immediately charmed us with its relaxed atmosphere, vibrant street art, and stunning sunsets over the water.
In hindsight, we absolutely would have allocated a couple more days to Flores. It truly is a gem – very peaceful, with just the right amount of activity. You can easily spend your days wandering the cobblestone streets, enjoying local food, visiting Jorge’s Rope Swing: a popular spot where you can jump into the lake, reachable by a short boat ride, or simply relaxing by the lake.
Where we stayed:
Los Amigos Hostel
Our stay at Los Amigos Hostel was, without a doubt, the best hostel experience I’ve ever had. It’s more than just a place to sleep; it’s a vibrant hub of activity and relaxation. The common areas are fantastic, providing plenty of space to chill with a book or hang out and swap stories with fellow travelers from all corners of the globe. There’s always something going on, from live music to organized activities, ensuring you’re never bored. Yet, for those seeking a quieter retreat, Los Amigos has that covered, too. They offer both dorms for the social backpacker and private rooms. The private rooms are cleverly situated further away from the main common areas, ensuring a peaceful and comfortable escape when you need it. It’s the perfect balance of lively social spaces and serene personal comfort.
Restaurants we tested:
Delirio (breakfast) – The atmosphere is super cute and calm—perfect spot to unwind with a fresh cup of coffee. It’s cozy, inviting, and a lovely place to relax. Just a heads-up: the pastries didn’t quite live up to the vibe. Still, worth a visit for the coffee and the peaceful setting.
Los Amigos Hostel (breakfast) (dinner) – Great menu with something for everyone—whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just hungry. Super convenient if you’re staying at the hostel, but it’s also open to anyone visiting Flores. The food is excellent. Service can be a bit slow at times, but with such a chill vibe and cool atmosphere, it’s easy to sit back and enjoy your visit.
Terrazzo (dinner) – A fine dining experience without the fine dining price tag! This restaurant is a hidden gem – perfect for a relaxed lunch with beautiful views of Lake Petén. The food is top-notch, the atmosphere is peaceful, and if you stick around for sunset, you’ll get the best seat in the house to watch the sky light up over the water. Highly recommend!
Tacos Los Peches (dinner) – This spot hits all the right notes – Cheap, flavorful, and super fresh. It’s always busy and there’s usually a line, but it moves fast and is 100% worth the wait. Hands down the best street food we had during our time in Guatemala!
Sunset Bar & Restaurant (drinks) – We didn’t eat here, but since it was recommended as a great sunset spot, we decided to stop by. We sipped on a very good Tequila Sunrise while watching the sun dip over the lake. Two drinks came to about $7.00, so it wasn’t super expensive. If it’s within your budget, it’s definitely a great place to relax and snap some beautiful sunset photos over the lake.
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