Tikal Tour from Belize City – Full-Day Maya Ruins Adventure
About This Tour
This Tikal Tour from Belize departs from Belize City and is designed for travelers visiting Belize who want a seamless same-day experience. Walk through the Great Plaza between towering Temple I and Temple II, climb the 230-foot Temple IV for panoramic views over endless jungle, and explore royal palaces and sacred ball courts. Your expert guide brings 2,000 years of history to life as you spot howler monkeys, toucans, and spider monkeys in the rainforest canopy.
Border processing and documentation assistance provided by our local team.
- • Early 5:00 AM departure beats the crowds and allows same-day return
- • Available exclusively from Belize City due to early departure requirements
- • All Guatemala border paperwork and procedures handled for you
- • Climb Temple IV — the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas
- • Small group ensures personal attention from expert bilingual guide
- • All entrance fees to Tikal National Park included
- • Hot traditional lunch with beverage included
- • Air-conditioned transportation from your Belize City accommodation
Tour Highlights
- Explore The Great Plaza between Temple I (Temple of the Grand Jaguar) and Temple II
- Climb Temple IV - the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas at 230 feet
- Visit the Lost World Complex (Mundo Perdido) - ancient astronomical observatory
- Discover the Central and North Acropolises with royal palaces and tombs
- Experience Temple V with its unique rounded corners and steep staircase
- Spot wildlife including howler monkeys, toucans, and spider monkeys
- Learn Maya history from expert local guides
- Same-day return to Belize City with all border logistics handled
What's Included
What's Not Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tour include all border fees?
Where does this Tikal tour depart from?
Can I take a Tikal Tour from Belize?
What time does the tour start?
Is this tour available from San Pedro or Caye Caulker?
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Comfortable pickup from your Belize City hotel or Airbnb. Begin your adventure in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Border Crossing
Seamless border crossing into Guatemala with all paperwork handled by your experienced guide.
Arrive at Tikal National Park
Enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site and begin your exploration of this ancient Maya metropolis.
Tour the Site
Explore the Great Plaza, climb Temple IV for breathtaking panoramic views, and discover the ancient Maya temples and structures throughout this magnificent archaeological site.
Traditional Lunch
Enjoy a delicious hot lunch at a quality local restaurant with beverage included.
Return Journey Begins
After lunch, return to the border and begin the journey back to Belize.
Return to Belize City
Drop-off at your hotel or accommodation, concluding your unforgettable Maya adventure. Arrival time depends on traffic conditions.
Explore More Tours
Information on Belize
→ Official Belize Travel Information (travelbelize.org)Customer Reviews
Michael Patterson
Chicago, Illinois
Bucket list item checked off!
Been wanting to visit Tikal since I was a kid reading about the Maya. Worth every minute of the drive. Temple IV is HUGE - you don't realize the scale until you're standing there. Our guide knew the history inside and out, answered every random question we threw at him. Lunch was simple but good. Border crossing was easier than expected.
November 15, 2024
Sarah Henderson
Toronto, Ontario
Exceeded expectations in every way
My husband and I travel a lot and this ranks as one of our top 5 experiences ever. The pyramids emerging from the jungle are breathtaking. We climbed three different temples and each offered unique perspectives. Saw spider monkeys, heard howlers echo through the trees. The guide's storytelling brought Maya civilization to life. Early departure was tough but meant fewer crowds. Cannot recommend highly enough.
October 28, 2024
James Rodriguez
Miami, Florida
Long drive, totally worth it
Not gonna lie - it's a haul to get there. But man, once you arrive you forget about the drive. Tikal is massive. We walked miles exploring different complexes. The lunch included was surprisingly tasty, nice local spot. Border guy at Guatemala was chill. If you're in Belize City, do this tour. Just bring snacks for the ride.
October 12, 2024
Emma Wilson
London, United Kingdom
Magical experience
I've visited archaeological sites across the Mediterranean, but Tikal has a special quality. Perhaps it's the setting - these enormous structures enveloped by rainforest, wildlife everywhere. Or maybe it's knowing so much remains undiscovered beneath the jungle. Our guide was passionate and knowledgeable without being pedantic. The sunrise from Temple IV (though we went mid-morning) must be spectacular. Five hours on site flew by.
September 30, 2024
David Chen
Vancouver, British Columbia
Best decision of our trip
Almost skipped this because of the early pickup time and long drive. SO glad we didn't. Tikal blew my mind. Climbing Temple II and looking across at Temple I - that view is etched in my memory. The scale is insane when you remember this was built over a thousand years ago without modern machinery. Saw toucans, parrots, coatis wandering the plaza. Guide was super cool, answered everything patiently.
September 18, 2024
Jennifer Martinez
Houston, Texas
Absolutely incredible site
Booked this 2 days before and they accommodated us no problem. The van was clean and comfortable. Border crossing took about 30 minutes total, guide handled everything. Tikal itself? No words. Just stunning. We spent 5+ hours there and could have easily stayed longer. The Great Plaza, the Twin Pyramid complexes, climbing up steep temple steps - loved every second. Lunch was included, basic but filling.
August 25, 2024
Robert Thompson
Manchester, United Kingdom
Brilliant day out
Brilliant tour from start to finish. Guide was absolutely first-rate - knowledgeable, personable, and clearly loves what he does. Tikal is everything you've seen in photos and more. The temples are extraordinary. We were there during a quieter period, had entire sections to ourselves for photos. Spotted several howler monkey troops. The jungle setting makes it feel like you're discovering something ancient. Worth the investment of time and money.
August 10, 2024
Lisa Anderson
Seattle, Washington
History nerd's dream
As someone who studied archaeology, this was a dream. Tikal is remarkably well-preserved and the interpretive information is solid. Our guide went beyond just dates and dynasties - talked about daily life, trade networks, eventual collapse. Standing atop Temple IV looking over the canopy with other temples poking through was surreal. Saw multiple bird species (bring binoculars!). Transportation was professional. Pack water and sun protection.
July 22, 2024
Mark Johnson
Atlanta, Georgia
Do this tour!
Just do it. Don't overthink it. Yes it's a long day. Yes you need to wake up early. But you'll see one of the most incredible archaeological sites in the Americas. The pyramids are jaw-dropping. The wildlife is everywhere. The guide knows his stuff. The lunch stop is good. Border crossing is simple. This tour delivers.
July 5, 2024
per person