One Epic Day in Tikal: Exploring Guatemala’s Ancient Mayan City
In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you deep into the Guatemalan jungle for an unforgettable one-day adventure through Tikal National Park—one of the most breathtaking and mysterious Mayan archaeological sites in the world.
Join me as I travel from Lake Atitlán to Flores, flying from Guatemala City Airport (not part of the plan!). I take you on a journey into the heart of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Guatemala’s must-see destinations. I share my real-time experiences, from booking the guide and finding accommodation to dealing with hostel mishaps and late-night boat rides on Lake Petén Itzá.
🎒 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- How to visit Tikal in one day (and why it's totally worth it!)The best tips for booking your Tikal day tourWhy staying on the island of Flores is essentialWhat to bring to Tikal: cash, ponchos, and good shoes!Temple highlights: Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar), Temple II (Temple of the Masks), and the towering Temples IV and VInsights from my incredible guide, GeorginoThe mystery of Tikal’s collapse and what still lies hidden beneath the jungleMy recommended hostels in Flores, GuatemalaWhether you need a guide to explore the ruins (hint: it’s highly recommended!)
🌿 Why Tikal Is So Special:
Tikal was once a thriving Mayan city and holds deep historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. With only 10–20% of its ruins uncovered, this ancient city in the jungle offers visitors a rare and humbling glimpse into a civilization that mastered architecture, astronomy, and jungle living. It's an absolute bucket-list destination in Guatemala, and a highlight of my Central America backpacking trip.
📸 PRO TIP: Take your best camera—Tikal is a content creator’s dream with panoramic jungle views, ancient pyramids, and wildlife all around.
🧭 Essential Travel Info for Tikal, Guatemala:
- Location: Tikal National Park, Petén, northern GuatemalaEntry Fee: 150 Quetzales (cash only)Best Time to Visit: Dry season (Nov–Apr), but bring a rain jacket regardlessTours: Easily booked through hostels like Los Amigos or Casa Maya Itza
✈️ After Tikal, I flew back to Guatemala City, en route to Mexico City and Oaxaca—coming up in future episodes!
Book Hostal Cada de Grethel on Booking.com
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to the Winging It Travel Podcast
00:30 Journey to Tikal: Planning and Logistics
02:20 Experiencing Flores: Accommodation Insights
04:14 Exploring Tikal: The Guided Tour Begins
05:41 The Wonders of Tikal: History and Architecture
09:00 The Mysteries of Tikal: Collapse and Rediscovery
10:26 Final Thoughts on Tikal: Recommendations and Reflections
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