Tikal Is an Easy Day Trip From San Ignacio, Belize  

by McNab Editorial Team
tikal

The Maya ruins at Tikal in Flores, Guatemala are awe-inspiring, and they’re an easy day trip from Belize. If you’re staying in San Ignacio, you can head out there in the morning and be back by the afternoon.

tikal

Don’t Miss the Chance to See the Ancient Maya City of Tikal

Thousands of years ago, the Maya built intricately planned, highly developed cities throughout Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. One of the greatest was the Maya “super city” of Tikal, which was home to more than 100,000 people at its peak. Tikal was the wealthiest, most powerful city of its day.

The site is one of the most famous Maya ruins in the world thanks to its incredible size, historical importance, and appearance in hundreds of movies, posters, photographs, and music videos. Parts of the movie Star Wars: Episode Four were filmed there. The vast archaeological site includes seven pyramids, ball courts, temples, hundreds of homes and the Great Plaza of Tikal.

Tikal is an outstanding example of the Maya civilization’s advancements in engineering, architecture, and art. In 1970, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When you go there, make the most of your visit by hiring a knowledgeable guide and visiting the museum to learn more about the ancient Maya and Tikal.

Stunning Surroundings

The trip to Tikal is wonderfully scenic. The ruins are located in Tikal National Park, which encompasses 220 square miles of protected rainforest. The park is part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. In the midst of dense, lush jungle, you’ll spot a huge variety of wildlife and exotic birds.

You’ll experience the same amazement felt by ancient travelers who journeyed through the jungle to the great city. Climbing to the top of a pyramid gives you an incomparable view of the area.

How to Visit Tikal

If you’re staying in San Ignacio, Belize, Tikal is only a 90-minute drive away. Your best option is to make arrangements with a tour company or your hotel. Traveling to Guatemala means crossing an international border so you need proper documentation and you will have to pay a departure fee when you leave Belize. It’s easier to go with an experienced tour guide who can make those arrangements in addition to providing round-trip transportation.

Don’t forget to bring good hiking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent.

If you want to see more Maya ruins in San Ignacio Town, you can also check out the Cahal Pech

Tikal Is an Easy Day Trip From San Ignacio, Belize  

The Maya ruins at Tikal in Flores, Guatemala are awe-inspiring, and they’re an easy day trip from Belize. If you’re staying in San Ignacio, you can head out there in the morning and be back by the afternoon.

Don’t Miss the Chance to See the Ancient Maya City of Tikal

Thousands of years ago, the Maya built intricately planned, highly developed cities throughout Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. One of the greatest was the Maya “super city” of Tikal, which was home to more than 100,000 people at its peak. Tikal was the wealthiest, most powerful city of its day.

The site is one of the most famous Maya ruins in the world thanks to its incredible size, historical importance, and appearance in hundreds of movies, posters, photographs, and music videos. Parts of the movie Star Wars: Episode Four were filmed there. The vast archaeological site includes seven pyramids, ball courts, temples, hundreds of homes and the Great Plaza of Tikal.

Tikal is an outstanding example of the Maya civilization’s advancements in engineering, architecture, and art. In 1970, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When you go there, make the most of your visit by hiring a knowledgeable guide and visiting the museum to learn more about the ancient Maya and Tikal.

Stunning Surroundings

The trip to Tikal is wonderfully scenic. The ruins are located in Tikal National Park, which encompasses 220 square miles of protected rainforest. The park is part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. In the midst of dense, lush jungle, you’ll spot a huge variety of wildlife and exotic birds.

You’ll experience the same amazement felt by ancient travelers who journeyed through the jungle to the great city. Climbing to the top of a pyramid gives you an incomparable view of the area.

How to Visit Tikal

If you’re staying in San Ignacio, Belize, Tikal is only a 90-minute drive away. Your best option is to make arrangements with a tour company or your hotel. Traveling to Guatemala means crossing an international border so you need proper documentation and you will have to pay a departure fee when you leave Belize. It’s easier to go with an experienced tour guide who can make those arrangements in addition to providing round-trip transportation.

Don’t forget to bring good hiking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent.

If you want to see more Maya ruins in San Ignacio Town, you can also check out the Cahal Pech Ruins.

Written by Larry Waight

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