Tikal Cultural Tours & Trip Packages

Tikal Cultural Tours & Trips

59 Tikal trips. Tours from 28 tour companies. 255 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

42 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Cultural
Central America Encompassed
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Chichen Itza, Lake Atitlan, Mexico City, Palenque, Panajachel, Playa del Carmen, San Cristobal, San Ignacio, San Juan, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • Explore the stunning Mayan temples of Palenque dating back to AD600 and stroll through Chichen Itza – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Visit the community of San Pedro Tlahuac – home to Nahuatl descendants who practice traditions like chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies.
  • Spend two days exploring the island paradise of Caye Caulker – munch on barbecued lobster, snorkel around a coral reef, nap under palm trees, go kayaking or just kick back with a couple of worry-free beach days.
  • Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna – a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family and see how they harvest their local medicinal plants.
  • Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, then maybe grab a beer and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Central American Adventure
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Arenal Volcano, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Copan, Granada, La Fortuna, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Leon, Monteverde, Ometepe, Pacific Coast, Panajachel, Salvador, San Ignacio, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna, a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
  • Caribbean Caye Caulker is a dreamy place to spend two days with no plans. Munch barbecue lobster? Snorkel in coral reef? Nap under a palm tree? It’s up to you.
  • Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, then maybe grab a beer and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.
  • Quaint Suchitoto is a contemporary arts hub with a colonial facade. Explore the flower-studded balconies, galleries housed in 19th-century buildings and a lake teeming with thousands of local birds.
  • Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and unique Central American wildlife.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Mayan Encounter
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Flores, Playa del Carmen, San Ignacio, Tikal

Highlights

  • Listen to howler monkeys from the top of temple iv at tikal
  • Revel in caye caulker sunsets
  • Sway to reggae beats wafting through the belizean air
  • Wander the colonial streets of antigua

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Mayan Sun Southbound: Boat Rides & Ruins
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Cancún, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Flores, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Lake Atitlan, Playa del Carmen, San Ignacio, San Juan, Tikal

Highlights

  • Relax on white-sand beaches
  • Bask in caye caulker sunsets and reggae music
  • Experience a local homestay
  • Explore gorgeous colonial antigua and its colourful markets

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Mayan Discovery
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Blue Hole, Cancún, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Flores, Mayan Riviera, Palenque, Playa del Carmen, San Ignacio, San José, Tikal

Highlights

  • Explore mayan temples
  • Spot monkeys in the jungle
  • Chill out on a belizean island
  • Stare out into the caribbean blue from a mayan riviera beach

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Grand tour of Guatemala
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Chichicastenango, Lake Atitlan, Mayan ruins of Copan, Tikal

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

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The Maya and More: History and Culture of Honduras, Guatemala and Belize
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Chichicastenango, Copan, Lake Atitlan, Santiago, Tikal

Highlights

  • Discover the extraordinary Maya ruins at Copan, Tikal, Cahal Pech, Iximche and Lamanai
  • In Honduras, examine traditional chocolate production and visit a local school for insights into the educational system
  • Embrace the old world charm of Antigua and learn about local handicraft traditions at the famous colorful indigenous market of Chichicastenango, filled with textiles, handicrafts and food

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Route of the Maya
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • Visit the Museo de la Palabra y la Imagen
  • Visit San Salvador Cathedral, a lovely structure in the center of the city and the burial site of Oscar Romero
  • See a display of military tanks, trucks, and helicopters
  • The most impressive remnant is the Hieroglyphic Stairway
  • Enjoy stunning views of the ruins of Copán as we ride, as well as the opportunity to spot more of Honduras’ colorful wildlife
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."

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42 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Cultural

Tikal Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
255  Reviews
See all Tikal tour reviews
Excellent
64
Great
20
Average
0
Disappointing
1
Terrible
0
B

Brianna M.

Feb 2023

Written on

The company was well-organized and I enjoyed every activity they planned for this trip!

Although I have a friend from Guatemala who has told how magnificent the country is, I had never gone. One night I was doing research when I came across CharlieTheTr...

J

Jon H.

Feb 2023

Written on

The Guatemala trip through CharlieTheTraveler had so much packed into 6 days.

The Guatemala trip through CharlieTheTraveler had so much packed into 6 days. I had such a good time on each daytrip and going to each attraction. I was intrigued by...

S

Susan T.

Feb 2023

Written on

CharlieTheTraveler did an amazing job keeping me busy with interesting and exciting activities on this trip.

The entire time I was in Guatemala, I seemed to forget about the stresses and worries of homelife, which is exactly what I wanted out of a trip. CharlieTheTraveler d...

T

Tom Walker

Feb 2023

Written on

CharlieTheTraveler balanced nature and culture in this Guatemala trip.

CharlieTheTraveler balanced nature and culture in this Guatemala trip. It was awesome to go on the exhilarating excursions. I could not believe all of this way for o...

K

Kelly E.

Feb 2023

Written on

CharlieTheTraveler has all positive reviews online, which made it an easy choice to book my Guatemala trip through them.

CharlieTheTraveler has all positive reviews online, which made it an easy choice to book my Guatemala trip through them. They ensured I was safe throughout the trip ...

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Tikal Tour Selection Trips

  • Many Guatemala tours include either a sunrise or sunset tour of Tikal. This is a typical highlight for travelers visiting Tikal, who get to see the beautiful starry sky, and listen to the sounds of the jungle as a new group of animals begin to wake up. However, you may be wondering which to choose. When deciding, your main consideration will be whether or not you want to leave the park in the dark, or have an early start to your day. In both situations, the park will be emptier than usual and you will have an equally good view (the land around Tikal is flat).
  • Tikal is a lot bigger than most tourists expect, with many large buildings and areas to visit. If you are interested in archaeology, ancient history, or the Mayans specifically, you may want to schedule a couple days of touring the ruins. If not, consider visiting some of the most popular spots: TIkal Temple I, Temple IV, Temple II, and Mundo Perdido.
  • If you are a particularly avid birdwatcher, you may want to schedule two days at Tikal: one dedicated to the ruins, and one dedicated toward seeking out the over 400 species of tropical bird that live in the park.

Additional details

Tikal, Guatemala: What to Wear

When traveling in Tikal, your primary concern should be to keep the weather in mind. High humidity is consistent throughout the year, and the tropical environment means there is always a slight chance of rain. For this reason, it’s best to carry a small plastic poncho or a rain jacket with you. Besides that, make sure your clothing is breathable and comfortable.

The archaeological site of Tikal is open-air, and so if it is sunny you may want to wear a hat. If you are sensitive to bug bites, you may also want to consider packing some repellent as well as wearing long sleeves.

As for footwear, you will be walking a fair bit between the various buildings of the complex, so you will want to be wearing something comfortable. All of the main trails are well-groomed, so you can wear open-toed sandals if you’d like, otherwise we recommend a pair of sneakers.  

Best Time to Visit & Tikal Weather

Tikal has a warm and humid tropical climate all year around, with slight variations depending on the season. The coolest time of the year is in the winter (temperatures in January average in the mid-70’s), and the warmest month of the year is may, where daytime highs reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit, though temperatures usually average in the mid 80’s.

Tikal is located in the heart of a rainforest, should you always expect humidity and light chance of rain during your visit. However, if you are truly looking to avoid the rain, the driest time of the year ranges from January to may, with April being the driest month.

For these ranges, it is often said the best time to visit Tikal is in the winter and spring, where the climate is cooler and drier. Traveling at this time of year also means that you miss the influx of summer tourists, many arriving daily on large cruises of Central America.

Tikal Travel Tips

  • Once you get into Guatemala (if you are traveling across the border from Belize, which is the most common route of travel), you will be approached by multiple vendors offering to exchange your dollars for Guatemalan currency. Be aware their exchange rates are not always to be trusted, and there will be ATMs in upcoming towns.
  • The economy in Tikal is almost completely tourist-based, meaning there are many tours to choose from. Compare the best Guatemala tours here on Stride to find the best one that visits Tikal for your travel style.
  • The water in the area is not potable (even the locals don’t drink it) so be sure to always be drinking from a bottle.
  • The ticket buying process to enter Tikal National Park is complicated -- tickets cannot be purchased on site, and must be bought with cash. Luckily, your tour guide will probably handle the entire process. If your tour does not purchase your tickets for you, do not be afraid to ask for guidance from the operator throughout the process.

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