Things to Do in Tikal

Guatemala, Tikal, and Rio Dulce Tour Activities

With Caravan, enjoying experiences and sightseeing through a foreign country is easier than ever. We plan your trip for you, selecting conveniently located hotels, entertaining activities, and lively tours to fill your vacation. Each day offers something different, with carved-out time for various activities plus free time to explore the area independently.

There are numerous things to do in Tikal, Guatemala, whether you appreciate exploring ancient ruins or wandering through museums to soak up ancient history. In our Guatemala, Tikal, and Rio Dulce tour, we include the following activities.

Visit Local Museums

If you’re a history buff, you’ll love day two, which contains a few of the best things to do in Tikal. The tour takes you to the Popol Vuh Museum and Ixchel Museum. The former is teeming with Guatemala’s pre-Columbian cultures, featuring beautiful collections of pottery and jewelry from years gone by.

The latter focuses on the indigenous Guatemalan tradition of textile weaving, giving you the opportunity to explore the history and background of ancient clothing and textile traditions. Soak up your newfound knowledge as you wander the halls of each museum, learning more about the country and its rich history.

Enjoy Lake Petén Itzá

As the second-largest lake in Guatemala, Lake Petén Itzá is worth a stop. On day three, you’ll take a scenic drive to the Petén region of Guatemala, the heart of Mayan civilization. Enjoy the panoramic views throughout the drive before eventually arriving at your hotel, which is nestled on the shores of the lake and boasts spectacular views from cozy balconies.

Explore the Ancient Mayan Ruins

While you enjoy your trip, take time to explore the nearby ancient Mayan ruins, an area packed with rich history and intriguing remnants. Day four is dedicated to the ruins of Tikal, one of the grandest Mayan cities.

This city was settled in 700 B.C. and was four times larger than initially believed. It’s tucked in the remote jungles of the Peten Peninsula, discovered for the first time in 1848. Today, you can wander through the shaded wilderness, observing the remnants of ancient temples and plazas as you listen to wildlife frolic through the flanking jungle.

Shop on Flores Island

Day five’s activities take you to the small island of Flores, flanked by the blue waters of Lake Petén Itzá. A small boat will carry you from your hotel to Flores Island, a small colonial-style capital of Petén. There are plenty of opportunities for exploration and shopping for local souvenirs and handicrafts to take home with you.

Take a Jungle Cruise

Day six entails a thrilling boat ride on the Rio Dulce, which takes you 30 miles along the river. This area is lush, teeming with water lilies and thick vegetation, and home to various tropical birds, butterflies, and other creatures.

Your journey will take you to Livingston, a Garifuna fishing village along the Caribbean coast, past the 16th-century Castillo de San Felipe, a Spanish fortress, and back to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon.

Wander through Quiriguá

Your last day of this tour doesn’t disappoint, taking you to Quiriguá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its impressively preserved Mayan archeological site. It’s full of beautiful masterpieces created by artists long gone and is considered to be one of the largest bodies of Mayan art in the world.

As you stroll through the site, take in the intricately carved stone animal sculptures and massive stelae, which are monoliths inscribed with ancient writings. They detail the rich history of the Mayan civilization, enshrining ancient stories in rock formations.

Book a Tikal Adventure With Caravan Today!

Tikal has much to offer its visitors, especially those who enjoy rich history. If you’re ready to explore Guatemala’s Tikal ruins, a guided tour might be the ideal way to do it. With Caravan, all you need to do is book your tour and flight, then let us handle the details. Our Guatemala, Tikal, and Rio Dulce tour takes you to key points in Guatemala to maximize your experience.

Ready to explore Guatemala and Tikal? Call us at 1-800-CARAVAN or 1-800-312-321-9800 to book a trip today!

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Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

Fully Guided by Tour Directors

All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

All-inclusive

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

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Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

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Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.

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Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).

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