Petén

Guatemala

Crumbling temples wrapped in tangled jungles

Although off-the-beaten-path (a short flight from Guatemala City), the ancient temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal is a must-see when visiting Guatemala. You'll likely fly into Flores from Guatemala City and head out to Tikal (a 1-2 hour shuttle from Flores) or stay in Flores and commute from there. Unfortunately, there are no hotels in Tikal itself, but there are a handful of decent overnight options close by. We also recommend adding Belize to the itinerary — an easy excursion from Tikal and a perfect beachside getaway in combination with Guatemala.

Straight out of a Raiders of the Lost Arc jungle set, Tikal is one of the largest and most important uncovered Mayan cities — mist swirling through the distant pyramids, howler monkeys screeching, and crumbling temples hidden amidst tangled jungle overgrowth. We definitely recommend hiring a local guide to explain the history and walk you through the sites, preferably at sunrise. Sunrise tours are spectacular, so we suggest staying in one of the lodges close to the park (or it’s a 4:30 am wake-up call heading out of Flores).

The Offbeat Goat spotlights two eco-forward boutique hotels within close proximity to Tikal.

Browse through the Offbeat Goat collection

Stays in Petén

Featured

Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

A sleek, stylish jungle eco-lodge nestled into a private nature reserve overlooking protected forests and lagoon-like landscapes.

the highlights

Take advantage of the location and explore the many lesser-known ruins, including Uxactun, Yaxhá, Topoxte, Nakum, Dos Pilas, Aguateca, and Seibal (day tours possible).

Delight in a traditional Mayan sauna (called a temazcal) using volcanic stones to produce heat.

Join a bird-watching tour and delight in spotting birds (think: parrots, toucans, motmots, kingfishers, hummingbirds, falcons, and vultures).

For adventure seekers, join an aerial walkway tour with Canopy Tours Tikal, zip line, or ride horseback through the rainforest.

Join a sunset cruise or kayak on the Lago Petén Itzá (you can borrow a boat), try your hand at fishing, or simply marvel at the many lakeshore villages.

Explore the less-visited sites (but worth seeing), including Yaxháin (a forest lagoon), Topoxte (the only post-classic Maya site in Peten), or Ceibal (considered the “Mayan Art Gallery” with its well-preserved carvings).

Often overlooked, the laid-back Flores is worth a tour, boasting pretty colonial buildings, native architecture, and many cute shops with local handicrafts.

Walk around in the jungle at Cerro Cahui National Reserve and venture up to the stunning lookout over Lake Petén Itzá.