2-Day Trip to Tikal and Yaxha Ruins

Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal and Yaxha is a captivating journey through Guatemala’s rich history. Travelers can enjoy the grandeur of Tikal’s iconic structures and uncover the mysteries of the Classic Mayan civilization with expert guidance. Then, they’ll venture to the lesser-known Yaxha site, where climbing pyramids offers breathtaking jungle vistas. This 2-day adventure promises a personalized experience, complete with transportation, meals, and small group sizes. Intrigued by the prospect of uncovering Mayan wonders?

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Key Points

Explore the iconic Tikal and Yaxha Mayan ruins in Guatemala’s Petén region over a 2-day guided tour.
Day 1 focuses on the grandeur of Tikal, including its towering temples, royal palaces, and ornate monuments.
Day 2 visits the lesser-known Yaxha site, featuring impressive temple-pyramids and ceremonial plazas.
Guided tours provide insights into the architectural marvels and religious traditions of the Classic Maya civilization.
The package includes entrance fees, transportation, meals, and services of bilingual guides, suitable for travelers interested in Mayan history.

Overview of the Trip

This 2-day trip offers a comprehensive exploration of two significant ancient Mayan sites, Tikal and Yaxha, located in the heart of Guatemala’s Petén region.

The first day is dedicated to visiting the impressive Tikal ruins, featuring towering temples, royal palaces, and intricate monuments that illuminate the grandeur of the Classic Mayan civilization.

On the second day, the journey continues to the Yaxha ruins, another important center of Mayan culture and religion.

Guided tours, round-trip hotel transportation, and meals are all included, making this an immersive and stress-free experience for travelers interested in Mayan history and architecture.

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Day 1: Exploring Tikal

The first day of the journey is dedicated to exploring the captivating Tikal ruins.

Travelers enjoy the grandeur of this ancient Mayan site, beginning with the iconic Temple I, also known as the "Temple of the Great Jaguar." They’ll marvel at the towering temples, royal palaces, and intricate monuments that offer a glimpse into Tikal’s rich history and advanced civilization.

Travelers enjoy the grandeur of Tikal’s ancient Mayan site, marveling at its towering temples and intricate monuments.

Guided tours provide insights into the site’s architectural marvels, religious traditions, and the daily lives of the Mayan people.

Visitors will have ample time to wander the site, soak in the atmosphere, and capture stunning photographs.

Highlights of Tikal

Towering temples, grand plazas, and intricate monuments define the highlights of the Tikal ruins.

Visitors can climb the iconic Temple IV, one of the tallest pre-Columbian structures in the Americas, to behold sweeping views of the jungle canopy.

The Central Acropolis, a complex of royal palaces, reveals the powerful Mayan dynasty that once ruled the region.

Ornate stelae and altars scattered throughout the site offer insights into the civilization’s rich religious traditions and rituals.

With expert guides leading the way, travelers can enjoy the grandeur and mystery of this legendary Mayan city.

Day 2: Visiting Yaxha

On the second day, travelers venture to the ancient Maya site of Yaxha.

After a scenic drive, they explore this lesser-known but equally impressive ruin. Yaxha boasts impressive temple-pyramids, royal palaces, and ceremonial plazas.

The bilingual guide leads them through the site, sharing insights into Yaxha’s role as a significant center during the Classic Maya period.

Visitors climb to the top of the pyramids, taking in panoramic views of the jungle landscape.

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, allowing ample time to wander and soak in the tranquil atmosphere before returning to Flores.

Significance of Yaxha

Yaxha stands as one of the most significant ancient Maya sites in Guatemala, boasting a rich history and architectural grandeur that captivates visitors. Once a thriving urban center during the Classic period, Yaxha was a prominent religious and administrative hub. The site features an impressive array of temples, plazas, and palace complexes that offer a glimpse into the vibrant civilization that once occupied this land.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Temples | Towering pyramids and temples that dominate the landscape |

| Plazas | Expansive public gathering spaces for ceremonies and rituals |

| Palaces | Elaborate royal residences and administrative buildings |

| Causeways | Raised walkways that connected different parts of the city |

The well-preserved ruins of Yaxha provide a valuable window into the past, allowing visitors to enjoy the ancient Mayan world.

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Costs and Inclusions

The 2-day trip to the Tikal and Yaxha ruins is priced from $70.00 per person.

This covers entrance fees to Tikal ($20.00) and Yaxha ($10.00), as well as shared transportation to both sites.

Travelers will have the services of bilingual guides for 3 hours at Tikal and 2 hours at Yaxha.

Drinks and lunch are also included.

The trip uses shared vans and minivans for transportation.

Tips are already covered in the package price.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or medical conditions, and the group size is capped at 12 people.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The meeting point for this 2-day trip is YO AMO PETEN, located at the entrance of Flores.

Travelers will be picked up from this central location and transported to the Tikal and Yaxha ruins sites. At the end of the tour, the group will return to the original meeting point.

The transportation for this trip includes a shared van for the Tikal portion and a shared minivan for the Yaxha portion. This ensures a comfortable and efficient journey throughout the excursion.

Pickup and drop-off at the specified meeting point make for a seamless start and end to the 2-day Mayan ruins adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Strenuous Is the Hiking During the Tour?

The hiking on this tour is moderately strenuous. It requires a strong physical fitness level, as visitors will be exploring ruins that involve climbing stairs and walking over uneven terrain for several hours each day.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Water?

Travelers can bring their own food and water for the tour. The tour provides drinks, but allowing personal items gives more flexibility and control over one’s sustenance during the extensive hiking at the Tikal and Yaxha ruins.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has a minimum age requirement of 18 years old. Children under 18 are not permitted to join the tour, as it requires a strong level of physical fitness and hiking ability.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Ruins?

While the tour package does not include an extended stay at the ruins, you can explore the sites at your own pace after the guided portions. However, additional fees may apply beyond the tour duration.

What Type of Weather Should I Expect During the Trip?

The weather in Flores, Guatemala is typically warm and humid year-round. Travelers can expect temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit and occasional rain showers, so packing lightweight, breathable clothing and rain protection is recommended for this 2-day trip.

The Sum Up

This 2-day trip to Tikal and Yaxha offers a chance to immerse in Guatemala’s captivating Mayan heritage. Discover the grandeur of Tikal’s iconic temples, then explore the lesser-known Yaxha site for breathtaking jungle views. With transportation, meals, and small group sizes, this personalized experience is perfect for history enthusiasts seeking an enriching adventure.