A major, dominant site set in the jungles of Guatemala

Budget Friendly Private Tikal tour from San Ignacio - 4 Pax Min

A tour of this site is sure to satisfy your hunger for adventure. Located in what is commonly known as the Mayan Biosphere Reserve in Peten, the ancient Maya city of Tikal in Guatemala offers an experience unlike any other.

The first expedition to Tikal was in 1848 AD and is a modern name that means the waterhole. Tikal almost became an empire but Calakmul and Caracol had a different plan and conquered them in 562 AD

The building you presently see at Tikal started to be built after 700 AD because their conquerors only allowed Temple 5 to be built. After 700 AD Tikal started to restore its former glory but then the classic collapse occurred in the central lowlands.

Tikal was first seen by Andrea De Alvanando in 1696 AD. This city was one of the most powerful kingdoms, and at the height of its rule, was home to almost 120,000 Mayas. In 1979, UNESCO designated the ruins a World Heritage Site, a national symbol, and a source of pride in the past.

The city is a crucial part of Tikal National Park which aside from housing the Mayan Temples, palaces, and remains of small dwellings, and tombs, is also home to a large variety of flora and fauna. This includes 5 jungle cats, various anteaters, monkeys, and a vast variety of birds.

Tikal Maya Ruin Tips and Advisory

Tikal Tour Experience with us!

Kawiil Tours is an inbound tour operator for Belize and is owned and operated by Luis Zaiden. Luis grew up in San Ignacio Town, Cayo district in the beautiful foothills of the Maya mountain. From a young age, Luis had a passion for history and nature. He spent most of his childhood with his friends playing in the river and also playing hide and seek in what is now Cahal Pech Archeological site. He never knew at the time that he would end up running his very own Tour Company. Nevertheless, that came to an end when he went to high school and eventually started working in Belize City.

KaWiil Tours offers the best of Western Belize. Luis and his licensed tour guides are well-trained and highly educated in Maya History. Travelers refer to Luis as having an "Encyclopedic Memory" of nature and history.

Book Tikal Tour Today!

    Here’s what people have to say about us

    Hannah SchilppHannah Schilpp
    02:55 15 Mar 24
    We did the cave tour with Luis and it was incredible! It far surpasses our expectations. Luis knows his stuff and takes his time to share his knowledge. He’s also funny which made the trip more enjoyable! And his wife made a fabulous lunch!
    Niquita EngNiquita Eng
    16:03 09 Mar 24
    So glad we got in with Luis! He took his time explaining little details I think would have otherwise been missed. I really appreciate his professionalism and the high standards he holds tour guides to. Luis holds tour guides accountable for educating their tourists. He gave us factual information without dancing around things that may upset people because, history doesn't care too much about your beliefs. I learned alot on this tour and if you go in with an open mind, you will love it!
    Trey VTrey V
    14:15 08 Mar 24
    Luis was amazing. We took our 5 children (ages 7 to 17), and Luis kept it fun and interesting for us all. Good pace, unbelievable depth of knowledge, and the best laugh we’ve heard. Our kids talk more about Luis than the cave. Can’t recommend him enough.
    Jeremy HimleJeremy Himle
    02:49 21 Feb 24
    Just finished our tour of ATM cave today and had a blast with Luis. While the other tour operators were rushing past us, Luis spoke about Mayan history and educated our group about historical events that shaped the cave history. He took his time and helped my girlfriend through difficult spots, and was observant to the needs of our small group. Many of the experiences we had were unique to other groups and I was so grateful for the memories he created. I’m sure that you might find a less expensive rush tour, but Luis has been guiding tours for over 20 years and it shows. I can’t recommend him enough. (Photo for attention purposes as no photos are allowed at ATM)
    Brian ChapmanBrian Chapman
    02:23 17 Feb 24
    Our guide John was great! You could tell he really loves his country and all the beauty it has to show us. Thanks for sharing with us.
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