Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 7926-0002;
www.jaguartikal.com
; campsite per person Q25, with tent Q80, s/d Q395/590; )
The
inn of choice for youthful, independent travelers has duplex and quad bungalows with
thatched roofs and hammocks on the porches, plus a smart little restaurant with a popular
terrace out front. For those on a tight budget there are tents for rent on a platform.
Jungle Lodge $$$
( 2477-0570;
www.junglelodgetikal.com
; s/d Q622/772, without bathroom Q298/338; )
Nearest of
the hotels to the site entrance, this was originally built to house archaeologists working at
Tikal. Self-contained bungalows, plus a bank of cheaper units, are well spaced throughout
rambling, jungly grounds. The restaurant-bar (mains Q80 to Q100) serves veggie pasta,
crepes, pepper steak and other international dishes in a tropical ambience.
HOTEL
Orientation
The archaeological site is at the center of the 550-sq-km Parque Nacional Tikal. The road
from Flores enters the park 19km south of the ruins. From the parking lot at the site, it's a
short walk back to the junction where there's an information kiosk. Immediately south of
this junction, a visitor center sells books, maps, souvenirs, hats, insect repellent, sun block
and other necessities; it also houses a restaurant and museum (
Click here
)
. Near the visitor
center are Tikal's three hotels, a camping area, a few small
comedores
and a second mu-
seum.
It's a five-minute walk from the ticket control booth to the entry gate. Just beyond,
there's a large map posted. From here, it's a 1.5km walk (20 minutes) southwest to the
Gran Plaza. From the Gran Plaza west to Templo IV it's over 600m.
Information
Tickets are Q150 per person; if purchased after 4pm they're valid for the whole next day.
Everyone must purchase a ticket at the entry gate on the road in. Those staying more than
one day can purchase additional tickets at the ticket control booth along the path to the
site entrance. Seeing the sunrise from Templo IV at the west end of the main site is pos-
sible from about October to March, but to enter the park before or after visiting hours you
must purchase an additional ticket for Q100, presumably to pay the guide who must ac-
company you.
The core of the ancient city takes up about 16 sq km, with more than 4000 structures.
To visit all the major building complexes, you must walk at least 10km, probably more, so
