Tikal Maya Ruin

10+ Hours

Tour Duration

Moderate

Tour Intensity

Min of 2

Number of persons for the tour

Brief information

Tikal is an Archaeological Maya city located in the northern Petén province of Guatemala. During the time of the Maya Empire, Tikal was a very important and influential city, controlling vast stretches of territory and dominating smaller city-states. Tikal fell into decline around 900 A.D. or so and was eventually abandoned. It is currently an important archaeological and tourism site.

Archaeological records near Tikal go back to about 1000 B.C. and by 300 B.C. or so it was already a thriving city. By the Maya Early Classic era (roughly 300 A.D.) it was an important urban center, thriving as other nearby cities declined. The Tikal royal lineage traced their roots to Yax Ehb’ Xook, a powerful early ruler who lived sometime during the Pre-classic period.

The Maya civilization began to crumble around 700 A.D. and by 900 A.D. or so it was a shadow of its former self. Teotihuacán, once such a powerful influence on Maya politics, itself fell into ruin about 700 and was no longer a factor in Maya life, although its cultural influences in art and architecture remained. Historians disagree on why the Maya civilization collapsed: it may have been due to famine, disease, warfare, climate change or any combination of those factors. Tikal also declined, the last recorded date on a Tikal monument is 869 A.D. and historians think that by 950 A.D. the city was essentially abandoned.

Tikal is one of Guatemala’s most important tourist sites, enjoyed annually by thousands of visitors from all over the world. Tikal National Park, which included the archaeological complex and the surrounding rainforest, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to bring/wear

  • Good Hiking shoes
  • Bug repellent
  • Camera
  • Extra water
  • Snacks
  • Passport

What we provide

  • Transportation
  • Entrance fee
  • Lunch
  • Gear

Map

Our Clients Reviews

  • star rating  The most memorable experience in Belize - Just came back from our ATM cave tour with Orlando from Kaatz Witz Tours . Pick up from the guest house where we are staying, nice air-conditioned van with lunch... read more

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    April 24, 2024

    star rating  The best tour for ATM and Xunantunich!!  - Absolutely amazing day with Orlando guiding my husband and I through the ATM Cave and Xunantunich! He’s been guiding for 20 years and is truly an expert with so much... read more

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    January 27, 2024

    star rating  Orlando was our guide for the ATM caves. He was an excellent guide and the tour was a really fun and interesting experience. Would highly recommend booking.
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    August 2, 2023
  • star rating  We had Orlando as our ATM cave guide. He was a wonderful guide, and happily answered all my questions, made sure the group was doing ok at every turn, and... read more

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    August 22, 2022

    star rating  Orlando took us on an amazing trip to the ATM caves!! We enjoyed the day with him learning about the jungle, caves and history of the Mayan people. Orlando was... read more

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    June 14, 2022

    star rating  Have you ever walked away from something and said to yourself "WOW!! that experience could not have been any better and it's all because of the person who was gracious... read more

    joellenandjoe
    April 16, 2022
  • star rating  Excellent! Orlando explained the history and cultural relevance of the site! Highly recommend this personalized tour of this Underground Maya Ruin

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    January 23, 2022

    star rating  We went on this adventure with an expert on the ATM cave who told us a lot of interesting facts and stories about its magical history. Any question we asked... read more

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    December 25, 2021

    star rating  Our trip to the ATM cave with Orlando from Katz Witz Maya Tours was nothing short of mind blowing!

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    November 26, 2021
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    November 11, 2021

    star rating  We had an excellent time with Orlando exploring the ATM caves. He is a very knowledgeable tour guide and we felt extremely comfortable exploring the caves with him!! ... read more

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    star rating  My 18yo son and I were guided by our new friend Orlando into an experience we will remember for the rest of our lives. We learned and experienced so... read more

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    September 7, 2021