Antigua to Tikal
 

Hi all:
Does anyone have any experience with getting from Antigua to Tikal? I assume if we are going to fly we have to go back to Guatemala City and would like to know what airlines/experiences people have had. Is it possible/worthwhile to do Tikal in one day? Thanks very much.

You can take a nightly pullman bus from Antigua to Tikal, very comfortable reclining seat, taking about 9 hours. I remember that I slept very well on the bus.

You need at least 7 hours to see the main things in Tikal, so one day is possible.

After your bus arriving in Flores, If you plan to say inside the park overnight, which I did, take a shuttle bus to Tikal from Flores. If you arrive in the park after 3pm, your ticket is good for the next day as well. Then get up early the next morning to climb up to T4 for the sunrise.

You can stay in Flores over night and catch the first morning shuttle bus to Tikal. Flores is an interesting town by itself.

Also, if you plan to stay inside the park, and you arrive in high season, book your room well in advance. I was in there in August last year with no reservation. I just showed up and fortunately got a room, but it was risky.

Tikal is on a par to Machu Picchu, the best archaelogical sites in C/S America. So plan your trip carefully and you'll enjoy it.

Went from Antigua to GUA and flwe some local airline to Flores. One hour +-. Stayed at the Jungle Lodge. Would do it again.

As for flying, expect to have your bags checked thoroughly for fruit. Like the others I highly recommend staying at the Jungle Lodge inside Tikal, especially if you are also interested in wildlife. Early morning and evenings at Tikal are incredible.

- Sharon

Thanks, everyone, for the information. It sounds as if Tikal is definitely worth an overnight stay. thanks again.