3 Best Hotels in Tikal, Guatemala

Perhaps the best accommodations in Tikal, this lodge's cobblestone footpaths will lead you through a tamed jungle (but not so tame as to deny you a hello from a spider monkey or an iguana) to remodeled bungalows, painted with elegant interpretations of Maya motifs. The original structure was built almost 60 years ago to house archaeologists working at Tikal; those rooms are now the budget options with shared baths. If your budget allows, choose one of the bungalows or suites instead. The Jungle Lodge remains an affordable option in the park, but recent upgrades have made some rooms more luxurious—with outdoor showers, Jacuzzis, and other tropical amenities—and more expensive. The food is underflavored and overpriced: stay here and eat elsewhere (the two other park hotels have restaurants).

This hotel has the feel of a backpacker's lodge without backpacker prices, but it's in the park, and despite the less-than-luxe mattress, you'll awaken to birdsong. Jaguar Inn has a decent if overpriced restaurant with shaded outdoor seating. Rooms of different sizes have tile floors, fans, and wooden furnishings, with Guatemalan fabrics. You can also camp here on a crowded platform for about Q110 (US$15) per person, including complete supplies and use of bathrooms and showers (we don't recommend this option). The inn optimistically promises electricity from a generator 24 hours a day, but hot water is only available from 6 am to 9 am, and 6 pm to 9 pm. The hotel will pick you up in Melchor near the border for US$90 one-way for two people.

The cluster of bungalows, set farthest from the park entrance, wraps around a well-manicured garden and a pool, which you will be very happy to see after trekking through the ruins. There are several types of accommodations: bungalows (the best choice), junior suites in two buildings, and rooms in the main lodge building and in an outbuilding. The bungalows have thatch roofs and stucco walls decorated with traditional fabrics. Electricity is limited. A restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner has a menu with daily specials. Some bookings require a breakfast and dinner package. Try to avoid this as the food is underwhelming.