Getting There & Away: Tikal

Air Travel Information

Major Airports and Airlines

The Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Santa Elena, Flores, Petén, serves as the main gateway for travelers heading to Tikal. This airport is relatively small but conveniently located.

Flight Routes

Domestic: TAG Airlines and Avianca offer regular flights from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City to FRS.
International (limited): Tropic Air provides flights to FRS from Belize City (BZE).
No direct intercontinental flights land at FRS. Most international travelers fly into GUA then take a domestic connecting flight.

Seasonal Flight Patterns

Flight frequency and prices for the GUA to FRS route tend to be higher during Guatemala's high season (December to February and Easter Week). Booking these flights well in advance is highly recommended.

Airport Facilities and Transfers

FRS has basic facilities: food stalls, car rental agencies, and tour operator desks.
Taxis from FRS to Flores Island take 10-15 minutes, costing GTQ 30-50.
Many hotels in Flores offer pick-up services from the airport.

Flight Search Options

Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner for comparing flight prices.

Car Rental

Explore car rental options via DiscoverCars.com for your trip.

Travel Document Tip

Have your passport and proof of onward travel ready for airport procedures.

Land Transportation Details

Border Crossings and Buses

From Belize: Cross at Benque Viejo del Carmen to Melchor de Mencos. Find collective taxis or buses to Flores (1.5-2 hours).
From Guatemala City: Overnight bus services to Santa Elena/Flores (10-12 hours) by ADN, Fuente del Norte, or Litegua.
From Antigua/Lake Atitlán: Direct shuttle services by tourist agencies (10-12+ hours).
Ensure all exit and entry procedures at border posts are complete.

Self-Driving and Road Conditions

Renting a car is an option; agencies are at FRS airport and Guatemala City.
A valid driver's license, passport, and major credit card are general requirements. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended.
Major roads are generally paved. Roads to remote areas can be unpaved and rough, especially in the wet season.
Driving at night outside of major towns is not recommended due to poor lighting, unmarked obstacles, and security concerns.

Sea/River Arrivals

Direct Access

Direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable for reaching Tikal, as it is an inland archaeological site situated deep within the Petén rainforest.

Closest Water Body

The closest significant body of water is Lake Petén Itzá, used for local transport and tours around Flores, not for international arrivals.

River Transportation

While some remote Maya sites in the Petén region are accessed via river journeys, Tikal itself does not have river access for public transportation or tourist arrivals.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures and Timing

Guatemala typically charges no explicit departure tax for tourists upon leaving the country. Any such fees are usually included in the price of your airline ticket.

Airport Arrival Times

For flights departing from Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), arrive at least 1-2 hours before your domestic flight.
For international flights (e.g., to Belize City), allow 2-3 hours.
FRS is a small airport, and check-in and security processes are relatively quick.

Airport and Station Facilities

FRS has basic amenities for departing travelers.

Amenities Available

A few souvenir shops offer last-minute gifts.
Snack bars or small cafes provide refreshments.
Check-in counters for your airline are present.

General Bus Terminal

If departing by long-distance bus from Santa Elena's bus terminal, expect basic facilities focused on transportation services rather than extensive amenities.

Departure Bus Facilities

Mainly waiting areas and ticket counters.
Limited small shops for basic necessities.
Public restrooms are available.

Confirm Your Flight

Always confirm your flight status with your airline before heading to the airport. This helps with any last-minute schedule changes or delays.

Flight Check-list

Have your boarding pass ready (mobile or printed).
Secure your luggage according to airline regulations.
Keep passport and any necessary travel documents handy.

Important Travel Notes

When driving, always fill your fuel tank before long journeys, as gas stations can be sparse in rural areas.
Road signage can be limited in some areas.
Book long-distance bus tickets in advance, especially during peak travel periods.

Pack essentials in your carry-on in case of checked baggage delays.
Be mindful of your total days within the CA-4 zone if visiting multiple countries.
Confirm with your airline if any departure taxes apply to your specific ticket.

Travel from Mundo Maya International Airport FRS

Airport Transfers

Upon arrival at FRS, several convenient transfer options can take you to Flores Island or your accommodation in Santa Elena.

Options for Transfer

Taxi: Readily available outside the airport terminal. A ride to Flores Island takes about 10-15 minutes, costing approximately GTQ 30-50. Confirm the fare.
Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels in Flores offer pick-up services. Some provide this as complimentary; others charge a small fee. Arrange this in advance.
Consider your budget and convenience when selecting a transfer option.

Border Crossing Specifics

For land travelers, border crossing procedures are important. From Mexico, the El Ceibo crossing is one option. From El Ceibo, buses connect to Santa Elena.

Considerations

Another common route involves crossing at La Mesilla (Mexico's Ciudad Cuauhtémoc) into Guatemala, then taking buses through the highlands to Flores.
Complete all exit and entry procedures at the border posts.

On-Time Departure

Arrive at the airport with ample time to complete check-in and security processes for a smooth departure.

Ticket Check

Keep your boarding pass and passport accessible for swift airport navigation.

Baggage Ready

Ensure your luggage complies with airline size and weight restrictions before arriving.

Sea/River Travel Considerations

Ferry Services and Cruise Ports

No ferry services or cruise ports provide direct access to Tikal. The closest significant body of water is Lake Petén Itzá.

Lake Petén Itzá Usage

Lake Petén Itzá is used for local transport and tours around Flores.
It does not serve international arrivals to Tikal.
Tikal remains an inland archaeological site.

River Transportation Options

While some remote Maya sites in the Petén region, like Aguateca, are accessed via river journeys on the Pasión River, Tikal itself does not have river access for public transportation or tourist arrivals.

River Access Limitations

No river transportation serves Tikal directly for general tourist access.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable to the Tikal/Flores area.
Connections from sea/river to land transportation are not direct for Tikal.

General Transportation Reminders

Always Confirm Fares

For taxis and mototaxis, agree on the fare before starting your ride to avoid misunderstandings.

Book Shuttles in Advance

Book Tikal shuttles through your hotel or a reputable travel agency in Flores to confirm pick-up times.

Airport View

A small plane parked on the tarmac at Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS).

Getting There & Away Tikal