Things to do & places to visit in Peten Department, Guatemala

Peten Department #3 destination in Guatemala 2023. The average rating score is 4.82 based on 6.593 traveler reviews, of 79 attractions. Timezone: America/Guatemala, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 8:21.

Top things to do (34)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Tikal (1.055 reviews)
- Great day with great wildlife!
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Mysterious Sites • Religious Sites

Great day at Tikal. We had a fantastic tour and shuttle service booked via Los Amigos Hostel in Flores (great value of money). Our guide Jose was very knowledgable and friendly. We mentioned about our love for wildlife, in particular the toucan (which we had failed to see in Belize) and he went above and beyond to find them. We ended up seeing lots and it was a fantastic added bonus. The ruins are spectacular and definitely worth a visit, especially with a guide to give information on the history and culture of Guatemala. We would recommend the earlier the tours, as it does get very warm with the sun beating down on you at midday. See more..
5.0 Temple IV (790 reviews)
- Temple IV
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ancient Ruins

If you're up for an energetic climb, ascend the wooden stairs to the top of this 212-foot structure, the highest in Tikal, for a magnificent view of the jungle below. See more..
5.0 Gem Trips (668 reviews)
- Tikal Tour and more!
Cultural Tours • Eco Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Archaeology Tours

I really debated about which (if any) Tikal tour to do, and am so grateful we choose Gem Trips as our experience could not have been better. Marlon was responsive and made scheduling a breeze. The 4am wake-up for sunrise tour was untenable for my 12 year old, so Marlon scheduled us a 7am start which was perfect. Our tour guide, Billy, was a GEM! He was kind, funny, relatable and knowledgeable! It was just my 12 year old daughter and I on the tour and he made the tour fun and educational for both of us. We asked lots of questions and he really was able to share knowledge on any area we pursued. And his service was incredible after the tour! We had planned for him to drive us to the airport several hours after the tour to catch our evening flight and I decided to try to catch an earlier flight. I knew we would be cutting it really close, and Billy just rolled with this! He drove us to the airport, came in and translated for me, let me use his brand new phone to call airline customer service, translated with them, and then, when we couldn't get on the flight, he drove us to Flores. Here, he oriented us, gave us a driving tour and some recommendations of how to spend the several hours we had until our originally scheduled flight was leaving, let us leave our luggage in his car and came back to pick us up to return to the airport. We had a wonderful afternoon exploring Flores! Billy truly saved our day. I can't recommend Gem Trips highly enough - a truly excellent experience! See more..
5.0 Great Plaza (499 reviews)
- Lives up to its name
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Once the ceremonial, religious and social center of Tikal, this plaza is surrounded by huge temples, a palace, sculpted altars and a ball court. See more..
5.0 Yaxhá (395 reviews)
- Really great experience
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Ancient Ruins

I took the sunset tour of Yaxha. We had a pick up from Flores at midday. Nice mix of nationalities though I was the granddaddy of the group. Booked through Adrenalina Tours in Xela, though contracted out to a guide/ operator. It’s a bumpy and slow last 12km or so along an unmade road. But what awaits you is great. Not on the scale of Tikal but as impressive in its own way. Enjoyable for there being many fewer people about and fun for you being encouraged to climb some of the larger temples - would never be permitted by ‘elf & safety these days in Blighty. The sunset bit itself is really atmospheric with beautiful views over the lagoon. Again, as enjoyable in its way as sunrise over Tikal. Thanks to Patrick at Adrenalina for setting me up with this. Would like to acknowledge the guide but can’t remember his name/ company. See more..
5.0 Tikal VIP Tours (328 reviews)
- El mejor tour a Tikal
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 11:30 PM Multi-day Tours • Walking Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

We did the private tour to Tikal with Elmer. The truth is I wouldn't know where to start, Tikal took our breath away, it is 100% worth visiting this place if you are in Guatemala. We booked the tour while we were still in Germany and it was one of the best decisions we could have made, the booking with Elmer. Elmer is very friendly and dedicated and knows a lot about the history of this place and Peten in general, he answered all our questions and has a great sense of humor. The day we visited Tikal there was a lot of people, it was a Saturday, but Elmer knows the place so good that he always took us to places without crowds. We had a great time in his company. We were picken up at 8am at our hotel in Flores, the bus was very clean, very new and air conditioned. After the tour they took us to get lunch at a very nice restaurant with authentic Guatemalan Flow. Thanks for everything VIP Tours and of course thank you Elmer! On our next visit to Peten we will contact you for sure! See more..
5.0 Tikal Go (295 reviews)
- Wonderful!
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips

We had a private tour with Roel and it was outstanding! The entire experience with TikalGO was wonderful. Prompt replies to inquiries, very communicative staff making sure to confirm everything the day before, professional and knowledgeable guide and driver. Our safety and comfort were prioritized the entire day and made our one day at Tikal/Flores absolutely lovely. I would highly recommend this company to travelers! See more..
5.0 Temple I (295 reviews)
- Temple I
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ancient Ruins

One word: iconic. A fully restored funerary pyramid of king Jasaw Chan K'awil that flanks the eastern side of the Great Plaza. Great views of the monument can be had from the Northern Acropolis as well as from Temple II, it can also be viewed from the east plaza and the Palace. Its roof comb is visible from every major pyramid in the city as it rises to 154 feet, which's more than time and a half the height of El Castillo at Chichen Itza. Awesome. See more..
5.0 Roxy Ortiz Tikal Tours - Private Day Tours (190 reviews)
- Roxy makes the sites come alive
Private Tours

Roxy is AMAZING. She is has a wealth of experience and it's so worth paying a bit more to have her lead your tour. I went with her to Yaxha and Uaxactun and both tours were fun, inspiring and thought-provoking. Roxy knows the people and the area and her network of authentic, mutually respectful connections is evident in how she guides. She is passionate and knowledgeable without being overwhelming. If you want a site to come alive, go for a tour with Roxy! See more..
5.0 Temple II (173 reviews)
- Temple II
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ancient Ruins

This is Tikal's Taj Mahal, a temple built by a king to honor his beloved queen. At 138 feet it is the shortest of all the "numbered" pyramids yet still it is 40 feet taller than El Castillo of Chichen Itza. It's a massive looking three-tier pyramid that has been meticulously restored and can be climbed by a wooden staircase accessed behind the monument. If you're with a friend climb the pyramid and have your friend stand in the middle of the plaza and check the acoustics. You can talk to each other in a normal voice and hear each other perfectly. make sure to take look at the roof comb which is very ornate and some of the sculpture is still recognizable after 1400+ years. See more..
5.0 Reyes Tikal (60 reviews)
- Great sunset tour to Yuxha
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Paint & Pottery Studios • Multi-day Tours • Day Trips

Reyes took us on an afternoon tour around Yaxha that ended at the top of one of the structures for sunset. A great tour and Reyes was really friendly, informative and nice to be led by. He knows lots about the mayan sites in the area and helped us spot some great birds and monkeys around the park. We would definitely recommend Reyes if you're exploring this area. See more..
5.0 U-Go Tours (53 reviews)
- Tikal and Yaxha amazing experience ...!
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historical & Heritage Tours • Eco Tours • Private Tours • Archaeology Tours • Day Trips

Wonderful trip with a great tour guide" Mariela was our guide to Tikal and she was so knowledgeable about all the details and ready to answer our questions. We were able to take 2 tours, our second tour was to Yaxha a must visit place for those who appreciate nature. The bonus part was for lunch, Mariela took us to this beautiful restaurant called " El Portal De Yaxha " such a delicacy, I would recommend a dish called "Pollo al Ramon" The whole experience from beginning to end was great, amazing team of profesional workers, exceeded our expectations. Thank you Hugo for putting this together, stay strong. See more..
5.0 Maya Biosphere Reserve (34 reviews)
- Nature at its best
Nature & Wildlife Areas

An awesome experience for nature and animal lovers. A ton of wildlife all around, spider monkeys are the most visible but the howlers are the most noticeable. Lots of birds, some spiders, and if you're lucky you may stumble upon a jaguar. Unfortunately, I did not. Go with a guide, it makes the experience much better, and bring a hat as well as lots of water and bug spray, or the mosquitoes will eat you alive. See more..
5.0 Arqueología Mesoamericana with Juan Bendfeldt (33 reviews)
- Informative, enthusiastic, and entertaining
Historical & Heritage Tours • Archaeology Tours

Juan should be the go-to guide for Tikal. He’s studied it for decades, and is an expert on Tikal and the Mayan civilization. When he gives you a choice between the short and long answer to a question, always choose the long answer - you won’t regret it. His book recommendations are also top notch. He picked us up and dropped us off right from the campground, and we had plenty of free time for climbing and taking pictures on the tour, with time for a cold beer before starting the walk back. He slowed down the pace for some of the older members in our group, and kept us entertained the entire walk up with interesting and amusing historical information. A really special tour, and great for all ages. See more..
5.0 Turismo Peten (16 reviews)
- Incredible !
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historical & Heritage Tours • Archaeology Tours • Day Trips

Truly its amazing how you can watch the sunsets ! They are gorgeous ! You can see the small island and colorful houses and restaurants .. everything its amazing ! See more..
5.0 Guategood Tours Mayan adventures (14 reviews)
- I visited Yaxha and amazing places with an ocean of vegetation and awesome history.
Multi-day Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Walking Tours • Private Tours • Speed Boats Tours • Day Trips

Highky Recomend Regge, he's a talented connoisseur of Mayan riches and an expert in the sounds of certain birds. What I mostly enjoyed of his tour is that he was well organized and prepares for the day. Although tiene was an old turísticos in our group he did not got out of his nerves instado was patient and didn't rushed us through out the tour. We able to enjoy every single place on the site. His knowledge about trees, birds and mayan history is amazing. Believe ne that if you want a knowledgable and enterrando experice you should book with him. See more..
5.0 NUN BAK TOURS (14 reviews)
- We learned a lot from this fun guide!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Gear Rentals • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Day Trips

We had a multi day trek with Nelson in the Guatamalan jungle. He is so pasionated about his culture and speaks about it with enthousiasm. He is open for questions, which makes it possible to learn so much more about the rich history of the Mayans and Guatamalan life in 2020. He is actively studying current findings by local archeologists, showing his love for the job and wonderull herritage, making sure he knows his stuff. Nelson is so much fun, speaks English very well and you can see him enjoy every bit of culture and nature just as much as the tourists. He will make your trip fantastic! Thanks Nelson, for your stories. We have had the best time! See more..
5.0 VIAJES MAYAN WORLD (14 reviews)
- We had a really great time going to explore the temples in Tikal.
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips

A friend of ours recommended Mayan World. We had a really great time going to explore the temples in Tikal. On the bus already we got a lot of information to know beforehand (by English and Spanish speaking guide, Ruben). We had a lot of fun seeing all the beautiful sights and Ruben was a very fun guide with a lot of information and ready to answer all your questions. Even decided on the trip to visit an extra place (Yaxha) for sunset, they were all up for it and took us to a great place to eat some local fish. Great way to get an amazing experience and would definitely recommend it! See more..
5.0 Green Global Tour Operator (12 reviews)
- Trip away
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Archaeology Tours

Great tour guide Jude very friendly very knowledgeable about the area..very easy to discuss more tours and recommened more for us to do See more..
5.0 Tikal Adventures (11 reviews)
- Excellent way to see Tikal!
Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Private Tours • Archaeology Tours • Day Trips

We are a bit older and not in the best shape so we wanted a private tour of Tikal and one that would be tailored to our abilities. Tikal adventures was able to do that. Carlos, our excellent guide, picked us up at the Flores airport and took us via a private car to Tikal. What made Carlos so good was not only his knowledge of the site but his recommendations. Knowing that we were only going to climb one temple/pyramid, he suggested we climb the Lost Pyramid in the back corner so that we would be able to get a view of all the other temples. It was a great view and the right choice to make. He then took us to our hotel. The next day Tikal adventures sent a driver to come pick us up and take us to the Belize border to begin the next stage of our trip. My only regret is that I didn't have an extra day to spend at Tikal. See more..
5.0 Parque Nacional El Mirador (9 reviews)
- Mirador Quest
National Parks

One of the best jungle trekking experiences you can ever have. You can watch magnificent sunsets, local biodiversity and share with locals from Carmelita community. And of course, get to know the place where one of the most powerful Mayan dynasties was born, the Kanul Dynasty at El Mirador See more..
5.0 Piedras Negras (6 reviews)
- Jungle adventure
Ancient Ruins

Incredibly dense rain forest that has swallowed up a major Mayan city that was a rival to Yaxilan and others for the Uscaminta River trade route. Romantic, spectacular vistas, dark brooding ruins, well worth the 4 hour trip each way from the Mexican border. On the way we saw lots of jungle wildlife including howler monkeys, crocodiles, many different kinds of birds. Felt like a real jungle adventure! See more..
5.0 Go Ahead Travel Guatemala (4 reviews)
- Wonderful private tour to Yaxha and Topoxte! Highly recommended agency!
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 9:30 PM Multi-day Tours • Helicopter Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Gear Rentals • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

We booked a private tour with them following the advice of our hotel and it was definitely worth it! Not only the archeological sites they took us to were breathetaking but also their explanations of the mayans civilization were just utterly interesting! Delmi and Hector have a deep knowledge of both Guatemala and mayans history which make the tour very passionating. Last, we were with our 2 years old baby and they were very attentive to him so we all had a great time! See more..
5.0 Mundo Maya Spanish School (3 reviews)
- True cultural exchange
Paint & Pottery Studios • Taxis & Shuttles • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Archaeology Tours

Mundo Maya is so much more then a Spanish school. It is a true cultural experience. I was welcomed into the family by 3 generations working, sharing and teaching the true Maya culture. If you are lucky enough to find this spot please appreciate what you have found. The food is some of the very best, healthy and flavorful I have ever eaten thanks to the amazing chef Susaneth. I enjoyed all of the activities they offered including ceramics, fishing, cooking classes and ecological tour. If you have a desire to submerge and practice your Spanish language the classes and exchange with the class are perfect. See more..
4.5 Lost World (188 reviews)
- At the largest ceremonial complex within Tikal National Park ...
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ancient Ruins

The Lost World complex includes the Great Pyramid, the oldest visible building at the Mayan ruins site in Tikal, now a popular place to watch the sunset and feed the toucans. See more..
4.5 El Mirador (153 reviews)
- Awesome! - Cooperativa Carmelita Tour Operator
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Ancient Ruins

This ancient Mayan city flourished from 200 BCE to 150 CE, but is largely unseen due to its inaccessibility in the jungle. See more..
4.5 Ruinas de Uaxactun (136 reviews)
- Super chido
Ancient Ruins

uaxactun!!!! Absolutely brilliant went for onr day stayed for six. Really chilled out town and the ruins are amazing especially the temple of masks. Thanks tonerbin, Mirna and Tina (comida super xhingona) and Sergio, Carol and haymen (hospedaje ching on) for making it such a relaxed trip. You can wander the ruins and jungles freely. me paso super bien en uaxactun trip arrrvisor gracias a Erbin (guia y alcalde) , Mirna and Tina por la comida tan xhingona y a Sergio, Carol and Haymen for el hospedal y a toda la gente del tortillaria donde inventabamos a "Agustinillo" (empanada de queso. amRecomendo que todos visita a este pueblito tan chingona See more..
4.5 Ixpanpajul Nature Park (134 reviews)
- Tryst with Nature!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Simply loved those endless hanging bridges that looks down upon the canopy. I wasn't up for ziplines that day so passed that option. Though I have done similar stuff in Belize and Costa Rica, the proximity to a real jungle makes it thrilling! One advice - the hike is moderate (1 hour 15 minutes) at a medium pace and involves constantly climbing or descending Mayan-pyramid-like stone steps (12 - 18 inches high on an average!) so be prepared for this with comfortable shoes (I wore casuals w/o socks) and try not to do this right after an entire-hiking day at Tikal like I did! See more..
4.5 Jorge's Rope Swing (110 reviews)
- When it gets hot on the island
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Head over to the Jorges Rope Swing. A two-way boat ride from Flores will cost you anywhere from 120 to 150 Q. The entrance fee to the rope swing is 25 Q, since this is private property. You're not allowed to bring your own food. The proprietors sell beverages and food on the premises, of which the beers cost 25 Q and rum & cokes 20 Q. There are two diving platforms and one rope swing. A good time and if you're not afraid of heights I highly recommend trying both a dive and a rope jump. See more..
4.5 Tikal Canopy Tour (98 reviews)
- Flying through the trees.
Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

I did this with my two kids. It is located just outside the park and takes about an hour. It costs $30 per person, which is pretty cheap for some ziplines. There are 8-9 lines that go through the canopy. Do this, you won't be sorry. See more..