Flores >> Tikal

The main attraction in El Peten without question is the ruins at Tikal.  And it is really worth the early wake-up call to get there by sunrise — or of course you can stay at the park too.

Transportation from Flores will cost between $7 and $13usd (60 – 100 quetzales) depending on your bargaining skills. And the shuttles leave as early as 4:30 am — recommended. Entrance to the park is just under $20usd (150 quetzales).

Parrots tumble out of trees fighting for food, or maybe just playing as a toucan lands on the branch above to watch — his long curved beak is a prism of vibrant colors and can’t help but catch your eye. And then the monkeys — spider monkeys munching on nuts and berries from tree tops. You wouldn’t know they were there until the shells drop on your head. Howler monkeys can be heard from 20 miles away, and if you didn’t know, you’d likely think it was a jaguar screaming from the jungle.

Oh yeah, and then there are ruins — simply breathtaking. Nearly all of the temples are still open to climbing up, although you will have to scale wooden steps that more closely resemble ladders in many instances. But of course — you should do it.

Camping at Jaguar Inn runs just under $10usd (70 quetzales) per person and the tents have air mattresses, which is a bonus. There is a pricey restaurant at Jaguar Inn as well, but if you walk down the path about 2 minutes to El Comedor Tikal you can get sandwiches and beer for reasonable prices.

San  Ignacio (BELIZE) >> Guatemala border >> Tikal // Flores

You can catch the public buses in the parking lot by the market to get to the Guatemala border. It will cost you $.75usd (1.50BZE) to get from San Ignacio to Benque. The buses marked “Benque” run every half hour. Once you arrive in Benque, the bus will drop you about 5 km from the actual border crossing. You have two options: Grab a taxi for about $10usd (20BZE) or start hitching. We were able to catch a (air-conditioned) ride after about 15 minutes of walking — and free too.

The most convenient and reliable option is to take a taxi directly from San Ignacio to the border crossing, which costs $10usd (20BZE) — the same price taxi drivers charge you once in Benque.

Leaving Belize will cost you a $15usd (30BZE) departure fee plus a $3.75usd (7.50BZE) environmental tax. You should not have to pay anything to enter into Guatemala, although the guards may tell you differently.

(HINT: If you leave Belize by boat you can bypass the $15usd departure fee.)

BORDER TO TIKAL/FLORES

Once at the border, watch for small tour buses. They will take you to Flores for $6.50usd (50 quetzales) You may be able to bargain cheaper, but definitely don’t pay any more than that.

If you are going directly to Tikal ask for them to drop you at El Cruce where you can grab a colectivo going to Tikal. The prices on this vary but should be less than 50 quetzales.

Take me back to FLORES/TIKAL // Take me back to GUATEMALA // Take me to SAN IGNACIO

Flores >> Lanquin (Semuc Champey) // Palenque (MEXICO)

From Flores you can grab a shuttle van to Lanquin — the jumping off point for the incredible Semuc Champey. The ride is a solid 7 hours and gets pretty bumpy at the end. The starting price is about $20usd (150 quetzales) but, of course, it is possible to talk down the price.

You can also book transportation to Palenque in the Chiapas region of Mexico. This trip takes about 8 hours through the Guatemalan jungle and includes a boat ride. Because of the difficult terrain and all that is involved, the starting price for this voyage is $35usd (265 quetzales).

Take me back to FLORES/TIKAL  // Take me back to GUATEMALA // Take me to PALENQUE