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Visas & entry
U.S., Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, Mexican and many Latin American passport holders are generally visa-exempt for tourist stays of up to 90 days; verify your nationality’s current classification before travel. Category B nationals normally need a consular visa and Category C nationals a prior consulted visa, though some holders of valid U.S., Mexican, Canadian or Schengen visas may qualify for an exception. Yellow-fever proof is required for travelers aged one and over arriving from, or with significant recent transit through, a yellow-fever-risk country.
Getting in
- La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City: The international gateway for almost everyone. Most travelers connect here to Flores; leave a sensible buffer rather than gambling on a tight same-day international-to-domestic connection.
- Mundo Maya International Airport, Santa Elena: The practical Petén airport, about 3 km from Flores and the normal arrival point for Tikal-bound travelers. Domestic flights from Guatemala City save most of a day versus the long overnight or express bus.
Getting around
There is no train network. Shared tourist shuttles and organized tours are the sensible default for Flores–Tikal; rent a car or hire a private driver only if you want to link El Remate, Yaxhá, Uaxactún and lake stops on your own schedule. Roads deteriorate beyond the main corridors and after rain, so avoid rural driving after dark; El Mirador should be booked as a complete expedition, not improvised.
Money
The currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ/Q). Cards are usable at many better Flores hotels and restaurants, but cash is essential for drivers, tips, small businesses and anything beyond the urban core; withdraw before leaving Flores/Santa Elena. Tipping is discretionary—small cash tips for good guides, drivers and staff are normal.
Book before you land
Tikal National Park sunrise or sunset access · El Mirador multi-day trek
- Choose your base deliberately: Flores Island is best for restaurants and easy logistics; El Remate is quieter and better positioned for Tikal and Yaxhá.
- Do Tikal early and give it a full day. Midday heat makes even the standard circuit feel punishing; carry water, sun protection, insect repellent and real walking shoes.
- Do not combine Tikal and Yaxhá in one day unless your goal is to spend most of it in a vehicle.
- Download offline maps and carry cash and water before leaving Flores: signal, ATMs and card acceptance drop away quickly on the park corridors.
- In wet months, build buffer time around Yaxhá, Uaxactún, Ceibal and El Mirador; rain changes road and trail timing, not just photographs.
- Agree private-driver, guide and boat prices in advance, including waiting time, park fees and whether the quote is per person or per vehicle.
Entry rules change — verify visa requirements for your passport before booking this region.