Tikal is across the border in Guatemala, but it connects to the Mexico travel circuit and plenty of travelers visit it from Palenque. The journey from Palenque to Tikal — through Frontera Corozal or Tenosique, across the border, through Flores — is a classic overland route in its own right.
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Getting There From Mexico
The most common route is Palenque to Flores, Guatemala. Options:
Via Frontera Corozal: Bus from Palenque to Frontera Corozal (3 hours), boat across the Usumacinta River to Bethel, Guatemala, then bus or shuttle to Flores (4-5 hours). This route lets you combine with Yaxchilan.
Via Tenosique and El Ceibo: Bus from Palenque to Tenosique (2 hours), then to the El Ceibo border crossing, then bus to Flores. Less scenic but more direct.
Shuttle vans run the full Palenque to Flores route in about 8-10 hours, handling the border crossing. Several agencies in Palenque sell this. Expect to pay around $30-40 USD.
Flores
Flores is the base for Tikal. A small island town on Lago Peten Itza connected to the mainland by a causeway. Cheap hotels, restaurants and tour agencies. Shuttle buses to Tikal (about 1.5 hours) leave early morning for sunrise visits. The lake is pleasant and Flores has enough going on for a rest day before or after Tikal.
Tikal Itself
The Maya city of Tikal rises out of dense jungle. Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar) and Temple II face each other across the Great Plaza. Temple IV is the tallest structure — climb to the top for views over the jungle canopy. Howler monkeys, toucans and spider monkeys are everywhere. Budget a full day. Bring water and insect repellent.
