Tikal Temples
The Day We Walked with the Maya (Before 6am...)
We hadn’t planned to visit Tikal, but the universe (and Google Maps) had other ideas. While in Flores, we realised it was just around the corner—relatively speaking (just over an hours drive into the jungle)—and too important to pass up. Mayan temples? A jungle hike? A history lesson brought to life? Yes please!
We’d already been itching to learn more about Mayan culture, and suddenly we were just a short journey away from one of the most significant ancient cities in Central America. It felt like the perfect opportunity for our first proper educational travel experience as a family.
It’s 5:30am and We’re Jungle Bound
We booked the trip the night before, not fully realising what “early start” meant. The bus picked us up at 5:30am, which was... brisk. Tilly was not a fan of the early alarm, but once we were up and driving into the misty jungle, the excitement kicked in (for most of us anyway).
There’s a reason the tours leave this early: it gets HOT in this part of Guatemala. Tikal is set in the middle of a tropical rainforest, and once the sun is up, the humidity turns the place into a giant, ancient sauna. So yes, 5:30am wasn’t optional. And Tilly quickly understood why when the sun started beaming down just a couple hours later.
Temples, Tarantulas & One Very Passionate Guide
The ruins themselves are incredible—towering stone structures rising up out of the jungle canopy like something out of a movie (yes, Star Wars was filmed here, and yes, it felt exactly like that). What made the experience even more powerful was our guide.
He was part of a local Mayan family, raised in the region, and had so much love and respect for the land and its history. His storytelling made the whole experience come alive—educational without ever being boring, which is honestly a rare skill. Tilly even stayed tuned in the entire time, which says it all.
As we explored, we couldn’t help but feel like we were deep in some undiscovered wilderness. The jungle around us was thick and full of life. There were moments we half-expected a jaguar to leap out of the trees—it felt that wild. Thankfully, no big cats. What we did find were giant spider holes with actual tarantulas (truly impressive and slightly terrifying). We also spotted woodpeckers tapping away in the treetops, and even caught glimpses of toucans gliding overhead—completely free and completely magical. It was like a living, breathing nature documentary—except we were in it.
That View, That Feeling
Climbing to the top of one of the temples and looking out over the jungle was a moment I won’t forget. The treetops stretched out endlessly, mist clinging to the canopy, birds calling in the distance—and for a few quiet seconds, the three of us just stood there, soaking it all in.
It hit me in that moment: we really did it. We sold everything, left the routine behind, and chose this life of exploration and learning together. Being here with our daughter, watching her eyes widen as she took it all in—it was emotional in the best kind of way.
This wasn’t just a family day out. It was a deep dive into ancient history, a lesson in respect for cultures and nature, and a reminder of why we chose to travel in the first place. We felt proud. Grateful. A little sweaty. But mostly just... alive.
Top Tips for Visiting Tikal With Kids (and Sanity)
Here’s what we wish we’d known before jumping into the jungle before sunrise:
🦟 Bug spray – This is non-negotiable. The mosquitoes are ready for breakfast by 6am.
🧴 Suncream – That jungle sun gets serious as soon as it rises.
🧢 Sun hat – Bonus points if it stays on while climbing ancient temples.
👟 Sturdy walking shoes – The paths are uneven, dusty, and occasionally include stairs that feel like a leg day workout.
💧 Water – Pack plenty. The humidity is no joke.
🛂 Passport or photo ID – You’ll need it to check in at the park entrance for security.
💰 Cash – There’s a café on-site if you want breakfast (which we did and it hit the spot after all that climbing).
💛 An open heart – Because this place isn’t just about ruins—it’s about connection, history, and something bigger than yourself.
Final Thoughts
Tikal was our first proper educational trip, and it completely set the tone for what we hope this journey will be. Real learning. Real connection. Real adventure.
If you’re ever in northern Guatemala—do not skip Tikal. Even if it means waking up at 5am and slapping on mosquito spray before your first coffee. It’s more than worth it. The temples are spectacular, the jungle is unforgettable, and the feeling of standing in a place that’s thousands of years old with your family by your side?
Pure magic.
