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Tikal National Park to Calakmul

Updated: March 14, 2024 08:08 AM
Calakmul

Tikal National Park to Calakmul

Language

Spanish is the official language of both Guatemala and Mexico, so you will be able to get by with Spanish in both countries. However, it is always helpful to learn a few basic phrases in the local Mayan languages, which are still spoken by many people in the region. Here are some useful phrases:

  • Hello: Buenas días (Spanish), Hola (Mayan)
  • Thank you: Gracias (Spanish), Banti (Mayan)
  • Yes: Sí (Spanish), Iik (Mayan)
  • No: No (Spanish), Ma' (Mayan)
  • Excuse me: Perdón (Spanish), Likuch (Mayan)

Currency

The official currency of Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), and the official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso (MXN). You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and hotels. It is also possible to use US dollars in both countries, but you will get a better exchange rate if you use the local currency.

Distance

The distance between Tikal National Park and Calakmul is approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles). The journey takes around 5 hours by car or bus.

How to Reach

There are two main ways to get from Tikal National Park to Calakmul:

  • By car: The most convenient way to travel between Tikal and Calakmul is by car. The journey takes around 5 hours, and the roads are generally in good condition. You can rent a car in Flores or Guatemala City.
  • By bus: There are several bus companies that operate between Tikal and Calakmul. The journey takes around 6-7 hours, and the tickets cost around $20-30. You can book tickets online or at the bus station in Flores.

Expenses

The cost of traveling from Tikal to Calakmul will vary depending on how you choose to travel and what time of year you visit. Here is a breakdown of the approximate costs:

  • Car rental: $50-100 per day
  • Gas: $10-20 per tank
  • Bus ticket: $20-30
  • Accommodation: $20-50 per night
  • Food: $10-20 per day
  • Activities: $10-50 per activity

Best time to go

The best time to visit Tikal and Calakmul is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, and the roads are in good condition. The rainy season runs from May to October, and during this time the weather can be unpredictable and the roads can be muddy.

What to Eat

There are many delicious dishes to try in Tikal and Calakmul. Here are a few of the most popular:

  • Pepián: A hearty stew made with chicken, vegetables, and spices
  • Jocón: A green sauce made with cilantro, pumpkin seeds, and spices
  • Fiambre: A cold salad made with a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables
  • Tamales: Cornmeal dough filled with meat, vegetables, or fruit
  • Tortillas: Corn or wheat tortillas that are used to make tacos, burritos, and other dishes

Where to Go

In addition to the Tikal National Park and the Calakmul Archaeological Zone, there are many other interesting places to visit in the region. Here are a few of the most popular:

  • Yaxhá: A large Maya archaeological site located in Guatemala
  • El Mirador: A remote Maya archaeological site located in Guatemala
  • Palenque: A Maya archaeological site located in Mexico
  • Bonampak: A Maya archaeological site located in Mexico
  • Campeche: A colonial city located in Mexico

FAQ

  • What is the best way to get from Tikal to Calakmul?
  • The most convenient way to travel between Tikal and Calakmul is by car. The journey takes around 5 hours, and the roads are generally in good condition. You can rent a car in Flores or Guatemala City.
  • How much does it cost to travel from Tikal to Calakmul?
  • The cost of traveling from Tikal to Calakmul will vary depending on how you choose to travel and what time of year you visit. Here is a breakdown of the approximate costs:
    • Car rental: $50-100 per day
    • Gas: $10-20 per tank
    • Bus ticket: $20-30
    • Accommodation: $20-50 per night
    • Food: $10-20 per day
    • Activities: $10-50 per activity
  • What is the best time to visit Tikal and Calakmul?
  • The best time to visit Tikal and Calakmul is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, and the roads are in good condition. The rainy season runs from May to October, and during this time the weather can be unpredictable and the roads can be muddy.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

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