If you're coming to Belize, chances are that you'll be entering the country at the international airport in Belize City or overland from Mexico into Belize City. The good news is that it's very easy to get from Belize City to Tikal.
For visitors driving their own vehicle, simply follow the George Price Highway (also known as the Western Highway) west out of Belize City. The George Price Highway measures some 77 miles (124 kilometers) long and connects Belize City to Belmopan, San Ignacio, and through to the town of Benque Carmen del Viejo. Benque Carmen del Viejo lies on the border with Guatemala and is the only legal land crossing into the country.
Once you're across the border, you'll be in the town of Melchor de Mencos in the Peten Department of Guatemala. From there, follow the main road west for approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) until it heads north and becomes national road three just after the village of El Cruce. From there, it's a straight shot into Tikal National Park, which is well marked with signage in both Spanish and English.
If you're already in Guatemala and have visited the site and want to know how to get to Tikal to Belize, simply follow the main road south (national highway number three) until it connects to state road CA13 just after the village of El Caoba. From there, simply follow the road into Melchor de Mencos and the border crossing with Belize. Keep in mind, however, that Guatemala still has some territorial claims on western Belize and, therefore, identifies Belize as a region of Guatemala, not a border crossing into another country.
Getting to Belize to Tikal and dealing with the border crossing is best done with an organized tour group that regularly makes the crossing. Keep in mind that roads in Guatemala are often maintained in less than optimal condition and that some roadways are very narrow.
If you'd like to experience this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site for yourself, Untame Belize operates organized tours to Tikal as well as all of the top destinations in Belize. Untame Belize also operates Belize shuttles and transfers to Tikal as well as all destinations inside the country.
