The 3 Closest Airports to tikal national park

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The 3 Closest Airports to Tikal National Park

Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled deep within the jungles of the Petén Basin in northern Guatemala, is a breathtaking destination. Reaching this ancient Mayan citadel often involves flying into one of the regional airports. Here’s a look at the three most commonly considered airports for accessing Tikal.

1. Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS)

This is the primary and closest airport to Tikal National Park. Located near Flores and Santa Elena, the capital of the Petén department, it serves as the main gateway for travelers whose primary destination is Tikal and the surrounding Mayan sites in the region. Its proximity makes it the most convenient option for minimizing ground travel time.

  • Distance to Tikal National Park: Approximately 65 km (40 miles) / 1 to 1.5 hours driving.

  • Address: Santa Elena, Flores, Petén Department, Guatemala.

  • Pros, Cons, Airlines, Car Rental: Pros: Closest airport, short transfer time. | Cons: Fewer international flights (mostly regional/domestic), smaller facility. | Airlines: TAG Airlines, Avianca (check for seasonal/current carriers). | Car Rental: Alamo, National, local agencies available.

  • Official Website: Usually managed by Guatemala’s DGAC (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil) – Specific site may vary or be limited. Check DGAC Guatemala for info.

  • Phone: +502 7926 0531 (Check locally for verification)

  • Rating: Approx. 4.0/5 (Google Reviews, may vary)

2. Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)

Located just outside Belize City, Belize, this airport is geographically the second closest option, particularly for international travelers coming from North America or Europe who might find more direct flight options here than to Flores. However, choosing this airport requires crossing the Guatemala-Belize border.

  • Distance to Tikal National Park: Approximately 230 km (143 miles) / 4 to 5 hours driving (includes border crossing time).

  • Address: Ladyville, Belize District, Belize.

  • Pros, Cons, Airlines, Car Rental: Pros: More international flight options than FRS, potentially cheaper flights, allows for a Belize+Guatemala trip. | Cons: Requires border crossing (time, potential fees, logistics), longer drive than FRS. | Airlines: American, United, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, Tropic Air, Maya Island Air, Copa (check current). | Car Rental: Major international brands (Avis, Hertz, Budget, Crystal Auto). Note: Check restrictions for taking rental cars across the border.

  • Official Website: https://www.pgiabelize.com/

  • Phone: +501 225 2045

  • Rating: Approx. 4.1/5 (Google Reviews, may vary)

3. La Aurora International Airport (GUA)

This is Guatemala’s main international airport, located in the capital, Guatemala City. While it’s significantly farther from Tikal than Flores, it serves as the closest major international airport within Guatemala and offers the widest range of international flights. Travelers arriving here typically take a short domestic flight (approx. 1 hour) to Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores to reach Tikal, or face a very long drive.

  • Distance to Tikal National Park: Approximately 530 km (330 miles) / 8 to 10+ hours driving (or ~1-hour flight GUA to FRS + 1-1.5 hour drive).

  • Address: Avenida Hincapié y 18 Calle, Zona 13, Guatemala City, Guatemala.

  • Pros, Cons, Airlines, Car Rental: Pros: Largest airport in Guatemala, most international flight options, main hub. | Cons: Very far from Tikal by road, usually requires a connecting flight to FRS for practical Tikal access. | Airlines: Avianca, Copa, American, United, Delta, Spirit, Iberia, Volaris, TAG Airlines (domestic to FRS), and more. | Car Rental: All major international brands (Avis, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, National, etc.).

  • Official Website: Usually managed by Guatemala’s DGAC – https://dgac.gob.gt/ (Check for specific airport info)

  • Phone: +502 2321 5000

  • Rating: Approx. 3.9/5 (Google Reviews, may vary)

Conclusion

The closest airport to Tikal National Park is unequivocally Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores, Petén, offering the shortest travel time by road. However, the closest major international airport with the widest range of flight options within Guatemala is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, though reaching Tikal from GUA typically requires a connecting domestic flight to FRS. Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize offers another international option but involves a border crossing.

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