This trip takes you deep into Guatemala’s Petén region, visiting the impressive Yaxhá ruins and the island’s Topoxte site, all in one day. For $460 per group (up to two people), you’ll spend about eight hours exploring these ancient Mayan cities with a private guide, boat rides, and plenty of time to soak in the sights. The itinerary includes a boat trip across the lagoon, guided tours of two archaeological sites, and a traditional lunch, making it a well-rounded experience for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.
What we love about this tour is the combination of scenic boat rides and immersive guided walks—these give you a genuine feel for the landscape and the archaeological significance of each site. Plus, the fact that it’s a private experience means you can tailor the pace and ask plenty of questions. The only thing to keep in mind is the 8-hour duration, which can be quite full if you prefer a more relaxed pace. If you’re passionate about Mayan archaeology and want an authentic, all-inclusive day trip with expert guidance, this tour hits the right spot.
The tour is best suited for travelers who value personalized attention, culture, and a mix of land and water adventures. It’s a great fit if you’re eager to see both ruins and enjoy a bit of Guatemalan scenery along the way. If you’re traveling with a partner, a friend, or a small family, the cost per group is reasonable considering everything included, especially the guided tours and boat rides.
Key Points
- All-Inclusive Private Tour: Transportation, boat rides, entrance tickets, and a guide are included, offering simplicity and peace of mind.
- Unique Locations: Visit the smaller Yaxhá site with its pyramids, and the island site of Topoxte, both rich in history.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides, like Mauricio, enhance your understanding and appreciation of the sites.
- Scenic Travel: The boat rides across Yaxhá Lagoon are both beautiful and a practical way to access Topoxte.
- Flexible and Private: The tour’s private nature allows for a more tailored, intimate experience.
- Good Value: The comprehensive package covers most expenses, making it a convenient choice for travelers wanting a full day of exploration.
Yaxhá + Topoxte represent two of the region’s most captivating archaeological sites, each offering a different window into the ancient Maya civilization. Visiting these sites together makes for a memorable day, blending history, nature, and local Guatemalan scenery.
You can check availability for your dates here:Starting the Day: Smooth Transportation & Scenic Journey
The tour begins early, with pickup from your hotel in Flores or nearby locations such as La Lancha or El Remate. The transportation is by bus or coach, lasting about 1.5 hours, giving you time to relax and perhaps peek out the window at the lush landscape of Petén. This part of the journey sets the tone—expect to leave the modern town behind and enter a world of jungle-covered pyramids.
The visit starts with a quick stop at the Yaxhá National Park Visitor Center. Here, your guide will brief you on the day’s itinerary and give a snapshot of the Maya city’s importance. From there, a speedboat whisks you across the lagoon—a highlight in itself, as it offers a refreshing view of Yaxhá’s reflection on the water and the surrounding canopy.
The Island: Topoxte’s Enchanting Setting
Next, you’ll arrive at Topoxte, situated on an island within the Yaxhá Lagoon. The boat ride (about 20 minutes) is not just transportation—it’s part of the adventure. You’ll feel like a true explorer as you cruise across calm waters, surrounded by jungle and birdlife.
Once on Topoxte, your guide will lead a guided tour of the island, lasting roughly an hour. The site features mayan structures like pyramids, ball courts, and residential complexes, all cradled on this peaceful island. Because it’s a smaller site, it’s perfect for a manageable visit that gives a real sense of the Maya’s island life and religious practices.
Main Event: The Yaxhá Archaeological Site Tour
After returning by boat, the focus shifts to Yaxhá itself, which sprawls across a large area with pyramids, palaces, and monumental complexes. The guided tour here lasts about three hours, giving you ample time to explore the site’s highlights, such as the twin pyramid complexes, the Acropolis, and ball courts. The site is often compared to Tikal but is much less crowded, allowing for a more contemplative experience.
Here, we loved the way the guide Mauricio explained the connections between Yaxhá and other important Maya cities like Tikal, Caracol, and Calakmul. It helps put the ruins into context, making the stones feel like part of a living history rather than just archaeological remnants.
Lunch & Relaxation
Around 2:30 pm, you’ll stop at El Portal de Yaxha for a traditional Guatemalan lunch. The included meal offers a chance to recharge before heading back. The restaurant’s setting is usually quite charming, with views of the jungle, and the food—though not gourmet—provides a satisfying taste of local flavors.
More Great Tours NearbyReturn Journey & Reflection
The final leg involves a bus/coach ride back to Flores, lasting about an hour. You’ll arrive back at your hotel around 4:30 pm, tired but enriched by a day of walking, boating, and learning.
The guided element is a major plus—we loved the way knowledgeable guides like Mauricio enhanced our understanding, making the ruins come alive with stories of kings, queens, and the daily life of the ancient Maya. The boat rides add a scenic and practical touch, providing a different perspective of the landscape and a unique way to access Topoxte.
The all-inclusive nature simplifies planning, since transportation, boat rides, tickets, and lunch are covered. This means no surprises or extra spending, just a smooth day of exploration.
The private group setting makes for a more personal experience—your guide can answer all your questions and adapt the pace if needed. This is especially valuable if you’re traveling with someone who prefers a slower, more detailed exploration.
On the downside, the full 8-hour schedule might feel a bit packed for those who prefer a relaxed pace. Also, the boat rides are weather-dependent; a rainy day could make the experience less enjoyable or cause minor delays.
Who Will Appreciate This Tour?
This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, couples, or small groups who want an in-depth, personalized look at Petén’s gems. It’s especially good if you value guided insights and scenic travel. You’ll get a well-rounded day, blending cultural discovery with natural beauty.
If you’re eager to see two distinct Maya sites with a knowledgeable guide, this private tour offers excellent value. The combination of boat rides, archaeological exploration, and local cuisine makes it a complete package. You’ll leave understanding more about the Maya’s ingenuity and their relationship with the landscape.
This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate a structured, yet intimate experience with plenty of opportunities for photos, questions, and reflection. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but considering all the inclusions—transport, tickets, guide, boat rides, lunch—it offers solid value for those who want a comprehensive day in Petén.
For those seeking a relaxing, deep dive into Mayan culture without the hassle of organizing logistics, this experience fits the bill. Plus, if you’re lucky with your guide (as many reviews suggest), your day will be both educational and enjoyable.
What is included in the tour?
The tour covers transportation (bus and boat rides), all entrance tickets, guided visits to Yaxhá and Topoxte, lunch, a cooler with drinks, and passenger insurance.
How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 8 hours, starting early in the morning and returning by late afternoon.
Can I customize the pace of the tour?
As a private experience, there’s some flexibility, but the schedule is quite packed to fit all activities. Discuss with your guide if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. Be prepared for outdoor conditions.
Are beverages included?
Drinks are provided in the cooler, but drinks for lunch are not included.
Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
While it’s generally suitable, consider the duration and walking involved. The boat rides are short, but walking around the ruins can be tiring.
What if the weather is bad?
Boat rides are weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, the tour might be affected, but the guide will adapt accordingly.
How do I reserve this tour?
You can book with the provider, TURISMO PETEN, through the website or a booking platform, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Overall, the From Flores: Yaxha + Topoxte All-Inclusive Private Tour offers a well-balanced, immersive day exploring some of Guatemala’s most fascinating ancient sites. It’s a smart pick for travelers who want a guided, scenic, and authentic Mayan adventure, all while enjoying the comforts of an all-in-one package.
You can check availability for your dates here: