From Flores: Yaxha + Topoxte All-Inclusive Private

If you’re planning a trip to Petén and want to explore some of Guatemala’s most intriguing Mayan sites, this private tour of Yaxha and Topoxte might just be the option you’re looking for. It promises a full day packed with history, stunning scenery, and cultural insights, all tailored to your group.

What we really appreciate about this experience is that it offers a balanced mix of activities—from boat rides to walking tours—without rushing through it all. Plus, the knowledgeable guides help bring the ruins to life, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. On the flip side, it’s a full day, so if you’re not used to long excursions, be prepared for a lot of activity.

This tour seems best suited for those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free way to see some of the region’s key archaeological sites in one day. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with a partner or a small group and prefer a private experience over a crowded tour.

Key Points

• All-inclusive private experience ensures a personalized day with expert guides.
• Boat ride adds a scenic and relaxing element to the archaeological exploration.
• Visit two Mayan sites: Yaxha, one of the largest Postclassic cities, and Topoxte, on an island in the lagoon.
• Balanced itinerary with transportation, guided tours, and lunch included.
• Duration of around 8 hours makes it a full but manageable day trip.
• Good value for the price if you value comfort, convenience, and expert guidance.

Planning a day to explore Guatemala’s ancient Mayan sites is a wonderful idea, but with so many options available, it can quickly become overwhelming. This private tour from Flores offers a straightforward way to see two significant sites while leaning on the expertise of guides who can make history come alive.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off around 7 am with pickup options at various convenient locations in Flores, including the airport, hotels, and the island itself. After a roughly 1.5-hour bus ride, you arrive at the Yaxha National Park Visitor Center, where the adventure begins.

Transportation is well-organized, with comfortable buses and a speedboat that takes you across the lagoon to Topoxte. The boat rides are short—about 20 minutes each way—and add a relaxing, scenic element to the day. This mix of land and water travel makes the trip feel dynamic, breaking up the day and giving a taste of the natural beauty surrounding these archaeological sites.

Visiting Topoxte and Yaxha

The tour itinerary allows a good amount of time at each site, with about an hour at Topoxte and around three hours at Yaxha.

Topoxte is fascinating because it sits on an island in the Yaxhá Lagoon, which makes for a striking setting. Visiting this site on an island means fewer crowds and a sense of seclusion that’s hard to find at more popular ruins. The guided tour here lasts about an hour, giving enough time to walk around the island, see the pyramids, and soak in the peaceful views. Given its location, you’ll enjoy a different atmosphere from the mainland sites—more intimate, with the water providing a calming backdrop.

Yaxha is the highlight for most visitors. It was once the capital of a significant territory, with strong ties to Tikal, Caracol, and Calakmul. The site is enormous, and its pyramids, palaces, ball courts, and residential areas stretch out impressively. The guided tour here lasts approximately three hours, so you’ll get plenty of time to explore and learn about its history.

One of the most praised aspects, according to reviews, is the knowledgeable guides. As one traveler from Mexico puts it, “Mauricio was excellent,” and this kind of expertise can make a big difference in understanding what you’re seeing and feeling more connected to the ruins.

The Lunch Break

After the morning of exploration, the tour provides a thoughtfully arranged lunch at El Portal de Yaxha. The included meal offers a chance to rest, refuel, and talk about what you’ve seen so far. It’s worth noting that drinks during lunch aren’t included, so you might want to bring some water or extra beverages.

Return Journey and Flexibility

The day wraps up with a bus journey back to Flores, arriving around 4:30 pm. The schedule is well-paced, allowing enough time to enjoy the sites without feeling rushed, but you’ll want to be ready for a full day of activity.

Beyond the attractions themselves, what really elevates this experience is the all-inclusive nature. Everything—from transportation, boat rides, entrance tickets, to expert guides and lunch—is covered in a single price. This prevents surprises and simplifies logistics, especially valuable if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

The private group aspect means you won’t be stuck in a crowd, and guides can tailor the experience slightly to your interests. Plus, the availability of a Cooler with drinks enhances comfort, keeping you refreshed throughout the day.

More Great Tours Nearby

Actual Traveler Feedback

The single reviewed experience scores a perfect 5 out of 5, with one traveler from Mexico praising the “whole tour was great.” They especially appreciated the guided tour and called it a “10/10,” indicating how much the expert guidance added to their enjoyment.

This positive feedback highlights that the tour is well-organized and run smoothly, with guides who can truly enhance your understanding of the sites.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience works best for travelers who value comfort, convenience, and in-depth knowledge. If you prefer a structured day with everything taken care of, this is a good fit. It’s also ideal for those who want to see both Yaxha and Topoxte in one go without the hassle of separate arrangements.

While not explicitly aimed at families or children, the tour’s moderate pace and engaging sites make it suitable for most age groups, especially those with an interest in history and archaeology.

If you’re in Flores and eager to explore the Mayan ruins without fuss, this private, all-inclusive tour offers a solid balance of scenery, history, and comfort. The boat rides add a touch of adventure, while the guided tours ensure you get meaningful insights into the sites’ stories. For a full-day experience with personalized service, it’s a compelling choice.

The price, considering all inclusions—transport, tickets, lunch, and expert guidance—provides good value for travelers who want a hassle-free way to enjoy Guatemala’s ancient past. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling with a partner or small group and prefer a private experience over a larger tour.

If you’re looking to see Yaxha and Topoxte with knowledgeable guides, enjoy scenic boat rides, and appreciate having all logistics sorted for you, this tour checks many boxes.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly advertised as family-friendly, the itinerary involves walking, boat rides, and cultural exploration, which could appeal to older children with an interest in history. Always consider your child’s comfort with long days and water activities.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, starting around 7 am and returning to Flores by approximately 4:30 pm, depending on pickup times and pace.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring essentials like sunglasses, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Since drinks during lunch aren’t included, you might want to carry water or extra beverages.

Are there any restrictions?
Pets, alcohol, drugs, and baby carriages aren’t allowed on the tour, so plan accordingly.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private group experience, allowing for a more personalized and flexible journey.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, so you can choose the language you’re most comfortable with.

Embarking on this tour means you’ll leave with a good understanding of Yaxha and Topoxte’s significance, along with memories of scenic boat rides and peaceful lagoon views. It’s a practical, well-rounded way to deepen your Guatemala experience without sacrificing comfort or depth.

You can check availability for your dates here: