The Petén Hotels

Hotels in Tikal are hard to come by; only three exist in close proximity to the ruins. The closest town to Tikal, El Remate (30 km), has a much wider range of options. However, if you're willing to pay for an overpriced room (or plot of land to pitch a tent) in order to have convenient access to the ruins, there are a few possibilities. The nicest option is the Hotel Tikal Inn, replete with quaint bungalows and a pool, but the best value may be the Jungle Lodge, which also offers bungalows and hammocks, but is a bit more cramped.

Tikal hostels, unfortunately, do not exist, but the closest thing to it is going camping near Tikal. At the Jaguar Inn, you can rent a campsite for about $4 and a tent for another $7, or fork over $23 to stay in a bungalow (just be warned, electricity ends at 9 p.m.). Across from the Jaguar Inn is Camping Tikal, a bare minimum campsite with easy access to Tikal. To rent a plot of land on the mowed lawn (really, that's all it is!) is $3 a night, so if you have gear and we're planning on camping out already it's the best budget option near Tikal.