Parque Nacional Tikal Travel Forum

When we were at Chichen Itza I wore good sandals and climbed to the top of El Castillo. Is the terrain similar at Tikal? What do you recommend? Thanks.

Tikal is in a jungle area, but if you stay on well worn paths and watch where you step, you will probably be all right. As for me, I think sandals are fine for a beach area, but would not wear them while exploring Tikal.

Terrain is a bit rougher than at Chichen Itza. It is more jungle at Tikal. Actually, a more interesting site I found but much more walking. The highest climb is on wooden steps-Temple IV- so wear comfortable sneaker, I think.

Wore sandles at both places with no problems. You will be climbing up staircases that are almost straight up and down at Tikal. Temple at Chichen Itza is a gentle climb compared to Tikal.

I agree that sneakers would be best - there are paths but the jungle terrain is often rough underfoot. The steps to Temple 4 are really more like a ladder than steps - they have not excavated the steps - just constructed a ladder to get to the top. There are more areas you can climb too to get views etc. and I think sandals are not so good for this.

Thanks, everyone, for the info. Can't wait to get there!

From a local: Hiking shoes are your best bet if you don't have rock climbing shoes. Steps to the Great Jaguar ar steep, tall and narrow. You'll be using your hands and you must lean forward to keep your balance. AND Don't look down!

Anyone here hike up to see the sunrise? How long did it take? Physical ability will factor in but just some general ideas would be a help. Was it worth it?
Thanks,
Suzie

I wore flip-flops and climbed absolutely everything. There is more jungle than Chichen Itza, but the paths are still very worn. The only thing I really had to watch for were the tree roots - they can be a problem in open-toed shoes.