Jungle Lodge

Mayan-themed lodge with an unbeatable location right beside the entrance to Tikal, allowing you to experience the Mayan ruins in peace and quiet.

Jungle Lodge is shrouded by rainforest in Tikal's archaeological park, right beside the entrance to the ruins themselves. Its location is undoubtedly its main attraction - it's the only hotel this close; there are a couple of back-packer hostels but otherwise the nearest option is a 45-minute drive away.

This is a long-standing property which has been renovated tastefully to a good standard, with wooden floors and sturdy polished furniture, all enhanced by discreet Mayan artwork. The fan-cooled suites and guest rooms occupy whitewashed cottages dotted around the tropical garden; each room has a porch with chairs where you can relax and observe monkeys, toucans and other exotic species which populate the grounds. There is also an attractive swimming pool fringed by tropical foliage: a delicious spot to cool off after a hot and tiring day looking round the ruins. The restaurant serves good, traditional buffet fare, or you could choose to eat at other small establishments nearby.