Tikal Go Tours: A Different View of Guatemala

Tikal Go Tours: A Different View of Guatemala

RAYE MOCIOIU

Guatemala is often overlooked by tourists, but for those who seek to explore the beauty and richness of this land, Tikal Go Tours offers a unique and personalized way to experience Guatemala like never before.

Guatemala is full of wonder, from vibrant rainforests to awe-inspiring Mayan ruins, but the region's notorious history has stopped tourists from experiencing its many charms. Tikal Go Tours was founded eight years ago with the goal of providing tourists with a different perspective of Guatemala.

Working with a pilot, founder Carlos Catania had the idea to start selling tours of Maya sights around the ancient city of Tikal, where he had grown up, and eventually expanded to other parts of the country, including the volcanoes and neighbouring Belize.

“Here in Tikal, there is so much to see,” said Catania. “It’s a place that has its own magic. You can see hundreds of species of birds and animals and so much nature and history.”

What sets Tikal Go Tours apart from other tour companies is their focus on personalized experiences. They don't just offer tours but all the amenities needed to make your trip unforgettable, including boats and helicopters. And because they work primarily online, booking a tour is a breeze.

On top of that, Tikal Go Tours is known for their commitment to building a sense of community among their employees and clients. They encourage their employees to suggest tour sites, and they build a profile of each client so that they can tailor the tour to their specific needs and interests. They want their clients to feel like friends, not just customers.

“It’s important to us to build a community,” Catania explained. “We always say, ‘Tikal Tours doesn’t belong to any one person,’ so we want all of our employees to be part of it. They know the area very well, so they might have ideas that clients will like.”

And it’s not just tourists who benefit from Tikal Go Tours. Second and third-generation Guatemalans who come to explore their heritage are often moved to tears by the beauty of their home country. “We are giving them something they didn't have before,” said Catania.

When asked what guests can expect from their tours, Catania emphasized that they strive to offer more than just a sightseeing experience. They want guests to leave with beautiful memories and a well-rounded understanding of what Guatemala offers.

And for those who want a truly unforgettable experience, the sunrise tour of Tikal is a mustsee. Starting in the wee hours of the morning, guests can witness the stars and the Maya site in perfect harmony. As the sun rises, the jungle comes alive with the sounds of monkeys and birds and the city of Tikal is bathed in a golden glow.

The volcano tour is also popular for those who prefer a cooler experience. Guests can watch the volcano erupt at night while sipping on a warm drink, taking in the unique and awe-inspiring sight.

Tikal Go Tours offers a different view of Guatemala, one that is personalized, community-driven, and unforgettable. They hope that guests leave with more than just a checklist of sights seen but with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the beauty and richness of this hidden gem of a country.