My wife and I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a guided tour of Tikal, Guatemala, led by our incredible tour guide Elmer. From start to finish, the experience exceeded all expectations and left a memorable mark on our journey through Guatemala.
Elmer's passion for his role as a tour guide was noticeable from the moment we met him. His enthusiasm and love for sharing his culture and knowledge about the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal shone through in every aspect of the tour. His depth of understanding and insight into the history and significance of the ruins added so much insight to Guatemala that we would have otherwise missed. He is also fluent in English, which is best for me.
In addition to the cultural immersion, Elmer's tour also offered us a glimpse into the diverse wildlife of Tikal. From toucans and tarantulas to various types of honey bees, coatis, spider monkeys, and countless other creatures, Elmer's expertise extends beyond just the historical aspects of the tour. His knowledge of the local wildlife was extensive, and he shared fascinating facts about each species we encountered, making our journey through Tikal even more captivating.
What truly set Elmer apart was his willingness to go above and beyond for his guests. Not only did he provide us with a comprehensive tour of Tikal, but he also took the extra step to introduce us to his hometown and its surrounding treasures. One highlight was our visit to a local beekeeper, where we had the unique opportunity to learn about the bees of Guatemala and sample an array of delicious honeys. It was an unexpected and unforgettable experience that showcased the authentic charm of Guatemala and its people.
In summary, our experience with Elmer was nothing short of exceptional. His passion for his work, coupled with his dedication to providing guests with unforgettable experiences, makes him a standout guide in Tikal. If you're looking for a guide who will not only educate and entertain but also immerse you in the culture, history, and wildlife of Guatemala, look no further than Elmer. We can't recommend him highly enough. Thank you, Elmer, for an unforgettable day...
Read moreI was looking for a tour company that could help me visit the Yaxha and Topoxté ruins and then take me to the Belizean border. To ensure I found a safe and reliable service, I reached out to several companies certified by INGUAT (Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo). Among them, Elmer from Tikal VIP Tours was the quickest and most courteous in his responses. He always replied to my emails on the same day and accommodated my requests with flexibility.
On the day of the tour, his company provided a very comfortable vehicle that picked me up from Flores Airport and took me to the Yaxha and Topoxté ruins. Although the road became unpaved and bumpy in parts, the driver drove slowly and safely through the fog, carefully avoiding potholes. During the journey, the guide shared fascinating insights about the Maya culture, making the tour even more enjoyable and meaningful. The guide made sure to cover every detail of the ruins. I had been disappointed by group tours in the past where the places I wanted to see were skipped, but this tour was as attentive and kind as one could wish for.
Lunch was also delicious—we ordered Pepián and Kak'ik. I love traditional Guatemalan cuisine and have enjoyed these dishes both in the capital and in Cobán, but the flavors at this restaurant were, in my opinion, the best. (Perhaps my personal preference for chicken over the traditional turkey in Kak'ik played a part in that.) After lunch, they took me to the Belizean border on time. Moreover, the guide even accompanied me through the Guatemalan exit procedures and escorted me to the Belizean entry point. I then completed the entry formalities without any issues and met with my friend waiting on the Belize side.
Thanks to Elmer and the entire staff of this tour company, I had an unforgettable and wonderful journey. I am...
Read moreI had a tour with Elmer and had a great experience. Worth every penny and would highly recommend if you want an amazing experience.
I ended up booking the sunrise tour via their website. They communicated the day before the tour confirming picking up and arrival time. They were on time and transportation was comfortable. I got to set the AC levels and music. They were very flexible on that front.
Once we got to the park, Elmer guided me and highlighted the animals I should be aware of (ants, spiders, scorpions, etc). I felt very safe and we walked a good pace since it was dark out.
It was too foggy to see the sunrise, but that didn’t take away from the experience because it was super cool to see everything in the dark and then in the day.
Elmer explained the history of the area, Mayans, ruins, etc. I had so many questions and he was able to answer them.
Something that made my trip extra special is that he was able to point out so many animals. I ended up seeing tucans, monkeys, scorpion, etc. SO MANY ANIMALS! It was very cool. He also showed me photos on his phone of the sounds they make / a close up photo to compare.
A highlight on why you should book: 1. It’s private. You get your moneys worth. 2. He does the route of the ruins in his own path = you see all the animals hiding from the other groups. 3. Very respectful and safe. As a solo traveler that was very important to me.
Thank you so much Elmer. I’ll definitely recommend you to any friends/family that visit. I had an...
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