Seibal (Ceibal) Tours and Activities

Strategically located above the Pasión River, a once important trade route to the Gulf of Mexico, Seibal (Ceibal) is one of the best preserved of Peten’s Mayan cities.
Archaeologists are in awe of elegant ceremonial construction dated to 900BC, among the earliest known monumental architecture in the Mayan world. Most visitors, however, will remember Seibal for its remarkably detailed stelae and sculptures, many carved after 800 AD, when the rest of the Mayan Empire was already in a state of collapse. Rendered in unusually hard stone, these detailed portraits and glyphs were influenced by foreign civilizations, and are unusually beautiful. This is why Seibal is sometimes called the “Mayan Art Gallery.”
The city was built on several elevated terraces overlooking the river, and is relatively small, covering about one square kilometer (2.5 acres). Plan to spend two or three hours exploring.
Archaeologists are in awe of elegant ceremonial construction dated to 900BC, among the earliest known monumental architecture in the Mayan world. Most visitors, however, will remember Seibal for its remarkably detailed stelae and sculptures, many carved after 800 AD, when the rest of the Mayan Empire was already in a state of collapse. Rendered in unusually hard stone, these detailed portraits and glyphs were influenced by foreign civilizations, and are unusually beautiful. This is why Seibal is sometimes called the “Mayan Art Gallery.”
The city was built on several elevated terraces overlooking the river, and is relatively small, covering about one square kilometer (2.5 acres). Plan to spend two or three hours exploring.
Practical Info
Seibal is located close to the small town of Sayaxche, about 62km (38 miles) from Flores, a 1.5-hour trip. There are two rustic ecolodges (and some very basic hotels) in the working port on the Río Pasión, making this a good base for visits to Ceibal and other nearby archaeological sites. Day trips are also easily arranged from Flores.
From Sayaxche, you can make the 17km (11-mile) trip to the ruins by public bus, though you may need to catch a pickup truck for the last few kilometers. Consider spending a few extra dollars to make the trip by boat, a lovely 45-minute trip up La Pasión River. There are no restaurants, shops, or hotels, so pack water and snacks.
From Sayaxche, you can make the 17km (11-mile) trip to the ruins by public bus, though you may need to catch a pickup truck for the last few kilometers. Consider spending a few extra dollars to make the trip by boat, a lovely 45-minute trip up La Pasión River. There are no restaurants, shops, or hotels, so pack water and snacks.
Address: El Ceibal, Sayaxche, Peten Department, Guatemala
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Seibal (Ceibal)
Sort by:Featured

Day Trip to Ceibal Archaeological Site
Learn more about Guatemala’s ancient Mayan civilization on this full-day tour to the Ceibal Archaeological Site from Flores. First, look out for crocodiles and iguanas as you cruise along the Rio Pasion to reach Ceibal. Then, follow your guide to the most impressively preserved ruins, including four plazas, an astronomic observatory and a remarkable collection of stelae and altars. This private tour includes lunch and round-trip transport from the Mundo Maya International Airport or your Flores hotel.
…More
From
$353.85
From
$353.85

Ceibal Day Tour from Flores
Journey back to ancient times on this full-day tour of Ceibal from Flores and discover the remains of one of Guatemala’s most important Mayan cities. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Passion River and hike through the rainforest to reach the fascinating archeological site that dates back as early as 300 BC. After taking in the highlights of UNESCO-listed Ceibal, tuck into a packed lunch (included) before being dropped back at your Flores or Santa Elena Peten hotel.
…More
From
$100.00
From
$100.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Things to do near Flores
- Things to do in Petén
- Things to do in San Ignacio
- Things to do in Placencia
- Things to do in Hopkins
- Things to do in Belize City
- Things to do in Ambergris Caye
- Things to do in San Pedro Sula
- Things to do in Guatemala City
- Things to do in Panajachel
- Things to do in Antigua
- Things to do in San Pedro La Laguna
- Things to do in Quetzaltenango
- Things to do in Roatan
- Things to do in The Cayes
- Things to do in Central Highlands