A sea of lush green dotted with islands of carved stone, mist rising from the jungle and carrying the sound of bird calls skyward. The scene at the top of Temple IV in Tikal is one I’ll never forget. As I sat on the stone steps with other travelers, I felt like we had left the modern world behind. We were at the center of a real-life lost city in the jungle.
There are amazing Mayan sites throughout Central America, but Tikal is the big one: their largest population center, a metropolis with thousands of stone structures. The Mayans built these structures over the course of 1000 years, culminating in a group of temples from around 700 AD. Today, Tikal National Park encompasses a huge jungle preserve in northeastern Guatemala. The excavated ruins at the core of the park give you a window into the Mayan civilization. Let’s talk about a few highlights and tips on how to visit.
Tikal Facts
- Built by: Mayans
- Time period: 500 BC – 900 AD
- Size: 6 sq mi excavated, 23 sq mi total
- Location: Peten, Guatemala
- Major features: tall temples, astronomical pyramids, jungle wildlife
- Other names: Yax Mutal
Great Plaza of Tikal
When you see an image of Tikal, it’s usually this iconic area. The Great Plaza is flanked by two massive temples, the Temple of the Great Jaguar (Temple 1) and the Temple of the Masks (Temple 2). Both of these are funerary temples built over the tombs of Mayan rulers. You can climb to the top of Temple 2 via a stairway for a sweeping view of all the structures nearby. You can still see the giant stone masks at the top of the temple as well. In the plaza below are several circular altars that the Mayans used for making sacrifices. Yes, the human kind of sacrifices. Also in this area are palaces where the royalty of Tikal lived.
The Great Pyramid (Lost World Pyramid)
The Mayans were really interested in astronomy. Early in Tikal’s history, they built a flat-topped pyramid designed for observing the skies, known today as the Great Pyramid or the Lost World Pyramid. Other structures in the complex line up with the direction of the rising sun at key times of the year like the solstices. The pyramid is one of the oldest structures in Tikal. It was expanded several times, but the underlying structure dates to around 500 BC. Today, you can climb to the top via stairs for an excellent 360 degree view.
Jungle Wildlife in Tikal
Though the Mayan architecture is what brings people to Tikal, there’s more to the story. Tikal National Park is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. Many species of birds, two kinds of monkeys, and even jaguars call the jungle home. One of the animals you’ll see most is the coatimundi (coati), a racoon-like mammal that loves to dig in the ground looking for food. I was also really happy to spot a toucan and an aracari when I visited! Fortunately for visitors, the guides of Tikal are experts on the jungle wildlife as well as the Mayan structures.
How to Visit Tikal
The best base for exploring Tikal is Flores, Guatemala. It’s a beautiful little town that occupies an island in nearby Lake Petén Itzá. Tikal National Park is about 1.5 hours away by car, and shuttle buses and private tours are widely available. Prices vary, but there are options in the $50-100 range. Hotels in Flores can help with booking. There are also a couple of hotels in Tikal National Park, if you prefer to stay close to the action. Additionally, if you’re coming from Belize, it’s possible to take a day trip from the western border or the town of San Ignacio.
I highly recommend visiting with a tour group or hiring a guide. Guides bring the ruins to life and explain what these amazing stone structures mean. It’s not a huge expense, and it saves you having to do a lot of reading.
A few tips for visiting: TIkal in the Guatemalan jungle, so prepare for hot weather and a decent amount of walking. Bring some water. I recommend getting a good insect repellent too.
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