inconic ruins
You’ll find Mayan ruins studded throughout the rainforests of northern Guatemala, but none capture the imagination quite like Tikal.
Reclaimed from the barely penetrable jungle of El Peten, Tikal’s iconic ruins of temples and palaces were one of the Maya Empire’s most magnificent creations. It flourished between 200 and 850 A.D., but was later abandoned and taken over by jungle. Rediscovered centuries later, the site now lives at the heart of the vast Tikal National Park and has famously been used as a backdrop in Star Wars.
From a distance, the temples of this ancient Mayan citadel appear to float above the jungle canopy – at 70 metres, Temple IV is the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the America’s. The main site includes the giant Lost World Pyramid and the Temple of the Grand Jaguar (which you can climb for fantastic views). However, there are countless smaller shrines, platforms, plazas and ball courts dotted throughout the jungle – some still awaiting discovery under mounds of earth.
Soaking up the atmosphere of Tikal as your expert local guide brings to life the Mayan culture that once dominated the area is an enchanting experience. Enjoy wandering around the great buildings surrounded by encroaching rainforest, accompanied by the chatter of troupes of monkeys and the calls of tropical birds. After Tikal, you can go on to discover other impressive Mayan sites such as Uaxactun, Yaxha and Ceibal.
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