Experience life as an intrepid explorer by taking a tour back in time to 200 AD at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tikal National Park in the Petén Basin region of Northern Guatemala.
The temples and pyramids of Tikal are one of the largest archaeological urban centres of the Maya civilization, an astonishing collection of majestic limestone structures situated across 16 square kilometres of rain forest. There are over 3000 constructions to be discovered including the infamous 6 Temples and iconic Great Plaza. Adventurous travellers are invited to scale new heights by climbing the steps to the summits of the structures, some of which stand at over 250ft high, and witness the astounding views of the park from above the forest canopy.
the largest archaeological urban centres of the Maya civilization, an astonishing collection of majestic limestone structures
Shrouded in mystery, the dynastic line of Tikal spanned over 800 years with the altars, monuments and temples at the park dated from 200 to 900 AD. It is estimated that the historic City was once home to 90,000 inhabitants and the remaining structures are some of the largest in the Maya region – fetes of ancient civil engineering, designed with ingenuity and aligned with the heavens according to the Mayan calendar.
Visitors to the park can unearth the mystical history of Maya by viewing the various hieroglyphic texts, royal portraits and inscribed stone monuments situated alongside the structures of the site, whilst fully immersed in nature. Tikal is a host to Ceiba trees, the national tree of Guatemala, symbolised by the Mayans as an axis mundi connecting the underworld and the sky with the terrestrial realm. The park is the home to an abundance of rare and exotic wildlife including howler and spider monkeys and birds such as hummingbirds, parrots, toucans and woodpeckers. The land is also known territory of seldom sighted jaguars.
Tikal is open daily from 6am – 5pm with various tour options available to spirited travellers. Visitors can choose to be accompanied by tour guides or venture the trails unaccompanied using sitemaps and informative signage. Friendly and knowledgeable guides take visitors on a journey, helping to demystify the culture, ceremonies and traditions of the Mayan people whilst offering in-site into the discovery of the ruins and the methods used to preserve them. An onsite museum provides further information about the history of Tikal.
Dawn break and sunrise tours are highly recommended to view Tikal’s ethereal glory as the sun rises beyond the splendid silhouettes of the temples – this time of day offers the best opportunities to see the native wildlife and is the best way to avoid the crowds of peak visiting hours.
The breath-taking beauty and mystical atmosphere of Tikal is one of Guatemala’s must-see attractions and travellers can conquer the temples as part of tours that include the Q150.00 park entrance fee.
Shuttle tours and local buses depart daily from neighbouring towns with many visitors choosing to stay in the picturesque town of Flores, 50km from Tikal.
For an exciting expedition into the Mayan world and Guatemala’s deep history Tikal National Park is an unrivalled gem awaiting to be uncovered.
Further information available at: www.tikalnationalpark.org
February 12, 2023 -
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