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The Mayan Ruins of Tikal, Guatemala: The Largest Archaeological Site in Central America
Published by Maya Franciszkiewicz, Writer
Country: Guatemala 
The Experience
Lying in the heart of the jungle region of Peten, in Northern Guatemala, Tikal offers a mystical journey into Mesoamerican history to the time of the great Mayan civilization. Tikal is the largest known archaeological site in Central America, spanning sixteen kilometers squared, and it containing some three thousand structures, most of which still lie uncovered in the dense jungle.
Tikal became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, and has since become a national park and popular destination for travellers. At the heart of Tikal National Park, which spans about 570 square kilometers, is the Tikal epicenter which archaeologists have discovered was the capital of the most powerful Mayan state. The site dates back as early as the 4th Century B.C. but archaeological evidence shows that it remained inhabited until approximately A.D 400. It is this site, with its looming Mayan temples and unique stone carvings, which has captivated people’s imagination and brought them by the thousands to explore this wonderland of Tikal National Park in Guatemala firsthand.
If you arrive at Tikal National Park mid-morning, it allows for a full day of jungle trekking and exploration, including a highly informative tour through the Tikal grounds and the ruins. The Tikal tour guides will regale you with local folklore and amazing historical facts, keeping you entertained with their often colourful sense of humour. The grand structure of the Tikal temples is captivating, and you can spend the day climbing the steep steps to admire the breathtaking views of the jungle and ruins below. The allure of Tikal National Park is not just the ruins but also the jungle around Tikal itself. With its exotic plants and wildlife, it definitely adds to the magical ambiance of the ruins of Tikal. After watching the breathtaking sunset from atop Temple III, one of the main five temples of Tikal, you absolutely have to come back to watch the sunrise the following day.
If you stay at the Jaguar Lodge and Campground, located right inside Tikal National Park, you’re able to partake in perhaps the most incredible experience you can have in Tikal—watching the sunrise from the top of Temple IV. The site opens at 6 a.m., and you’ll need to arrive with flashlights and insect repellent. The armed guards are very pleasant and can even offer to walk you halfway to the ruins of Tikal so that you don’t get lost in the pitch dark jungle full of snakes and jungle cats.
The walk to the Tikal ruins is an experience all its own. You’ll walk down narrow, winding paths and through dense jungle foliage while jungle creatures rustled in the bush close-by. When you finally arrive at your destination and ascend the 70-metre-high Mayan pyramid to the top, the mist rising above the jungle below is like something reminiscent of Jurassic Park. As you sit in silence, listening to the sounds of the jungle, the loud roaring of the infamous howler monkeys can be heard. Though not very large, these creatures emit a sound more frightening than a lion’s roar.
As the sun begins to rise, the magnificent jungle stretches out to the horizon, and the tops of the other Mayan pyramids breaking through the canopy can be seen. The whole experience definitely has an otherworldly feel to it, and leaves a lasting impact. Tikal National Park is one experience that you will not soon forget. Learning about this ancient Maya civilization and being able to explore their ancient city brings past and present together in a very inspiring way.
Tikal became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, and has since become a national park and popular destination for travellers. At the heart of Tikal National Park, which spans about 570 square kilometers, is the Tikal epicenter which archaeologists have discovered was the capital of the most powerful Mayan state. The site dates back as early as the 4th Century B.C. but archaeological evidence shows that it remained inhabited until approximately A.D 400. It is this site, with its looming Mayan temples and unique stone carvings, which has captivated people’s imagination and brought them by the thousands to explore this wonderland of Tikal National Park in Guatemala firsthand.
If you arrive at Tikal National Park mid-morning, it allows for a full day of jungle trekking and exploration, including a highly informative tour through the Tikal grounds and the ruins. The Tikal tour guides will regale you with local folklore and amazing historical facts, keeping you entertained with their often colourful sense of humour. The grand structure of the Tikal temples is captivating, and you can spend the day climbing the steep steps to admire the breathtaking views of the jungle and ruins below. The allure of Tikal National Park is not just the ruins but also the jungle around Tikal itself. With its exotic plants and wildlife, it definitely adds to the magical ambiance of the ruins of Tikal. After watching the breathtaking sunset from atop Temple III, one of the main five temples of Tikal, you absolutely have to come back to watch the sunrise the following day.
If you stay at the Jaguar Lodge and Campground, located right inside Tikal National Park, you’re able to partake in perhaps the most incredible experience you can have in Tikal—watching the sunrise from the top of Temple IV. The site opens at 6 a.m., and you’ll need to arrive with flashlights and insect repellent. The armed guards are very pleasant and can even offer to walk you halfway to the ruins of Tikal so that you don’t get lost in the pitch dark jungle full of snakes and jungle cats.
The walk to the Tikal ruins is an experience all its own. You’ll walk down narrow, winding paths and through dense jungle foliage while jungle creatures rustled in the bush close-by. When you finally arrive at your destination and ascend the 70-metre-high Mayan pyramid to the top, the mist rising above the jungle below is like something reminiscent of Jurassic Park. As you sit in silence, listening to the sounds of the jungle, the loud roaring of the infamous howler monkeys can be heard. Though not very large, these creatures emit a sound more frightening than a lion’s roar.
As the sun begins to rise, the magnificent jungle stretches out to the horizon, and the tops of the other Mayan pyramids breaking through the canopy can be seen. The whole experience definitely has an otherworldly feel to it, and leaves a lasting impact. Tikal National Park is one experience that you will not soon forget. Learning about this ancient Maya civilization and being able to explore their ancient city brings past and present together in a very inspiring way.
When to Go to Tikal Guatemala
The best time to visit Tikal is between January and April as the rainy season begins in June and can run until late December, making access by road difficult. The high tourist season is June to August, and is best avoided for the throngs of tourists who explore the ruins. There are several ways to get to Tikal National Park, and many people choose to stay in Flores, a nearby town which offers very reasonably priced hostels and hotels and has daily buses leaving early to the ruins of Tikal. However, if you wish to see the sunrise from the temple, then you will not arrive early enough from Flores. The only way you can see the sunrise from atop Temple IV is to book accommodations at the Jaguar Inn and Campground (located inside the Park), and arrive at the gates at around 5 a.m. Ask the guards to allow you early access, and you may be asked to pay a small fee for this.
It is wise to book at the Jaguar Inn well in advance as it can fill up quite quickly. It is also a good idea to plan a few days stay in Tikal as there is much to see and do, and it takes several days to explore all the ruins of Tikal. For those who plan on spending several days in the jungle, it may be a good idea to check what vaccinations (malaria, yellow fever, etc.) are recommended. Another really interesting experience is the summer and winter solstice and the spring and autumn equinox when large groups of Native Mayan descendants perform ancient rituals. If this is something which is of interest to you, be sure to contact the Tikal National Park ahead of time to find out details such as on which day the ceremonies will be held and whether they are open to the public.
It is wise to book at the Jaguar Inn well in advance as it can fill up quite quickly. It is also a good idea to plan a few days stay in Tikal as there is much to see and do, and it takes several days to explore all the ruins of Tikal. For those who plan on spending several days in the jungle, it may be a good idea to check what vaccinations (malaria, yellow fever, etc.) are recommended. Another really interesting experience is the summer and winter solstice and the spring and autumn equinox when large groups of Native Mayan descendants perform ancient rituals. If this is something which is of interest to you, be sure to contact the Tikal National Park ahead of time to find out details such as on which day the ceremonies will be held and whether they are open to the public.
Odds n' Ends
Aside from the recommended vaccinations, it is vital to pack insect repellent as the jungle is swarming with mosquitos and other insects. Bring a good pair of hiking boots and dress warm when doing the early morning hike to Temple IV.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
The Hotel Camino Real is a landmark hotel overlooking Lake Peten Itza and located halfway in between the Mayan Ruins of Tikal and the city ... 16 miles away
$1054 GTQ+
27 miles away
+ 13 others. Show all.
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Books and DVDs
- Moon Spotlight Tikal and Guatemala's Peten
- Moon Spotlight Tikal & Guatemala’s Petén is a 60-page compact guide covering Tikal, the best-known Mayan ruins, and Guatemala’s lowland jungle region.
- Rough Guide to Guatemala
- The Rough Guide to Guatemala is the essential companion to this astonishing country with detailed coverage of all the main attractions – from the volcanoes and crater lakes to the culturally-rich capital of Guatemala City.
Elsewhere on the Web
- Tikal National Park
- In depth information on Tikal National Park.
- UNESCO Mayan ruins at Tikal
- Ecological and conservational information about Tikal National Park.
- Guatemala: The Cradle of Mayan Civilization
- Details on Mayan sites and history of Guatemala.
Media References
- Maya Mystery Solved by "Important" Volcanic Discovery? (magazine)
- National Geographic explores a Mayan discovery.
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Language Guides
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