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Tikal
In the midst of lush jungle, the ruins of Tikal rise to a height of nearly 150 feet. One of the greatest of the ancient Mayan cities, Tikal is in northern Guatemala, around which the ancient civilization was centered. Though there are many Mayan ruins in the surrounding region, Tikal is one of the largest and is certainly one of the most visited. Archaeologists are still puzzling as to whether Tikal was a city, an important ceremonial center, or both. The area was set aside in 1958 as a national park, and covers more than 220 square miles. Regarded as one of the most important cultural preserves in the world, the park was declared a monument of the world’s heritage by UNESCO in 1917. The ruins, mostly carved stone buildings, rise high over the Peten jungle - the tallest temple is over 200 feet high. Nearly all of the visible buildings were constructed in 700 AD atop even older structures, so the exact date the city was first built has been obscured. In 900, apparently with no warning, the Tikal civilization mysteriously disappeared. The jungle has partially reclaimed the ancient city’s remains creating an almost ghostly atmosphere. The eerie serenity is constantly broken by the sounds of the jungle. Male howler monkeys cry out to claim their territory, while groups of spider monkeys crawl up above the canopy of the dense forest. Giant unseen insects hum off-key melodies, and various species of multi-colored birds call out to declare their presence.
Tikal is open for visitors, and people are even allowed to climb to the top of some of the old temples where they can see the luxuriant foliage and colorful scenery surrounding this compound. If you think some of the flowers are moving, your eyes are probably not playing tricks on you. The jungle canopy is home to an incredible array of tropical birds, including Parrots, Toucans, and Macaws. Look for a native Quetzal with its distinct bright red marking.
Once nearly inaccessible, the archaeological site can be reached in comfort from Flores International Airport at nearby Santa Elena. From there, Tikal is a 45 minute drive along a paved highway. The other roads in the area are difficult for travelers. Usually unpaved, they require use of a four-wheel drive.
Tikal has more than 4000 separate structures. The oldest date from the Pre-classic period of the Mayan civilization, making them nearly two millennia, and many other buildings in the compound date only from the Classic period of the Maya, which ended around 900.
The most important constructions are centered on the Great Plaza and can be explored on foot. Carved altars, ceremonial buildings, residential and government palaces, surround the central plaza.
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