Tikal National Park is unquestionably one of Guatemala’s greatest attractions and its rich beauty and historic content has deservedly earned it UNESCO status as a World Heritage site. Guatemala’s best-known park is situated between Flores and San José in the north of the country and was a major site of the ancient civilization known as the Mayan. Nowadays it ranks as the largest excavated site in the Americas.
Comprising lowland, highland forest and wetland areas, Tikal National Park supports a varied selection of animal species with the likes of the American river turtle, the howler monkey and the ocellated turkey among those that visitors might have a chance of seeing.
Awesome archaeological finds are located in a ceremonial center that includes ancient Mayan temples, palaces and other structures, all of which are accessible to tourists and offer some fantastic photo opportunities. The ruins here date back to the 6th century BC and are the most important relating to the Mayan civilization in the world, making Tikal an essential stop for all World Heritage buffs.
Highlights
Temple IV: the tallest structure at Tikal is 72 meters tall and climbing it can be achieved via wooden ladders for magnificent views.
Maudslay Causeway: is one of Tikal’s best areas for wildlife spotting and hiking, with the jungle flanked causeway also sided by walking routes.
Temple III: remarkably, the threshold of the temple’s door is still in place, carved from wood over 1,000 years ago.
Morley Museum: although only small, the museum houses some of Tikal’s most important ceramic finds.