Tikal Travel Guide
Travel to Tikal - Incredible Mayan Lost City deep in the jungle
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Located in the El Petén department of Guatemala, Tikal is the largest of the ancient ruined cities of the Maya civilization and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ruins are spread over six square miles with more than 3,000 structures including palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, terraces, plazas, avenues and steam baths. The site is situated in the Tikal National Park which is also home to howler monkeys, brocket deer, coati-mundis, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots; even the occasional jaguar can be spotted. Along with lush vegetation there is also an abundance of tropical flowers.
Tikal was one of the major centers of the Maya civilization and became a wealthy metropolis in its heyday. The earliest ruins date back to the 4th century B.C however Tikal did not reach it peak until the Classic period, from 200 AD to 900 AD. At this time the city dominated the Maya region politically, economically, and militarily.
Following the end of the Late Classic Period the city’s growth began to decline, with no new major monuments being built, some palaces being burned down and a gradual decrease in population, the site was eventually abandoned by the end of the 10th century.
Attractions in Tikal
The main attractions at the site are the temples and pyramids which can be seen rising above the tree canopy, and an intricate palace complex. The jungles which surround the site are full of colourful bird and wildlife.
Activities in Tikal
You should spend a whole day to adequately explore the ruins, due to the scale of the site.
Relaxing
Once you have fully explored the ruins spend some time in the jungle to observe the wonderful wildlife and tropical flowers.
Getting Around
A local shuttle minibus can be arranged in Flores to transport you to the site. Once there, exploration is easily undertaken on foot.
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