Attractions
Walk through Maya history at the pyramids of Tikal
GUATEMALA // Nowhere in Central America speaks to the greatness of the civilisations that thrived before the earth-shattering contact with Europe in 1492 than Tikal. A city that rivalled Rome in size and aspiration, its ruins today poke out of the jungle plateau of northern Guatemala. Where the noise of a bustling metropolis would have once filled the air, visitors today are greeted by the rustling of vines and the shrieks and booms of the toucans and howler monkeys that call its stones home. The scale of Tikal can be hard to fathom. The main sites can just about be seen in a day, but the park that describes the old city limits spreads out over a staggering 16 sq km (10 sq miles). Less than 10% of Tikal's buildings have been excavated, while the rest lie beneath a dense forest that has been growing since the city's rulers abandoned it a thousand years ago. New archaeological discoveries still come thick and fast - the development of Lidar, a type of laser radar, in the last decade has revealed the remains of an astonishing 4000 previously unknown buildings in the area. The architecture that draws visitors today is far from hidden. Steep grey temple pyramids loom over ceremonial plazas; the tallest of these towers over 70m (230ft) high, poking its head high over the rainforest canopy. Given the size of the park, multi-day explorations allow you to get the most out a visit, and Tikal's host of feathered inhabitants offer joy to even the most casual birdwatcher. It's also possible to overnight inside the park, sleeping to a jungle lullaby and rising early to watch the sun rise from atop an ancient temple. There's no better way to feel closer to the ancient Maya world.
What are the pyramids in Tikal?
Why is Tikal so famous?
What is the history of Tikal ruins?
Some of the buildings at Tikal date to the fourth century B.C. Tikal, or Yax Mutal, was an important city in the empire of the Maya from 200 to 900 A.D. The Mayan ruins have been part of a national park in Guatemala since the 1960s, and in 1979 they were named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How many pyramids did Tikal have?
What is inside Tikal?
Other structures: In addition to the residences and tunnels, the Central Acropolis in Tikal is home to a number of other ancient Maya structures, including temples, pyramids, and other buildings.