Lost world – the Maya Ruins in Tikal, Guatemala

Have you ever wondered what is all about the old civilizations and why so many people are so intrigued about their cultures and sites, then you could plan your next visit to one of these places. A somewhat unknown travel destination lies in Guatemala, in the UNESCO heritage site of Tikal. This was a sacred city for the Maya civilization, built in the middle of the jungle with interesting characteristics that make it a very pleasant journey…Tikal lies in the middle of the jungle, so getting there could seem difficult. But modern tourism has reached even the most distant places on earth and there are options to go anywhere. The ancient city is located in the north of the country, 63 kilometers from the major town of Flores.

From there, you can easily find tours or public transportation to Tikal. To reach Flores, you can arrive by air in the capital of the country, Ciudad de Guatemala, or in other major cities from the area like Belize or Cancun. There are major airlines that operate to these cities, so you just have to find the right one. Tikal was the capital of one of the strongest states in the times of the pre-Columbian civilization Maya. This state was in great rivalry with the better known Teotihuacan in Mexico. The city of Tikal reached its glory between 200 and 900 AD. Concerning the actual remains at the site, there are impressive ruins which cat attest to the glory and power of the Maya. The main attraction however, is the most impressive pyramid, that is known as the Temple of the Great Jaguar. This pyramid is 44 meters high and still stands in great shape. It has a sanctuary in the top and inside, it was discovered the funeral site of the great leader that built it.

But this is not the only impressive historic remains at Tikal. There are many other temples, markets and building with different purposes. One of the building complexes that is part of the site was names “The Lost World”, thanks to its structure with labyrinths and isolated location inside the jungle. There are many of these groups of buildings excavated in the heart of the surrounding jungle and some of the most important are called “The Acropolis”. When visiting the site, it is extremely striking how the jungle and the city coexist in perfect harmony, without invasion and destruction. 
As a fact, the whole site is part of a great National Park that protects both the nature of the jungle and the ancient ruins. The Tikal National Park offers many other attractions for the passionate traveler, along with the historic site. You can cruise over the jungle in a helicopter, watch the exotic birds of the area or have an adventure tour through the high canopy. Whatever might be your thing, Tikal can answer many desire and it is truly a travel destination worth seeing.

Recommended Accommodation near Tikal

Cover Photo by Paweł Wielądek on Unsplash