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Tikal
Tikal
Recommended length of stay: 1 Days
*Rated 3 "backpack" on the Routard Guide
Only one word: Go for it! Lost in the jungle in the northeast of Guatemala, Tikal is without a doubt, the most important and breathtaking archaeological site of the Mayan civilization. Once a major commercial center and a place of worship and human sacrifice to the God Itzamna, the pyramids of Tikal are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Grandiose and inviting to the change of scenery, we propose you to walk on the tracks of a legendary people by discovering its temples. A real adventure movie set, this site full of history and very well preserved, opens a door on the imagination of many visitors. So perfect and so high, how could the Maya have built the pyramids of Tikal with simple human forces? Some locals speak of extraterrestrial help... Come and see for yourself.
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The history of Tikal.
Tikal is one of the largest Mayan cities known to date. It would have been founded around 900 BC and the oldest constructions of the site that we can admire today date from the 4th century BC.
- Tikal, the oldest dam in Latin America
When the Maya founded this city, the area had no water resources. To ensure the survival of the 60 to 80 thousand people of the community, they set up a very ingenious system of supply which included dams (of which the largest of Central America). This system allowed them to store rainwater, to filter it (sand filters) and to supply the whole city. It is besides this technology which earned its name to "Tikal": derived from the Yucatecan language, "ti ak'al" means "water hole".
- Tikal, a high place of power.
Thanks to numerous archaeological excavations, we know today the importance of the city. Once the capital of the Mayan Empire, it represented a high place of power, trade and worship. It is from Tikal that the military strategies of the Empire were elaborated and it is there that the most important cultural celebrations took place. The city-state was ruled by a long line of kings (about 33) of a dynasty founded by Yax Ehb Xook (or "first step"), its first ruler. At its peak, in the 8th century, Tikal would have become the largest city in the Maya world, extending over more than 60 square kilometers, before declining a century later, torn by numerous territorial wars. The city is gradually abandoned by its inhabitants, who let it disappear under the vegetation.
- From the discovery of Tikal to today.
It will have been necessary to wait the year 1848 so that a Guatemalan expedition rediscovers the existence of it. The first works of restoration and research are undertaken in 1950. In 1979, the national park of Tikal is registered with the Patrimony of UNESCO and becomes a protected zone. The park is now a must-see in Guatemala. In addition to its archaeological treasures, Tikal has a remarkable fauna and flora. More than 200 species of trees, 2000 plants and more than 300 animal species populate the 570 square kilometers of forest of the site. Among them, many are protected like howler monkeys, toucans or jaguars and pumas! You can also admire the Ceiba and kapok trees, sacred trees in the Mayan culture.
Planning of visits
Tikal in Guatemala | Recommended duration of stay: 1 to 2 days for the most fond of archaeology.
The surface of the park is immense: it will take you between 4 and 6 hours to cover the entirety of the marked out paths, without counting the visit of the museums. We therefore advise you to reserve a complete day to discover Tikal. For those who are fond of archaeology, 2 days should satisfy your curiosity. If you wish to live the whole adventure, it would be preferable to arrive the night before in order to take advantage of one of the hostals of Tikal. In the middle of nature, they offer a relaxing setting and will allow you to be on site to admire the sunrise from the top of the temple IV the next morning.
Day 1: Tikal Park
The first thing to do is to get a map of the park in order to plan your route in advance. This will allow you to go around the ruins that you prefer and to avoid going several kilometers in the middle of the jungle without seeing any remains. Otherwise, take a guide, he will explain you in detail the history of each monument.
- The central square of Tikal :
Like many visitors, you'll probably want to see the most spectacular part of the park before you abandon yourself to exploring its nooks and crannies. If you take the path in front of you from the entrance of the park, you will quickly arrive at the heart of Tikal, in its central square. Surrounded by imposing ruins, you will love this immense space worthy of the most beautiful settings of Indiana Jones. You will be able to climb on the Temple II with the help of ramps and to impregnate you with the princely life of Tikal under the Maya reign by strolling the northern acropolis and the central acropolis. The latter served as apartments for the heir families and also had an administrative function, Tikal being at one time the capital of the Empire. The northern acropolis will delight the history lovers, it is in its entrails that most of the tombs were found. This set of buildings represented for the inhabitants of the city a connection with the infraworld and a place of very important religious ceremonies.
- The Lost World of Tikal :
by crossing the central square, you will continue your visit by passing in front of the temple III, one of the most imposing of the park, then the complex N, before joining a little further on your left, the Lost World and the southern acropolis. They are, according to us, the 33 most beautiful structures of the park. They are decorated with sculptures in honor of the Sun God which are remarkably well preserved. Named by its explorers after the novel by Conan Doyle, these remains were once largely covered by vegetation, reminiscent of the configuration of the temples of Angkor, in Cambodia. The Lost World of Tikal is a marvel for the eyes and ears. One has the impression in this place to be completely alone, immersed in the noisy jungle, to have discovered a treasure. Don't be surprised if the howler monkeys welcome you with their noise. You are here at home.
- Temple IV and V of Tikal:
if you want to take a little height, it is possible to climb to the top of these two pyramids where a splendid view awaits the flash of your cameras. From this point, you will have an overall view at the same time on the archaeological wonders of the park but also on its dense forest as far as the eye can see. You can then continue your visit by exploring the other marked paths or by heading, to complete your loop, to the park entrance. The trails are pleasant and easily accessible, however, we recommend that you bring a backpack with refreshments. Without realizing it, you will be walking for several hours in the heat, so remember to stay hydrated!
The Museums:
Containing all the pieces of life discovered in the temples, they retrace the successive excavations that have allowed such knowledge of the city. The many precious offerings found in the tombs of the kings will make you aware of the extent of the wealth of the people who lived there. These small museums are the ideal end point of this exotic visit.
Day 2: In-depth exploration of Tikal
If the day was not enough for you, stay there a little longer so as not to miss any detail! You will become an expert.
Places of interest
-
The Central Plaza of Tikal:
Located between the central and northern acropolis, it is composed of the temple I and II and a juego de pelota court. This space represents the heart of the archaeological site of Tikal, it was formerly an essential place of life for the city, which was transformed into place of ceremony according to the seasons.
-
The temple I and II :
Known as the Temple of the Great Jaguar and the Temple of the Masks, they are undoubtedly the most important and the most beautiful of Tikal. Built in the 8th century on the initiative of a powerful king, they stand 38 and 47 meters high and are majestic representatives of the architecture of the time. The tomb of King Ha Sawa Chaan K'awil was discovered in 1962 in Temple I. Surrounded by numerous offerings, including several kilos of jade, he would have been buried there by his son unlike the previous kings of the city, whose tombs were discovered in the northern acropolis. In temple II, the tomb of a woman was discovered, probably that of his wife, Lachan Unen Mo'.
-
Temple III :
Also known as the "Temple of the Jaguar Priest", it was one of the main pyramids of the city of Tikal in its heyday. With its 55 meters height, it is also one of the most recent (its construction date is estimated around 810 AD) but also one of the most unknown. Mortuary temple of Dark Sun, king of Tikal, it is almost entirely closed to the public.
-
Temple IV:
It is the highest building of the site, culminating at 65 meters high. It offers a breathtaking view of the entire park and has inspired more than one Hollywood movie.
-
Temple V:
A temple of 57 meters high, located south of the central acropolis and which is the mortuary temple of a leader of Tikal still unidentified. Its access remains however limited, archaeological research is still in progress in the zone.
-
The Lost World of Tikal:
this place bears its name well. The lush forest and the multiple pyramids that surround it make it a small world apart, immersed in a wild and mysterious nature. Just next to it is the Square of the Seven Temples, quite similar. It is a quiet place, the most beautiful of the park.
-
Litico Museum:
Bringing together photographs of the first expedition, stelae and ceramic pieces found at the site, this small museum will fascinate visitors eager to learn more about Tikal's archaeological finds.
-
Sylvanus G. Morley Museum:
The most remarkable pieces found in the tombs of the kings of the city are displayed here. You will be able to measure the richness of the Mayan civilization through its precious stones and finely carved bones. You will even have the opportunity to see the tomb of King Ah Cacao, who made Tikal great.
-
Complexes L, M, N, O, P, Q and R:
It is about 7 sets of twin pyramids built especially to practice religious rituals and to commemorate the end of a Katun (unit of time representing 30 elapsed years according to the Maya calendar). These are unique constructions, they are only found in Tikal.
How to get there
How to get to Tikal?
By car / bus :
- from Flores : 1h10
- from Guatemala city : between 10h and 11h
- from Coban : 6h30
- from Puerto Barrios : a little less than 6 hours
By plane to Flores (then take a collective bus to the site)
- from Guatemala City : 1h
Tikal in Guatemala | Recommended duration of stay: 1 to 2 days for the most fond of archaeology.
The surface of the park is immense: it will take you between 4 and 6 hours to cover the entirety of the marked out paths, without counting the visit of the museums. We therefore advise you to reserve a complete day to discover Tikal. For those who are fond of archaeology, 2 days should satisfy your curiosity. If you wish to live the whole adventure, it would be preferable to arrive the night before in order to take advantage of one of the hostals of Tikal. In the middle of nature, they offer a relaxing setting and will allow you to be on site to admire the sunrise from the top of the temple IV the next morning.
Day 1: Tikal Park
The first thing to do is to get a map of the park in order to plan your route in advance. This will allow you to go around the ruins that you prefer and to avoid going several kilometers in the middle of the jungle without seeing any remains. Otherwise, take a guide, he will explain you in detail the history of each monument.
- The central square of Tikal :
Like many visitors, you'll probably want to see the most spectacular part of the park before you abandon yourself to exploring its nooks and crannies. If you take the path in front of you from the entrance of the park, you will quickly arrive at the heart of Tikal, in its central square. Surrounded by imposing ruins, you will love this immense space worthy of the most beautiful settings of Indiana Jones. You will be able to climb on the Temple II with the help of ramps and to impregnate you with the princely life of Tikal under the Maya reign by strolling the northern acropolis and the central acropolis. The latter served as apartments for the heir families and also had an administrative function, Tikal being at one time the capital of the Empire. The northern acropolis will delight the history lovers, it is in its entrails that most of the tombs were found. This set of buildings represented for the inhabitants of the city a connection with the infraworld and a place of very important religious ceremonies.
- The Lost World of Tikal :
by crossing the central square, you will continue your visit by passing in front of the temple III, one of the most imposing of the park, then the complex N, before joining a little further on your left, the Lost World and the southern acropolis. They are, according to us, the 33 most beautiful structures of the park. They are decorated with sculptures in honor of the Sun God which are remarkably well preserved. Named by its explorers after the novel by Conan Doyle, these remains were once largely covered by vegetation, reminiscent of the configuration of the temples of Angkor, in Cambodia. The Lost World of Tikal is a marvel for the eyes and ears. One has the impression in this place to be completely alone, immersed in the noisy jungle, to have discovered a treasure. Don't be surprised if the howler monkeys welcome you with their noise. You are here at home.
- Temple IV and V of Tikal:
if you want to take a little height, it is possible to climb to the top of these two pyramids where a splendid view awaits the flash of your cameras. From this point, you will have an overall view at the same time on the archaeological wonders of the park but also on its dense forest as far as the eye can see. You can then continue your visit by exploring the other marked paths or by heading, to complete your loop, to the park entrance. The trails are pleasant and easily accessible, however, we recommend that you bring a backpack with refreshments. Without realizing it, you will be walking for several hours in the heat, so remember to stay hydrated!
The Museums:
Containing all the pieces of life discovered in the temples, they retrace the successive excavations that have allowed such knowledge of the city. The many precious offerings found in the tombs of the kings will make you aware of the extent of the wealth of the people who lived there. These small museums are the ideal end point of this exotic visit.
Day 2: In-depth exploration of Tikal
If the day was not enough for you, stay there a little longer so as not to miss any detail! You will become an expert.
-
The Central Plaza of Tikal:
Located between the central and northern acropolis, it is composed of the temple I and II and a juego de pelota court. This space represents the heart of the archaeological site of Tikal, it was formerly an essential place of life for the city, which was transformed into place of ceremony according to the seasons.
-
The temple I and II :
Known as the Temple of the Great Jaguar and the Temple of the Masks, they are undoubtedly the most important and the most beautiful of Tikal. Built in the 8th century on the initiative of a powerful king, they stand 38 and 47 meters high and are majestic representatives of the architecture of the time. The tomb of King Ha Sawa Chaan K'awil was discovered in 1962 in Temple I. Surrounded by numerous offerings, including several kilos of jade, he would have been buried there by his son unlike the previous kings of the city, whose tombs were discovered in the northern acropolis. In temple II, the tomb of a woman was discovered, probably that of his wife, Lachan Unen Mo'.
-
Temple III :
Also known as the "Temple of the Jaguar Priest", it was one of the main pyramids of the city of Tikal in its heyday. With its 55 meters height, it is also one of the most recent (its construction date is estimated around 810 AD) but also one of the most unknown. Mortuary temple of Dark Sun, king of Tikal, it is almost entirely closed to the public.
-
Temple IV:
It is the highest building of the site, culminating at 65 meters high. It offers a breathtaking view of the entire park and has inspired more than one Hollywood movie.
-
Temple V:
A temple of 57 meters high, located south of the central acropolis and which is the mortuary temple of a leader of Tikal still unidentified. Its access remains however limited, archaeological research is still in progress in the zone.
-
The Lost World of Tikal:
this place bears its name well. The lush forest and the multiple pyramids that surround it make it a small world apart, immersed in a wild and mysterious nature. Just next to it is the Square of the Seven Temples, quite similar. It is a quiet place, the most beautiful of the park.
-
Litico Museum:
Bringing together photographs of the first expedition, stelae and ceramic pieces found at the site, this small museum will fascinate visitors eager to learn more about Tikal's archaeological finds.
-
Sylvanus G. Morley Museum:
The most remarkable pieces found in the tombs of the kings of the city are displayed here. You will be able to measure the richness of the Mayan civilization through its precious stones and finely carved bones. You will even have the opportunity to see the tomb of King Ah Cacao, who made Tikal great.
-
Complexes L, M, N, O, P, Q and R:
It is about 7 sets of twin pyramids built especially to practice religious rituals and to commemorate the end of a Katun (unit of time representing 30 elapsed years according to the Maya calendar). These are unique constructions, they are only found in Tikal.
How to get to Tikal?
By car / bus :
- from Flores : 1h10
- from Guatemala city : between 10h and 11h
- from Coban : 6h30
- from Puerto Barrios : a little less than 6 hours
By plane to Flores (then take a collective bus to the site)
- from Guatemala City : 1h
Tikal