Tikal

Tikal: The Place of Voices

The name Tikal translates to “place of voices” in the language of the local Itza Maya.

While its original name was lost in time, it may have been Yax Mutal—capital of the mighty Mutal kingdom.

Historically, Tikal was a commercial and military superpower, as well as an important ritual center.

Evidence suggests settlement at Tikal as early as 800 BC.

The city reached its apex during the Maya Classic Period (250 to 900 AD), with an estimated population of 100,000.

Over 3,000 structures have been identified at this site including:

• Temples
• Monumental Stelae
• Ball Courts
• Tombs
• Palaces

The residential area of Tikal is thought to cover 23 square miles.

Although it was never fully lost, the first scientific expedition didn’t arrive until 1848.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Intensive clearing and restoration began in the 1950s. Today, Tikal is one of the world’s most extensively-restored ancient cities.

UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1979, describing the area as a “masterpiece of human creative genius”.

Tikal rests on a low hill, surrounded by thick rainforest.

This is an excellent place to view enormous, flat-topped Ceiba (Ceiba pentandra) trees, both sacred to the Maya and symbolic of their cosmology.

Wonderful Wildlife Watching

Howler monkeys, coatis, parrots, and toucans are common here.

Approximately 300 other avian species have been sighted in Tikal, as have jaguars and pumas.

Elevated causeways connect the city’s plaza and temple clusters.

The Great Plaza and Temple I

The city’s cultural heart—The Great Plaza—is flanked by Temple I (Temple of the Grand Jaguar) to the east and Temple II (Moon Temple or Temple of the Masks) to the west.

To the north lies the North Acropolis—an arrangement of eight pyramids, surrounded by tombs and monuments.

On the southern end, the Central Acropolis features six courts, lined with wall-like palaces.

Temple V and Temple III

In the southwest sits Temple V (Lost World Pyramid), surrounded by 38 structures.

Tunnels reveal four other temples nested inside this pyramid, the earliest dating back to 700 BC.

West of the Great Plaza, Temple III remains uncovered, allowing visitors to experience the site as it once was, untouched by the hands of modern man.

On the southern end, the Central Acropolis features six courts, lined with wall-like palaces.

Temple V and Temple III

In the southwest sits Temple V (Lost World Pyramid), surrounded by 38 structures.

Tunnels reveal four other temples nested inside this pyramid, the earliest dating back to 700 BC.

West of the Great Plaza, Temple III remains uncovered, allowing visitors to experience the site as it once was, untouched by the hands of modern man.

This is the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the New World.

Fine Lakeside Lodging

Tikal is located in Guatemala’s northern Peten region, approximately one-hour (40 miles) northeast of Flores.

Fine lakeside lodging is available 20 miles to the south, near the town of El Remate.

Daily flights connect Flores to Guatemala City (50 minutes) and Belize City (45 minutes).

High temperatures can reach into the 90s between April and September.

Sun protection and rain gear are recommended year-round.

LANDED arranges personalized travel to Tikal and throughout Guatemala. Trips to Tikal can be combined with vacations to the beaches of Belize and the highlands of Guatemala. We organize luxury accommodation, private transportation, and tours with expert guides. Speak with a travel planner today at 801.582.2100. We’ll take care of the details.