Tikal archeological site in Guatemala - Mayan ruins

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Mayan ruins of Tikal in Guatemala in Central America. Guatemala has a lot to offer: Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Livingston, Tikal. Find out about Tikal's link to other Mayan sites like Teotihuacan and Copan

Central American jungle habitat for quetzals, jaguars, monkeys

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Hey guys. I wanted to tell you about one of my all around favorite countries to visit, Guatemala.

In terms of overall value and what it has to offer, Guatemala might be the best country I have visited. It has everything: breathtaking landscapes; thousands of years of history; coffee plantations; unique wildlife like the jaguar, the spider monkey, and the national bird of Guatemala: the resplendent quetzal, which even appears on the currency. It’s also one of the most budget friendly destinations I’ve been to.
Guatemala has one of the prettiest lakes in the world, Lake Atitlan, which is bordered by three volcanoes. It has the famous colonial city of Antigua. But what it may be most known for is the spectacular Mayan ruins of Tikal, located deep within the jungle near the northern border with Mexico. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Tikal is one of the largest archeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Construction began around 400 BC and the city remained inhabited until about 950 AD. It then was mostly abandoned until the mid 1800’s when expeditions began. It has been in the process of being excavated ever since. There are thousands of structures at Tikal, but only a fraction have been restored. The most prominent are the main pyramids, numbered Temples one to six. The entire site covers an estimated 23 square miles.
Tikal was a key ally and trading partner with Teotihuacan, near modern-day Mexico City. However, Teotihuacan later conquered them in the 4th century AD. It also was closely affiliated with Copan in Honduras. Both Teotihuacan and Copan are excellent sites to visit that I also highly recommend.
Tikal is also notable for appearing in several movies, such as Star Wars, Episode 4: A New Hope. Tikal also even doubled as the external façade of Hugo Drax’s base in the James Bond movie, Moonraker.
The most notable area in Tikal is the Grand Plaza, which was originally the center of the city. At opposite ends are Temple 1 and Temple 2. You can climb Temple 2, which is 38 meters high.
Make sure to take note of the many Ceiba trees, which is the national tree of Guatemala and can grow to over 200’ tall. Ceiba trees are an important part of Mesoamerican mythology, as they represent a connection of the underworld with the sky.
If you are planning on visiting, make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a good pair of walking shoes or boots. It’s not an easy hike, as some of the terrain is quite rugged. If you are going to climb the pyramids, be aware that they are steep. Temple 4 is the tallest you can climb, which stands at 70 meters, about half of the height of the great pyramid of Giza in Egypt.
Also Tikal is in the middle of the jungle, so be prepared for the humidity. I recommend going early in the morning, as you will be able to hear the animals in the jungle, and it won’t be quite as hot. Admission is 150 Quetzales, roughly $20. There are paid guides available, or you can download the Tikal Audio Guide or bring a site map on your phone. The internet connection is minimal, so be prepared with a map in advance if you are going on your own. There’s even a sign indicating that you’re leaving the area with access.
There are two hotels near Tikal: Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal and Hotel Jaguar Inn Tikal, which is where I stayed. Or you can stay in the nearby lake town of Flores. There are also day trips available from San Ignacio in Belize.
I’d recommend exploring as much of Guatemala as you can, because there is a lot more to it than I have covered. Taking a boat taxi through the Rio Dulce gorge leading to the charming town of Livingston is a great side trip. Lake Atitlan and the cities of Antigua and Quetzaltenago are also popular destinations.
Let us know if you are visiting or have visited the great county of Guatemala in the comment section below. Please give us a thumbs up and consider subscribing if you have enjoyed this video.