Tikal National Park

Tikal National Park

In the middle of the jungle, nestled in lush vegetation, stands one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization, which was inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The ceremonial center includes splendid temples and palaces, as well as public plazas accessed by ramps. The remains of the dwellings are scattered all over the surrounding countryside. With a population that may have reached 100,000 at its peak, the ancient Mayan city of Tikal is the largest pre-Hispanic settlement in Guatemala. It has about 5,000 pre-Hispanic buildings spread over 16 square kilometers, of which only 5% are restored and allowed to visit. The city is the site of an ancient capital that ruled a vast territory throughout the Classic period. Tikal's name means City of Voices. The Tikal National Park was created in 1955 and has an area of 575.86 square kilometers. This is one of the greatest examples of the traditional architectural style of the Central Maya plain, with exquisite examples of temples in the shape of stepped pyramids, such as the Great Jaguar, the Temple of the Masks, the Temple of the Bicephalous Serpent and the Temple of the Inscriptions, along with squares, the Lost World Complex, the Twin Pyramids Complex, ball games, an extensive set of sculpted statues and a great number of places around it. In 1979, it was declared the first Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its cultural and natural wealth of exceptional universal value. At the present time, Tikal is one of the most important tourist destinations in Guatemala, and also one of the most exciting places for bird watchers.