The limestone structures of Tikal

I love exploring ancient civilizations. It takes a lot to impress me. I’ve seen the Aztec pyramids of Teotihuacan in Mexico City; I’ve seen the Egyptian pyramids at Giza and the ruins of Karnak and Luxor; I’ve seen the Athens Acropolis, Roman Colosseum and Stonehenge in England; I’ve seen numerous Mayan ruins, including Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba, Mayapan, Xcambo, Yaxha, and Izapa.

And yet, I was still impressed with the sheer height and majesty of the Tikal Mayan ruins, shrouded deep in the lush 180’ high jungle canopy of northern Guatemala, guarded by myriad creatures such as howler monkeys, toucans, parrots, deer, ocelots, wild turkeys, and the occasional jaguar.   Apparently, I’m not the only one fascinated with the metropolis… According to Rough Guides, “Tikal is possibly the most magnificent of all Maya sites.”

Guatemala is a fascinating country. If you have more time, here’s a guide to backpacking Guatemala.

History of Ruins

The tops of two pyramids peek out from the rainforest in Tikal

Tikal was once an affluent metropolitan area housing as many as 100,000 residents and the base of the great Jaguar clan lords. It is the largest excavated site on the American continent and considered by some archaeologists as the capital of the Maya.

Pennsylvania University headed the excavation and restoration of the site from 1956 through 1969. Six impressive limestone temple pyramids pierce Tikal’s skyline, the highest 230 ft. in height from which Mayan astronomers and priests studied the movements of the planets and calculated dates for their ritual calendar. The site also lays claim to many stone carvings and hieroglyphics.

Some records date Tikal as far back as 400 BC. The earliest monument was constructed in A.D. 292, but the history of Tikal spans the entire “Classic Period.” The metropolis reached its height in the eighth century A.D. when the pyramids were constructed, all within roughly a fifty-year span of time. Mysteriously, a century later, like other Mayan communities, Tikal was abandoned and consumed under a thick layer of encroaching jungle growth.

Cortez, the Spanish conquistador, led an expedition in 1525 very close to Tikal, but because of the thick growth, did not see it. The reason for Tikal’s decline remains a mystery, but disease, famine, overpopulation wars, and drought have all been speculated as possible causes.

Logistics at the Tikal Site

Tikal’s rulers built six “temple” pyramids which marked the burial place of a ruler.

Temple I — the most recognized of the Tikal metropolis

Temple I, The Temple of the Grand Jaguar Temple I, built for the 26th ruler of Tikal, Jasaw Chan K’awiil, stands sentry over the eastern portion of the plaza.

Ladders, stone steps, and roots to climb Temple I, Tikal

A stone stairway leads up the pyramid’s nine stories, symbolizing the nine levels of the Mayan underworld. Due to the injuries and deaths that resulted from falling off the 20-story pyramid, climbing is now prohibited.

Temple II, Tikal

Temple II, The Temple of the Masks, faces off with Temple I on the opposite side of the Great Plaza, a large courtyard encompassing terraced stone palaces by terraces and the ubiquitous Mayan ball courts.

Carved stone masks, Tikal

Temple III was the last large structure built at Tikal. It is speculated to contain the burial of Chi’taam, the last major ruler at this sit, although his tomb has not yet been found.

Temple IV, towering above the canopy at 212 feet tall, is not only the tallest structure in Tikal but the whole Mayan civilization. It was built by Yax Kin, who began his rule on December 12th, 734 A.D, and is believed to be buried here. There is a series of stone steps, wooden ladders, roots, and protruding stones leading up to the top.

Temple V is the second tallest pyramid at Tikal. It is yet to be determined who may be buried here.

Temple VI is said to contain the most extensive hieroglyphics in the Mayan world, depicting the history of the Tikal civilization.

Other structures include “Mundo Perdido” or Lost World Complex, the Palace, and North Acropolis.

Lost World, Tikal

The residential area of Tikal covers around 23 square miles, much of which has not yet been excavated.

Here I am, at the top, while it was still allowed.

Star Wars fans may recognize Tikal as the hidden rebel base used by filmmaker George Lucas for the 1977 Episode IV: A New Hope.

Today, the fascinating ruins of Tikal is a great source of pride to Guatemala and attracts archeologists from all over the world, It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Want to see more of Guatemala?  Here are 6 cities to see on your Guatemala trip!

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About the Author

Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and the southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.

She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the new few months.

Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.