Tikal

At Tikal you can see the remains of an ancient Mayan ceremonial center, which is thought to have been called Yax Mutal. It was the capital of one of the most powerful Mayan kingdoms. Construction of the city started in the 4th century BC, but it didn't reach its peak until 200 AD. After 900 AD, no new monuments were added to the site and it was abandoned at the end of the 10th century.

On the site are several pyramids that rise up to 44 m (144 ft) and provide excellent views over the green canopy of the surrounding jungle. The pyramids have steep sides and can be climbed by steps that are equally steep.

The dense rainforest has been cleared away around the monuments, but the jungle is still quite nearby, making it an unforgettable and exiting experience when you walk from one temple to another, unknown of the fact if you are being watched from the trees or not. Apart from the pyramids there are also plazas, temples and an acropolis on the site, as well as a museum, where everything is explained. You will see monkeys in the trees around the site, as well as many colorful birds.

Tikal was inscribed into the UNESCO list of world heritage sites in 1979. Trips to Tikal are available in Guatemala City.

The site is part of Guatemala's Tikal National Park.

Tikal is 305 km northeast of Guatemala City.