Deep in the heart of the jungle in Guatemala lies a village built for resilience. Constructed more than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Maya city of Tikal was one of the major sites of the Mayan civilization. Today, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites in Central America and, much like it did two millenniums ago, continues to draw visitors in droves every year.
Complete with ceremonial platforms, palaces, homes, roads, plazas, and temples, Tikal was made to stand the test of time.
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- Jaguar Crossing
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- The Lost World
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- Tikal National Park Map
Sci-fi movie fans may recognize these temples from Star Wars IV: A New Hope. According to an article published by Reuters, George Lucas chose to feature Tikal after seeing a tourism poster of the site, and sent a crew to Guatemala in March 1977 to shoot during the country’s 36-year civil war.
Where to stay: The town of Flores and Santa Elena is about a 90-minute drive from Tikal. Boutique hotels and serene restaurants line the streets along Lake Petén Itzá’s shores.
How to book a tour: Many hotels will offer to book Tikal tours, but to avoid missing the experience due to a lack of space, reservations are recommended.
Cost: According to Tikal National Park‘s website, the average cost of a guided tour is about $100 GTQ ($20 CDN), plus about $150 GTQ ($25 CDN) to enter the park.
What to bring: Hiking shoes, camera, water, bug spray and sunscreen.
This post was inspired by The Daily Post’s photo challenge. To join their next challenge, check out their blog. New themes are announced every Friday.
28 Comments
Agness of Fit Travelling March 14, 2017, 6:23 pm
Stunning pictures and amazing place, Jon! Historical places are my kind of places!
Jon March 15, 2017, 7:48 pm
My wife and I had a great time exploring this site – so many interesting things to see and do!
settleinelpaso January 24, 2017, 5:26 pm
That is a big Wow! So wonderful pictures of ancient times. Well-captured!
Jon January 26, 2017, 10:20 pm
Thanks for checking out my blog!
kutukamus January 22, 2017, 10:51 am
Those steep steps are imposing indeed 🙂
Jon January 22, 2017, 10:37 pm
Worth the climb!
joshi daniel January 21, 2017, 9:48 am
beautiful 🙂
Jon January 22, 2017, 10:38 pm
Thanks so much!
navidsamedi January 9, 2017, 4:11 am
This place is definitely on my list. Did you do the trek independently?
Jon January 9, 2017, 8:54 am
We did a guided tour. We honestly would have missed some of the sites and missed out on the rich history without the guide. Hope you’re able to make it there yourself some day soon!
navidsamedi January 10, 2017, 4:08 am
That’s fair enough 🙂 Cheers, fingers crossed!
Lisa Dorenfest January 7, 2017, 6:16 am
Would love to visit there. Beautiful photographs!
Jon January 8, 2017, 6:12 pm
Thanks for checking out my latest post Lisa!
Sarah Warsi January 6, 2017, 10:33 am
Great post! Love the photos 🙂
Jon January 6, 2017, 11:25 am
Thanks for checking out my latest post ?
Ashley January 5, 2017, 1:47 pm
What a gorgeous place- and so much history!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Amy January 5, 2017, 7:39 am
Wow, 2000 years ago… Great architecture! Thank you for the post. 🙂
Jon January 5, 2017, 10:24 am
Big thanks!
Alexandra January 4, 2017, 2:56 pm
wow, 2000 yo… fascinating place… love the photos!!
Jon January 4, 2017, 3:50 pm
Thanks so much!
robdphotographer January 4, 2017, 1:04 pm
Great post
Jane Lurie January 3, 2017, 5:33 pm
Fascinating post and great photos, Jon. One for my travel list! Happy New Year!
Jon January 3, 2017, 7:23 pm
Thanks so much for checking out my latest post! Hope you’re able to make it there one day.
Beth Norman January 3, 2017, 1:36 pm
Beautiful photography and story behind the photos.
Jon January 3, 2017, 7:23 pm
Thanks Beth!
Dahlia January 3, 2017, 1:16 am
2000 yr old is resilient – Tikal goes on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing 🙂
estelea January 3, 2017, 12:35 am
That’s a indeed a great take on the challenge. Thanks for the ride in this magical place ..