A trip to the Mayan ruins of Tikal, Guatemala, offers one of the most spectacular experiences in Central America. Reminiscent of scenes from Indiana Jones, these ancient temples once served as the grand capital of the Mayan civilization.
If you’ve already visited the impressive pyramid of Chichen Itza in Mexico, you’ll find Tikal equally captivating, if not more so. Tikal National Park is not only rich in archaeological wonders but also teeming with diverse wildlife. Many of the Mayan temples are open for climbing, providing panoramic vistas of the lush jungle that envelopes the ruins.
The great news is that Tikal, often pronounced as “tee-kahl,” is conveniently accessible and budget-friendly for a day trip from Flores, Guatemala. Alternatively, you can embark on an overland journey to Tikal from neighboring Belize. In either case, it’s an adventure of a lifetime that should not be missed while exploring Belize or Guatemala. Star Wars enthusiasts might also appreciate that Tikal served as a filming location for one of the original films, “A New Hope.”
