Tikal the City of Voices
Few places in the world require little introduction such as the National Park of Tikal. The archaeologist define this monumental beauty as a ceremonial location more than a city. It's been called the New York of the Mayas.
Truth is the city itself is a monument, it had nearly a 60,000 population and is a key point to the growth of the Maya civilization influenced by the Teotihuacan.
Approximately 600 years before Christ was the time where Tikal began its existence around the Pre Classic. Years later Peru Waka (a city nearby) tells about some strangers coming to the region, it was a warrior and emissary called Siyaj K'ak'.
There are no signals of battle, but this group later visited Tikal and began a new era for the city with new kings.
Tikal became a very strong political and religous power among the cities of the region. A rivality with Calakmul (a maya city located at north on the now Mexican side) began growing and after strategic alliances they took over Tikal.
Jasaw Chan Kawiil I was the one to lead Tikal to recover its original power and original line of descendants. Calakmul was defeated and Tikal experienced a growth never seen before.
The architecture reflects a strong quest of constructions and the most emblematic pyramid was dedicated to this noble also named Garra de Jaguar or Gran Jaguar (see the picture to the right). Among its names is called Ah Cacau or *Chocolate Lord*
More about Tikal as a touristic destination
Tikal is a protected natural area, this makes the place really different and valuable compared to other maya sites around mesoamerica.You'll go approximatelly 17 kilometers from the entrance to the parking of Tikal. You are now into a fascinating world of nature, wildlife and mayan temples.
The journey goes into the jungle for clearly marked trails. Right where you buy the tickets (inside Tikal) you have the chance to buy guide maps or books of the history of Tikal. From there the walk goes to the ticket control and then to the main map where you can choose where to go.
There are multilingual guides who will tell you about the past of Tikal and the rich history they lived right where you are standing.
There are many temples but if you have to choose or if you are on a tight schedule, go straight to the Main Plaza where the Temple of the Great Jaguar and the Temple II rises front to front.
A set of stairs let you reach the top of the Temple IV to have a majestic view of the plaza.
The great Temple V
Covered with vegetation but recently restored, this monumental building rises over the jungle like few mayan structures. The view from the top lets you see the jungle of Peten and some other mayan temples.A steep set of stairs let you reach the highest platform from where taking pictures is a whole new experience.
If you have fear of heights beware, take a look at the picture to see how great this is.
What to expect at Tikal?
- A magnificent view of the great maya structures
- A colorful journey into the jungle
- The amazing experience of reaching the highest part of several temples such as Temple IV, II and V
- Yes, there are hotels inside the protected area for different budgets
- Some have camping areas and rent the camping gear (camping among the temples is forbidden)
- Yes, there are restaurants going from the local taste to fancy international meals
- There are NO ATMS, take some cash with you, credit cards are accepted but rely on electricity, everything works with solar systems so there are no 24 hours CC of acceptance.
- There are buses coming and going every day early in the morning and at noon.
- The ticket of Tikal entrance allows you to go into the jungle to Uaxactun, another Maya city located at the north of Tikal.
- Expect to see wildlife such as monkeys and pizotes all around.
- Bring a coat with you or extra clothes on your backpack as here the rain comes with no prior warning.
How to get to Tikal
The journey is kinda long from Guatemala City (8 hours driving approximately). You can take a bus at Linea Dorada departing Guatemala City at 9:00pm. You'll get to Flores at 6:00am. Now you can take a bus to Tikal and enjoy the city.Driving to Tikal: From Guatemala City take the CA9 road (Carretera al Atlantico) and turn left at Izabal *La Ruidosa*. Here you will pass by Rio Dulce and then stay on the road. You'll pass by Poptun and then you'll reach Flores, the main city of Peten.
The best way on a tight schedule is by plane. There are many flight companies such as TAG and Taca with daily flights from Guatemala City to Tikal at 7:00am and 18:00, so you can go to Tikal and get back to Guatemala City really easy for about US$200 or less.
At Flores, Tikal, San Benito and El Remate you can find lots of hotels to choose from. They go from the cheapest ones to luxury. Enjoy the your journey.
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