Tikal National Park
Guatemala ·
Description
Tikal is the beating heart of Maya civilization. Pyramids rise above the jungle canopy like limestone skyscrapers, while howler monkeys roar at dawn and toucans fly between temples. From atop Temple IV, the same landscape Maya kings saw extends in an infinite green sea dotted with pyramidal crests.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Tikal was one of the most powerful cities of Classic Maya civilization (250-900 AD). It housed up to 100,000 inhabitants and developed monumental architecture, hieroglyphic writing and advanced astronomy. The surrounding jungle protects exceptional biodiversity.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For being one of the largest Maya cities with monumental architecture in a jungle setting of exceptional biodiversity.
It was inscribed in 1979 under criteria (i), (iii), (iv), (ix) and (x).
Temple IV yes; others have restricted access for preservation.
Sunrise from Temple IV: hearing the jungle wake up is magical.
From Flores, Guatemala (1 hour); there are flights from Guatemala City.