Tikal National Park
Location: Northern Guatemala
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (i) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design; (iii) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(ix) to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Tikal is one of the largest and most important Mayan archaeological sites in the world. The site was once a thriving city that served as the capital of one of the most powerful Mayan kingdoms.
Prominent Features: Tikal is home to a number of impressive structures and landmarks, including:
History: Tikal was founded during the Preclassic period (ca. 2000 BCE – 250 CE) and reached its peak during the Classic period (250-900 CE). The city was a major center of political, religious, and cultural activity in the Mayan world, and at its height, it was home to as many as 100,000 people. The decline of Tikal began in the 10th century, and the city was eventually abandoned by the 16th century.
Fun Fact: Tikal was featured prominently in the first Star Wars movie, where it served as the location of the Rebel Alliance's hidden base on the planet Yavin IV.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the many temples, pyramids, and plazas of Tikal, take a guided tour of the site, and learn about Mayan history and culture at the on-site museum. There are also opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting in the surrounding jungle.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Tikal is 150 GTQ (about 20 USD) per person. Children under 12 years old are free.
How to Reach It: Tikal is located in the El Petén region of Guatemala, and the nearest city is Flores. Visitors can reach Flores by plane or bus from Guatemala City.
The journey from Guatemala City to Flores takes around 8-9 hours, and the trip from Flores to Tikal takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the mode of transportation.
There are several bus companies that operate on this route, including Linea Dorada, Fuente del Norte, and Maya de Oro. Some of these buses are direct, while others may make stops along the way.
Once you are at Tikal, there are shuttle buses that run between the different sections of the park. These shuttles are included in the price of admission and make it easy to explore the various ruins and sites within the park.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses located in Flores and near Tikal, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. Some popular options include Hotel Casona de la Isla, Jungle Lodge Tikal, and Hotel Villa Maya.
Next Stop: Antigua Guatemala
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (i) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design; (iii) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(ix) to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Tikal is one of the largest and most important Mayan archaeological sites in the world. The site was once a thriving city that served as the capital of one of the most powerful Mayan kingdoms.
Prominent Features: Tikal is home to a number of impressive structures and landmarks, including:
- The Great Plaza: A large open space that was the center of political and religious activity in the city.
- Temple of the Jaguar: A towering structure that was built in honor of the Mayan sun god.
- Temple of the Masks: A pyramid-shaped structure that features intricate carvings of Mayan gods and rulers.
- The North Acropolis: A series of impressive tombs and monuments that were built to honor Mayan rulers and their families.
History: Tikal was founded during the Preclassic period (ca. 2000 BCE – 250 CE) and reached its peak during the Classic period (250-900 CE). The city was a major center of political, religious, and cultural activity in the Mayan world, and at its height, it was home to as many as 100,000 people. The decline of Tikal began in the 10th century, and the city was eventually abandoned by the 16th century.
Fun Fact: Tikal was featured prominently in the first Star Wars movie, where it served as the location of the Rebel Alliance's hidden base on the planet Yavin IV.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the many temples, pyramids, and plazas of Tikal, take a guided tour of the site, and learn about Mayan history and culture at the on-site museum. There are also opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting in the surrounding jungle.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Tikal is 150 GTQ (about 20 USD) per person. Children under 12 years old are free.
How to Reach It: Tikal is located in the El Petén region of Guatemala, and the nearest city is Flores. Visitors can reach Flores by plane or bus from Guatemala City.
The journey from Guatemala City to Flores takes around 8-9 hours, and the trip from Flores to Tikal takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the mode of transportation.
There are several bus companies that operate on this route, including Linea Dorada, Fuente del Norte, and Maya de Oro. Some of these buses are direct, while others may make stops along the way.
Once you are at Tikal, there are shuttle buses that run between the different sections of the park. These shuttles are included in the price of admission and make it easy to explore the various ruins and sites within the park.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses located in Flores and near Tikal, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. Some popular options include Hotel Casona de la Isla, Jungle Lodge Tikal, and Hotel Villa Maya.
Next Stop: Antigua Guatemala