Tikal

The Queen's Mayan Temple

Tikal

A Pyramid in Tikal

A woman standing beside a very tall tree Once again we meet our 6:00am shuttle to take us to Tikal. The morning is foggy. Near the shuttle stop there is a big tree that is always filled with birds in the early morning. The sound of all the birdsong is so loud. Click here for the video.

We arrive at Tikal National Park in just under two hours. The shuttle bus stops and the guide points out a very rare pheasant. I crane my neck but still can’t see it.

Our guide for the park is excellent. He adds so much to our visit, well worth the fee.

Near the entrance to the park is a huge tree called a Saba tree. The Mayans saw it as a connection between the underworld and heavens. I feel so tiny when standing beside it.

Mayan Mega City

A man walking past Mayan Ruins in Tikal

Main Plaza at Tikal Tikal is much larger than Yaxha. Tikal was a Mayan mega city. It is estimated that there are the remains of over 20,000 buildings in this 176 sq km area and only about 30 percent are exposed. We see some of these unexposed buildings in the shape of hills, covered in jungle growth.

A pyramid hidden in a hill and overgrown The main plaza is truly impressive with its large pyramids and buildings all around.

I am pleased that there are lots of washrooms around the park and places to buy drinks.

There are lots of areas with large pyramids besides the main plaza to discover. The views from the tops of the pyramids are fabulous. I can see the tips of distant pyramids peaking out of the jungle canopy.

Tikal Wild Life

A very colourful wild turkey

A dead Fer de Lance Snake There are also lots of animals in the very early mornings such as jaguars, pumas and more. Unfortunately we do not start our tour until 8:30am. However we do see Brown Jays, parrots, toucans and a wild turkey with all its beautiful colourings. We also see a dead Fer de Lance which is one of Central America’s deadliest snakes.

spider monkey in the trees

And monkeys…lots and lots of monkeys both spider and howler. Click here for a video of a mother and baby howler monkey.

View from Above

Kimberly and John with the jungle canopy and tip of a mayan temple in the background

John looking at the jungle canopy Near the end of the tour we climb up 142 steps for one last view from the top of a pyramid. Those Mayans must have been in great shape because I am breathless and my legs are feeling it. Click here for a video from above.

The bus ride home is a bit torturous because they pick up more people and my legs are cramped.

steep steps down a mayan pyramid

Final Evening in Flores

a man at a table with two daquiris with a sunset and lake in the background

Tonights supper It is really hot (in the 30s) so we spend the rest of the afternoon drinking margaritas and reading in front of the lake. On the way to our dinner, I watch a dog playing in the waves. I could actually feel his joy. Click here for the video.