Tikal is the ruin of an ancient city, which was likely to have been called Yax Mutal, found in a rainforest in Guatemala. Ambrosio Tut, a gum-sapper, reported the ruins to a Guatemalan newspaper, which named the site Tikal. After the Berlin Academy of Sciences' magazine republished the report in 1853, archeologists and treasure hunters began visiting the forest. Today tourism to the site may help protect the rainforest. It is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The site is part of Guatemala's Tikal National Park and in 1979 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya.
Though monumental architecture at the site dates back as far as the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, c. 200 to 900 AD. During this time, the city dominated much of the Maya region politically, economically, and militarily, while interacting with areas throughout Mesoamerica such as the great metropolis of Teotihuacan in the distant Valley of Mexico. There is evidence that Tikal was conquered by Teotihuacan in the 4th century AD. Following the end of the Late Classic Period, no new major monuments were built at Tikal and there is evidence that elite palaces were burned. These events were coupled with a gradual population decline, culminating with the site’s abandonment by the end of the 10th century. Tikal is the best understood of any of the large lowland Maya cities, with a long dynastic ruler list, the discovery of the tombs of many of the rulers on this list and the investigation of their monuments, temples and palaces.
Tikal National Park is located in Northern Guatemala's Petén Province within a large forest region often referred to as the Maya Forest, which extends into neighbouring Mexico and Belize. Embedded within the much larger Maya Biosphere Reserve, exceeding two million hectares and contiguous with additional conservation areas, Tikal National Park is one of the few World Heritage properties inscribed according to both natural and cultural criteria for its extraordinary biodiversity and archaeological importance. It comprises 57,600 hectares of wetlands, savannah, tropical broadleaf and palm forests with thousands of architectural and artistic remains of the Mayan civilization from the Preclassic Period (600 B.C.) to the decline and eventual collapse of the urban centre around 900 AD. The diverse ecosystems and habitats harbour a wide spectrum of neotropical fauna and flora. Five cats, including Jaguar and Puma, several species of monkeys and anteaters and more than 300 species of birds are among the notable wildlife. The forests comprise more than 200 tree species and over 2000 higher plants have been recorded across the diverse habitats.
Tikal, a major Pre-Columbian political, economic and military centre, is one of the most important archaeological complexes left by the Maya civilization. An inner urban zone of around 400 hectares contains the principal monumental architecture and monuments which include palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, small and medium sized residences, ball-game courts, terraces, roads, large and small squares. Many of the existing monuments preserve decorated surfaces, including stone carvings and mural paintings with hieroglyphic inscriptions, which illustrate the dynastic history of the city and its relationships with urban centres as far away as Teotihuacan and Calakmul in Mexico, Copan in Honduras or Caracol in Belize. A wider zone of key archaeological importance, around 1,200 hectares, covers residential areas and historic water reservoirs, today known as “aguadas”. The extensive peripheral zone features more than 25 associated secondary sites, historically serving protective purposes and as check-points for trade routes. The peripheral areas also played a major role for agricultural production for the densely populated centre.
Research has revealed numerous constructions, carved monuments and other evidence bearing witness to highly sophisticated technical, intellectual and artistic achievements that developed from the arrival of the first settlers (800 B.C.) to the last stages of historic occupation around the year 900. Tikal has enhanced our understanding not only of an extraordinary bygone civilisation but also of cultural evolution more broadly. The diversity and quality of architectonical and sculptural ensembles serving ceremonial, administrative and residential functions are exemplified in a number of exceptional places, such as the Great Plaza, the Lost World Complex, the Twin Pyramid Complexes, as well as in ball courts and irrigation structures.
Hotels
La Lancha- 9.0 On Booking.com and on TripAdvisor. Located around an hour from the Belize border and just 45 minutes by road from the archaeological ruins of Tikal, La Lancha is a tranquil 10-room lodge, nestling amongst a jungle landscape high above the shores of Lago Peten Itzá. Each of the rainforest casitas is connected to the main lodge by a series of winding pathways and all come with private bathrooms, locally sourced furnishings, covered decks and stunning views. The lodge also offers an open-air restaurant, a split-level pool and a chance to take a complimentary canoe ride across the waters of Guatemala’s second largest lake.
Rainforest Casita. Nestled in the forest with a partial view of Lago Petén Itzá, these Casitas feature a queen-size bed and a comfortable private bathroom. The furniture is sourced from Guatemalan producers and our Guatemala luxury hideaway décor features many locally made arts and crafts. Outside, enjoy a covered deck with hammocks and chairs ideal for an afternoon nap. Book La Lancha today for the ultimate Guatemala vacation.
Hotel Isla de Flores 8.9 on Booking.com and on TripAdvisor 30 Rooms. Offering an outdoor swimming pool on the terrace, Hotel Isla de Flores is located in front of Island of Flores Central Park. Free airport shuttle service is available. Each room here will provide you with a TV, free WiFi and air conditioning. Featuring a shower, the private bathroom also comes with free toiletries. Extras include a desk, bed linen and a fan. At Hotel Isla de Flores you will find a 24-hour front desk, meeting facilities and a tour desk. Guests can find the Mundo Maya shopping centre 5 minutes’ drive away and the San Benito Market 10 minutes’ drive away. This property is 3 minutes’ drive from Flores main square and 3 km from San Benito Petén Park. Mundo Maya International Airport is 4 km away.
Hotel Casona del Lago 8.6 on Booking.com and on TripAdvisor . 48 rooms. This property is 11 minutes walk from the beach. Set on the edge of Lake Peten Itza, facing Flores Island, Hotel Casona del Lago offers an outdoor pool and hot tub. It also features free Wi-Fi and free parking. All air-conditioned rooms offer views of the lake, pool or gardens. They have a safe and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. A 32-inch flat-screen TV is also provided. The hotel has an air-conditioned bar and restaurant. Room service is also available. Luggage storage is offered and a laundry service is available. You can hire a car at the tour desk. Mundo Maya International Airport is a 5-minute drive away and you can drive to Tikal National Park in 45 minutes.
Villa Maya - 8.5 On Booking.com and on TripAdvisor. Villa Maya is a larger hotel decorated with local wood and Guatemalan textiles offering guests a beautiful location on the shores of a lake in a rainforest setting. The hotel has extensive grounds, inside and outside dining, a small pool, and bar. The hotel is a comfortable and friendly place to stay for couples, families and groups and is well located to get to and from the airport and to the main archaeology sites in the area.
Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel 9.7 on Booking.com and on TripAdvisor . 19 Rooms. . Offering a sun terrace with swimming pool, views of the Exequil Lagoon, a heliport and wooden décor, this boutique hotel is 10 minutes’ drive from the Mundo Maya International Airport. The suites offer rustic décor with wooden furnishing, a hot tub, air conditioning, seating area and a ceiling fan. The amenities include a flat-screen satellite TV, a dining area, minibar and panoramic views. The bathrooms are private and offer free toiletries. Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel features an on-site bar and a restaurant serving international dishes. The property offers tours to its 2 surrounding islands filled with monkeys and its natural reserve with local fauna and flora, along with 5 lagoons and a museum with archaeological pieces. The property can arrange tours to Tikal National Park and to Yaxha Park- Activities as bird watching are available as well. Tours to Monkey Island are included. Las Lagunas is 12 minutes’ drive from Las Flores Island and 13 km from San Benito Town Centre. Metroplaza Mundo Maya Shopping Mall is 8 minutes’ drive away.
Flores B&B Hotel Boutique 9.3 on Booking.com and on TripAdvisor. 4 Rooms. Flores Hotel Boutique is located 2 minutes’ walk from Island of Flores Central Park and 1 km from Flores main square. Features include a free breakfast and areas with free WiFi access. Each room here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a minibar. There is a full kitchen with a microwave and kitchenware. The private bathrooms also come with a bath or shower and a hairdryer. Guests can request in-room personal cook services. You can find the Mundo Maya International Shopping Centre 2 minutes’ drive away and a variety of restaurants and cafeterias within 200 m. At Flores Hotel Boutique you will find an airport shuttle, a 24-hour front desk and a terrace. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge and a tour desk. This property is 4.5 km from Mundo Maya International Airport.