The heat is real. Like, really real. I’m hiking the Tikal Mayan ruins in Guatemala. Sweat is pouring out of areas I didn’t even know had sweat glands. The mosquitos seem as huge as trash can lids, and they’re everywhere.
I have never been more excited!
Why I Wanted to Hike the Tikal Mayan Ruins
Ever since learning about ancient Mayans and their capital city, Tikal, in grade school, I have wanted to visit the ancient city. It was a dream come true for little 10-year-old Stacia. The temples were high, the wildlife abundant, and the views spectacular. However, the bugs were HUGE.
My trip to Tikal began bright and early as crossed from Belize to Guatemala. I was traveling with a tour group through EF Ultimate Break, and was having a blast! The scenic route, complete with a stop at a Guatemalan coffee hub, had me awake and ready to do some major hiking.
Once we arrived, the immediate majesty of Tikal blew my mind. Although also beautiful, it put the other ruins I had seen in Belize to shame. The ancient capital was everything I had hoped it would be!
What to Expect at the Tikal Mayan Ruins
Tikal National Park is an UNESCO World Heritage site well worth seeing. The lush nature and solid cultural significance create a unique atmosphere for visitors. As for wildlife, Tikal is home to multiple species of cats, monkeys, and anteater, more than 300 species of birds, and over 2000 species of plant life. Obviously, I didn’t see every single animal and plant in the area, but I got up close and personal with a few monkeys, insects, and some very large trees!
In Tikal, I was able to see multiple holy temples, palaces, residences, and ceremonial platforms, as well as intact roads and ball game courts. The main part of the city includes 3,000 buildings in a 16 square km (6 square miles) area. That’s a whole lot of ruins to explore!
My Favorite Ruins at Tikal
Temples I and II, otherwise known as the Temple of the Grand Jaguar and the Temple of Masks, respectively, were part of my favorite area in Tikal. They sit on either side of the Grand Plaza, and visitors are able to climb to the top of Temple I, which rises 50m (164ft) off the ground! From the top of Temple I, an astounding view of Temple II and the Grand Plaza is laid out below. Temple I is also the burial site of Ah Cacau (Lord Chocolate), a great Mayan ruler.
In the Grand Plaza, burial mounds, a ball court, and other religious sites were visible. Walking through the plaza and imagining what Mayan life was like was a dream.
The final, and longest trek in my Tikal journey, was to the top of Temple IV. Temple IV is the tallest temple erected by the ancient Maya. At 65m (213 ft), this climb was tough. I’ll have to admit, I had to stop a few times to catch my breath on the way up. However, if I hadn’t stopped, I wouldn’t have seen an adorable baby squirrel monkey climbing nearby with his mother!
Once I reached the top, I was astounded by the view. It put the High Temple’s views to shame in Belize! I was able to gaze over a never-ending sea of green below me and see the tops of the other temples around Tikal.
Aw, Crap. My Ankle.
I broke my ankle in 3 different places back in 2016. Although I had recovered, when I push myself too hard, my ankle decides to give up and not hold my weight. It’s not necessarily painful, just annoying.
This is what happened after climbing down from Temple IV.
Luckily, I had traveled with a group and my best friend. She supported me through the dense rainforest for an entire mile, until we reached the busses ready to take us back to Belize.
Still completely worth it!
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If you’d like to travel to Tikal in a fun group as I did, check out EF Ultimate Break! Use my name, Stacia Mintner, as a reference to get $100 off your first trip!
Hiking can be dangerous with all those roots grabbing at your ankles, daring you to fall. Check out the benefits of getting travel insurance before your next adventure!
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