Come and discover one of the most important Mayan cities that this ancient civilization left for posterity: Tikal.

Tikal National Park

It is a natural and cultural reserve located on the border of Guatemala and Mexico, specifically in the Petén jungle. It was declared a National Park in 1955 and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. It has also been part of the Biosphere Reserve since 1990.

It can be visited 365 days a year with an entrance fee of 25 Mexican pesos if you are a Mexican citizen or 150 Mexican pesos if you are a foreigner, although on Sundays it is free for official residents and national citizens. Visiting hours are from 6 am to 6 pm.

Thanks to its more than 575 square kilometers in the middle of the jungle, it is common to see wild animals of all kinds, although it is recommended not to approach them, and to be respectful during the visit.

Mayan City Tikal

Thanks to the expedition in the Petén jungle led by Governor Modesto Méndez in 1848, the temple was discovered and with it, the Great City of Tikal.

Today it is one of the most important pre-Hispanic legacies built by the ancient Maya. Its meaning is City of Voices, in which up to 100,000 people lived.

If you want to stay in the area to get to know the place in depth, there are several accommodations in nearby towns where you will find everything you need to make the most of your visit. For those who still want more archaeological sites, a visit to the Mayan city of Palenque is a must.

Tikal Ruins

The ruins of Tikal are in a state of preservation worthy of admiration after the passage of time, with buildings and hidden places worth stopping to contemplate. It can be done with the help of guides or on the contrary, you can do it yourself.

What to see in Tikal? In addition to the Temple of the Jaguar, you can’t miss the Temple of the Masks, with 37 meters high that have nothing to envy to the first one. There is also the Great Plaza, a beautiful place to imagine past scenes, as well as the different altars, stelae and pyramids. Throughout your visit you will see that there are many areas undergoing restoration.

The Temple of the Great Jaguar

The funerary temple of the Great Jaguar is the most prominent construction of the city, which measures around 46 meters high. Its construction dates back to 734 and is named after the large tiger carved on the main door of the temple.

It was built under the command of the Mayan ruler Jasaw Chan, whose remains were buried in the same temple. The Great Jaguar Temple was used for religious ceremonies and rituals.

It is composed of 9 stone platforms representing the underworld. Although it is not allowed to climb the steps, you should know that they lead to the sanctuary that has characteristic decorations with drawings of the Mayan ruler.