Tikal, Maya archaeological site in Petén Department, Guatemala
The ancient ruins spread across 222 square miles contain more than 3,000 structures, including pyramids, temples, plazas, ball courts, and residential buildings.
The settlement began around 1000 BC and developed into a dominant Maya kingdom between 200 and 850 AD before its population declined in the late 10th century.
Temple IV, reaching 70 meters in height, stands as the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas and represents Maya architectural and engineering capabilities.
Guided tours start early morning from San Ignacio, Belize, requiring valid passports for border crossing and comfortable walking shoes for extensive site exploration.
The archaeological structures emerge from dense rainforest that houses numerous species, including howler monkeys, toucans, and over 300 bird varieties.
Location: Petén Department
Part of: Tikal National Park
Website: http://tikalpark.com
GPS coordinates: 17.22209,-89.62361
Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:47
Major temples worldwide display architectural and cultural achievements of ancient civilizations. From temples in Cambodia to pyramids in Mexico, these structures document religious practices, construction methods and social structures of their time. The complexes in Asia, Europe and America present different building styles, ornaments and ceremonial spaces.
Guatemala offers diverse settings for photography. Maya temples emerge from rainforests, while lakes mirror volcanoes. Colonial cities display painted facades and cobblestone streets. Nature reserves, thermal springs, and caves add to the photographic range of the country.
Tikal Temple I
59 m
Tikal National Park
954 m
Petén Basin
46.4 km
Yaxha
29.1 km
Uaxactún
18.8 km
Naranjo
39.7 km
San Bartolo
43.2 km
Tikal Temple IV
692 m
Tikal Temple II
63 m
El Pilar
49.9 km
Tikal Temple V
267 m
Nakum
28.4 km
Tikal Temple 33
47 m
Tayasal
42.5 km
Tikal Temple III
264 m
Ixlu
28.6 km
La Blanca
40.4 km
Holtun
37.7 km
Xunantunich
53.3 km
Ucanal
49.1 km
Actún Can
45.8 km
Estadio Julián Tesucún
40 km
Sitio Arqueologico Yaxha
29.3 km
Yaxha Visitor Center
31.3 km
Museo Regional Del Mundo Maya
41.9 km
Parque Arqueológico Uaxactún
19.1 km
Playa Romelia
41.5 km
Great Plaza
9 mReviews
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