Tikal

Nov 22, Wednesday: Tikal

Checking in at the Hotel Santana on the Island of Flores

Checking in at the Hotel Santana on the Island of Flores, Lake Peten Itza, Guatemala

View of Lake Peten Itza at dawn from our hotel room window.

The lake the next morning at dawn from our hotel room veranda.

Morning gathering in the hotel lobby for the trip to Tikal

Morning gathering in the hotel lobby for the van ride to Tikal

Entrance path at Tikal

The start of a lengthy walk  from the Park entrance to the central area of the Tikal ruins.

A Tree a few steps off the trail into Tikan

A tree just off the trail.

Ride in a truck

Fortunately, Heather flagged down a ride for us in the back of a truck. A welcome, but wild ride.

North Acropolis

North Acropolis–The height of Temple I on the right is 154 feet. Its stairway climbs at an angle of 72 degrees.

Tikal National Park encompasses 575 square kilometres of jungle and thousands of ruined structures. The central part of the ancient city alone contains 3,000 buildings and covers about 16 square kilometers. Archeologists estimate that the Maya settled in the area now known as Tikal in about 900 BC.  Tikal grew into an important ceremonial, cultural, and commercial centre over the centuries. Most of the city’s huge temples were constructed during the eighth century AD when Tikal became the greatest city in the Maya world with a population of perhaps 100,000.” [http://www.tikalnationalpark.org/]

Temple II

Temple II–Temple of the Masks

Paul and the "Starwars" view from from the top of the Temple IV

Paul and the “Star Wars” view from from the top of the Temple IV. The top is reached by way of a long wooden stairway to a splendid view from the summit. At a height of 230 feet Temple IV is considered to be the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas.

Michael and I get into the act

Michael at Temple V

Michael at Temple V. At 187 feet this is the second highest structure at Tikal.

We rest.

ruins

Michael’s panorama photo of Tikal

A last look on the walk out

A last look on the way out.

CONTINUE TO RIO DULCE AND QUIRIGUA