Tikal

Tikal is one of the greatest and most atmospheric of all the ancient Maya cities, a vast metropolis that flourished for over a thousand years, its towering stone temple-pyramids rising dramatically above the dense rainforest canopy of northern Guatemala. A UNESCO wonder set in a huge national park teeming with howler monkeys, toucans and coatis, its plazas, palaces and steep pyramids, some climbable for breathtaking views over the jungle, make it an unforgettable fusion of ancient grandeur and wild nature.

What you actually see

• The temple-pyramids - the towering pyramids rising above the jungle.
• The Grand Plaza - the central plaza and its facing temples.
• The canopy views - the panorama over the treetops from Temple IV.
• The jungle wildlife - the howler monkeys, toucans and coatis.

When to go

November to April, the dry season, for the easiest access and trails, though the jungle is atmospheric year-round; go at dawn to see the temples in the mist, hear the howler monkeys and beat the heat and crowds. Sunrise tours are popular.

Honest expectations

It is remote in the northern jungle, reached via the town of Flores, so it takes a journey, and the site is large and hot, involving a lot of walking. Climbing some pyramids is restricted or by wooden stairs for safety. A guide greatly enriches the visit and helps spot wildlife. The combination of ruins and rainforest, though, is magical.

Nearby

The island town of Flores, Lake Peten Itza and other Maya sites are within reach.