Nine years ago this month, Justin and I embarked on our first international trip together—an adventure that would define our shared love for exploration.
Just a few days after exploring the charming ruins of Cahal Pech in Belize, we embarked on a highly anticipated bus tour for a day visit to Tikal from San Ignacio. Our destination: the magnificent Tikal National Park in Guatemala. The 90-minute drive led us deeper into the lush Petén jungle, a fitting prelude to an awe-inspiring encounter with one of the greatest cities of the ancient Maya world.
The bus tour dropped us off near the main entrance, and we began the essential 10-to-15 minute walk down the final stretch of the trail toward the ancient city center. This walk, on a sandy, dirt path flanked by dense, bright green rainforest, served as our unforgettable welcome to Tikal. The quiet of the walk was immediately broken by the jungle’s soundtrack, dominated by the unforgettable, low, and guttural roar of the howler monkeys—a sound so loud and primal it made the air feel alive with history and wildlife. After walking in the deep shade of the high canopy, the trail suddenly opened up, giving us our first monumental view of one of the colossal structures and plunging us into the Grand Plaza. Stepping into the heart of Tikal truly felt like entering another world
Stepping into the heart of Tikal felt like entering another world. Having seen various ancient civilizations before – from the intricate cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde to impressive ruins in Mexico – the sheer scale of Tikal’s structures truly stood out. While other sites might feature fascinating walls or detailed carvings, the pyramids and temples here were monumental, soaring majestically above the dense jungle canopy. It was a humbling experience, walking among buildings that have stood for well over a thousand years, powerful testaments to the incredible architectural and astronomical prowess of the Maya civilization.
We explored the vast Grand Plaza, gazed up at Temple I (Temple of the Grand Jaguar) and Temple II (Temple of the Mask), and marveled at the towering Temple IV, possibly the tallest structure built by the Mayans, a bit over 200 feet tall. Climbing the incredibly steep steps and wooden stairways to the top of Temple IV was a challenge, but the effort was immediately forgotten. The reward was breathtaking: a panoramic vista over the jungle, revealing the tops of other colossal structures peeking through the verdant canopy—a true “Lost City” feeling that completely enveloped us.
Having a knowledgeable guide was absolutely invaluable for getting the most out of our visit. The guide’s engaging narration brought the sprawling city to life, painting vivid pictures of ancient rituals, complex belief systems, and the daily lives of its inhabitants. He explained the significance of each temple, delved into Mayan history, and elucidated the fascinating engineering behind these colossal pyramids and plazas. As we navigated the sprawling complex, our guide pointed out subtle details we would have undoubtedly missed on our own, explaining the symbolism behind intricate carvings, the purpose of ball courts, and the sophisticated urban planning. His ability to answer our questions on the spot enriched our understanding.
One of the most profound moments came towards the end of our guided tour, during some precious free time. We sought out a high viewing area, a perch that offered a panoramic vista over the vast jungle canopy, punctuated by the majestic peaks of unexcavated temples. It was here, looking out at the seemingly endless green, that our guide’s earlier words truly resonated: only an estimated 15-20% of Tikal has been unearthed and restored. The vast majority of this ancient metropolis still lies hidden beneath centuries of jungle growth. It was almost impossible to comprehend the full scale of this ancient city, stretching far beyond what our eyes could see, imagining the bustling population and intricate societal structure that once thrived here. This realization ignited a profound sense of wonder and further fueled our desire to visit other ancient civilizations around the globe. I even found myself momentarily dreaming of becoming an archaeologist, just to experience the thrill of uncovering such magnificent wonders firsthand!
Our visit to Tikal was an unforgettable day trip; leaving us with a profound appreciation for the ingenuity and enduring mystery of the ancient Mayan that left us with an insatiable curiosity to explore more of these incredible ancient civilizations.
Final Thoughts: Our day trip from San Ignacio to Tikal National Park was more than just sightseeing; it was a profound learning experience and an essential step in our journey as travelers. Logistically, taking an organized bus tour with a guide was undeniably the smart choice—especially for navigating the border crossing and bridging the language barrier. But the true value lay in the experience itself.
Tikal was, and remains, unlike any ancient site I have ever encountered so far. The monumental scale of the pyramids and the overwhelming sense of the vast, unexcavated city truly opened my eyes to the sheer ingenuity and sophisticated culture of these early civilizations. It has made me want to visit the ancient pyramids, the Colosseum in Rome, Machu Picchu, Gobekli Tepe, Ollantaytambo, and Petra. It made me question if I should have went into archelogy.
Reflecting on this nine years later, the memory holds a special place, not just as a great travel day, but as a pivotal moment for Justin and me. Walking among buildings that have stood for well over a thousand years was a powerful, humbling testament to the incredible architectural prowess of the Maya, and sharing that silent, profound awe with Justin, my new travel partner, solidified our shared passion for seeking out the world’s great wonders. Tikal didn’t just inspire a desire to visit other ruins; it cemented our path together, proving that the greatest adventures are always the ones we share.
Click here to read about our visit to Cahal Pech from the same trip.
Date of visit: November 2016