"Jungle Secrets" Parque Nacional Tikal by grandmaR

Parque Nacional Tikal Travel Guide: 361 reviews and 910 photos

Sunset over Temple 2 - Parque Nacional Tikal

Under construction Mayan Monuments

After diving in Belize, I visited the Cayo District and took a trip over the border to visit the great Mayan ruins at Tikal. I had heard that it was a mystical experience to see the full moon rise over the monuments, so I planned my trip for that date. Unfortunately, the sky clouded over at the time of the moon rise, but I did get this marvelous sunset picture.

Main plaza between Temple 1 and 2

Picture taken by my husband. I am the person in the lower left corner.

I took a lot of pictures at Tikal, but my camera battery was (unbeknownst to me) dying. So the pictures I managed to take are often out of focus. One of my cameras refused to work at all. Even after I bought a battery at the park shop (for a huge price) it didn't solve the problem because it wasn't a fresh battery and only lasted for a few shots. My husband's camera is a completely un-automated type of point and shoot - no exposure settings, no distance settings, and no battery. Loaded by hand and wound forward by hand. So while his shots were in focus, they were often underexposed in the dense shade of the forest.

Temple 1

Our schedule was as follows: We left our rental car in Belize to be picked up by the rental company, and were picked up by a tour group in a van. At the border, we got a local guide, and also an armed escort courtesy of the Army from the base just inside the border to the park border.

The tour offloaded us at the entrance - it included park entry fee and lunch. We walked through the park from about 10am to 2 pm, getting information on the various structures and Mayan culture and religion. Then the tour left us at the Jaguar Inn which was where we were supposed to spend two nights. Two other folks from the tour also stayed behind at the Jungle Lodge. (see Accommodation tips for the story on why we didn't stay there)

I had a swim in the pool, and we had dinner. We intended to be up by sunrise the next morning, but we didn't quite make it.

We did go into the park very early and down to a remote end that was too far away for the quick tour. We saw monkeys in the trees and playing on the temple, and other wildlife. We came back and had breakfast at the visitor's center, went to the museum there, and went to the archological museum. We then switched hotels. Late in the day, we went back into the park to see the moonrise. The moon didn't come out from behind the clouds until we were almost out of the park.

That night we ate dinner at one of the little 'fast food' places, and arranged for transportation to the Flores airport so we could go home the next day.

I have the notes for this trip written in a trip diary, which I am unable to find. When I find it, I will update the information.

Pros and Cons

Pros:An astonishing site
Cons:Too many steps, and often really hot and humid
In a nutshell:Everyone should see Tikal at least once

Last visit to Parque Nacional Tikal: Mar 1998
Intro Updated Feb 23, 2004
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Reviews (13)

Flashlight What to Pack (1)

Don't take much luggage. I find a waist bag very useful for film and other stuff as it leaves my hands free. I also like... more travel advice

Recreation of tomb - Parque Nacional Tikal

Museum Off The Beaten Path (1)

There is a small musuem on the walkway to the ruins, on the right is the Tikal Museum (the sign says "Ceramics Museum... more travel advice

Side of Temple 1 - Parque Nacional Tikal

Mayan Temples Things to Do (1)

The main thing people come here for is to see the Mayan temples and some of the other buildings (more than 4,000 of... more travel advice

Walter pointing out something - Parque Nacional Tikal

Get a Guide Favorites (2)

In my opinion, it's false economy to try to do Tikal without at least a half day guided tour. We came on a tour from... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
See All Bus, Van, Car
Restaurants (3)
See All Breakfast Lunch and Snacks

Shopping (1)
Local Crafts
Hotels (2)
See All Least Expensive in the Park...

Travelogues (5)

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Comments (13)

Jim_Eliason Nov 18, 2005 at 7:15 PM Report Abuse

great page for an amazing place I must visit.
Gwynneth Jul 12, 2005 at 11:39 PM Report Abuse

Oh I'm hungry just reading about the menu at the Tikal Inn! Greetings from Australia and me!
Purpleshade Jul 5, 2005 at 8:24 PM Report Abuse

Looks like an amazing wild place! Lesley
windsorgirl Mar 14, 2005 at 7:59 AM Report Abuse

Tikal is an amazing place, you still have many good shots despite your camera woes.
garridogal Aug 3, 2004 at 3:34 PM Report Abuse

That opening picture is creeepy! I like it. Makes me think of Dracula's Castle!
awayhome Dec 23, 2003 at 9:10 AM Report Abuse

Great page with beautiful pictures. you make me wanna go there. Happy holiday=))
Ken_Weaver Sep 29, 2003 at 7:09 PM Report Abuse

Great page....I stayed at the Tikal Inn also....nice pics and informative commentary!
Gipp Jun 15, 2003 at 12:16 PM Report Abuse

Great page, very informative on a fascinating place
TOOCOOL May 14, 2003 at 5:55 AM Report Abuse

Good page!
tamirros Apr 24, 2003 at 9:14 PM Report Abuse

beautiful page, great pictures and good info!