Tikal

Through time

The story

Tikal is the ruin of an ancient city, which was likely to have been called Yax Mutal, found in a rainforest in Guatemala. One of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, it is located in the archaeological region of the Petén Basin in what is now the Petén Department in northern Guatemala. The site is part of Guatemala's Tikal National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Tikal was the capital of a state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Though monumental architecture at the site dates back as far as the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, c. 200 to 900. During this time, the city dominated much of the Maya region politically, economically, and militarily, while interacting with areas throughout Mesoamerica such as the great metropolis of Teotihuacan in the distant Valley of Mexico.

There is evidence that one of Tikal's great ruling dynasties was founded by conquerors from Teotihuacan in the 4th century AD. Following the end of the Late Classic Period, no new major monuments were built at Tikal and there is evidence that elite palaces were burned. These events were coupled with a gradual population decline, culminating with the site's abandonment by the end of the 10th century.

More has been uncovered about Tikal compared to other larger lowland Mayan cities, thanks to its long dynastic ruler list, which has allowed for the discovery of these rulers' tombs and investigation into their monuments, temples and palaces.

After centuries of abandonment, the site was first explored in the modern era in 1848. Tikal National Park was established in 1955, protecting the site and 570 square kilometers (220 sq mi) of surrounding tropical forests, savannas, and wetlands within the Maya Biosphere Reserve.

Adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.

What you will see

1. Temple I
2. Temple IV
3. Great Plaza

Before you go

• Check opening hours and ticket rules shortly before your visit — they change seasonally.
• Plan for the heat. Most ancient sites have little shade; go early or late.
• Respect the barriers. Fragile surfaces are protected for the next visitors.