Tikal

We were told by many that we could not leave Guatemala without seeing Tikal, one of the largest known Mayan ruin sites in the world. So on Wednesday we hopped on a bus and traveled 10 hours north to Petén. The bus was hot, and Brian’s wallet was stolen, but in the end it was worth the journey. Tikal is home to six beautiful Mayan temples and many other interesting ruins. Despite the size and splendor of Tikal, the city lay forgotten in the tropical jungle of Petén for nearly a thousand years. It was discovered in 1847 and it was largely restored beginning in the 1950’s. Today some of the ruins still remain hidden under the jungle trees and grass. It was amazing to see how nature has taken over and hidden these massive human structures from view. We also got to see jungle wildlife: howler monkey, tarantulas, bats, toucans, parrots, coatis and more.

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Even if you have never heard of Tikal, chances are you have seen several of the temple tops. Part of “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” was filmed at Tikal. It was used as the home of the ewoks.