Mayan Ruins: Tikal, Belize

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A little more removed from the Mayan ruins found in Belize, Tikal will require at least an all day journey or an overnight in the Guatemalan jungle. It is, however, quite extensive and an amazing, mysterious site that springs up in the middle of the jungle canopy.

We chose to stay overnight at the Jungle Lodge -- accomodations were spare, but clean and the hotel has a small pool, which was refreshing after traveling the morning in the jungle heat. We did not take a guided tour and instead chose to find our own way through the excavation site -- it took us approximately 4 hours to complete the route. We were there in early May and saw few other tourists (I understand the site gets extremely crowded during the high season).

If you are not afraid of heights, climb to the top of the (mostly) well preserved temples for some breathtaking photos and sights, especially at sunrise/sunset. (For a preview, watch "Sunrise Earth" on the Discovery Channel HD -- they filmed an episode at Tikal).

The largest ruin in Tikal was used in a Star Wars movie! Well, sort of. During the opening sequence of the first movie, the wooded/jungle scenery was shot from the top of this ruin.

Random tip: Climbing to the top of this ruin is very grueling and strenous, and to be frank, it doesn't even give you the best view. Unless you are up for a great workout, I would save your energy and climb some of the smaller ruins. They will give you better views and won't tire you out for the remainder of your visit!

Tikal means "the place of echos." Our guide took us to the center of a group of ruins (the one pictured here) and clapped his hands. The sound was echoed around the area and made a very unique noise. Make sure you try it while you're visiting Tikal -- it was very cool!

At the bottom of this ruin there are several stone tablets where ancient Mayan sacrificial ceremonies took place.

All of the steps up to the temple were VERY high and steep. The Mayans purposely built it this way; the tall steps forced people to bow as they climbed them.

So be prepared for a bit of a workout! I climbed 5 or 6 ruins and was very, very sore the next day.

During our visit to Tikal, we were able to see some howler monkey's in their natural habitat! Our guide led us down a path where we came across a family of monkeys swinging from tree to tree right over our heads. The best part is that the mother had a tiny little baby on her back -- aww!

Neither my husband nor I are bird-watchers. But several of our group were "birders" and was delighted at the variety of birds they found at Tikal. So, bring your binoculars!!

I was excited to see a toucan - in fact, we saw several during our trip. We also saw these birds that nest in whats looks like HUGE hairy balls hanging from trees. Very amusing.

You must hike up at least one Mayan ruin for the spectacular views! Not only is it worth the effort, but you'll get a great workout (the ultimate stair-climber!). You'll be able to see several Mayan ruins set deep in the rainforest...truly a magnicant site (and a great photo-op!).

Tikal is located in Guatemala and is a HUGE Mayan ruin site. If you go, I would recommend getting a guide. It enriches the experience and makes it more enjoyable (and educational). Our guide, Ruben, was Mayan and very knowledgable about Mayan culture. He taught us much about Mayan religion, culture, and daily life. Not only did we hike up to the top of all the ruins (something you MUST do -- the views are breathtaking!), but Ruben also led us through the jungle on a nature walk, so we were able to see many native plants and animals. At one point we were able to watch as a family of howler monkey's swung from tree to tree directly above us!

Bring lots of water and be prepared for a grueling day. I was quite sore the next day from going up and down so many steps! You can choose to make this excursion less active by opting out of hiking up the ruins, but you'll truly miss out.