As we neared the middle of the city, the massive Temple of the Great Jaguar looms out of the top of the trees. This impressive structure was built as the burial monument to one of Tikal’s greatest rulers; Lord Chocolate. Immediately across from this gigantic pyramid is the Temple of the Masks, the burial monument of Lord Chocolate’s queen, Lady Twelve Macaw. Wooden steps lead up and around the back of the Temple of the Mask to a fantastic view of the central part of Tikal.
The famous main plaza at Tikal (Kate Boyd)
After a short break to explore some of the temples on our own, we were led to what is thought to be the tallest structure erected by the Maya, the enormous Temple IV. Measuring over 211 feet high, the wooden stairs to the top can seem never-ending at times, but stick with it! The view from the top is extraordinary, and on a clear day you can see for twenty miles in any direction.
The breathtaking view from the top of Temple IV at Tikal (Kate Boyd)
Make sure to bring lots of water and consider bringing some snacks, as it can be a very long day of hiking the trails of Tikal and climbing on the temples and ruins. Lunch is served at the end of the tour, and sizzling hot chicken fajitas were a fantastic way to end the afternoon.
Jess was so helpful in talking me through some of the trip options I'd told her I was interested in, and then also bringing up similar alternatives with more flexible dates. Now that everything is booked I realize all the extra things she figured out for us as well, besides booking the transfers from and to each location, she realized that we wouldn't make it to my desired flight time on three departure date and was able to easily add another day so that even our departure day is stress free!
Wendy
2 months ago
Good candid advice and suggestions; prompt replies.
Ken Johnson
2 months ago
Thoughtful and highly responsive service.
Robert Shwab
4 months ago
The trip planner understood what we wanted to do and see, and found what we hope to be a great match for our interests and style of travel.
Karen
6 months ago
Basically everything. The transfers from lodge to lodge were all timely and smooth (even though we arrived 3 hours late!) with great drivers. The lodges and food were all top notch. The guides were excellent and very knowledgeable about local history and wildlife. Chaa lodge stands out as exceptional. I ended up with an infection leaving Chaa, but they arranged for driver to stop at doctor, and he even got us to a pharmacy for prescription and a great drive to coast.
