top of page

TIKAL

​

Stone by stone, a civilisation speaks and rises from deep within the Guatemalan Jungle

Tikal

Flores, Guatemala

01

About

Tikal is one of the most spectacular remnants of the ancient Maya world, hidden deep in the Guatemalan jungle. Once home to over 100,000 people and towering pyramid-temples, the site was built as early as 400 BCE and reached its peak in the 8th century. The temples; especially Temple IV, which stands 70m high; are feats of engineering, aligned with celestial events and royal power. Abandoned after 900 CE, it was swallowed by the rainforest for over 1,000 years before its rediscovery.

03

Architecture Highlights

  • Temple I & Temple IV – classic stepped-pyramid construction, brilliant for sunrise views

  • Central Acropolis – a complex of palace buildings with brilliant architectural layers

  • Sound architecture – unique acoustics due to the limestone layout

  • Discover them all with my 'Essential Tikal Guide for Explorers'

02

How to get there

  • Fly to Flores International Airport

  • From Flores, take a private shuttle or local colectivo (~1.5–2 hours)

  • Many guided day tours depart daily - Tikal Sunrise Tour

04

Where to Stay

Discover More Global Architecture

Thanks for Visiting

Jack Thompson.jpg

I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support Backpacker's Blueprint and helps me keep bringing you awesome travel content. Thanks for the support! 🙌

 

✍️ Want to Write for Backpackers Blueprint? Are you a fellow traveller with a story to share? Passionate about architecture, how to explore it, how to read it, or cultural deep dives? We’d love to feature your work! Drop me a message and let’s chat!

 

☕ Support me on Buy Me a Coffee if you’ve found the content helpful or inspiring, consider buying me a coffee! Every little bit helps keep me on the road, creating more in-depth travel guides and sharing my adventures with you.

​

See you on the road.

 

Architect Jack 

bottom of page