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.

02

How to get there