Tikal National Park Parque Nacional Tikal
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Tikal National Park's 57,600 ha/142,000ac are covered with old-growth forests of varied plant life in which monkeys, coatis and deer can be observed. Over 300 species of birds have been studied in the park, from hummingbirds to birds of prey. Reptiles are also abundant; especially snakes.The park's natural environment blends with the architectural ruins of the ancient city of Tikal, perhaps the most important Mayan urban center in its time.Tikal National Park encompasses two museums, nature trails, restrooms, campgrounds, hotels, souvenir shops and a restaurant. It is the only place in the world named World Cultural Heritage Site and World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Guides: Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities: Gift shop, On-site accomodations, Restaurant or food service
Related Attractions
Tikal
The monumental Mayan ceremonial center at Tikal is unique because of its jungle location. Steep-sided pyramids rise above the jungle's green canopy and sheltering wildlife to heights of over 44m/144ft.Tikal was one of the most important urban Mayan centers and life here was uninterrupted for at least a thousand years. This is evident in the more than 3,000 structures extending over six sq mi/15.5 sq km that include plazas, an acropolis, pyramids, and temples.The findings seen in the on-site museums show the delicacy of Tikal's ceramics and jade carvings.
Sylvanus Morley Museum
This small museum in Tikal, at the start of the path towards the ruins, contains a collection of objects found during excavations at the site including carved jade, engraved bone, shells and stelae.
Litico Museum
Museo Litico houses a number of stelae and carvings from Tikal. A large relief map showing how Tikal would have looked around 800 AD is outside the museum.
Petexbatun Lagoon
Petexbatún Lagoon has notable flora and fauna. A dense, wide-leafed forest of very tall trees provides a thriving habitat for jaguars, pumas, margays, howler monkeys and tapirs.
