Tag: Tikal

6 reasons why you have to visit El Petén

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El Petén is without a doubt the wildest part of Guatemala. Deep in the jungle lies the heart of what was once a thriving Maya civilization. Stumbling upon one of their old temples or stone structures, covered with vines and vegetation or neatly excavated, is the highlight of any trip through this land.

Anete walks on Cerro Witz, during a self-guided hike around Finca Ixobel, Poptún.

But Petén is more than just temples. Its rainforests teem with birds and wildlife. They are the perfect playgrounds for adventurers, water lovers and ornithologists. Even a couple of months are not enough to discover this vast region, to explore the ancient Maya world and to have endless meetings with some of Guatemala’s most pristine nature. Are you ready to take a walk on the wild side?

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12 hours in Tikal, Guatemala: a plunge into the world of the Maya

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Anete and I sit atop the second highest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas – Temple IV in Tikal, aka the Temple of the Double-Headed Serpent. Our gaze is directed eastwards, where a couple of stone colossi stick their necks out of the jungle. Minutes earlier, we stared a spider monkey straight in the eyes. A couple of Olive-throated parakeets skim over the canopy. We remain on our throne for an hour – not speaking much, solely admiring the view. Anete tries to meditate, I climb up to the highest step of the staircase to check if the view gets even better. Any minute now, we’re expecting a group of tourists to join us, but they never arrive. We have Tikal all to ourselves. It’s a magical experience, a highlight of our trip through the land of the Maya. What a difference a day makes. Continue Reading →