Category:
Belizing Adventures
Summary
The adventure continues! The Belizing Team got to trek the trails of Tikal Archaeological Site and climb the largest Maya Site in all of Central America with TikalGo!
Content
Belizing goes to Tikal!
Tikal is one of the most popular archaeological sites in all of Central America and a UNESCO world heritage site. Every year thousands of people visit this site to experience and see the remnants of an advanced civilization that once flourished. While Belize and Mexico have numerous astonishing Archaeological sites, Tikal is considered to be the biggest Archeological site in all of Central America, with approximately 220 square miles.
Just this week, the Belizing team got the opportunity to visit Tikal with one of our most trusted tour providers, TikalGo. We were ecstatic for this trip! Having the opportunity to experience and see breathtaking views and wildlife was a dream come true for Derrick, Nico and myself. Tikal is definittely a must for anyone’s summertime adventures! What to expect when you travel to Tikal?
Traveling to Tikal from Belize is quite easy and an adventure – at least, that is how TikalGo made of us feel. Early Tuesday morning, Don Carlos from TikalGo Tours, picked us up in his comfortable, air-conditioned van at the Belize/Guatemala border. He mentioned that he also does pick-ups at San Ignacio Welcome Center or a particular hotel in town, depending on the tour package you've reserved. Before taking off on our two-hour journey from the Guatemalan border, we were told that we would stop at a souvenir shop, where we can enjoy some coffee, use the restrooms, and buy any souvenirs that captured our eyes. I have always been amazed at how artistic and intricate some of these arts and crafts are. What was so exciting to see as well, was a local craftsman making wood carvings inside the building. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee was incredible as well. It lured me to wait in a line for a cup. There, I managed to meet some of the other tourists who were in the van and we talked about their travel experiences. We were also asked what we wanted for lunch, providing us with different options to choose from. Once we got enough snacks, souvenirs, coffee, and sorted our lunch options, we then moved back into the van and drove towards Tikal.
On our way, we came across a lake that is the third largest lake in Guatemala, approximately twenty-three miles long and three miles wide, and up to five hundred feet at its deepest point, according to our tour guide.
We then drove for another fifteen minutes where we eventually made it to the entrance of the national park where Tikal is located. Just a few minutes in, we saw spider monkeys swinging and climbing up the tree branches! The jungle kept getting denser as we drove, until we came across some buildings and a sign that welcomed us to Tikal. We quickly stretched and prepared to go on a journey under the jungle canopy; but first, we grabbed a bottle of cold water from one the coolers for the hike.
Our tour guide then directed us to one of the trails that would lead us to one of the main temples in Tikal. The guide was well-spoken and was keen in answering our questions. Every response led to another question, which made this tour exciting for me.
Captivated by an interactive tour guide and birds chirping above and around us, we quickly came across some of the smaller temples in Tikal. We learned that many of these temples were still unexcavated, mainly due to preserving the biodiversity of the jungle and wildlife that now flourish in the area.
Hiking under the jungle canopy is one of the activities that I enjoyed the most, this was a major highlight of this tour. There is nothing like breathing fresh air combined with the aroma of humus around.
I was perplexed by the sheer size of some of the structures. Thankfully, there were wooden steps with railings to make the journey to the upper world much easier! This journey up the temple was still a bit tiring, but the view from the top was so beautiful! From there I could have judged the distance it would take us to walk the other temples in the area, only peeking out slightly above the canopy. Once we made it back down, we took a break to use the restrooms, rehydrate, and get some more snacks for the rest of the tour.
From here, we once again hiked under the canopy for a few minutes until we came across a bigger opening, where we saw the main temples and plazas. Many of us scattered in different directions and would then meet between two of the main temples. There, we sat down and took cover from the midday sun under the shade provided by the only tree between these two temples. I truly did not want to leave this spot. I was in complete Zen mode, almost taking a nap when our tour guide and my stomach reminded me that it was lunchtime!
Lunch was spectacular! Lunch was provided inside a cabin under the canopy. We were greeted with wet towels to cool off and a friendly staff. Once we cooled off with these towels, we were served vegetable soup with freshly made corn tortillas as an appetizer. I do not recall the exact name of the cuisine we got for lunch, but I recall ordering beef as my meat option. The beef was grilled, served with vegetable rice, and a salad. I was a bit concerned about my vegan companions but was happy to find out they also had different cuisines for different diets. I was about to leave to have a quick meeting with the Belizing team when we were surprised with watermelon and pineapple as dessert. After devouring the dessert, the group started to walk towards the exit. It was time to head back home! :/
Tikal was truly a magnificent experience, and I would go return any time for a full day of adventure. We would like to give a massive thank you to TikalGo for offering this tour to the Belizing team. We were content with the entire Tikal experience. Book your Tikal adventure today and let's go Belizing in Guatemala with TikalGo!
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Author Name:
Luis Manzanero
Tours/Activities
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
WHAT TO EXPECT Visit the most important Mayan site in Guatemala: Tikal. Come and learn about the Culture, Anthropology, and Archeology of the most important Maya Site in the country. ... moreDiscover the secrets and ways of living of one of the most enigmatic civilizations in the history of humanity.
TOUR PLAN
DAY 1
Tikal Tour
We'll pick you up at your hotel in San Ignacio and we'll go to the border where we'll help you with your customs procedures. Your Tikal Go Guide will be waiting for you at the Belize customs exit to start this adventure.
After an hour and a half on the way, we'll arrive at Tikal, the city of voices where we will visit the Grand Jaguar temple, Temple IV the tallest one, Temple II, Temple V, and the most hidden places of this incredible city. We will also discover the Rainforest, and see some of the more than 300 species of birds, monkeys, insects, and centenary trees that now live in the old Mayan city.
After Lunch, you will have free time before checking in at your hotel in Tikal National Park
Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal
DAY 2
Sunrise Tour
We will start really early at 4 am our tour guide will be at your hotel to start the Sunrise tour from the highest temple in Tikal: TEMPLE IV.
During our walk to the temple, we will have time to see the sky and understand how important was astrology for Mayas. We can’t promise to see the sun but we are sure this was the early morning of the Mayas so don’t be angry if is a bit foggy that is part of the adventure.
After Sunrise we will return to the hotel to have breakfast. You can choose to return to San Ignacio at 11:00 or after Lunch. We can also add a Stop in Flores for lunch (for an extra fee). Ask us about that option.
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Enjoy a close encounter with Guatemala’s vibrant wildlife on this full-day bird-watching tour in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. With the help of an expert private guide, visit bird-watching ... morehotspots like Ixpanpajul Nature Park, Tikal, or Yaxha, and have a chance to spot more than 400 different bird species, including the famous.
Your professional guide will take you across the border into Tikal National Park in Guatemala and lead you on a fascinating tour of the sprawling archaeological complex. Round-trip transport from your Belize hotel and all park fees are not included.
Highlights
Full-day bird-watching tour from Belize
Enjoy bird watching, at Tikal Park or Yaxha Park Spot and identify rare and native birds with an expert guide from the Perfect tour for nature lovers!
This private tour can be customized to your interests and ensures you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide
What You Can Expect
This tour offers round-trip transportation from your hotel or airport to the park.
The admissions are also included and you will be accompanied by a bird-specialized guide.
Lunch includes great grilled beef with rice, salad, tortillas, soup, and dessert.
Drinks are not included with lunch only 1 bottle of water per person during the tour.
Do not miss this great adventure and explore with us the wonders of the Mystery Green World.
Some destinations for sightings are Tikal, Ixpanpajul, Yaxha, and Lake Petén Itza.
ASK FOR MORE INFO THIS TOUR IS TOTALLY PERSONALIZED
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
WHAT TO EXPECT
Visit the most important Mayan sites in Guatemala: Tikal and Yaxhá. Come and learn about Culture, Anthropology, and Archaeology and live one of the best adventures of ... moreyour life.
Discover the rainforest and forget about everything else while you will walk in these incredible Maya Cities.
Take this tour and jump into the Maya Civilization to understand more about our history
TOUR PLAN
DAY 1
We will meet you at 11 am at your place in San Ignacio and drive to the Guatemala and Belize Border. After the customs procedures, we will start the adventure heading to the city of Yaxhá. We will have lunch first and then full of energy we will start the tour. Yaxhá is a contemporary city to Tikal, smaller but no less important, in your tour you can visit the Central Plaza, the Ball Field, the Temple 216, and the Twin Pyramids Complex, and you can immerse yourself in the virgin forest that surrounds.
After the Tour, we will go to our hotel in Tikal National Park.
DAY 2
We will start really early at 4 am our tour guide will be at your hotel to start the Sunrise tour from the highest temple in Tikal: TEMPLE IV. During our walk to the temple, we will have time to see the sky and understand how important was astrology for Mayas. We can’t promise to see the sun but we are sure this was the early morning of the Mayas so don’t be angry if is a bit foggy that is part of the adventure.
After Sunrise we will have breakfast and continue with the archaeological tour that we will finish around 11 am.
You will have to relax and at 15.00 we will move to Flores Island
Overnight in Flores
DAY 3
We will give a free day in Flores to discover the island. Around noon we will be back in San Ignacio.
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Day trip to Tikal from Belize Visit Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour the ruins of Tikal with a professional and informative guide Learn about the Mayans who built ... moreone of the largest archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian world Round-trip hotel transport by comfortable coach included
What You Can Expect to Explore Tikal on a day trip from Belize!
Visit one of the largest and most important Mayan sites in all of Central America. Your professional guide will pick you up at your San Ignacio hotel for the roughly 1.5-hour drive to Tikal National Park.
You will be assisted in all border crossing procedures to enter Guatemala safely and hassle-free. Be sure to bring your passport! Once inside the park, let your imagination run free as you explore highlights among more than 3,000 structures that archaeologists have excavated so far. Learn about the daily life and religious practices of the ancient Maya while wandering through the maze of the Central Acropolis, and envision the excitement of an elite sporting match on the ball courts. Tikal boasts an array of magnificent ceremonial temples. Climb the steep staircase of the 144-foot (44-meter) Temple of the Grand Jaguar, built to honor a Mayan king. A set of twin pyramids with altars will greet you at complexes Q and R. Marvel at the Temple of the Masks, which was once adorned with intricate ceremonial mask carvings. Perhaps most impressive is the oft-photographed Temple IV, also known as the Double Head Serpent. The tallest structure in Tikal at 212 feet (64 meters), this pyramid rises majestically above the jungle canopy.
After a refreshing lunch break inside the park, satisfy your inner archaeologist during your free time to explore the ruins independently.
Make this special and magic trip to the center of Tikal!
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Day trip to Tikal from Belize Visit Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour the ruins of Tikal with a professional and informative guide Learn about the Mayans who built ... moreone of the largest archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian world Round-trip hotel transport by comfortable coach included
What You Can Expect to Explore Tikal on a day trip from Belize!
Visit one of the largest and most important Mayan sites in all of Central America. Your professional guide will pick you up at your San Ignacio hotel for the roughly 1.5-hour drive to Tikal National Park.
You will be assisted in all border crossing procedures to enter Guatemala safely and hassle-free. Be sure to bring your passport! After one hour we will stop at a souvenir shop where a part of our Tikal Go souvenirs you can see the best scale model of Tikal and a replica of the tomb found in temple 1 of the most important ruler of the city Jasaw Chan Kahuil.
Once inside the park, let your imagination run free as you explore highlights among more than 3,000 structures that archaeologists have excavated so far. Learn about the daily life and religious practices of the ancient Maya while wandering through the maze of the Central Acropolis, and envision the excitement of an elite sporting match on the ball courts. Tikal boasts an array of magnificent ceremonial temples. Climb the wooden steps of Temple 2 and admire the astonishing view of the main square facing Temple 1 Grand Jaguar Temple the simple of Guatemala, was built to honor Jasaw Chan Kahuil more easily known as Lord Chocolate for the number of beans of cacao they found in the tomb. A set of twin pyramids with altars will greet you at complexes Q and R. Marvel at the Temple of the Masks, which was once adorned with intricate ceremonial mask carvings. Perhaps most impressive is the oft-photographed Temple IV, also known as the Double Head Serpent. The tallest structure in Tikal at 212 feet (64 meters), this pyramid rises majestically above the jungle canopy.
There is a lot to see in Tikal a place where flora and fauna live together in harmony where you can learn a lot of history and see the deep of the Guatemalan rain forest. Ran out of monkeys and raccoons, turkeys, and more than 200 species of birds living in freedom. Forget for 4 hours about the civilization and understand why the Mayans live there…
Don´t miss Tikal while in Belize you will regret it
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Step back in time to explore the mysteries of the Maya during this 8-hour visit to Yaxha, one of the largest urban centers of this ancient culture.... more
Spend the day wandering through the fascinating ruins of this sprawling ceremonial complex on the shores of Lake Yaxha, occupying a total area of 92 square miles (237 square kilometers). During your exploration, you’ll check out the Big Astronomical Complex, Avenue of the Pilgrims, and Twin Pyramid Complex, plus much more.
Highlights:
Explore the Mayan archaeological site of Yaxha Visit the wealth of ancient structures like the Big Astronomical Complex situated on a 92 square mile (237 square kilometers) site Discover the different epochs of Mayan culture and buildings, including its early classic period from AD 250 – 600 Learn about Mayan ceremonial practices and building techniques What You Can Expect Yaxha View The city was located on a ridge overlooking Lake Yaxha. The name of the city derives from the Mayan for “blue-green water”. It is a notable survival of a Classic period place name into the modern day.
The Yaxha kingdom is estimated to have covered an area of 237 square kilometers (92 sq mi) and to have had a peak population of 42,000 in the Late Classic period. The Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo circle is considered the “best-kept secret of the Maya World”, it covers a total area of 37.160ha and is part of the Reserve Maya Biosphere. To the west is the Tikal National Park, and north is the Biological Corridor Tikal-Mirador-Rio Azul. Arrival at the Interpretation Centre Yaxhá.
The tour includes the visit of Astronomical Minor Complex, Avenue of the Pilgrims, Square Columns, Patio IV of the South Acropolis, Big Astronomical Complex, Residential Group, Watery Avenue, group Maler, North Acropolis, Plaza of The Birds, The Causeway, Twin Pyramid Complex and the Temple of the Red Hand (structure 216).
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