Tikal national park is located in Guatemala, 75 miles west of San Ignacio or a 2 hrs 30 mins drive. Tikal is the most magnificent of all Mayan archaeological sites. Tikal has its beginnings around 600 BC and in the late classic period the architecture excelled all world capitals, the population was 100,000. The site is dominated by 5 enormous steep side limestone temples that rise over 200 ft from the forest floor; only 2 are allowed for climbing. 3000 structures have been identified and 20% have been excavated. The park has an area of 222 sq miles and has had no human settlement for the past 1000 yrs. It is home to 300 species of birds, 5 species of felines, 3 species of primates, deer, anteaters, and snakes making it a true tropical rainforest experience.