Tikal- The Heart of the Mayan Civilization

Tikal is the largest archaeological sites of the Maya civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.Ds with ~33 rulers. Spans 220 sq. miles and has ~3000 structures, only a fraction of them have been excavated.

One is able to climb the ancient pyramids for commanding views of the Jungle. It was used as a filming location for Yavin 4 in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

1. Large stucco masks (~8ft) in temple 33 of the North Acropolis
2. Temple I- Temple of the Jaguar is a funerary pyramid
3. Ceiba The National Tree of Guatemala- view from the top of one of the pyramids