Tikal National Park, Guatemala

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Tikal is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Americas. Although totally different in architecture and setting from the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, it is just as spectacular. Situated in the jungle of northern Guatemala, the ruins are part of the much larger Tikal National Park. The Maya structures occupy a large area (approximately 10 sq mi/25 sq km). So far, more than 3,000 palaces, temples, shrines, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, plazas and residences have been mapped.

A tour of Tikal starts at the visitors center, where there is also a small museum. A 1-mi/1.6-km walk will take you to the Great Plaza, one of the most meticulously excavated areas. There, Temple I, known as the Temple of the Giant Jaguar, rises to 170 ft/50 m. If you have the stamina, a climb to the top of Temple I to watch the sunrise is an inspiring experience. The tallest standing temple in the Maya World is Temple IV in Tikal: 212 ft/64 m high.

Because this is a jungle area, it is usually hot and humid, although not unbearable. Wear a hat and lightweight clothing and take along insect repellent. Wear shoes with nonslip soles for climbing the stone steps and watch your footing on the uneven paths. If possible, plan to spend at least one night either in the park or in the vicinity. Seeing the ruins on a day trip doesn't do them justice. Lodges in the park are small and basic and frequently filled with archaeologists, so book early. For more luxurious accommodations, there's the Westin Camino Real hotel on Lake Peten Itza, about 35 mi/55 km from the park. Flores also makes an excellent base for exploring Tikal. This pleasant town on an island (reached by a causeway) in Lake Peten Itza has comfortable hotels and good restaurants. Launches can be rented in Flores for tours around the lake. One of the most popular trips is to the unexcavated pre-Hispanic ruins of Tayasal, where there is a lookout with superb views of Flores and Lake Peten Itza.

A new paved highway from Guatemala City to Flores opened in 2000, cutting the driving time for the 305-mi/488-km trip to less than nine hours. However, driving through the department of Peten, as well as other parts of Guatemala, can be dangerous. We recommend flying into the airport at Flores and then taking a minibus or taxi to Tikal, 40 mi/65 km away. Another option is to take a deluxe bus from Guatemala City, or to book a tour in Guatemala City or Antigua

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