TIKAL - Guatemala.

Central America Caribbean » Guatemala » Petén Region
September 8th 2010

Published: September 12th 2010

Sunday 5th September We left San Ignacio and headed for Tikal. Firstly we had to do a border control to get into Guatemala. Security is a bit severe here as the policemen look like they are ready for war and the old Guatemalan guy in front of us in the queue has a 3ft wooden baton for protection. from what? im asking. Welcome to Guatemala! We had to change bus on the other side plus we got our... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 80, Displayed: 21

map of tikal

The great plaza. taken from central acropolis

jaguar temple on the right. it has two small ball courts(bottom right). Temple II on the left and north acropolis straight ahead.

Central Acropolis

Inside the Central acropolis.

Central Acropolis

Inside the Central acropolis. lots of different levels. These were living areas rather than temples.

Temple I taken from top of Temple II

north acropolis to the right. The grass area and surrounding buildings are collectively known as the great plaza

North Acropolis from top of Temple II

This temple is has closed its steps due to two deaths from falling tourists. we went up stairs on side.

On top of Temple II (temple of the masks)

A twin temple with temple I. Only slightly smaller than the jaguar temple I. they face each other.

Temple of masks (temple II)

You can just about see the masks.

Mayan Mask carving in stone

Many face carvings have deliverately been smashed. as the years went by new kings thought it was bad luck to have old kings faces visible.

me (jaguar temple)

Leon - in mayan means the Puma. :P This is the last known photo of my flip flops before they died!!

North acropolis

Temple II (temple of masks) taken from north acropolis

Temple I and Temple II have the great plaza in front of them. Accoustics here are same as chichen Itza. Clap and you hear quetzal bird.

Temple II

Jill sitting on north acropolis

the top of north acropolis

36 oC and im soaking with sweat.

Temple V

the second tallest structure at Tikalâ”only Temple IV is taller.

Stairs to temple V

More like a stepladder! its so steep!!

View from top of temple V

The temple stands 57 metres (187 ft) high

top of stairs of Temple V

Temple V stands south of the Central Acropolis and is the mortuary pyramid of an as yet unidentified ruler of the once great city.

View from top of temple V

You can see jaguar temple I to the right and temple II to the left

Excavation site at south Acropolis

Ongoing work is being done. Funded by Usa and guatemala.

Projected scale model of south acropolis

Archeologists use this model to guid the diggers and to plan excavations. This will be amazing when completed in 2015. 7 temples and two ball courts.

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TIKAL - Guatemala.

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