Tikal

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Had the most amazing day at the Tikal national park. Over 160 sq km in size they have excavated just 20% of the ruins in this area. Completely protected so that the wild life and flora can continue to thrive. We had already been to ruins in Belize but these are the major ones to see and we were just blown away.

The tour started with a walk through the canapy and as we went deeper into the park we arrived at the different temples and the main central Acropolis. As some parts of Guatemala still practice the Mayan religious beliefs and there was evidence of recent sacrifices within the main Acropolis.

Temple wise this was a rare opportunity for us to get some exercise(!) so lots of clambering up the stone sides to get the best views. The main temple is no. IV and this was used in the filming of Indiana Jones - absolutely huge but before this we were taken to Temple 5 which you could climb up via some steps. Now I use steps loosely as this was literally a vertical ladder that could have been a bit more secure! Worst was as I started climbing I realised that you could not turn back so I could almost feel my heart pounding! Up at the top it was a narrow ledge which we shuffled across and were rewarded with amazing views- some quick pics and we were down! thank god when we arrived at the huge temple 4 it had a nice set of steps in staged levels so we really chilled out at the top.

A highlight for me was the Lost World section which is near where current archeologists are doing work on a temple and we saw tons of Toucans- only ever seen one in costa before and suddenly two occasions on the trip already. Also saw wild turkeys (looked very free range!), some more monkeys, a swarm of soldier ants and a crocodile!

Final day yesterday in Flores and only slight trauma was the buying of tickets to Coban- I think I nearly broke the travel agent with my Spanish and he even checked we were on the right bus this morning!

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Photos

Paddington sees Temple IV
OK when you have time on your hands this is what happens

Neil Temple IV
Taking in the amazing views across the park

The lost world
My favourite Toucan shot!

Temple V
Just about held the camera still in my fear to take this!

The Acropolis
Where the ash was still warm from a recent sacrifice

Temple IV
Walking through the canopy our first view

Exercise time!
Neil makes me do star jumps to work off breakfast

Neil taking it easy
Temple V nearly broke us - resting in the Acropolis area