Tikal...

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After a rickety journey on a bus with NO suspension, we enter the jungle to visit one of the world´s most fascinating archeological sites. The accommodation is more expensive here than we had hoped but we enjoy the comfort of staying in a nice room, with front row seats to the sounds of the jungle! The roar of the howler monkeys marking their territory is more threatening than they actually seem when you see the little things! They can make themselves roar like a Lion and they are only 2 feet tall.

We decided we wanted to see sunrise over Tikal and go with a guide into the jungle in the early hours (3.20am!!). Armed with torches, breakfast picnics, water and masked in bug repellent we hit the dirt tracks and climb the 70-80 metre slimy and slippery ladder (fun!) to the top of the sites highest ruin, temple number 4.

Unfortunately, due to the mist the sunrise was slightly dissapointing but the sounds of the animals dawn chorus was worth the early rise and exercise. The mist did gradually clear as we began to see the tree tops in front of us. We felt somewhat overwhelmed watching dawn break in the jungle canopy.

Some of the jungle´s inhabitants (some of which we saw!) include; jaguar, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, 6 different species of parrot, woodpeckers and tarrantulas...

Our photos show the temples within the excavated areas. You can also see the limestone slabs, where sacrificial rituals took place.

Again, in search for economical lodging we head to Antigua and Lake Aititlan.

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Comments

[Carl]

Indiana Monk
Wow, your blog is amazing!!! I love it... it's like the scene from an Indiana Jones film, i keep thinking i'm going to see you all fly across the screen on a jungle vine! ha ha. Your doing a brilliant job with the blog, the beaches look amazing, but i bet waking up in the jungle is hard to top! Can't wait to see you. Stay safe xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Allison]

Hello
Hi. Sarah. Had lunch with your mum today and she told me about your 'blogs'. What a fantastic trip you are having. The sights and beaches look magnificent. Will keep looking in from time to time. Enjoy yourself and stay safe. Love Allison