Visiting Tikal Maya Ruins from Belize
Though the Tikal Maya ruins are located in Peten, Guatemala, travelers who are staying in Belize can travel to the site with ease. In fact, Tikal National Park, where the ruins are located, is just a 90-minute drive from the Belize-Guatemala border. Along the route, travelers get a chance to see the beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and dense rainforests that make up the landscape of Guatemala.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, Tikal National Park is home to some of the most amazing pyramid temples, palaces, stelae, and plazas that you will encounter anywhere in the world. These building and monuments were originally placed in the area between the years 200 and 850 AD. During this time, Tikal was renowned as a bustling metropolis and one of the most powerful cities in the region. In fact, it is estimated that the city was once home to as many as 100,000 people. The area also played a key role in the Mesoamerican trade route, which connected the Mayans with other civilizations in North and Central America.
Though the entire park is filled with beauty and wonder, Tikal’s most popular area is the “Lost World” or “Mundo Perdido.” This area is situated just West of the Plaza of the Seven Temples and together these two places are home to some of the most impressive temples and pyramids on earth. Travelers will be particularly impressed by Temple II (Temple of the Mask), Temple III (Temple of the Jaguar Priest), and Temple IV.
Of course, a trip to the Tikal Maya ruins isn’t just about visiting the temples and monuments. It is also about taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Amid the lush vegetation, travelers will be able to spot parrots, toucans, oscillated turkeys, or even some howler monkeys. Put simply, Tikal National Park is a haven for nature-lovers everywhere.
Now that you have learned a little bit more about the beauty and wonder that is in store for you at the Tika Maya ruins, you may be wondering how you can get there yourself. Luckily, the answer is simple. Unchartered Jewels, headed by Ian Avilez, runs regular tours to the park from Belize. All you need to do is reach out to our team, tell us when you will be traveling to Belize, and we will be happy to arrange your tour.
