Guatemalan Getaway
Crossing Through Customs
If you have not already checked out the Belize page or the Central American blog, then you may find this day trip in Guatemala to be quite a surprise. While on the trip to Belize, we made a short trip with our group to the Guatemala from San Ignacio, Belize, to explore the Tikal Mayan Ruins.
Once we arrived at the border, we had to unload all of our stuff from the buses in order to walk through customs. Walking through to Guatemala was quite frankly the easiest and quickest time I have ever had going through customs.
You may find that photographs in mobile view are cropped disproportionately. Viewing these pages on a desktop will remedy the situation.
twin pyramid complex
Coming into the park, the first archaeological finding that you will see is the Twin Pyramid Complex. In front of the structure there are 7 stones that resemble tombstones. These are not tombstones however, they are actually alters intended to be used by placing goods on the round stones in sacrificial offerings to the Gods.
Do note that one must walk along the dirt paths through the Tikal ruins in order to have a chance to see all the structures so it is best to wear a pair of supportive tennis shoes. Also, do not be fooled by the overcast sky, the sun will poke out from behind the clouds spastically so pack plenty of sunscreen for additional reapplication. Lastly, if you are usually a victim of bug bites do not shy away from bringing bug spray with you to the ruins. You are going to be in midst of a rainforest where depending on the time of the year, the bugs will be out.
The Tikal ruins: Ancient Mayan Civilization
Eastern Guatemala is home to the best kept secret, the ancient city of the early Mayan civilizations which is hidden in the thick of the rainforest. For over 700 years the Mayans inhabited this land, constructing what is believed to be over 3,000 structures, stretching over a total of 40 square miles.
It is believed to have had a high population of 90,000 inhabitants at one point. This is only about 10,000 less people than today’s U.S. city, Roanoke, Virgina.
After the calapse of the Mayan Empire in 900 A.D. a series of epidemic diseases and droughts hit this part of present day Guatemala. Today, historians believe based off the hieroglyphic records found at the site, that at the same time, there was a rising issue of overpopulation with caused for an increase in deforestation. With all of these variables present in conjunction with one another, it all contributed to crop failure. At that point, everyone fled the city.
Although only about 200 of structures have been full excavated and restored through the Tikal Project, by the University of Pennsylvania between the 1950s and 1960s, the Guatemalan government has not spent much more effort in excavations.
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65 Meters In the sky
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only smiles at the top of temple iv
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Story of the traveling sisters
Temple IV: templo de la serpiente bicefálica
Stretching 65 meters high, the limestone temples are the only thing that are able to break through the thick rainforest. Here on the site, you are not only allowed to touch the structures, you’re encourage to climb all over them to reach the top. The most magical views come the top of each pyramid.
This photo below was taken on our way to the Gran Plaza. It is always interesting to somewhere you were up high, only to be back on the ground looking back up in amazement.
**Warning: The photo above is an panorama of the Gran Plaza icluding Temple I and Temple II. If you are viewing the off of your mobile device, unfortunately you are not viewing the full picture, you’re only seeing the center of the Plaza. Try viewing this on a desktop, I promise it will be worth it. Fun facts about the Tikal Mayan Ruins:
An complex canal system was dug throughout the city in order to collect rainwater and have it directed to the reservoirs.
An image of Temple I is used on modern day Guatemalan currency for the 50 centavo note.
The Tikal Ruins are now connected to the Guatemalan highway system in order to provide better accessibility.
The late George Lucas, director of Star Wars, used these ruins as a shooting location of Stars Wars: Episode IV.
