For any traveller with a passion for primates and a deep interest in ancient history, the £15 entrance fee to Tikal National Park in Guatemala might just represent the best value adventure you'll ever have. This UNESCO World Heritage site, which famously served as a Rebel Alliance base in Star Wars: A New Hope, offers an experience that is both epic and unexpectedly profound.
A Journey Into The Mayan World
After a mere ten-minute walk through the dense Guatemalan jungle, often with an umbrella in hand during the rainy season, the forest canopy dramatically opens up to reveal the first of an astonishing 3,000 structures spread across 16 square kilometres. Each ruin sparks the imagination, inviting visitors to step back in time to the peak of the Mayan civilisation.
The physical challenge is part of the adventure. Trudging up an ancient pyramid, chanting 'just one step after another', is a leg-burning endeavour with an incredible payoff. The view from the top, once reserved for Mayan royalty seeking connection with the heavens, is nothing short of breathtaking.
For those seeking a similar experience with even fewer visitors, Yaxha National Park, located further off the beaten track in the Peten region, provides equally awe-inspiring pyramid climbs and panoramic views. Both Tikal and Yaxha, situated close to the Belize border, act as incredible windows into the thriving cities of the Mayan people, a civilisation that once stretched across Central America, or as our guide Camillo referred to it, Meso-America.
Where History Meets Wilderness
The history here is immense. While the respective sites date as far back as 900 BC, most of the grand structures visible in Tikal were constructed nearly 2,000 years later, establishing it as a premier Mayan centre. This era of prosperity met a mysterious end in the ninth century when the site was abandoned, leaving countless palaces and temples to be swallowed by the jungle for millennia.
The modern rediscovery began with a government-backed expedition in 1848, which set in motion the unearthing of the secrets and legends buried within the forest floor. Today, these parks are not just archaeological wonders but also vibrant rainforests teeming with life.
The parks are now fascinating rainforests as rich in nature as they are history. A massive band of coatimundis fearlessly played around us on the ground as spider monkeys swung across some of the 200 tree species up above. More than a dozen jaguars even call Tikal home, our guide Camillo told us.
During a visit in the rainy season, the area can feel eerily deserted, but this also means fewer tourists. To avoid the fleeting downpours, it is probably best to plan your trip between November and April.
A Spiritual Ascent and Cinematic Landscape
It's easy to initially dismiss the ancient Mayan belief that ascending these monumental structures brought their rulers closer to the gods. However, that scepticism quickly evaporates upon making the climb yourself. The spiritual significance of such elevation becomes palpable.
Standing above a vast, unbroken green canopy, punctuated only by the occasional ancient tower, is an otherworldly sight. This surreal experience is amplified by the haunting soundtrack of roaring howler monkeys, creating a moment of pure, untamed wonder.
For Star Wars fans, the view will trigger a wave of recognition. Specific shots of Tikal were used in Episode IV: A New Hope as the setting for the secret Rebel Alliance base, forever linking this ancient wonder with a galactic rebellion.
The journey typically begins with an hour's rural drive from the city of Flores, leading to sheltered open-air gift shops and a model-sized version of the city to welcome visitors. For more travel information, you can visit the official tourism site at visitguatemala.gt.
