Tikal National Park holidays

What to do in Tikal National Park?

Tikal National Park provides that rare combination of culture and wildlife in one, with these ancient ruins found hidden away among over 800 species of trees, that in turn are home to 57 species of reptile and 500 species of birds. There is even the possibility of seeing jaguars, tapirs and peccaries in this patch of Guatemalan jungle. Not only is the national park a UNESCO recognised site, but it was also the first place to be named a Human Heritage site due to its ecological and archaeological significance. Because of this, Tikal National Park holidays are brimming with potential places to visit and explore. The small village of Flores is one of these, with its selection of handicraft shops dotted along the cobblestone streets, small island sailing trips and sunset-ready rooftop bars, it is the perfect place to spend a few days before venturing into the national park’s wonderful wilderness. The ancient Mayan ruins nestled within the national park’s verdant rainforest, as well as the ruins of El Mirador and the archaeological site of Yaxha, are well worth spending a day or two exploring. As one of the largest archaeological sites in Mesoamerica and home to everything from human sacrifice to ancient farming, you really can’t embark on a Tikal National Park holiday without exploring Yaxha.