Guatemala: Tikal

The first night we flew into Flores, a small town about an hour and a half from Tikal National Park.  The next day, we explored the core area (16 sq. km.) of the ancient Mayan ruins.  The Maya settled into this area around 900 B.C. and left around the 8th century A.D.  Just in this small space, there are about 3,000 buildings, mostly still uncovered.  Although many of the pyramids and temples have been restored, the architecture is absolutely amazing and demands respect for the ancient people.  

We explored the central area by walking through dense forests, occasionally seeing howler monkeys, birds, and other small mammals.  The rain fell in buckets a couple of times, but we found shelter and took a break to eat our packed lunch.  

This is the view from Pyramid IV, the tallest of them all at 212 feet. Due to some tourists falling to their deaths by climbing the narrow, steep stairs, there are either signs posted telling one not to climb or an alternative route (metal stairs and ramps) up the pyramids.  

The path though the forest.

This is Temple V, a pyramid that was built in just one generation and was my favorite ruin.  There were no other tourists there when we arrived, the place is tucked away and peaceful, and the structure just seemed so stately.

We were able to explore the ruins below for a while, climbing and checking every nook and cranny.  I felt like a kid again hopping from one stone to the next. 

This is the backyard view of one of the structures.  I love the mist!