Tikal National Park Essentials

Tikal National Park preserves the remains of a dominant Maya superpower nestled within the Guatemalan rainforest. The site is centered on the Great Plaza, anchored by the 47-meter Temple of the Great Jaguar and the Temple of the Masks. Significant structures include the 65-meter Temple IV, which rises above the jungle canopy, and the Mundo Perdido complex, which served as an early astronomical observatory. The city's political history is reflected in the sprawling palace complexes of the Central Acropolis and the ancestral funerary shrines of the North Acropolis.

Temple I

Tikal Temple I is the designation given to one of the major structures at Tikal, one of the largest cities and archaeological sites of the…

Temple II

Tikal Temple II is a Mesoamerican pyramid at the Maya archaeological site of Tikal in the Petén Department of northern Guatemala.

Great Plaza

The ceremonial heart of Tikal, this limestone plaza is bordered by Temple I, Temple II, and the North and Central Acropolises.

Temple IV

Built around 741 AD, this 65-meter limestone pyramid is the tallest structure in Tikal and served as the funerary monument for ruler Yik'in Chan K'awiil.

Pyramid of the Lost World 5C-54

The centerpiece of the Mundo Perdido complex, this 30-meter pyramid was part of an ancient astronomical observatory and dates back to the Late Preclassic period.

North Acropolis

A massive funerary complex used for over 1,000 years as the burial site for Tikal's royalty, featuring layers of temples and large stone masks.

Central Acropolis

A sprawling administrative and residential palace complex composed of six courtyards surrounded by multi-story limestone buildings used by the city's elite.

Temple of the Jaguar Priest, Temple III

Tikal Temple III, also known as the Temple of the Jaguar Priest, was one of the principal temple pyramids at the ancient Maya city of Tikal…

Conjunto Q

A large twin-pyramid complex built in 771 AD to commemorate the end of a k'atun, featuring carved stelae and altars.

Museo Sylvanus G. Morley

An on-site museum displaying artifacts recovered from the ruins, including ceramics, jade jewelry, and a replica of the tomb of ruler Jasaw Chan K'awiil I.