Tikal – A city of birds and monkeys

IMGP9353

JAN 7, 2016 – After a night in Flores, I visited the archeological site of Tikal. It was the most impressive one I had seen so far, particularly because of its dimensions: One has to walk on jungle trails for at least half a day to visit all of the temples and other buildings of this old city. On the other hand, there aren’t many steles, lintels or other detailed artworks left, and many of the structures have not even been excavated yet. Apparently the size of the site and the very limited funding make it hard to achieve the same level of restoration and protection as in Mexico.
Tikal is also a nature reserve, and it is not uncommon to encounter howler and spider monkeys, toucans, parrots and other animals along the way. For me it was particularly funny to see green parrots: One of my favorite computer games as a child was Indiana Jones and the fate of Atlantis, where one visits Tikal and talks to such a parrot. Unfortunately I didn’t find the secret grave of an Atlantean king which one discovers in the game – but I did notice a temple where about half of the surface was completely enclosed in walls, and started wondering what might be in there…

One of many smaller temples, most of which are still waiting to be excavated
One of many smaller temples, most of which are still waiting to be excavated
Mound with a temple inside
Mound with a temple inside
Inside one of the larger temples
Inside one of the larger temples

IMGP9179

View from the highest accessible building
View from the highest accessible building

IMGP9217-01

IMGP9276-01

Near the main square
Near the main square
Beware of crocodiles
Beware of crocodiles
Gorgeous sunset on the way back to Flores
Gorgeous sunset on the way back to Flores

1 Comment

Post a Comment