In the heart of Petén - Tikal

I went two days ago to one of the largest archaeological sites of the mayan civilization. I think El Mirador is bigger, but its a five days hike to get there and back.

This city was alive around 700 years and was a big center politically, economically, and militarily.
Wikipedia here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tikal

I was impressed, that this site is still in the deep jungle, no phone access there and so many beautiful trees, also a lot of ceibas, the national tree of Guatemala, I really like this tree. And you can also see wild animals walking trough the ruins or listen to howler monkeys, and they scream really scary. I saw them while walking from one temple to the next, alone on my way, and howler monkeys aboveme in the trees. I made a video, to show the noises to my family, when I am back home, but I then I wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.

Later I watched one single monkey in the trees and a guide appeared behind, oh wow, he really affrighted me. But he apologized as he recognized what he had done to me. He also told me, that he really like to work in his part, because not a lot of tourists come ther, so its quiet and there are still Mayans coming, making ceremonies.

There are three temples to climb at the moment, one was kind of dangerous, more like climbing a ladder, than stairs. But everytime when you reached the top, the view was great. They are so high, that you can watch above the trees and see the tops of other temples.


It was really worth to go there, but take a lot of water, its hot and it is more expensive inside Tikal.
Some pictures now! ;)

working ants

a sprirituel group singing and catching positiv energy

huge trees

really huge trees

me in front of the great place

the most dangerous temple climb

great place with the temple Jaguar on the right site