Off the Beaten Track: Tikal National Park, Guatemala

In the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies one of the major sites of Mayan civilization, inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The ceremonial centre contains superb temples and palaces, and public squares accessed by means of ramps. Remains of dwellings are scattered throughout the surrounding countryside.

From one temple-top to another: on top of the world in Tikal National Park in northeastern Guatemala. These Maya pyramids (8th century) were the tallest structures built in the Americas until twentieth century skyscrapers arose in New York City. Howler monkeys and flocks of toucans add to the lost world feel of these ruins.

It will give you a jolt to see these crumbling Mayan temples in the middle of the Guatemalan jungle. The limestone rocks have been scraped smooth by archeologists desperate to stave off the jungle vines and mossy dampness and the green undergrowth is all mown smooth like a city park. It's all so civilized and restrained. You have to climb to the top of the tallest tower and see the temples thrusting up through the tree line to get a sense of what the ancients must have seen and how they were kings of all they surveyed.

No matter how many postcards or magazine spreads you've seen of this place, nothing prepares you for the surround-sound of Tikal's jungle setting. Walking on your way to the plaza of Pre-Columbian limestone 'skyscrapers', howler monkeys scream overhead, flocks of parrots and toucans play in the canopy.

Tikal is, predictably, one of the most popular sites in all of Central America. Book ahead and stay in one of the lodges adjacent to the park. Wake up early the next morning and you'll have the jungle and pyramid-temples to yourself and the animals. Weaverbirds are everywhere, other species of monkeys, coatimundi, the elusive quetzal and jaguar.

Fifty-four species of mammal occur, including mantled howler monkey, spider monkey, giant anteater, lesser anteater, dwarf anteater, three-toed sloth, nine-banded armadillo, squirrel, pocket gopher, raccoon, brown coati, kinkajou, tayra, paca, long-tailed weasel, hooded skunk, otter, puma, margay, ocelot, jaguarundi, jaguar, Baird's tapir which is limited by water availability, collared and white-lipped peccaries, white-tailed deer and red brocket deer. The avifauna comprises 333 species, representing 63 of the 74 families in Guatemala, and includes ocellated turkey, red macaw, jaribu stork and many others, including crested eagle.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

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