Tikal: “The City of Voices” 2 Days/1 Night/Canopy Tour Adventure

Discover the heart of the Maya World just 30 minutes away from Guatemala City by plane!  Hidden by dense jungle until the 19th century, Tikal reprincipals one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites of the Maya World.  Once one of the largest and most powerful cities of the Classic Period, Tikal was abruptly and mysteriously abandoned over 1000 years ago and disappeared over the centuries into the lush jungle.  Visitors can only get a sense of the power and immensity of Tikal after climbing up Temple IV and looking out over the expansive site to view the distant temples protruding through the canopy as well as overgrown structures yet to released from the jungle’s vines.  On top of the Lost World you will also have a chance to view the other inhabitants of the area, such as the howler and spider monkeys who play in the trees surrounding the temples, or listen to the over 410 species of birds, such as toucans, that bring music to the jungle canopy.  Over 3000 structures have been unearthed from Tikal so far, including temples, palaces, living quarters, ball courts, and a sauna.  There are also many reliefs and stellae that have survived the centuries, all of which reveal the history of this magical city through Maya hieroglyphs – stories about Tikal’s kings, its incredible wealth, and its wars with neighbouring cities.  Archaeologists estimate that the 16 square kilometers that has been excavated at Tikal is only a fraction of the entire site, leaving many visitors wishing they had more time to explore this ancient and magical city.  There is also a small museum on site with a collection of ceramics, jade, shell and bone jewelry and sculptures.

After wandering through the ancient streets of Tikal and pondering its mysterious abandonment, soar above the jungle with us on our canopy eco-adventure tour.  You will experience the beauty and magic of the rainforest by traversing a series of platforms and cables formerly used exclusively by scientists and photographers.  Watch and listen to the toucans, parrots, lemurs and monkeys playing in the trees while you take in the magnificence of the jungle. 

Day 1

This adventure starts early - you will take a short flight from La Aurora international airport in Guatemala City to Santa Elena where you will be met by our guide and taken to Tikal National Park to explore the “City of voices”.  

On your tour you will learn about Maya civilization and history, the rulers of Tikal and the construction of the city, the mysterious downfall of the city, and information on the flora and fauna of the region.  You will visit the Temple of the Jaguar, Great Plaza, Lost World and then scale Temple IV to look out over the jungle and the rest of the site.  The tour will take most of the day and will include a break for lunch in the park.

In the afternoon we will take you to the Jungle Lodge Hotel, located inside the Tikal National Park and just five minutes from the ancient Central Plaza.  Take the opportunity to see the sunrise from temple IV in the morning if you wish!

Day 2

After an early 8:30 a.m. breakfast, we will take you to a private jungle reserve near Tikal for the Canopy Adventure.  All your equipment will be provided and an experienced instructor will be with you at all times.  Strict safety standards have been developed by the professional and experienced guides you will be with. You will enjoy a bird's eye view of the jungle as you soar over the trails below.  After the Canopy Tour you will have a picnic meal in the reserve and then take a relaxing horseback ride or mountain bike ride on trails in the jungle to see reprincipals of Maya ruins as well as some of Guatemala’s beautiful flora and fauna.  The adventure tour takes about 3 to 4 hours.

At around 3:00 p.m. we will take you to Santa Elena airport where you will catch your plane back to Guatemala City.   

The price of the tour includes round-trip airfare from Guatemala to Flores, all on-the-ground transportation in the Peten, guided tour, one night in the Hotel Jungle Lodge (double occupancy), located inside Tikal National Park, one lunch per person in each park, breakfast, the Canopy Tour Adventure (equipment rental included), and taxes.  Price per person: $260 USD(Price quoted in a double room.  Minimum 2 people.