Encased in jungle, and still only partially excavated, Tikal is arguably one of the most impressive Mayan sites in the world. An astounding 3,000 ancient buildings cover the vast acropolis, made up of altars, tombs, and a nine storey towering pyramid.
To avoid the heat of the day, and the crowds, sunrise is a magical time of day to visit Tikal with the silence broken only by howler monkeys and toucans. You can also witness shamanic rituals performed by modern day Mayan descendents, which involve fires and chanting.
