Tikal History Visit Tikal

The ruins in Tikal National Park in Guatemala is probably the best restored example of classical Mayan style. Guatemala has the largest Maya population of any country, and in terms of numbers, they are the dominant ethnic group. There are at least 15 distinct Mayan groups in the country, mostly living in the highlands. After years of civil unrest and violence the leaders in December of 1996 signed a pact with the Guatemalan government guaranteeing land and political rights, and freedom to practice their traditional religion. Mayan people produce beautiful textiles, pottery and baskets.

The most well known Tikal ruin is located in the middle of a Tikal National Park, a wildlife preserve covering 222 square miles and the first such park in Central America. The park has been reclaimed by the jungle and it is with only a good deal of diligence that the restored ruins are not overgrown with trees and jungle vegetation. The grounds are rife with tropical plants and wildlife. Trees include zapotes, from which chicle, a base for chewing gum is derived, Spanish cedar, ceiba, a tree sacred to the Maya, and mahogany. There are troops of spider and howler monkeys, 285 species of birds, 209 of which are resident species: including hawks, hummingbirds, parrots, vultures, and golden turkeys. Outside of the ruins live jaguar, puma, ocelot, pecarry, small deer, and many other animals, many rare and endangered.

Tikal was one of the principal cities of the Maya civilization. At least 10,000 people lived within the mapped portion of the city, which encompasses six square miles. The maps reveals over 3000 separate structures including temples, palaces, shrines, ceremonial platforms, residences, ball courts, terraces, causeways, and plazas, most interconnected with aqueducts and cisterns for holding water. In the main ceremonial precincts there are 200 stone monuments, known as stelae. Stelae were elaborately carved with glyphs, a form of writing, and other images that tell stories about the current and past rulers of that time. Come visit our bed and breakfast, stay in our guest house or bungalows and see what a great vacation can be.

The hotel in El Remate is a great bed and breakfast and guesthouse for the traveler or person on an extended vacation. The low daily cost makes it perfect for an extended visit to Tikal, Flores, El Remate, Lake Itzen, or any of the Peten area ruins, jungle sights or other attractions. The hotel is on a clear spring fed natural lake that is over 25 miles long. It is perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, or just sight seeing. The staff at the bed and breakfast guesthouse is great. They can speak enough English for most travelers to easily make themselves known and the owners are native Floridians . David and his wife are terrific hosts, making you feel right at home and have a wealth of knowledge about the area. They can set up tours, language opportunities, and help with most any emergency. The local health clinic is directly across the street and the local bus stops right in front of the hotel. Come visit our bed and breakfast, stay in our guest house and see what a great vacation can be.