Ancient Destinations Guatemala

One of the most exotic locations to visit in Central America is Guatemala. Known worldwide for its spectacular natural sights and ancient Maya ruins, Guatemala is an archaeological paradise for all types of explorers.

Photo: Hector Garcia

Located in the Northern Guatemala region of El Peten lies the Mayan city of Tikal. It contains thousands of structures extending over six square miles. Royal palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms and ball courts are all present here. The city was founded during the Late Pre-Classic Period (400 BC - 300 AD). Most of the monuments seen today stems from the reign of a ruler called Ah Cacaw who came to power in 682 AD. Many people consider Tikal to be the most famous Mayan site ever built.

The most prominent buildings of this enormous site includes six large step pyramids labelled Temples 1-5. The main attraction at Tikal is the Temple of the Great Jaguar or Temple 1. It stands at a height of approximately 144 feet and its base measures 111 feet. The pyramid has nine levels and is crowned by a high crest. It was built as a funerary temple for Ah Cacaw. Temple 1 features the "new" vertical architectural style pyramid that was introduced during the ruler's reign. Archaeological excavations led to the discovery of Ah Cacaw's body which was kept in a crypt at the base of the pyramid. His body was covered with 180 pieces of jade beads. Today, Ah Cacaw's body can be seen on display at the site's local museum. (More Photos)

Photo: David Germain

Another ancient site in the Peten region of Guatemala that few travellers know about is Uaxactun. It is about 25 miles north of Tikal. In 378 AD, the city was conquered and ruled by Tikal's military commander Smoking Frog. The city maintained a short period of power and prestige but by the end of Smoking Frog's successor's reign (Curl Nose) the city was abandoned. The site is believed to have some of the oldest relics from the Mayan world. (More Photos)

Although Uaxactun is not as large as Tikal, it does have its own share of small monuments. The most dominant monument to see here is probably the Temple of the Masks (aka Structure EVII SUB). This temple was constructed during the Pre-Classic period and has sixteen stucco masks (four on each side). The temple only came into sight because of a complete removal of a late Classic temple pyramid that was built above it. The later temple pyramid was removed because of its poor condition. Luckily for both archaeologists and travellers it preserved Structure EVII SUB very well so that it can easily be seen by visitors today.

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