Guatemala - Tikal (City of Voices)

The spectacular Mayan ruins of Tikal (City of Voices) encompass vast pyramidal temples, ball courts, causeways, plazas and public buildings that extend over some 16 sq. km. (6 sq. miles). While there are about 3000 known structures, many more lie buried under dense jungle vegetation. First occupied in about 800 BC, this great city was eventually abandoned around 1000 years later.

Tikal has been known as "The place of the spirit's voices" ... it was discovered in 1848 (although it has never been "lost") by the co-regent of Peten and by it's then governor. In 1979 UNESCO declared this park "Humanity's Cultural Patrimony". This area was also preserved as "The Mayan Biosphere Reserve". It was declared a National Park in 1995 and soon after a National Monument. Tikal's glory days were within two of the three great periods into which the Mayan civilization is divided ... Old Age Pre-Classic Period (from 1500 BC to 200 AD) and Classic Period (from 200 AD to 925 AD). At its peak, its extension included no less than 3,000 structures and 200 monuments with a population of between 90- to 120,000 inhabitants, including the surrounding villages. Tikal was abandoned in the late 10th century.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Guatemala
• Tikal
• Maya
• City of Voices
• UNESCO
• Mayan Biosphere Preserve
• Tikal National Park
• Central America
• Flores - Guatemala
• Santa Elena - Guatemala
• El Remate - Guatemala

[beherit15]

did you missed temple V? or is just not in the video?

[rozylowicz1]

We saw all the temples ... but did not record this particular one because we did not see its significance until we returned home. Plus, a 90-minute video recording had to be chopped down to 13-minutes ... a tough decision.

[Mr1939voyager]

Finally a video that shows the entire complex. No narration, but that is OK. Subtitles explain what is shown. Worth viewing if one is planning a visit. Thanks.