Tikal National Park

Petén Department, Guatemala

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Tikal National Park in the Petén Department of Guatemala is a UNESCO World Heritage site containing the ancient ruins of Tikal, one of the major centers of the Mayan civilization that thrived between the 6th century BCE and the 10th century CE.

The park spans about 57,600 hectares of tropical rainforest, savannah, and wetlands, housing over 5,000 archaeological structures including temples, palaces, plazas, and ball courts, with only a small portion restored and open to visitors. Tikal was a powerful cultural, political, and economic hub of the Maya world, with a peak population estimated at around 100,000 people.

It is renowned for its architectural grandeur, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and extensive archaeological finds that provide insight into Mayan society and history. In addition to its cultural significance, Tikal National Park harbors rich biodiversity, including jaguars, pumas, multiple monkey species, and hundreds of bird species, combining natural and cultural heritage in a protected biosphere reserve.​