City: Guatemala
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Top 10 Ancient Ruins in Guatemala, Guatemala
Coordinates: 15°30′N 90°15′W / 15.500°N 90.250°W / 15.500; -90.250
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1. Temple IV
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 788 reviews
If you're up for an energetic climb, ascend the wooden stairs to the top of this 212-foot structure, the highest in Tikal, for a magnificent view of the jungle below.
Reviewed By 73valh
We went here with a tour group. We had a guided tour at this place and it was very insightful. We were able to climb a couple of the temples. They have made their own wooden steps to get to ALMOST the top. The views are incredible.
2. Great Plaza
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 493 reviews
Once the ceremonial, religious and social center of Tikal, this plaza is surrounded by huge temples, a palace, sculpted altars and a ball court.
Reviewed By RobertAleksandrowicz - San Jose, United States
The space littered with stelae and altars between Temples I and II on the east-west axis and between the North Acropolis and the place complex on the north-south axis is the Great Plaza, or the new downtown of Tikal because it was built relatively late in its history. What most visitors don't realize is that this plaza is built on a platform that's at least 4 meters high, and from this platform rise the temples and palaces around. The Great Plaza is a must-see for anyone visiting Tikal. Make sure to check the acoustics, but don't just clap. Stand in the middle of the plaza and face directly at the temple I, then the North Acropolis, then Temple 2. Each one will echo your clap.
3. Temple I
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 294 reviews
Reviewed By PandaHouston - Houston, United States
Temples I and II are in a complex. If you climb on Temple II, you get great views of the complex and you can see Temple I. This area is the highlight of Tikal and you definitely want to spend a little bit of time here exploring the area. Unfortunately our guide only gave us 30 minutes here.
4. Temple II
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By RobertAleksandrowicz - San Jose, United States
This is Tikal's Taj Mahal, a temple built by a king to honor his beloved queen. At 138 feet it is the shortest of all the "numbered" pyramids yet still it is 40 feet taller than El Castillo of Chichen Itza. It's a massive looking three-tier pyramid that has been meticulously restored and can be climbed by a wooden staircase accessed behind the monument. If you're with a friend climb the pyramid and have your friend stand in the middle of the plaza and check the acoustics. You can talk to each other in a normal voice and hear each other perfectly. make sure to take look at the roof comb which is very ornate and some of the sculpture is still recognizable after 1400+ years.
5. Temple V
6. Yaxha
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 379 reviews
Reviewed By 312darshanh - Columbus, United States
On our last free day in Flores, we took a sunset tour to Yaxha National Park with the help of our guide Francisco Florián Escobar. Until our trip we didn’t know Yaxha was the third largest Mayan ruin and was situated in the heart of the rainforest of Guatemala. Francisco was very entertaining and very knowledgeable. He even showed us spider monkeys and grey haired fox. He was also telling us about how Mayan cities were built and how they varied from region to region due to the location of stars. At the end of the trip, we did enjoy a beautiful sunset on top of the Mayan temple.
7. Piedras Negras
8. North Acropolis
9. Lost World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
The Lost World complex includes the Great Pyramid, the oldest visible building at the Mayan ruins site in Tikal, now a popular place to watch the sunset and feed the toucans.
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Visiting "Lost World" is quite an experience! This is the largest ceremonial complex within "Tikal National Park", comprising the "Great Pyramid" and three other temples. The complex dates from the years 300 BC and was probably used for astronomical purposes and also as a royal necropolis. The "Great Pyramid", as the main structure of the complex, is a four sided construction, with staircases on all sides and is 32 meters high. The pyramid-temples of the "Lost World" were built with the use of the "sloping panel" technique and are known, in Spanish, as "Templos Talud-Tablero". Their features resemble those of the "Teotihuacán" pyramids near Mexico City, revealing the intense trade between both pre-Columbian cities. We did not climb up to the top of the "Great Pyramid". Too tired to endure the challenge! Enjoy!
10. Arco de Santa Catalina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,694 reviews
This monumental arch was built as a passageway between the monastery and adjoining school. The buildings were constructed to accommodate an increase in religious followers during the 17th century.
Reviewed By TimDore - Marana, United States
Guatemala was a stop on our cruise ship so we signed up for a Blue Planet shore excursion which drove us 2 hours to Antigua. There are so many sites to visit in this beautiful city including the Arco de Santa Catalina. The Arch was built in the 1690s so cloistered nuns could walk from the convent to the school without having to cross the streets of the city. You can see the Agua Volcano in the background as you stand under the arch. I highly recommend a short visit for some great pictures.
