The word "Tikal" means "The Place of Voices" in Mayan. Tikal is nestled in the dense jungles of the Petén region of Guatemala. One aspect of Tikal’s magic is that it is so hard to reach. What was once the wealthy and populous centerpiece of the ancient Mayan world is now a remote frontier surrounded by millions of acres of almost impenetrable rainforest, now protected as a National Park. It is common to be rewarded for climbing the steep steps of the various temples at Tikal with close-up views of toucans, parrots and howler monkeys playing in the nearby branches. When hiking between pyramids and plazas, one may come upon orchids, bromeliads, ferns and trees of every variety. At its zenith, Tikal was home to 50,000-100,000 people, all living within an area of 23 sq. miles. The great city was constructed of limestone, and so even today the towering ruins gleam bright white above the jungle canopy. Tikal was occupied for 1,650 years, from 750 BC to AD 900. The city, consisting of at least 3,000 buildings, was situated near great swamps where raised fields were constructed for agriculture, with higher paved causeways along the canals serving as main roads. Ecologists agree that slash-and-burn agriculture as practiced by the modern Maya could not have supported the populations of the ancient cities; aerial surveys reveal grids of fields and canals covering 965 sq. miles. This site has been extensively excavated and restored.

For more information visit our Belize Mayan Ruins web page.

Located on the Vaca Plateau at the Morales family farm, Chech-Hem-Ha Cave is reached by hiking a short distance through the rainforest; our guide points out jungle plants that provide traditional Mayan remedies along the way. Once at the cave, we enter a world untouched by anyone for approximately 1100 years until discovered less than 20 years ago by the Morales family while on a hunting expedition. Under the direction of the Belize Department of Archaeology the Morales family cares for an abundance of Mayan artifacts dating back some 2000 years. Inside we find over 100 Mayan vessels, fantastic crystalline formations, and a Mayan ceremonial altar deep within the cave.

Not far from the Guatemala border lies Xunantunich, a major ceremonial center during the Classic period of the Maya. Home to 25 temples and palaces including the second tallest Mayan structure in Belize, the site was the first opened to the public in 1954, and now it has a highly praised on-site museum. The religion of the citizens of Xunantunich helped build this city up to the ceremonial center that it became. From the top of the pyramid El Castillo, one is provided a breathtaking view of the Macal, Mopan and Belize River valleys, as well as the rest of the ruins. From its perch on a natural limestone ridge, visitors can also see into Guatemala. El Castillo has a remarkable stucco frieze and there is also a ball court. This will be one of the highlights of your family vacation package.