Tikal

We arrived at Tikal mid afternoon and pitched our tent at the camping ground. We were the only ones tenting as most people just visit on day trips. Tikal is in the middle of the jungle but there are a few lodges and eating establishments at the entrance.

We wandered in for a look around before dark but left it a bit late to get back. When we wandered past the exit sign on our way out, it didn't look like the way we came in and when a couple of friendly locals suggested it wasn't, we were inclined to believe them. Turns out, the locals had no idea either and we wandered around for hours in the dark which was not ideal. Fortunately, Kelley and I had head torches with us and after backtracking we eventually got ourselves out, much to every ones relief.

After a poor nights sleep due to hard ground and howler monkeys, we got up early and ventured in for a good look at the ruins.

Strange peacock like birds at the campsite



Ceiba tree



Temple 1 and the Gran Plaza



Temple 4 through the jungle and the mist



Howler monkey. Very hard to get a good photo of these dudes.



Gran plaza



Steep steps up Temple V, quite nerve wracking



Raccoon like creature, they were everywhere



Impressive Temple I again



Final shot of Guatemala - a chicken bus



From Tikal we bussed back to Flores for our last night in Guatemala, we were up and away early on another bus - boat - bus travel combo to Mexico the next day.