Ancient Mayan City of Tikal

The wonder of Tikal Tikal is an ancient Mayan city enshrouded by the Guatemalan rainforest. It’s teeming with animal and plant life with over 2000 species of birds, several types of monkeys, Coates, jaguars, countless species of spiders, bugs and plants and possesses an unparalleled history that one cant help but be captured by. 
I was lucky enough to trek Tikal and ascend each pyramid to behold one of the most beautiful sunsets of my life, complete with soundtracks from the rainforest’s inhabitants and an opportunity to make friends in a personal encounter with a tarantula. We learned about Mayan history, that the pyramids and structures were built with intention and were designed perfectly beneath the constellations to track the calendar days within a year and tell time by the sun and position of the stars against the structures. We learned that Mayans believed we all possess spirit animals and driving forces in our lives called “naguales,” mine is the wind and dog. Unlike other UNESCO world heritage ruin sites I’ve been blessed to experience, Tikal felt undiscovered and I shared the entire grounds that night with less than 30 other people. Such a unique intimate experience by comparison of the thousands of tourists shared at other sites. I am completely entranced by Guatemala and will return to bring family and friends in the future.