Tikal

Tikal is one of the main Mayan sites. It used to be a massive metropolis, 15 square kilometers, with possibly up to 90,000 people living there.

It s located in the middle of the jungle and while it s possible to camp on site, I opted to stay in Flores.

And after a VERY early rise the next day...

Just your regular human sacrifice altars...

It s really massive. This model is just part of the entire complex...

This is the view from the highest temple

Which incidentally, makes a cameo in the third Star Wars

But while the ruins are amazing, the local flora and fauna really  stole the show for me....

A local racoon

Yep, wild turkey.

A toucan

Crocodile? Check.

Tarantula? Check.

And my favorite, the spider monkey

Or View Video Here

 The birds below....

... are perched here

Woodpecker

Racoons playfighting. Very cute...

Or View Video Here

Full picture set HERE.