Infinitum Blog

Located just across the border in Guatemala from western Belize, Tikal is one of the most majestic ancient Maya sites in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tikal was once home to a powerful dynasty of Maya rulers that dominated Central America.

Black Orchid Resort offers visitors a chance to visit this magnificent site that measures more than 6 square miles (16 square kilometers) in size and contains more than 3,000 structures. The most iconic buildings on the site are the seven large temples, including Temple IV, the tallest building in Tikal, rising 230 feet (70 meters) from the floor of a vast plaza. A popular backdrop for movies such as Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope), Tikal is instantly recognizable thanks to its signature architectural style with pyramids and temples that seem to stretch all the way up to the sky.

From Black Orchid Resort, it’s only a few hours’ drive to the Guatemalan border. Tikal is located just 53 miles west of Caracol, now located in Belize, another great Maya city that once vied with Tikal for control of the region. Guided tours of Tikal begin by arriving at the entrance to Tikal National Park. From there, visitors will learn about the Maya civilization and its long history as well as information about the wide diversity of animals and plants that thrive on the site.

From there, the tour continues to the heart of the Tikal complex, including a chance to see the Great Plaza, the impressive Temple of the Jaguar, and the “Mundo Perdido” (Lost World) complex that has three giant temples. Visitors will then have the chance to climb to the top of the tallest temple, Temple IV, to experience an unforgettable view of the site as well as the surrounding jungle.

Visitors will also get a chance to see the south acropolis, a huge platform that measures more than 220,000 square feet (20,000 square meters), the Plaza of the Seven Temples, and a triple ball court where the losing teams often forfeited their lives.

A full day trip, the Tikal tour offered by Black Orchid Resort also includes a break for lunch on the site where visitors can enjoy a delicious meal. All entrance fees and lunch are included in the price of this amazing tour.

Black Orchid Resort also offers a complete Belize and Guatemala vacation package for visitors that want to experience the best that the two countries have to offer.