Tikal Fun Facts

The ruins of Tikal are teeming with a rich history that paints a vibrant picture of life in a city booming centuries ago. Parts of this mighty city remain standing to this day, remaining an unwavering testament to the influential role of Tikal in the Mayan Empire. The standing structures and intriguing history make these ruins a popular destination.

Here are a few Tikal facts that paint a picture of its former glory. 

1. It dates back to 1000 B.C.

Archaeologists have found evidence that suggests Tikal’s origins date back to 1000 B.C. They have discovered various ceramics that date as far back as 700 B.C. Unfortunately, pinpointing the origin of this city is difficult, but many historians believe the city dates back to 700 B.C. or earlier.

2. Tikal was the Mayan capital.

Tikal, or Yax Mutal, played a pivotal role in Mayan civilization. It was the capital of one of the most influential and powerful kingdoms of the Mayan Empire. Hieroglyphic records imply this city was the seat of Mayan Ruler Yax Ehb Xook, a powerful ruler over the surrounding lowland region. The name of the city was derived from this ruler in his honor.

This pre-Columbian center was a political, economic, and military power hub, leaving evidence of its power and size in the buildings that still exist today.

3. Its structures are still standing.

Mayans used limestone to construct the structures in the city of Tikal. This material has withstood the test of time, and several of the buildings are still standing tall today. Its buildings include small pyramids, towers, sprawling royal palaces, plazas, ball courts, and stone monuments called stelae.

4. Its demise remains a mystery.

The foggy story of its demise is one of the most intriguing facts about Tikal. While historians have pieced together various tidbits from Mayan history, the exact demise of Tikal is unknown. Like much of the Mayan empire, the city began to collapse by around 900 A.D., likely due to decades of incessant warfare that started to wear on the city and its inhabitants.

Historians believe other factors played into the demise of this great city, including epidemic disease outbreaks and various droughts decimating crops and causing starvation. The demise of this city and the Mayan empire is known as the collapse of Classic Maya.

5. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Tikal ruins are part of Tikal National Park, located in Northern Guatemala’s Peten Province. This area is overrun by thick, lust forestation and is commonly referred to as the Maya Forest. The park is part of the exponentially larger Maya Biosphere Reserve, which exceeds two million hectares.

The ruins of Tikal are nestled in this park, surrounded by thick vegetation in the heart of the jungle. Today, Tikal National Park is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Book a Tikal Adventure With Caravan Today!

After learning about fascinating, fun Tikal, Guatemala facts, you might be ecstatic about traveling there. After all, Tikal is teeming with exciting opportunities, from strolling through ancient plazas once teeming with people to learning about the area’s rich history. If you’re ready to dive in and explore the ruins of Tikal, our guided tour might be the perfect way to do it. We handle the small details for you so you can focus on enjoying your trip!

Ready to explore Guatemala and Tikal? Call us at 1-800-CARAVAN or 1-800-312-321-9800 to book a trip today!

Caret DownCaret Up RedWhy Travel with Caravan?

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence Since 1952

You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.

PanAm Jet
In 1959, Pan Am invited Caravan to be the very first tour company to fly their clients on its new line of Clipper Jets.
Vintage Motorcoach
In 1964, Caravan introduced the very first fleet of air conditioned motorcoaches in all of Europe.
Leather Back Turtle Park
Caravan is a proud supporter of the Leatherback Turtle National Park and Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant.
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago

Caravan Care

For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.

Caravan's Proud History

In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.

Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

Fully Guided by Tour Directors

All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

All-inclusive

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

Shopping Freedom

Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?

Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

Trade Association Memberships

Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).

NTA, ABA, CLIA, and ACMA