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The maps they sell you lie. not all the buildings that show as uncovered are. Many of the "buildings" are just 1000 year old rubble piles under jungle canopy. REALLY poor signage or interpretation of the structures and NO information about what may have been discovered in the structure and where it may be viewed. Amazing temples here but the Guatemala Anthropology gang do a really poor job of communicating what the Maya were like. There are few areas that are cleared, as it would have been where Tikal was a massive city, so there is no sense of scale. The management can spent a ton of money on don't leave your trash signs, but nothing about the people who built the place.

One of the biggest cities of the Mayan era, it gives you a notion of the immensity of the Mayan civilization. I recommend using the service of a guide, that can explain all the history and secrets behind the walls of the city. If you're just visiting the park, 1 night is enough, as the tour takes half a day. Inside you can buy water, sodas, chocolates and cookies, so bring your own snacks if that doesn't apeal to you.

Experiencing Tikal in person is a world apart from simply watching it on YouTube. The awe-inspiring scale of the ancient ruins, the rich sounds of the jungle, and the immersive sense of history are things that can't be fully captured on a screen. Standing among the towering temples, surrounded by the vibrant life of the rainforest, brings a profound sense of connection to the past that no video can replicate.

I stayed on the grounds so there was not much around the area. Tikal was so rich with history and culture of the Mayans. Going to the museums in the park first is helpful to prepare you for what you will see at the ruins and why. The ruins were beautiful despite a lot of them not being excavated yet . Climbing to the top of the dome the ruins was breathtaking to be able to see what they saw. My tour guide was excellent and knew so many things outside of what the signs explained which made the trip more enjoyable.

Tikal is amazing. The structures and views are incredible. The history is unique and interesting. The area is confusing, but just walking the paths is delightful. Listen for the wildlife. Learn to recognize the structures that are not yet excavated. Align the maps they give/sell you, to navigate more easily. Guided tours have two costs: tour fee and guide fee. This was a surprise when we settled up at the end. Be sure to ask for total costs.

BEWARE OF THE TOURIST GUIDES (Tikal or the rest of Guatemala)!!! they propose some very expensive visit on Tikal ($70...50....more or less) there is no published rates....so they do what they want...and they want money. ticket to Tikal is 150 Quetzal if you are a foreigner and 100Q if you are from Guatemala, that you must pay in cash to a bank ( BANRURAL).... and you get no receipt for that!!!