SunMan
King Taco
Bear with me as this isn't really "West" related wandering but I thought some folks might find it interesting. I put this in the lounge as it isn't really a legit trip report.
Having spent nearly a month in Central America this past summer I haven’t been wandering much of the West of late. As a belated honeymoon/anniversary I decided to take the co-pilot to Guatemala…we wanted to do something a little different. And for me it was VERY different as all of my trips to Central America over the years have involved dragging surfboards along. Nope, not this time… especially after a long solo trip to El Salvador in July & August… time to give the co-pilot a little payback.
First stop was Tikal, one of the largest archaeological sites in the entire Mayan civilization. I have had this on my list for years and it did not disappoint.
Temple I in the distance as we hike through the jungle…
Temple I
Sacrificial Tables (Yeah, they killed people on these things)
Temple II, The Great Plaza & North Acropolis
Temples II & I in the distance from the top of Temple IV
This view shows how surrounded by deep jungle these pyramids are
We took a guided tour upon arrival and it soon became apparent that it would have been foolish to have done otherwise. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and without one you would have no comprehension of what it all meant without serious previous study of the subject. Their knowledge of lunar and celestial activities is amazing considering the first stones laid on site date back to 700BC. We were in a constant state of awe.
Howler Monkey:
We stayed in a lodge with the park grounds. The best part was that after the park closed you were afforded the opportunity to walk around by yourself and without other visitors. After relaxing at the pool and a “siesta piquena” we hiked back into the park later that evening to watch the sun set from the North Acropolis which was amazing.
Having spent nearly a month in Central America this past summer I haven’t been wandering much of the West of late. As a belated honeymoon/anniversary I decided to take the co-pilot to Guatemala…we wanted to do something a little different. And for me it was VERY different as all of my trips to Central America over the years have involved dragging surfboards along. Nope, not this time… especially after a long solo trip to El Salvador in July & August… time to give the co-pilot a little payback.
First stop was Tikal, one of the largest archaeological sites in the entire Mayan civilization. I have had this on my list for years and it did not disappoint.
Temple I in the distance as we hike through the jungle…
Temple I
Sacrificial Tables (Yeah, they killed people on these things)
Temple II, The Great Plaza & North Acropolis
Temples II & I in the distance from the top of Temple IV
This view shows how surrounded by deep jungle these pyramids are
We took a guided tour upon arrival and it soon became apparent that it would have been foolish to have done otherwise. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and without one you would have no comprehension of what it all meant without serious previous study of the subject. Their knowledge of lunar and celestial activities is amazing considering the first stones laid on site date back to 700BC. We were in a constant state of awe.
Howler Monkey:
We stayed in a lodge with the park grounds. The best part was that after the park closed you were afforded the opportunity to walk around by yourself and without other visitors. After relaxing at the pool and a “siesta piquena” we hiked back into the park later that evening to watch the sun set from the North Acropolis which was amazing.
