Tikal & the Maya Biosphere
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If you plan to travel or take a guided tour of Tikal we suggest spending at least one night within the park. The beauty of Tikal at sunrise & sunset is unforgettable as well as the activity in the jungle which may be presence at any time, all of these is what makes of Tikal a memorable place.

Tikal is located at the southern extreme of the Tikal Biosphere Reserve in the northern Peten. The reserve is a 370 square kilometer area designed to protect the ruins & ecosystems in the surrounding jungle.

In Tikal you may appreciate the most impressive Mayan ruins. Tikal contains 5 magnificent granite temples that tower above the floor of the Peten and reach over 200 feet into the air, high enough to see over the top of the forest canopy.

The Maya Biosphere Reserve is located in Guatemala’s northern part of the country, bordering Mexico & Belize. It is part of the Mayan Jungle which is shared among these 3 countries. Its biological richness is characterized by a complex jungle ecosystem, with a great abundance of different species of flora & fauna, some of them endemic. You can also find a lot of migratory fauna, which make other ecosystems within the reserve. Inside the region there are known more than 327 reptiles & amphibious species, and more than 220 sweet water fish.

The dens and tall forest is not distributed in a continuous way, it mixes with low and swampy ground. On the low lands you may find medium sized trees mixed with scrubland. The sabanas contain spots of vegetation made of woodland & bushes. On the swampy regions you will find a totally different ecosystem, made from lakes and ponds of regular and small sizes.

Other of the characteristics of this reserve is the presence of the many archeological sites, 73 of them are world famous, such as Tikal.