Tikal

Seeing the ruins of Tikal is a genuinely unique experience because of the way that its grey temple tops stick out from the dense jungle canopy in Guatemala. These far-flung remains, which may be seen as a day excursion from Flores or El Remate, are littered with pyramids, temples, and palaces. Tikal, one of Mesoamerica's greatest archaeological monuments, was once the most important and substantial Mayan city around the year 600 AD. While you're here, don't forget to visit the Temple of the Two Headed Snake. Climbing to the summit of one of the highest pre-Columbian buildings in the Western Hemisphere will reward you with breathtaking 360-degree views of the jungle and beyond.

The conquering state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya had Tikal as its capital. Tikal's monumental architecture reached its pinnacle between the years 200 and 900 BC, but it has been around since the 4th century BC. The city ruled over a large portion of the Maya territory during this period in terms of politics, economy, and warfare while engaging with other regions across Mesoamerica, including the enormous metropolis of Teotihuacan in the far-off Valley of Mexico. With a lengthy list of dynastic rulers, the discovery of many of these kings' graves, and analysis of their structures, temples, and palaces, Tikal is the best understood of all the big lowland Maya towns.

Location: Flores, Petén Department, Guatemala