Jungle Route of the Mayan King

Tikal

Although this city-state was partly formed during the Maya Preclassic period, it is best known for the urban development it achieved during the Classic period and for its constant struggles with its rival city, Calakmul, now located in present-day Mexico. For nearly 1,000 years, successive kings were buried—particularly in the North Acropolis—until a later political shift led elite individuals to be buried at the site known as the Lost World (Mundo Perdido). Naturally, this city is striking for the beauty and refinement of its temple architecture, whose roof combs rise above the emerging jungle canopy. In addition, the city experienced a Mexican invasion by the Teotihuacanos in the mid-4th century, which permanently transformed the hereditary dynasty as well as religious and cultural aspects. One can even observe how the architectural style itself changed due to Mexican acculturation in this Maya city.
Yaxhá

The Maya name of the city is reflected in its emblem glyph (representing the head of a parrot) and is read as Yax (green-blue) and ha (water). The urban complex was occupied for 16 centuries (600 BC – 900 AD). Yaxhá reached its greatest splendor during the Classic period and was located between the Sacnab and Yaxhá lagoons. The Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park covers a total area of 37,160 hectares and forms part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. It borders Tikal National Park to the west and the Tikal–Mirador–Río Azul Biological Corridor to the north, while to the east and south it borders the Multiple-Use Zone. Notable structures include the Royal Palace complex, where the ruler and his family lived, the North Acropolis, the Astronomical Complex, two ballcourts, the East Acropolis, the Plaza of the Shadows, and the Twin Pyramid Complex, all interconnected by a system of causeways and paved roads.
El Mirador

Located in northern Guatemala, the Mirador Basin is considered an area of high ecological and cultural value, as it is regarded as one of the most prestigious regions in Mesoamerica. Connected to other cities through what is considered the world’s first highway system beneath the jungle and containing the highest concentration of archaeological sites in the country, visitors can appreciate the conservation and archaeological work carried out by Dr. Richard D. Hansen and his multidisciplinary team over four decades.
Tayasal

It is the last Maya site occupied by the conquerors in 1697 and is considered a large area of 6 square kilometers, with uneven terrain featuring hills and deep depressions. The Kan Ek’ dynasty ruled this kingdom, along with other elite classes who maintained ceremonial groups and temples for rituals, in addition to approximately two hundred smaller dwellings in the surrounding area. Its chronology spans from the Middle Preclassic period (800 BC) to the Postclassic period (1250–1697), which corresponds to the era of the contemporary Maya encountered by the Spanish.

Jungle Route of the Mayan King

LO QUE INCLUYE

Tikal

Yaxhá

El Mirador

Tayasal

GALERÍA

CONTÁCTANOS