In the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, an ancient city is still waiting to be discovered...
Laia Novoa Rivero
1rBTX A
In the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, an ancient city is still waiting to be discovered...
Laia Novoa Rivero
1rBTX A
Why Do Humans Explore It?
History & Curiosity: Humans explore Tikal to understand the rise and mysterious collapse of the Maya civilization. We want to know how they lived and why they abandoned the city.
Science: Researchers study their advanced knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and their incredible water management systems (reservoirs) that allowed them to survive without nearby rivers.
Nature: It is also explored to study the unique biodiversity of the Maya Biosphere Reserve
Tikal is an ancient city and one of the largest Maya sites. It was an important center of power, politics, and trade (like an old market). Many people lived there, and the city had strong leaders. The Maya built large temples, palaces, and plazas in Tikal.
Tikal is in northern Guatemala, deep in the rainforests of the Petén Basin. The jungle covers much of the city, so many buildings are still hidden. Archaeologists believe that only about 20% of Tikal has been excavated. Even today, it is a place full of history and mystery.
The Future of Exploration
By the year 2035, archaeologists will be using advanced technology to map the entire city without cutting down a single tree.
By the next century, humanity will have discovered the true cause of the Maya collapse and will have deciphered all the remaining hieroglyphs.
Journey, Challenges & Risks
To get to Tikal, explorers usually fly into the Mundo Maya International Airport and then drive for about an hour through the jungle. Once there, you must hike on foot through dirt trails.
The terrain is a tropical rainforest. It is humid, hot, and filled with dense vegetation, towering mahogany trees, and wildlife like howler monkeys and jaguars.
The main challenges are the extreme heat and dehydration. There are also risks from tropical insects (mosquitoes carrying diseases) and venomous snakes, like the "Fer-de-lance"