- [Narrator] These ruins lie deep

in the jungle; and if you look closely,

you'll see thousands of hieroglyphics,

which tell the ancient story of the Mayan empire.

(bright instrumental music)

Tikal National Park can be found

in Northern Guatemala's Petén Basin.

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due

to its extraordinary wildlife and cultural significance.

Situated on over 142,000 acres of jungle

it is the home to amazing biodiversity.

The ancient site includes palaces,

temples, and even courts for games.

All the remnants of a civilization that thrived

from 600 BCE

to 900 CE.

The complex at Tikal was formerly a center of Mayan culture.

At its height, Tikal traded with cities

in Mexico, Honduras, and Belize.

The structures here are some

of the most important archeological sites left

by the Mayans and a trip to Tikal

is not only a journey of extraordinary beauty

but a window into the past.

(bright instrumental music)