Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Other animals you may come across during your visit include coatis, which you should
refrain from feeding. If you spend the night here, don't be afraid if you awake to the rauc-
ous of a howling roar emanating from the forest. Sometimes confused with wild cats by
first-time visitors, the sounds come from the locally abundant howler monkeys. During
your explorations in Tikal, you will probably come across the smaller and ever-more-play-
ful spider monkeys, which swing from tree to tree in the forest surrounding the ruins.
Among the park's most fascinating creatures are jaguars. Recent studies done over a
two-month span have revealed the confirmed existence of seven of these large spotted cats
withinthenationalpark'sboundariesanditisthoughtthatatleastnineroamits575-square-
kilometer (222-square-mile) confines.
Coatimundis are a common sight in Tikal National Park.
Many visitors come to Tikal on day trips from Belize, Flores, and Guatemala City. While a
day at the ruins is adequate for seeing some of the archaeological highlights, staying at the
