Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
templesovergrownbyatangleofjunglevinesandbranchesastheylookedwhentheywere
first discovered.
The
Museo Tikal
(9A.M.-5P.M.Mon.-Fri.,9A.M.-4P.M.Sat.andSun.,$1.35),across
the way next to the Jaguar Inn, has some interesting exhibits, including the burial tomb of
Hasaw Chan K'awil found inside Temple I. It may have been renovated by the time you
read this.
In addition to exploring the ruins, there are a variety of recreational opportunities in and
around Tikal National Park.
Canopy Tour
You have a choice of two zip-line trajectories between raised platforms in the jungle at
Tikal Canopy Tour
(tel. 5819-7766,
www.canopy-tikal.com
,
7 A.M.-5 P.M. daily, $30, at
the national park entrance). The first of these includes 11 platforms with zip lines ranging
inlength75-150meterswhileyoudangle25metersovertheforestfloor.Thesecond,more
adrenaline-inducing option, includes zip lines up to 200 meters long hovering 40 meters
above the safety of ground level. Pick your poison.
Bird-Watching
Specialty tours for bird-watchers can be arranged by contacting
La Casa de Don David
(tel. 7928-8469 or 5306-2190,
www.lacasadedondavid.com
)
in El Remate. The lodge's
knowledgeable staff can connect you with good English-speaking local guides who know
the park and its birds. Another recommended outfitter is Guatemala City-based
Cayaya
Birding
(tel. 5308-5160,
www.cayaya-birding.com
)
.
Lodging at Tikal National Park is limited by law to three lodges and a campground. An in-
creasingamountofcompetitionfromaccommodationsatnearbyElRematehasspurredthe
Tikal hotels toward higher standards while keeping prices relatively reasonable. There are
few places in the world where you can stay in a comfortable jungle lodge inside a national
park just minutes away from a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Electricity at the park is sporadic, with accommodations and other facilities having to
limit the hours during which this convenience is available. Power is usually turned on in
the morning for 2-3 hours and then again in the evening shortly after sunset for another
three hours. If you need to use a computer provided by one of these facilities for checking
email orneedtorechargedigital/videocamera batteries orcellphones,youshouldplanac-
cordingly. If you absolutely need a fan to cool your room while you sleep overnight in the
