Guatemala #1 - Flores & Tikal

Change of scenery for the fourth chapter

"Welcome to the heart of the Maya world" - with these words, a huge banner at the Guatemalan border welcomed us.

The more populated southern part of the country is home to eight of Central America's ten highest peaks, some with fiery souls. This would be the first time on our trip that we would need to wear long clothes. But we'll get to that another time...

Rough start

After crossing the border, we found ourselves in the somewhat underdeveloped northern part of the country. A public bus took us to Flores, the provincial capital located on Lake Petén Itza.

However, the first night in Guatemala didn't go as planned. We were warmly welcomed by a CouchSurfing host, albeit with a two-hour delay. But his living conditions were very basic: the apartment consisted of just one minimally furnished room without running water, kitchen, or bathroom. The toilet and an improvised shower were located outside the apartment. The house was located on a busy road, with numerous billboards advertising the brothel right behind the house.

It is remarkable how many Latinos live in such simple conditions without any complaints, but from the beginning, we didn't feel comfortable. In such situations, we become aware of our own comfort zone and feel a bit guilty. We try not to show it, but as Europeans, we are indeed somewhat spoiled. Should we be ashamed of that?

Nevertheless, it's fascinating how much less people have and yet how much more hospitable they are. As in the other countries, we had very nice and interesting conversations with our 29-year-old host.

Combined with stomach problems and countless mosquitoes, the humid heat made it a sleepless night. So, the next morning, we decided to end this interesting experience and go to a hostel with other travelers. Authentic Guatemala 1, Dana and Julian 0.

And what does a typical backpacker do? Exactly, they go to see the Mayan ruins recommended by the travel guide.

Tikal

Hidden in the dense rainforests of Petén is the World Heritage-listed Mayan site of Tikal. Over the centuries, Tikal is said to have been one of the most important Mayan cities and is now considered the only ruin that can rival the wonder of Chichen Itza.

We set off from Flores before sunrise to reach the national park with the first light of day. Our early arrival was rewarded: the jungle, still shrouded in mist, seemed to be awakening loudly. Small toucans flew above our heads, coatis crossed our paths, and in the distance, we saw several monkeys climbing on one of the temples.

Given the immense size of the temple complex, one always wonders how something like this could be built in the middle of the jungle. Passing by altars, enormous stelae, and actual sports facilities, we made our way through the extensive park.

While some temples have been completely excavated, others are half or completely swallowed by the rainforest. But the best part is that most temples can be climbed.

From the top of one of the largest temples, we had a magnificent view. Wisps of mist covered the seemingly endless rainforest, and from this mystical panorama, the peaks of the surrounding temples rose, like sleeping giants watching over the jungle. The silence was interrupted by howler monkeys swinging through the treetops in the distance. The whole scene truly resembled King Louie's monkey palace from The Jungle Book.

'El corazón del mundo Maya' has already given us a glimpse of its mystical splendor.

Saludos!

D&J