Tikal is a ball - how do I get to see it all

Tikal in Guatemala is one of the best Mayan sites, and well worth a trip idenpendently if you are a backpacker or a grown up adventurer here are some ideas.

Plan for a full day at the site, arriving the night before and departing the morning after. Longdistance buses and planes take you into the city of Flores. I suggest you stay at one of the hotels by the site.

Start with a dinner with fellow adventurers and book the sunrise tour. All come with different ideas and aspirations for how to see the site. Well worth listening to as you finetune your plan.

The howler monkeys go off before your larm clock. So being awake for the 4am departure is not an issue. Guides take you on narrows paths in the jungle. Noise from monkeys, birds and insects is building up. You pass Gran Plaza in he dark and can see the contours of the main temples. Walk goes towards Temple IV.

Close to 200 steps on a staircase take you to the top of temple IV. THE place for watching the sunrise. Temple I, II and III visible as front for the sunrise. Easy to spend an hour just watching. Tour continues when sun is up. Back to the hotel for breakfast by 9am.

After a bit of rest you can get back into the site on the same ticket. Explore he remaining parts on your own. Temple V, VI and Compex P/Grupo H is worth the detours. The Grand Plaza is best for pictures at around 14/2pm in th afternoon. Then temple I i flooded in sunlight. Stay late in the afternoon but plan to be out by 18/6pm. The sunset is not as spectacular as the rise.

Dinner is for sharing all memories with your tour companions and to share with newcomers. Go to bed with a big smile on your face

Practical details
* For flights schedules check with Tropic air (from Belize city) and Taca (Guatemala City)
* For park hotels, Tikal Inn and Jaguar Inn are just by the gate.
* For transport from Flores to Tikal, arrange the shared ride with the Hotel. Prices drop with more travelers.
* For flights after 8am you can take the public bus. Don't be surprised if the bus is filled to a limit beyond your imagination.
* Pack a flashlight and really comfortable walking shoes, a full day hike will be a 10mi/15km walk.
* Bring your devices fully charged, power access is restricted to after 10am and before 10pm.