We "ticked" Tikal off the list yesterday. We were picked up by a shuttle at 4.30 and arrived to Tikal at 6am, the opening time. There is a 17km drive from the entrance to the National Park to the actual entrance to Tikal. It was unusual to see the animals on the road sign warnings such as the jaguar and a snake!
Tikal is in the middle of the rainforest and we saw toucans, parrots, monkeys, pacas and a Coati (an animal from the raccoon family). Most animals were high up on the trees and we couldn't take any clear photos, but it was a very special experience to see and hear them in their natural habitat. I am pleased we haven't met any snakes, tarantulas and especially Jaguars, but that probably wasn't very likely anyway.
We had an interesting guide who talked extensively about Mayans and the temples and pyramids in Tikal; it was absolutely fascinating to learn about their strong astronomical guidance and knowledge when planning the positions of the pyramids and temples, although we still did not get a clear sense as to the purpose and the meaning of the astronomy in their culture. It was also disturbing to see the sacrificial stones where mostly children and virgins were offered to God, but not before their throat was sliced and their heart was ripped out. Some Mayan families visit the temples even today following the same tradition, but sacrificing chickens instead. We also saw the ball game space - they made the ball from the tree resin. It seems that these games also ended tragically, but it was not clear whether for the winning or the losing team.
One important difference we learned was that the pyramids had the astronomical use and were lower with a flat top, whereas the temples had a ritualistic purposes and were higher and more narrow at the top. The view from the famous temple IV was featured in the Star Wars movie. We ended the visit sitting at the top steps of the temple and enjoying the view. It was a slightly challenging experience for me, as I have a fear of heights and I had an overwhelming feeling that the wall behind me was pushing me down the steps, whilst at the same time looking down had a strong magnetic pull. I decided to stay there for a while and enjoy the view until the scary sensation somewhat subsided.
The last bird we saw before leaving was the woodpecker,just like the one we saw this morning here in Flores, during our breakfast in a cafe.