Tikal, Tucans and Howler Monkeys

Tikal
see all photos »

After another night in Antigua and a very early start (4am) we flew to Flores and got taken straight to Yaxha which is a very remote Mayan sight.  There were no other tourists there at all and we didn´t have a guide so we were just wandering around in the jungle on our own.  A few of the guys who were working then gave us some information about the sight.

It was great to see something without anyone else around.  We climbed the highest pyramid and got a great view over the lake and then spent the rest of the time just walking and soaking up the atmosphere and listening to the sounds of the jungle.  We didn´t manage to spot any wildlife though except lots of insects!

Tikal
see all photos »

We stayed overnight in Flores which felt like a ghost town as it seemed to be the end of the season and there was absolutely no-one around!

The following day it was a short drive to Tikal - one of the most famous Mayan ruins.  We had a great guide who was really knowledgeable and learnt not only about the history but about the flora and fauna and how they are all used locally.  Tikal is also set in the jungle and it really feels like you are uncovering history as you walk around.

Flores - swimming at sunset
see all photos »

We spent the afternoon at our hotel pool and then returned to the sight for sunset walking up the top of the tallest pyramid in the "Lost World" to see it.  As the sun dropped the jungle came to life and we saw tucans, parakeets and all sorts of birds I have never seen before and could see the spider monkeys in the trees and hear the unbelievable noise of the howler monkeys.  I've uploaded photos of the monkeys and tucans but you might need a magnifying glass to see them!

We were escorted down from the pyramid after the sunset by a guard with a rifle which we got the impression wasn´t necessarily there for our protection!