The monumental pyramids of Tikal are simply world-class. They are arguably the best Mayan site and have blown the mind of every member of the Steppes Travel team that has been there.
Through the knowledge, contacts and guile of our expert guides, we would hope to deliver you an experience of this incredible temple complex that few others can.
Dating back to 4th Century BC, with 33 rulers over 800 years, Tikal was central to the Mayan civilisation politically and economically, trading with much of Mesoamerica until defeated, it is believed, by Teotihuacan in the 4th Century AD. Tikal is as exotic and alien today as it seemed in 1977 when it was cast as the backdrop for the rebel fighter jets in Star Wars Episode IV. Notwithstanding this oblique reference, Tikal remains one of the great Mayan, if not the great sites of the world.
Declared a UNESCO site in 1979, Tikal is one of the largest archaeologist sites of the Pre-Colombian Maya civilisation. Located in Peten, in the north of Guatemala, Tikal emerges from the tangled jungle commemorating a powerful Mayan Empire. Exotic animals and birds of all shapes, sizes and colour inhabit the forests that were once home to an astutely developed group of people, irrevocably linked to their environment.
Twenty-five kilometres from Tikal through the jungle lies Uaxactun, so named by its ‘rediscoverer’ American archaeologist Sylvanus Morley. Uaxactun is post-classical Mayan and predates its famous counterpart Chichen Itza. The site is believed to contain 17 layers over 1,700 years from 800 BC to 900 AD. Key features are the royal chambers and the astronomical pyramids. However, the charm of Uaxactun is that it’s not a reconstructed site. Mounds covered in foliage and gnarled trees lie untouched. Yaxha is the third largest site in Guatemala after El Mirador and Tikal. Arguably it is famed for its lake causeway and indeed it is the causeway that makes Yaxha a riveting visit of more than three hours. For us, the charm of Yaxha lies in its remoteness and the surrounding jungle and lake.
Unveiling some of the most visually stunning landscapes in vibrant Guatemala, this trip journeys from dazzling high altitude lakes to ancient Mayan ruins.
Encompassing Shaman ceremonies, traditional textile weaving workshops and an expertly guided tour of Tikal, this customisable itinerary is designed to give a comprehensive introduction to one of the most vivid countries in Central America.
An exploration of the ancient Maya sites of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, this route strikes the perfect balance between ancient temples, dense jungles and dazzling lakes. Unveil some of the most visually stunning landscapes in the Americas and a series of world-renowned archaeological sites, with the added bonus of having a chance to attend a private Shaman ceremony.
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
John’s most recent trip to Guatemala was for Semana Santa (Holy Week), a heady mix of colourful processions where huge swaying floats are carried on the shoulders of purple-clad brotherhoods in high pointed headgear who shuffle through billowing clouds of incense.
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
