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Tikal was the most important ceremonial center of Mesoamerica. It is located approximately 60 km northeast of Flores. There is a national park located in the jungles of Peten.
The first official expedition was in 1848, and the first scientific project was started in 1956 under the direction of the University of Pennsylvania. The site was returned to the Guatemalan people in 1969.
The name Tikal means "Place of the Voices"; the time of major splendor was between 250 AD and 900 AD. At its height, between 90,000 and 120,000 people inhabited the area.
An area of 16 square km holds an estimated 4,000 structures. Thirty-two of the 151 known steleas still display ancient carvings.
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There are many ways to ge to Tikal. The quickest one is a flight from Guatemala City to Flores. The following companies offer flights:
| Company |
Telephone |
|---|
| Tikal-Jets |
3346855 |
| AVIATECA |
3347722 |
| Jungle Flying |
3612144 |
The airline offices are located at the airport in Guatemala City. You can arrange flights through most local travel agencies. Roundtrip flights are about US-$ 100 to 120.
Bus service is also availble. The major bus companies are:
| Name |
Address |
|---|
| Fuente del Norte |
Guatemala City, 17. Av. 8 - 74, Zona 1 |
| La Petenera |
Guatemala City, 16. Av. 10 - 55, Zona 1 |
| Líneas Máxima del Petén |
Guatemala City, 9. Av. 17 - 28, Zona 1 |
In Flores there are numerous hotels, the price varies as does the quality. Good bargains can be found for the eager, however prices over 150 Quetzales should guarantee some kind of luxury. For example, Hotel y Guest House Casa Azul, Hotel Casona de la Isla, or Hotel Isla de Flores. There are many mini-bus services from Flores to Tikal.
There are the following hotels in Tikal: Tikal Inn, Jaguar Inn and Jungle Lodge. There are also camping facilities.
Electricity is provided till 10 p.m., the hotels are generally more expensive than in Flores. The entrance fee for the park is 50 Quetzales per day.
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