Tikal, GUATEMALA

From the little island town of Flores, surrounded by the surreal waters of Lake Flores, this is Guatemala!

Spent most of today exploring the famous Mayan ruins of Tikal, 1.5 hours north east of the Flores. At 4am this morning we left to the ruins and climbed up one of the highest ancient temples to see the sunrise over the dense Guatemalan rain forests. Virtually surrounded by the howling of the ...Howler Monkeys (which sounds more like Lions), we witnesses a beautiful sunrise. Several Toucans flew above us as the light was lit up by the morning sun. Later several Spider Monkeys made their way across the forest not far from our base.

The Tikal ruins cover a vast area of this national park and I spent a good 4 hours exploring these magnificent ruins with some awesome fauna and flora. Saw several parrots and other coloured birds which I could not identify. Got some close encounters with tarantulas, deer, and the Howler Monkeys. Did not see any Wild Turkey which was a disappointment.

Tomorrow morning at 5am I am heading back to the river for a boat ride down stream and then by bus back to Palenque, Mexico, from where I will take a 5 hour bus ride to San Cristobal, Mexico -- where I will spend 3-4 days to explore the indigenous tribal villages.

Adios