Can you still climb Temple IV at Tikal, Guatemala? Discover which Mayan temples you can and can’t climb at the ancient site, and where to find the best jungle views.
The greatest Mayan site?
Tikal in the Petén department of Guatemala is perhaps the most evocative of the ancient Mayan sites in Central America.
Its tall, pyramid-style temples rise through the jungle canopy, creating an eerie mingling of ancient history and ever-present nature.
Which temples can you climb at Tikal?
One of the joys of visiting Tikal is that, unlike at many other ancient sites, you are allowed to climb on some of the temples. But not all of them. Temple I, for example, is off-limits.
Temple II and Temple IV, however, are climbable. That’s because wooden stairways have been installed over the temple steps, making the whole experience much safer.
Why book the Tikal Day Trip by Air from Antigua with Lunch?
- ✈️ Enjoy a scenic flight from Antigua to Tikal
- 🏛️ Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal National Park
- 🍽️ Savor a delicious lunch amidst the jungle
- 🎟️ All entrance fees and round-trip transportation included
- 🕒 Experience one of the most impressive ruins of the ancient Mayan civilization in a single day
Why climb Temple IV
If picking just one of these two temples to climb, make it Temple IV – sometimes known as the Temple of the Two-Headed Serpent. At 70 metres tall, it is the tallest temple within the Tikal Complex.
Tackle just under 200 steps to the summit, and you’ll be rewarded with superb views out over the other temples, too.
How to get to Temple IV at Tikal
The easiest way to get to Temple IV at Tikal is on a guided tour. Tikal is in the middle of the jungle, and while there are shuttle buses, in practice most visitors get there on a guided tour from Flores.
It’s also possible to do (expensive) day tours from Guatemala City or from Antigua. They are expensive because they require a return flight to the other side of the country.
More Guatemala travel
Other Guatemala travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- Meeting Maximon – Guatemala’s rogue saint.
- Conquering the Cueva del Tigre.
- Climbing volcanoes in Guatemala – Pacaya and Chicabal.
