Tikal

24 June 2009

Day 19

3:59 pm

The path was deserted, which only fueled our excitement. Heart thumping in my chest, we made our way towards the Gran Plaza. We were alone. Where were the hordes of camera-toting, fannypack-rocking, loud, obnoxious tourists? I don't know, nor do I care, for at this moment we enter the Gran Plaza.

Templo I and Templo II were massive and stood facing each other. After picking my jaw up from the ground, I began an assault with my camera. Picture after picture was taken, yet none seemed able to capture the magic of the moment nor the grandeur of the scene in front of me. I climbed the wooden steps and ladders to the top of Templo II.

After quenching our initial thirst for the Gran Plaza (at least for the moment), we made our way to our other main destination of the afternoon, Templo IV. Along the trail, we were giver our first glimpse of Tikal's highest structure.

Seeing it tower high above us and knowing that we were able to climb to the top (via the ever popular wooden steps and ladders), we picked up the pace. Upon reaching the base, we took a deep breath and began the climb. 196 steps later (yes, I counted), we were standing at the top with a remarkable view.

The view may have been amazing, but the sounds were other-worldly and intoxicating. There was a colorful mix of birds, insects and howler monkeys roaring in the distance. I could have stayed there for hours, but there was much more to see, and my feet were itching to go. We headed back onto the jungle path and came across a sign pointing to El Mundo Perdito (The Lost World). Who could say no to that? We soon found ourselves among a complex of 38 structures surrounding a huge pyramid.

We walk around snapping picture after picture and still quite puzzled as to how we are among the few people found around this phenomenal this cool and cloudy afternoon. I am busy puzzling this when I hear a thrashing in the nearby canopy. Having watched way too much LOST, I fear a smoke monster is about to float through the jungle right at me. To my delight, I instead see something else swinging through the trees. Spider Monkeys!!!

Giggling like a little girl, I watch as a parade of spider monkeys jump, swing and hurl themselves through the canopy overhead. I just saw monkeys swinging through the trees in the jungle! I'm practically rolling on the ground laughing at the perfection of the moment.

It's nearing 6pm, closing time. Kyle and I walk side-by-side on the jungle path until we reach the entrance. We'll be back tomorrow bright and early at 6am, when the park opens.

Who knows what tomorrow holds for us at Tikal?