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As of June 2024, the only hiking trail outside the ticketed area, the Sendero Caoba Felipe, is closed to the public. The giant old-growth mahogany tree at the far end of the route has lost its top, taking the viewdeck with it. You may be fined if caught trying to walk it. Staff also see the closure of this relatively remote, 6-km trail as a safety issue, after one lone tourist died of heatstroke hiking in Tikal in 2022, and another disappeared in 2023. However, there's plenty of hiking to do within the main area of the ruins, including some short but barely-traveled small jungle trails for those who seek them out.
Flanked on the east and west sides by two great temple-pyramids, the most famous and widely-photographed pyramids of Tikal. You can't climb the stone steps of the pyramids, but Temple II has a wooden stairway running up the back that you can use to reach a high-up viewdeck with a great view of the plaza.
One of the most studied architectural groups in the Maya area.
An interesting large building complex built on a hill.
Lost World Complex
It is the largest ceremonial complex dating from the Preclassic period at Tikal. It features a medium-sized pyramid with a wooden staircase ll the way to the top. This is the biggest structure you can go to the very top of, and the second best view in the park.
The tallest temple in the park, measuring 70 m and also on higher ground than most of the others. Wooden stairs lead up to a viewpoint near the top, which features the most expansive view of Tikal, looking out over jungle as far as the eye can see. A brief shot in the original 1977 Star Wars movie was filmed here, showing spaceships entering the atmosphere of jungle moon Yavin IV on their way to the rebel base.
Tikal Museum