The Temple of the Jaguar (Templo I) is probably Tikal’s finest and most dominating monument, with its nine tiers representing the nine levels of the underworld and raising its temple to an imposing 37 metres above the spacious central plaza below. The architectural style typifies monumental Tikal with its steep sloping tiers (taluds), topped with a triple chamber temple and majestic roof comb. Templo I was built in around 732 AD and signified a break from the traditional funerary building within the adjacent North Acropolis. The temple is commonly called the Temple of the Jaguar because of an exquisitely carved lintel found in the temple structure on top of the pyramid, which was made from sapodilla wood and depicts a king sat upon a jaguar throne. The temple has been also been dubbed the Temple of Ah Cacao, following the discovery of a burial within the pyramid structure of a ruler identified as Jasaw Chan K’awiil I. In an identical fashion to that of Pakal at Palenque, Jasaw Chan K’awiil I’s tomb was built and then the temple was erected around it, leaving the king encased within the fabric of the temple. The tomb featured a large masonry bench on which the king was laid to rest covered in jade jewellery and the chamber was filled with funerary goods, including spondylus shells, pearls, mirrors, jaguar skins, jadeite objects and painted ceramics. A set of 37 finely carved human bones were found piled at the king’s right foot. The bones were inscribed with hieroglyphic texts which described allegiances with Copan and Palenque, the king’s name and parentage, a portrait of a captive called Ox Ha Ixil from View of Templo I at Tikal from the main plaza Templo Ithe enemy city of Calakmul and scenes of the maize deity being carried to the underworld on a canoe. The striking decorated crown that rises from the roof of the temple is called a roof comb. Roof combs are common at Tikal and comprise of two framework walls leant against on another, faced with carved stone and covered with stucco (plaster). The roof comb on the Temple of the Jaguar featured an image of the king flanked by scrolls and serpents.

There is only one word that describes this temple, iconic. A fully restored funerary pyramid of king Jasaw Chan K'awil, it flanks the eastern side of the Great Plaza. Great views of the monument can be had from the Northern Acropolis as well as from Temple II, it can also be viewed from the east plaza and the palace. Its roof comb is visible from every major pyramid in the city as it rises to 154 feet, that's more than time and a half the height of El Castillo at Chichen Itza. Awesome.

Easy to say that this is a life changing experience. Getting into the park the bus dropped us off in an area with guides waiting to offer us tours. We chose to go on a 4 hour guided tour and it was the perfect amount of time. Paved roads connect the different sites while the guide tells you extremely interesting facts about all the wild life, Flora and fauna and of course the Mayan temples and pyramids. On the larger pyramids that you're allowed to climb there are wooden staircases making it easier to scale. It isn't difficult, but it is a lot of walking. For example, an older woman on the heavier side was able to do do almost everything but had to choose not to climb some of the larger sites. She stayed with the guide and got extra info about the sites. Between the sites there are bathrooms and pavilions that offer drinks like juices, Gatorade, water and even beer. There are also a few different restaurants that you can get food from and that offer snacks that are easy to take with you. A few people in our group even arranged to have a meal waiting for them at the end of the tour. All of this without mentioning that standing amidst the ancient structures left me completely in awe. Would give 10 stars if possible.

VIEWSSSS!!! I suggest take walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and LOTS OF SUNBLOCK. The sun is really strong and it can get real hot. They do have little shops in there just in case you forget. The guides are very knowledgable and will answer any question you have. People who visit Guatemala has to go to Tikal!

This is without any doubt Guatemala's most important landmark at this moment until they clean out the great piramid of la Danta. A beautiful display of Mayan people's architecture, culture and power.

This exceeded the beauty I was expecting to see. The people are nice and helpful. Don't bring fruit because the animals will go after you. It is a 2 day trip to see everything.

Impressive temple, very well rsstored. You feel small surrounded by these huge remains, in such a wild nature contexts. Makes you think about the temporality of anything we do and how the biggest citities and civilizations will be rubble and remains at some point.

The Great Jaguar is definitely one of the most beautiful and interesting Pyramids in Tikal, even when there is cold or hot weather walking around these Pyramids will make you feel you are being part of the Mayan civilization. Unfortunately, we can not climb them anymore since many people didn't take care and most of them were falling from it and because of your safety you can only walk around and take photos, paying for a guider will worth it, wether it is in English or Spanish. Interesting stories are waiting for you.

Impressive history and monument. Wasn’t busy at all end of September. Did have rain and sun.

General cost 150q . Camping 50q . Sunrise 120q sunset 120q . Nice place, I recomend camp in jaguar in with wifi, showers and electricity for 50q. Tikal is a big place to walk, bring water and food. Nice place. Enjoy

A stunning Mayan complex. Utterly fascinating and definitely worth the visit while in Guatemala

Excellent great experience 👍

Perfect, everyone should visit it, hire a guide, many times you are next to something special and you don't know it, but with the explanation of a guide everything is better! I recommend to walk it in 2 or 3 days, one day is not enough. The toilets are dirty always and you can't sit on them so better be ready with a lot of paper.

Amazing place, come early in the morning to enjoy only to yourself.

Las weekend for the First time, I went to see them in person. It's really hard to describe how beautiful and magical this place is. Even though I'm from Guatemala, l never had the opportunity to go and see this magnificent place. I really recommend it, if you like mystic and beautiful places, this is thexone to visit. Can't wait to go one more time, I couldn't explore the whole site. ♥️👏