North Acropolis, Tikal, Flores Travel Guide

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Explore the North Acropolis in Tikal, a royal necropolis showcasing over 1300 years of Mayan history and architecture.

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North Acropolis, Tikal

The North Acropolis in Tikal served as a royal burial ground and center for funerary activities for over 1300 years. Located near the city's heart, it is among the most extensively studied Mayan architectural complexes.

A brief summary to North Acropolis, Tikal

69FG+4H9, Tikal, GT
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Monday 6 am-6 pm
Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
Thursday 6 am-6 pm
Friday 6 am-6 pm
Saturday 6 am-6 pm
Sunday 6 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring North Acropolis, Tikal.

Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ground.
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen to protect yourself from the heat.
Hire a guide to fully appreciate the history and significance of the Acropolis.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Purchase your entrance tickets online in advance or at Banrural bank to save time.

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Getting There

Walking

From Tikal's Great Plaza, the North Acropolis is directly accessible on foot. Head north from the Plaza, and the Acropolis will be the dominant architectural complex directly in front of you. The walk is short and straightforward, taking only a few minutes. Be mindful of the uneven terrain.
Public Transport

While there is no public transport directly to the North Acropolis within Tikal National Park, you can take a shuttle from Flores to the Tikal Visitor Center. From the visitor center, the North Acropolis is a 15-20 minute walk. Shuttle roundtrip: Q80. Park entry fee: Q150.

Discover more about North Acropolis, Tikal

The North Acropolis is a captivating architectural complex within the ancient Maya city of Tikal, Guatemala. For over 1300 years, it functioned as a royal necropolis and a hub for funerary practices. Situated near Tikal's center, the Acropolis is one of the most researched Mayan architectural sites.Traces of human activity at the site date back to approximately 800 BCE, with the earliest structures erected around 350 BCE. Around 250 CE, a major redevelopment involved constructing a massive basal platform to support a cluster of temples. Around 450 CE, a row of four pyramids was added on a terrace south of the main platform.Excavations from 1957 to 1969, led by the University of Pennsylvania, unearthed numerous royal tombs, including those of kings Yax Nuun Ayiin I, Siyaj Chan K'awiil II, Wak Chan K'awiil, and "Animal Skull". An early tomb may belong to the dynastic founder Yax Ehb' Xook. By the 9th century CE, the North Acropolis held 43 stelae and 30 altars, with 18 monuments featuring hieroglyphic texts and royal portraits, some reflecting the influence of Teotihuacan.Temple 26, the main building, faces the terrace from the platform's south side. Its earliest version dates to around 250 CE. Fully excavated and rebuilt, it stands over Burial 85, potentially the tomb of Yax Ehb' Xook. Temple 30, on the east terrace, is one of three similar structures, dating back to the Early Classic period. The North Acropolis is a sacred place, chosen as the burial ground for Tikal's rulers for over five centuries. It holds evidence of Tikal's first settlers, who arrived around 800 BC. The North Acropolis was occupied for at least 1500 years, as demonstrated by more than a dozen successive construction levels, set one on top of the other.