Templo del Gran Jaguar, Flores Travel Guide

4.9 (918)

Explore the iconic Templo del Gran Jaguar in Tikal National Park, a testament to the Mayan civilization's architectural and cultural achievements.

Home
Travel Guides
Guatemala
Flores
Templo del Gran Jaguar

The Templo del Gran Jaguar, also known as Temple I, is an iconic funerary pyramid in Tikal National Park, Guatemala. Built around 732 AD, it stands as a tribute to King Jasaw Chan K'awiil I, whose tomb lies deep within. Its towering presence and intricate design exemplify the grandeur of Mayan architecture and offer a glimpse into the rich history of this ancient civilization.

A brief summary to Templo del Gran Jaguar

Templo I, Tikal, GT
Click to display
Click to display

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 Templo del Gran Jaguar.

Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the mystical atmosphere of Tikal as the jungle awakens.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, as the park is vast and exploring can be tiring.
Hire a local guide to learn about the history, wildlife, and flora of Tikal.
Consider visiting during the dry season (October to May) for the best weather.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Jorge's Rope Swing

Petencito Zoo

Ixpanpajul

Tikal Go Tours

Yellowville Street Art Tour

Explore Templo del Gran Jaguar on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Templo del Gran Jaguar, mapped for you.

Getting There

Shuttle

From Flores, the most common approach to Tikal is via shuttle. Numerous tour operators in Flores offer round-trip shuttle services to Tikal National Park. Shuttles typically depart from Flores early in the morning, around 4:00 AM for those wanting to catch the sunrise, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. The shuttle will drop you off near the park entrance where you will purchase your tickets. As of July 2025, the entrance fee to Tikal National Park for foreign adults is GTQ 150. If you are visiting for sunrise or sunset, there is an additional fee of GTQ 100. It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance. Round-trip shuttle service from Flores typically costs GTQ 60-120.

Discover more about Templo del Gran Jaguar

Templo del Gran Jaguar, or Temple I, is arguably Tikal's most impressive and well-known monument. Constructed around 732 AD, this majestic pyramid served as a funerary temple for King Jasaw Chan K'awiil I, a significant ruler of Tikal. The temple rises an imposing 44 meters (144 feet) above the Great Plaza, its nine stepped levels possibly representing the nine levels of the underworld in Mayan cosmology.The architectural style is classic Petén, characterized by steep, sloping tiers (taluds) crowned with a triple-chambered temple and a striking roof comb. This roof comb, once adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant paint, still hints at the temple's former splendor, especially when illuminated by the afternoon sun. The temple's sapodilla-wood lintels were richly carved; one is now housed in the Basel Museum für Völkerkunde.King Jasaw Chan K'awiil I likely conceived the temple plans himself, though his son and successor completed the construction. Inside, the king's tomb was discovered, containing a wealth of burial goods, including jade objects, pearls, carved bones, and stingray spines used for ritual bloodletting. While visitors can no longer climb Temple I, the views from nearby Temple II offer a similarly awe-inspiring perspective of the Great Plaza and the surrounding jungle. Templo del Gran Jaguar stands as a testament to the power, artistry, and spiritual beliefs of the Mayan civilization.