Templo de la Serpiente Bicéfala, Tikal Travel Guide

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Climb the majestic Templo IV in Tikal National Park for breathtaking panoramic views and a glimpse into the ancient Mayan world. A must-see historical landmark.

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Templo de la Serpiente Bicéfala

Templo IV, also known as the Temple of the Two-Headed Serpent, is a Mesoamerican pyramid located in the ancient Maya city of Tikal, Guatemala. Constructed around 741 AD, it stands as one of the tallest and most voluminous structures in the Maya world. The temple offers panoramic views of the jungle canopy and other temples, making it a must-see destination within Tikal National Park.

A brief summary to Templo de la Serpiente Bicéfala

Templo IV, Tikal, GT
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Monday 6 am-5 pm
Tuesday 6 am-5 pm
Wednesday 6 am-5 pm
Thursday 6 am-5 pm
Friday 6 am-5 pm
Saturday 6 am-5 pm
Sunday 6 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Templo de la Serpiente Bicéfala.

Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the stunning sunrise views from the top of the temple.
Wear comfortable shoes as the climb to the temple can be steep and uneven.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, as exploring Tikal can take several hours.
Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the temple.
Bring a flashlight if you plan to visit for sunrise, as the walk to the temple will be in the dark.

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Explore Templo de la Serpiente Bicéfala on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From the main entrance of Tikal National Park, walk along the main path towards the central plaza, passing Templo I. Continue past the plaza and follow the signs directing you towards Templo IV. The walk takes approximately 30-40 minutes along a well-marked path. As you approach Templo IV, you'll see a sign indicating its location. The entrance ticket to Tikal National Park is Q150 for foreigners. If you wish to visit for sunrise, you'll need to purchase an additional sunrise ticket for Q100 and hire a certified guide.
Public Transport

Take a shuttle or bus from Flores to Tikal. The fare is approximately $10-$15, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival at Tikal, purchase your entrance ticket for around $20 for foreigners. From the entrance, you can walk for about 1 hour, following the main path to Templo IV, or hire a local guide with a private vehicle.

Discover more about Templo de la Serpiente Bicéfala

Templo IV, or the Temple of the Two-Headed Serpent, is an iconic pyramid nestled within Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Guatemala. Built around 741 AD during the late Classic period, this majestic structure served to honor the 27th king of the Tikal dynasty, Yikʼin Chan Kʼawiil. Some believe it may have been constructed as his funerary temple. Standing approximately 70 meters (230 feet) tall, it is the tallest structure in Tikal and the second-highest pre-Columbian building in the Western Hemisphere.The pyramid features a rectangular base and consists of seven stepped levels with slanting talud walls, a common architectural style in Mesoamerica. The summit is adorned with intricate carvings, and the temple faces eastward towards the site core, offering views of Temples I, II, and III. Hieroglyphic inscriptions on the sculpted lintels indicate the temple's completion in 741 AD, which was later confirmed by radiocarbon dating. Lintel 3, a significant wooden panel, depicts King Yik'in Chan K'awiil seated on a litter under the arch of a celestial serpent, commemorating his victory over El Perú in 743 AD.Visitors can ascend Templo IV via a steep wooden staircase to reach the top. From the summit, breathtaking panoramic views unfold, showcasing the sprawling Tikal complex, the surrounding rainforest, and the distant outlines of other ancient temples. The site is particularly popular for witnessing the sunrise, as the mist-shrouded jungle awakens with the sounds of wildlife. Templo IV gained further recognition after being featured in the film Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.