The peak of a vacation

Guatemala is a quaint spot to visit in Central America. So when my daughter Kim and I decided to visit Costa Rica, Guatemala was a trip extension that we did not want to miss.

A visit to Tikal was included in our Guatemalan trip.

We flew to Flores from Guatemala City and then were bused to Tikal, perhaps the most remarkable of all classic Mayan cities.

A magnificent civilization reigned here. Nestled within Tikal National Park, the grounds are expansive and inspiring. It is difficult to determine which is more impressive -- the accomplishments of man or those of nature. The towering structures rise above the leafy canopy and fight for your attention with assortments of animals and exotic birds.

The Tikal site consists of more than 3,000 structures including temples, pyramids, palaces, ball courts and terraces. At its peak some 1,500 years ago, Tikal was home to about 100,000 Maya, and it was one of the most important urban centers of its time. It is believed that a severe drought forced the inhabitants to relocate in around the year 1100.

We were positively dazzled by the architectural immensity of its temples. One of the highlights was observing an immense ceiba (or silk cotton tree) en route to Temple IV. The ceiba was sacred to the Mayans who believed it was a method of communicating with the gods.

Each of Tikal’s stones had a reason for its placement. The temple locations correspond to astronomical positions. The people could observe the movements of the planets and sun from these positions. During the vernal equinox, which takes place about March 21, the shadows of the Great Jaguar Temple and the Temple of the Masks are perfectly aligned over the Great Plaza.

Standing there just observing it all was breathtaking, especially when my daughter climbed to the top of Temple V. What a view she had.

I had read that it was hot and humid all year round. However, it was not until we got there that I recalled what I had read. The temperature was 100 degrees with very high humidity. Of course, we did not want to miss anything so that involved a five-mile hike around the park. No trip to Tikal is complete without consuming many bottles of water.

I do not recommend a trip to Tikal if you want relaxation. However, I do recommend Tikal if you are prepared to exert quite a lot of energy to experience some of the wonders of man and nature.

* DOROTHY MCKEE is a resident of Costa Mesa.

20051110ippvikkn(LA)Kim McKee in front of the Great Jaguar Temple in Guatemala