El Mundo Perdido (The Lost World)

This sizable complex consists of 38 structures oriented in a traditional Mayan pattern serving as an astronomy observatory. The ancient Mayans observed solstices, equinoxes and planetary cycles with clever formations of these structures. The 30m-high Great Pyramid, assembled around AD 200 in the center of the complex, functioned as an important ceremonial center for Tikal. Unlike the rest of Tikal, El Mundo Perdido contains structures from different time periods. Beneath the surface of the Great Pyramid lie four other pyramids, one of which dates back to 700 BC, making it the oldest structure in Tikal.

Location:
Guatemala

Ruin Types:
Ruins

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

By Nellie Huang

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Created: 30 Sep 2009

Updated: 30 Sep 2009