Templo IV & Complejo N

The largest pyramid at Tikal, Templo IV is the second tallest surviving Mayan structure, reaching a height of 65m. The only taller Mayan pyramid is located at the ruins of El Mirador. Famed for the splendid panoramic view from the top of the temple, this is where you come to see the postcard-perfect image of the surrounding ruins peaking through the forest canopy. At sunrise, watch the sun’s first golden rays dispel the early-morning mist as the ruins seemingly rise from the woods. Built in AD 740 by King Ah Cacau’s son, Yik’in Chaan K’awil, archaeologists believe that his tomb is buried under the pyramid. Also known as the Temple of the Double-headed Serpent, the temple’s doorway was ornamented with a wooden lintel painted with an image of the deadly snake. The original lintel was taken by Dr Gustav Bernoulli of Switzerland in 1885, and can be found in the Völderkunde Museum in Basel. Complex N is a model of the Twin Pyramid formation, a special architectural style developed at Tikal. These complexes were built to commemorate the ending of a katun, a period of 20 years in the Mayan calendar.

Location:
Guatemala

Ruin Types:
Ruins

Getting There
Walk all the way to the end of the national park

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

By Nellie Huang

...

Created: 30 Sep 2009

Updated: 30 Sep 2009