Through my lens: Guatemala – Stranded in the past
of Tikal Written and photographed by Lusine Stepanian
The Great Plaza – An Icon of Guatemala
Tikal is located in the Peten region of Northern Guatemala. It
is the second largest Mayan site after El Mirador. Much of the
area is still dormant under a thick layer of jungle. Only 26 square
km of the estimated 575 have been dug out by archaeologists within
the last 13 years.
Mundo perdido – The oldest part of Tikal
Tikal remains a mystery to many. Abandoned by Mayans over 1000
years ago, it has adapted the name of its mystic existence “Mundo
Perdido” – Lost World. As you wonder through the past
of this luscious jungle, you feel a certain sort of magic float
through the air. As if the walls could sing… or maybe just
the wind whistling through the past.
UNESCO declared Tikal a World Heritage Site in 1979.
Temple 5
At 59 meters, Temple V is the second tallest pyramid of Tikal.
Each temple was built over the tomb of kings.
Lusine Stepanian
is The Compass editor. She has just returned from a journey
through Guatemala, a country still hidden in the shade of
larger Mexico. Its lush vegetation and mystic past are just
some of many puzzles to be discovered.
