Tikal Temple I — Temple of the Great Jaguar

The story behind the place

On the eastern side of Tikal’s Great Plaza, Temple I draws the eye upward through a steep sequence of stone terraces. Its summit sanctuary is crowned by a tall roof comb, a distinctive feature of Maya architecture. Guatemala’s Ministry of Culture describes the stepped pyramid as approximately 47 metres high and places it in the Late Classic period. Its ceremonial and funerary roles connect this monumental form with the people and beliefs of the ancient city. This scene concentrates on the single temple rather than the wider plaza or forest skyline.

Find Tikal Temple I — Temple of the Great Jaguar on the map, record the discovery in your travel journal and continue exploring nearby places.