Stretching across 57,600 hectares (220 sq mi), it contains the ancient Mayan city of Tikal and the surrounding tropical forests, savannas, and wetlands.

[3] Founded on May 26, 1955, Tikal National Park was established under government decree by the Ministry of Education, via the Instituto de Antropología e Historia, advised by Dr. Adolfo Molina Orantes and under the government of Carlos Castillo Armas.

[4][5][2] Once established, the University of Pennsylvania played a role in the park's cleaning, maintenance, excavation and restoration of the site from 1956 to 1969.

[6] Because of its lush and varied ecosystem, many species of plants and animals thrive within the park boundaries.

[2] In addition, more than 300 species of birds are found in the park, including the crane hawk and the ocellated turkey.