Gold in Guatemala Dance with the Devil

Tikal National Park, Guatemala

Located 63 km from the city of Flores, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tikal National Park is one of the major sites of Mayan civilisation, and was inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. Embedded within the much larger Maya Biosphere Reserve, Tikal is one of the few World Heritage properties inscribed according to both natural and cultural criteria for its extraordinary biodiversity and archaeological importance. Cocooned in the heart of the jungle, the ceremonial centre contains superb temples, pyramids, palaces, and public squares with the ruins of other buildings scattered through the forest. Wildlife in the park includes jaguars and pumas, several species of monkeys and anteaters and more than 300 species of birds. Star Wars fans might recognise it as it was used as the location for the Rebel base, Yavin 4 in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.

Iguazu Falls National Park, Argentina

The name ‘Iguazu’ loosely means ‘big water’, with 275 waterfalls over three kilometres, with a height of 82 metres. The falls meet at the corner of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay and are the hero of the national park bearing their name. From the Argentina side, take the train to Devil’s Throat Station, and stroll 1.2 km to the top of Devil’s Throat waterfall. The views from the lookout, the sheer power of the falls and cacophony of the water combine for a one of a kind experience. Daredevils can take a boat up close to the falls for a drenching – an exhilarating and slightly scary ride. The national park also has exquisite rainforest to explore on various hikes, with incredible flora and fauna.

A great way to see Iguazu Falls is on Adventure World’s Handpicked Argentina itinerary, a 12-day tour from Buenos Aires to El Calafate.

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