Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal is the granddaddy of ancient Maya cities.
Located in northern Guatemala, the archeological site represents the capital of a conquest state that was one of the most powerful kingdoms of the Maya people and dominated the region.
Some of the structures date back as far as the 4th century BC. It is a wonder to behold, think: limestone temples, palaces, pyramids, some rising up to 70 meters off the ground. The bumpy drive through the countryside is worth the awe-inspiring experience at this UNESCO world heritage site.