Parque Nacional Tikal Travel Forum

Shoes to wear at Tikal
Posted: Tue February 22, 2005 02:07 PM UTC

When we were at Chichen Itza I wore good sandals and climbed to the top of El Castillo. Is the terrain similar at Tikal? What do you recommend? Thanks.

ubi709

8 replies

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Re: Shoes to wear at Tikal
Posted: Thu February 17, 2005 01:08 PM UTC

Tikal is in a jungle area, but if you stay on well worn paths and watch where you step, you will probably be all right. As for me, I think sandals are fine for a beach area, but would not wear them while exploring Tikal.

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Chenbaaxal

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Re: Shoes to wear at Tikal
Posted: Mon February 21, 2005 09:44 PM UTC

Terrain is a bit rougher than at Chichen Itza. It is more jungle at Tikal. Actually, a more interesting site I found but much more walking. The highest climb is on wooden steps-Temple IV- so wear comfortable sneaker, I think.

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Standiamond

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Re: Shoes to wear at Tikal
Posted: Tue February 22, 2005 04:53 AM UTC

Wore sandles at both places with no problems. You will be climbing up staircases that are almost straight up and down at Tikal. Temple at Chichen Itza is a gentle climb compared to Tikal.

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sever

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Re: Re: Shoes to wear at Tikal
Posted: Tue February 22, 2005 02:07 PM UTC

I agree that sneakers would be best - there are paths but the jungle terrain is often rough underfoot. The steps to Temple 4 are really more like a ladder than steps - they have not excavated the steps - just constructed a ladder to get to the top. There are more areas you can climb too to get views etc. and I think sandals are not so good for this.

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DianeDundee

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RE: Shoes to wear at Tikal
Posted: Sun February 27, 2005 01:19 AM UTC

Thanks, everyone, for the info. Can't wait to get there!

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ubi709

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RE: Shoes to wear at Tikal
Posted: Mon March 7, 2005 05:58 AM UTC

From a local: Hiking shoes are your best bet if you don't have rock climbing shoes. Steps to the Great Jaguar ar steep, tall and narrow. You'll be using your hands and you must lean forward to keep your balance. AND Don't look down!

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JuanPabloS

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RE: RE: Shoes to wear at Tikal
Posted: Sun November 6, 2005 10:26 PM UTC

Anyone here hike up to see the sunrise? How long did it take? Physical ability will factor in but just some general ideas would be a help. Was it worth it?
Thanks,
Suzie

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Suzie3

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Re: Shoes to wear at Tikal
Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 06:34 PM UTC

I wore flip-flops and climbed absolutely everything. There is more jungle than Chichen Itza, but the paths are still very worn. The only thing I really had to watch for were the tree roots - they can be a problem in open-toed shoes.

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