Tikál, located in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, is not only an impressive architectural complex, but also a testament to the astronomical genius of the Maya. This vast ceremonial center, now protected as TIKAL National Park, is one of the most important places where we can see how the ancient Maya used architecture to observe the sky.

Upon entering the park, one is immediately struck by the monumentality of the structures. The temples rising above the treetops are not only an expression of the power of the rulers, but above all, precisely designed astronomical instruments. Particularly fascinating is Temple I, also known as the Temple of the Great Jaguar, rising 47 meters high. This impressive stepped pyramid is not randomly oriented - its position was carefully planned to allow observation of specific astronomical phenomena.

Archaeologists have discovered that from the platform of Temple I it was possible to observe the sunset during the equinoxes, as well as track the movement of Venus, a planet particularly important in Mayan cosmology. For them, Venus was associated with war and sacrifice, and its cycle of appearances and disappearances (as the Morning and Evening Star) was carefully monitored and recorded in codices.

Even more impressive is Temple IV, the tallest structure in Tikal, reaching 70 meters in height. Climbing to its summit is quite a challenge, but the view from there is breathtaking - not only because of the jungle panorama, but also because we are standing on the spot where the Mayan priests conducted their observations of the sky. From this height, above the treetops, they had an unobstructed view of the starry sky, which allowed them to precisely track the movement of celestial bodies.

Fascinatingly, the orientation of Temple IV is no accident - its front faces exactly toward sunset on the day of the winter solstice. Such precise alignment of the architecture with astronomical phenomena testifies to the Maya's deep understanding of the Earth's movement around the sun, even though they did not have telescopes or other advanced instruments.

Evidence has also been discovered at Tikal that the Maya were able to track the movement of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Their observations were so accurate that they were able to predict the positions of these planets many years in advance. This is a remarkable achievement, considering that all these observations were made with the naked eye.

Of note is the so-called 'twin pyramid complex' at Tikal, which is unique to that city. Each such complex consists of two pyramids - eastern and western - and an enclosed courtyard with nine stelae. These complexes were built every 20 years to mark the end of the k'atun period in the Mayan calendar. Their astronomical orientation allowed observation of the sunrise during the equinox, a key moment in the Mayan agricultural calendar.

Tikal offers visitors not only a lesson in history, but also in astronomy. The best time to visit is early morning, when you can climb to the tops of the temples and watch the sunrise, just as the Mayan priests did thousands of years ago. The cost of admission to the park is moderate, and the experience is priceless. However, it is worth remembering that climbing some of the temples can be physically demanding, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water.

Leaving Tikal, it is worth heading to other fascinating archaeological sites that shed light on the astronomical skills of the Maya. One such site is Xunantunich, located just across the Guatemalan border in Belize. This lesser-known but equally fascinating site offers insight into how astronomical knowledge spread throughout the Maya region.

Xunantunich, which means 'Stone Woman' in Mayan, impresses with a monumental structure known as El Castillo (The Castle), rising 40 meters high. From its top there is a breathtaking view of the Mopan River valley and the surrounding hills. Interestingly, the orientation of the main buildings in Xunantunich is no accident - they are precisely positioned in relation to the cardinal points, which allowed accurate astronomical observations.

Archaeologists have discovered that from the platform of El Castillo it was possible to observe the movement of Venus, Mars and other planets. Of particular interest is the fact that the Maya at Xunantunich, like those at other sites, made accurate observations of Venus, whose orbital cycle of 584 days was precisely calculated by them. This knowledge was crucial to their calendar and religious beliefs.

Xunantunich offers a more intimate atmosphere than Tikal, allowing for a more peaceful visit and contemplation. The cost of admission is lower and accessibility is easier. The site is well-maintained, with clear signage to help understand the astronomical significance of each structure.

Moving back to the Guatemalan site, it's impossible to miss the Mirador Basin, an area that hides some of the oldest and largest Mayan cities. It was here, during the Pre-Classic period of Maya civilization (ca. 600 B.C. - 250 A.D.), that the foundations of their astronomical knowledge were developed.

Mirador Basin is a vast jungle area where El Mirador - one of the largest Mayan cities - is located, with the La Danta pyramid complex, which is one of the largest structures of the ancient world. Fascinatingly, even in this early period, the Maya designed their structures with astronomical phenomena in mind.

Archaeologists have found that the main buildings at El Mirador are oriented along an east-west axis, which allowed observation of the equinoxes and solstices. Evidence was also found there that the Maya made observations of the Milky Way, which they saw as the 'tree of life' connecting the terrestrial world to the heavens.

Mirador Basin is more difficult to access for tourists than Tikal or Xunantunich, and requires a longer hike through the jungle, but offers the unforgettable experience of interacting with one of the oldest centers of Mayan civilization. The cost of such an expedition is higher, but the experience - priceless for true enthusiasts.

Moving to the center of Guatemala, it is worth visiting the Zona Arqueológica Kaminaljuyu, located on the outskirts of the country's capital. This site, although less visually spectacular than Tikal or Xunantunich, is of great importance for understanding the development of Mayan astronomical knowledge.

Caminaljuyu was an important center during the Preclassic and Classic periods, and its location in the highlands of central Guatemala provided excellent conditions for sky observation. Archaeologists there have discovered evidence that the Maya made systematic observations of the sun, moon and planets, and used the results of these observations to create calendars and plan religious ceremonies.

Of particular interest is the fact that evidence was found in Kaminaljuyu of the existence of so-called 'E-Group observatories' - complexes of buildings designed specifically for observing sunrise during the equinoxes and solstices. These observatories were crucial to the development of the Mayan calendar, which was one of the most accurate in the ancient world.

Kaminaljuyu, although located within a growing city, offers an interesting contrast between ancient knowledge and the modern metropolis. Admission to the site is inexpensive and accessibility is very good, making it an ideal destination for those who don't have the opportunity to travel to more distant archaeological sites.

All of these sites have one thing in common - they are a testament to the remarkable achievement of the Maya, who, without telescopes or other advanced instruments, were able to track the movement of the planets, predict eclipses and create extremely accurate calendars. Their astronomical knowledge, recorded in stone and codices, has stood the test of time and continues to fascinate scientists and tourists from all over the world.

To fully appreciate the astronomical achievements of the Maya, it is worth visiting sites where their mathematical and calendar knowledge was recorded in stone. One such place is Sitio Arqueológico Iximche, the former capital of the Kaqchikel kingdom, located on a scenic plateau in central Guatemala.

Iximche, though smaller than Tikal, offers a fascinating insight into how the Maya applied their astronomical knowledge to daily life. The site features four main ceremonial plazas, surrounded by palaces and temples. Interestingly, the orientation of these buildings is no accident - they are precisely positioned in relation to cardinal points, which allowed for accurate astronomical observations.

Archaeologists have discovered evidence at Iximche that the Maya used their observations of the sky to create calendars that regulated social and religious life. Of particular interest is the fact that the Maya operated two calendars simultaneously: The 260-day Tzolkin, used for religious purposes, and the 365-day Haab, based on the solar cycle. The combination of these two calendars formed the so-called 'Calendar Wheel,' which repeated every 52 years.

Iximche offers a more intimate atmosphere than the larger archaeological sites, allowing for a quieter visit and contemplation. The cost of admission is low and accessibility is good. The site is well-maintained, with clear markings to help understand the astronomical and mathematical significance of the various structures.

Another fascinating site that sheds light on the mathematical basis of Mayan astronomy is the Acropolis of Quirigua, located in eastern Guatemala. This site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for the largest stone stelae in the Maya world, covered with hieroglyphics and astronomical representations.

The stelae at Quirigua are not only works of art, but also record Mayan astronomical and mathematical knowledge. One of them, known as Stela E, bears a date corresponding to the year 771 A.D., written in the Mayan number system. Fascinatingly, the Maya were among the first in the world to use the concept of zero, which enabled them to perform complex astronomical calculations.

The Mayan number system, based on base 20 (as opposed to our decimal system), allowed them to write very large numbers, which was crucial for their astronomical calculations. Dates going back and forward millions of years can be found on stelae at Quirigua, attesting to the Maya's deep understanding of the cyclical nature of time and the movement of celestial bodies.

Quirigua offers a unique experience of interacting with the mathematical genius of the Maya. The cost of admission is moderate, and the site is well maintained and easily accessible. It is advisable to plan your visit during the morning hours, when the sunlight best exposes the reliefs on the stelae.

To the north of Guatemala is the Parque Arqueológico Zaculeu, the former capital of the Mam kingdom. This site, though less well known than Tikal or Quirigua, offers a fascinating insight into how Mayan astronomical knowledge spread to different regions.

Zaculeu is notable for its white buildings, which were reconstructed in the 1940s. The site includes several pyramids and ceremonial plazas, whose astronomical orientation is clearly visible. Of particular interest is the main pyramid, from which one could watch the sunrise during the summer solstice.

Archaeologists have found that the Maya at Zaculeu, as at other sites, made accurate observations of the sun, moon and planets. This knowledge was crucial to their agricultural calendar, which regulated the sowing and harvesting cycle. Fascinatingly, the Maya were able to predict solar and lunar eclipses with day-to-day accuracy, even though they had no telescopes or other advanced instruments.

Zaculeu offers a more intimate atmosphere than the larger archaeological sites, allowing for a quieter visit and contemplation. The cost of admission is low and accessibility is good. The site is well-maintained, with clear signage to help understand the astronomical significance of the various structures.

All of these sites have one thing in common - they are testimony to the remarkable achievement of the Maya, who, without advanced instruments, were able to create a mathematical and calendar system that enabled them to accurately track the movement of the planets and predict astronomical phenomena. Their knowledge, recorded in stone and codices, has stood the test of time and continues to fascinate scientists and tourists from around the world.

When visiting these archaeological sites, it is worth remembering that for the Maya, astronomy was not separate from religion and daily life. Observations of the sky had practical applications in agriculture, but also a profound spiritual dimension. For them, planets, stars and constellations were living deities whose movements affected the fate of people and entire communities. This holistic vision of the cosmos is perhaps the most valuable lesson we can learn from the Mayan astronomical heritage.