El Mirador

The Maya were organized and technologically advanced centuries before previously thought, their accomplishments preserved here in a city believed to be the capital of the region’s first true political city-state. The site is centered on three huge temple pyramid sites, El Tigre, Los Monos, and La Danta, the last of which is one of the largest pyramids in the world. Set atop natural summits, the temples offer outstanding views of ruined cities rising above the rainforest.xa0As there are no legal roads for regular vehicles, the only way to get to the park is to take a five-day hike; if necessary, mules may be hired. For an unparalleled view of the pyramids and some of the first roads ever built, fly over the remote biosphere in a helicopter.