Known in Spanish as El Mundo Perdido, this complex is strikingly different from the rest of the site owing to its Preclassic origins, which may help to shed light on Tikal’s early history.
The area is dominated by the presence of a 32-meter pyramid, its foundation dating as far back as 500 B.C., when it served as an astronomical observatory similar to the one found at Uaxactún [1]. The structure now in evidence marks the top of four layers of construction.
There are fabulous views of the Great Plaza [2] and Temple IV [3] from the top, though the stone central staircase on the temple’s steep face can be slippery after it rains. Exercise due caution.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/guatemala/peten/the-maya-biosphere-reserve/uaxactun
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/guatemala/peten/tikal-national-park/tikal/the-great-plaza
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/guatemala/peten/tikal-national-park/tikal/temple-iv-and-complex-n