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CRAIG BILL
The Lost World
TP6060
Sunrise from Temple 4 - The Star Wars "Yavin4" rebel base film shot
We hear a faint voice through the pre-dawn night alerting us that the dark rainy hike to Tikal’s Temple 4 was not canceled - even though the raining tempo convinced me in my dream state it was a total no go. But it was true... the guide waved me out with a small flashlight describing the hike through total darkness in the Guatemala jungle downpour might be possible. I had my doubts on this one at 4am. We assembled our wits then headed out into darkness the was as heavy as the tropical rain fall. The sound of the forest with a billion raindrops along with unfamiliar wrestling insect sounds was novel to my ears as I hugged a plastic cover around me. A few people had fallen into the mud behind us and some decided to go back. I figured this experience might be slightly uncomfortable, but still... I felt adventurous and fortunate - and wet.
After a long track through the jungle, a clearing expanded around us as we stained our necks back to see the tallest temple from the great ancient Mayan City of Tikal. Temple 4 as it is commonly known (or the Temple of the Two-Headed Serpent), is 230 feet or 70 meters tall. In fact, it is the tallest pre-Columian structure in the Americas, soring above the jungle canopy... But I wasn’t here for that. I was here from the famous view from it’s summit. As we climbed the temporary wooden staircase, the rain subsided and gave us a beautiful view of the surrounding jungle city area. Only a few other temples poked out of the trees and foggy mist as we waited for sunrise. This is also the famous film view of Star Wars “Yavin 4” rebel base in 1977. Unforgettable.
Ancient Mayan City of Tikal, Guatemala
Audio Mood
Misty Tikal Sunrise
Limited Editions 100
Artist Proofs 5
ePHOTOzine Reader's Choice Award 2026
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