Mayan temple damaged in tourist 'end of the world' parties

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An ancient stone temple at Tikal has been damaged by tourists flocking to the site for 'end of the world' parties.

According to the Daily Telegraph, tourists climbed on the largest archaeological site of the Mayan civilisation in Guatemala causing damage to the temple.

Technical adviser at the site, Osvaldo Gomez, said: 'Sadly, many tourists climbed Temple II and caused damage.

'We are fine with the celebration, but (the tourists) should be more aware because this is a (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.'

Gomez did not specify the damage that was done to the temple, which is located 340 miles north of Guatemala City, but said it was forbidden to climb its stairs and that the damage was irreparable.

Temple II is about 38 metres high and faces the central Tikal plaza.

News.com.au reports that more than 7,000 people visited Tikal on Friday, which saw a colourful ceremony held by Mayan priests to mark the end of an era that lasted 5,200 years, according to the Mayan Long Count calendar.

Tikal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

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