Arriving in the still-dark, we showed our tickets, had our bags checked, and followed our guide to the first stop: the tree of life. We held our breath as our guide told stories and led us through the forest. I froze and leaned into my partner every time we heard a low, echoing dinosaur-like rumble from all directions. 

We climbed up to the top of Temple IV and watched as the sun rose, beckoning the jungle to awaken. The soft purple sky serves as the backdrop for this phased-event. The array of tropical birds sing from one side of the trees, then quiet down to let the rapturous cacophony of howler monkeys greet the day.