There was proven human sacrifice in the Mayan civilization, but to what extent is unknown. Pictorials have been found detailing the practice as well as the linking of special events in the calendar. What is even further debated is whether or not the Mayans practiced cannibalism. There is no clear evidence, but scholars continue to debate. One theory is that it was a diet reward for the nobel.
In our Tikal adventure video, our guide, details his belief of the sacrifice from this spot depicted in the travel photo.