Yaxchilan and Bonampak Archaeological Zone
Description
In Yaxchilan you can appreciate splendid scenery of evergreen high jungle blanket to this magnificent archaeological site famous for its patent sculptural art in stelae and lintels. To build it, the Mayans took advantage of the characteristics of the terrain of a peninsula surrounded by a meander of the river. In Bonampak we can appreciate the magnificent Lacandon jungle, in the site there are three rooms with paintings, it should be noted that this is among the best preserved Mayan murals, in the murals the trade of war and human sacrifice is clearly shown.
Tour Options
Itinerary
In Yaxchilan (green stones) you will be able to appreciate the Lacandon jungle, on the banks of the Usumacinta River, where we will have to navigate a 1hr boat to reach the archaeological site, in this imposing city you will be able to observe its beautiful architecture and sculptural art, its 124 inscriptions distributed on stelae, altars and lintels, which relate the actions of their rulers, ceremonies, battles, rituals and daily life.
In Bonampak (painted walls), we will go a little further into the Lacandon jungle where you will be able to appreciate the incredible painted murals that stand out for their great degree of conservation. You can also have the experience of being in contact with the Lacandones, they are native people of the jungle.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
YOU ARE RECOMMENDED TO BE 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE DEPARTURE TIME AT HOTEL RECEPTION.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(32)
Please do not miss this! We were picked up from our hotel. En route we stopped at an extremely authentic place for a delicious breakfast. Following this, we went to Yaxchillan which was one of the most interesting and beautiful sites I have ever visited (I’ve travelled a lot of the world). The boat ride was safe, stunning and a lot of fun! We took our time exploring the site and learning lots! Our guide was very well-informed and provided a lot of information in a very calm and approachable way, answering every question we had. After exploring the site in our own time (not rushed whatsoever), we returned to the port and had a beautiful lunch (we agreed on what we wanted before getting on the boats). It was delicious. We then headed to Bonampak which was equally beautiful. We were allowed to explore the sites and climb each monument if we wanted to (same with Yaxchillan). I’d also like to note we saw (and heard) lots of monkeys, an alligator, bats and the tour before even saw a jaguar! After this we headed back to our hotel with massive smiles on our faces.
Everything went smoothly. The van was new and the driver was good. The various syops were well organized. A couple of minor notes: this is not a guided tour, if you want a guide your group will pay onsite. Expect to get back a bit later than they suggssts. We returned by 8pm, but it was a long day.
Excellent experience !! The journey was long, but it was totally worth every second. The cultural exposure and experiencing the “Maya Mundo” was unforgettable.
Spectacular....off the beaten path literally. A great long boat trip on the river between Mexico and Guatemala to the city of Yaxhilan, Then you find yourself on a Mayan site half covered in vines and looking as if You yourself had discovered the city for the first time. The spider monkeys were amazing as well the howlers. Bonampak has an impressive temple set in the hillside and the famous murals of the Riyal Jaguar line. There's a lot of driving, 3.5 hrs each way but staff friendly and breakfast and lunch thrown in. Highly reccomended.
Picked up late. Seats broken in van; no AC; no English. Food good. 15 hours uncomfortable. 152 topes. Ruins and boat ride SPECTACULAR.
Incredible experience. All smooth. Just go!
Fabulous trip, well organised and well worth the money. Great breakfast and lunch stops (very high quality food with lots of choices). And the boat trip and ruins you visit are just sublime. Only slight negative is that it is quite cramped on the minibus, but easily worth the trade off for what you get out of it!
The sites were some of the most amazing we have seen in Mexico, full points for that. The organization of the trip was very poor wirh a lot of confusion, changing cars and schedules. No-one spoke a word of english, would definetly not recommend this tour operator unless you have at least a clue of spanish.
I have done the tour to the archaeological areas of Yaxchilan and Bonampak and it has been a very good experience! The guide explained everything super well, the places have been amazing and everything has worked perfectly. I'll be back!
beautiful archeological sites, to Yaxchilan you get by the Usumacinta river, it is a hidden gem. In Bonampak you will see the best paintings in the Mayan sites. Both are highly recommended
