Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Yaxchilán is a Classic Maya city set in a loop of the Usumacinta River, the river that marks the border between Mexico and Guatemala. Surrounded by rainforest and reachable only by water, it was a powerful kingdom known for its finely carved stone lintels and stelae that record the deeds of its rulers. The remote setting gives it an atmosphere many larger ruins lack.
Visits begin at Frontera Corozal, a riverside community where long, narrow boats take passengers along the Usumacinta River crossing to the site. Inside, a dark passage called the Labyrinth leads from the river level up toward the Main Plaza, where Structure 6 and others line the long open space. Steps climb into the Great Acropolis, crowned by temples with roof combs, and Structure 44 and Structure 42 hold carved lintels and inscriptions. Along the stone piling and the wildlife trail, howler monkeys, toucans and parrots are common company. The atmosphere is quiet, shaded and often humid.
Yaxchilán is best for travelers comfortable with a long day and a bit of adventure. Most combine it with Bonampak, famous for its painted murals, on a tour from Palenque, which remains the usual base for exploring the region. Heavy rain in the wet months can affect river and road conditions.
WiserMap travel guideYaxchilan Mexico Riverboat to a Maya City and BonampakPlan a trip to Yaxchilán in Chiapas, a Maya city on the Usumacinta River reached only by boat, with its top sights, Frontera Corozal, Bonampak and Palenque.Read the guide
Frontera Corozal is the Ch'ol Maya community on the Usumacinta River where boats depart for Yaxchilán, as the site has no road access. It has a small museum, simple lodging and restaurants, and a community-run boat cooperative. Arrive by mid morning to share a boat with others and lower the cost per person.
The ride from Frontera Corozal to Yaxchilán takes about 40 minutes by long launch along the wide Usumacinta River, which forms the border with Guatemala. Jungle lines both banks and you may see crocodiles and birds. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water, and keep your passport handy in case of checkpoints.
The long Main Plaza runs parallel to the river and is lined with temples, stelae and buildings. Structure 6, near the river end, is a small temple facing the water. Walk the length of the plaza to see the carved stelae that record the reigns of rulers such as Shield Jaguar and Bird Jaguar IV.
Structure 19, known as the Labyrinth, is a building of dark passages, small rooms and stairways on different levels, entered just after arriving at the site. Bats often roost inside. Bring a flashlight and watch your step, as it is dark and uneven. It is an atmospheric way to begin your walk into the main plaza.
Reached by a long stairway from the Main Plaza, Structure 33 is the best preserved temple at Yaxchilán, with a tall roof comb and carved lintels showing Bird Jaguar IV. Inside is a headless statue of the king. The top gives views over the jungle and river. Take the stairs slowly in the heat and humidity.
The Great Acropolis rises on the hill above the Main Plaza, holding temples and platforms built by Yaxchilán's rulers. Many carved lintels from these buildings depict royal rituals, some now in museums abroad. The climb is steep but shaded in parts, and the jungle setting makes it feel remote and quiet.
Further back in the forest, the Small Acropolis is a hilltop group of buildings and patios reached by a trail from the Main Plaza. It sees fewer visitors and gives a sense of discovery in the jungle. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and insect repellent, and keep an eye on the time so you do not miss your boat.
Structure 44 stands on the high ground of the West Acropolis and was dedicated by Shield Jaguar to commemorate his military victories, with carved steps showing captives. It is one of the farther temples from the river. The path is steep and slippery after rain, so go carefully, and enjoy the view through the trees.
On the Great Acropolis, Structure 42 has lintels showing Bird Jaguar IV with his companions, including one of his captains. Like many buildings here, it shows how the city's art focused on royal power and lineage. Look for the carved doorways and imagine the original colours that once covered the stone.
The forest around Yaxchilán is home to howler monkeys, whose deep roars echo across the ruins, especially in the morning, as well as spider monkeys, toucans, parrots and many butterflies. Move quietly through the site and look up into the treetops. Never feed the animals, and keep food packed away.
About an hour by road from Frontera Corozal, Bonampak is famous for its Temple of the Murals, three rooms covered with painted scenes of Maya court life, battle and celebration, among the best preserved Maya murals anywhere. Many tours combine it with Yaxchilán in one long day from Palenque. Flash photography is not allowed.
Near Bonampak, Lacanjá Chansayab is a Lacandon Maya community offering eco-lodges, jungle hikes to waterfalls and small ruins, and river swimming. Lacandon guides share knowledge of the forest. It is a good place to spend a night between visiting Bonampak and Yaxchilán. Bring insect repellent and light rain gear.
No reviews yet. Been to Yaxchilán? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Yaxchilán? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Jacob Rus, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Martin Haeusler, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: diego_cue, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Adrien Jaccard, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ricardo David Sánchez, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Jan Harenburg, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Gustavo Jeronimo from Aranjuez, Spain, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Noche de la pena, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Manuel de Corselas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: ZoRrO0880, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: BIOLOGO JORGE AYALA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: ProtoplasmaKid, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Daniel Armesto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Jamidwyer at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: diego_cue, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Own work, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Own work, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Own work, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Own work, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Own work, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Inakiherrasti, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Inakiherrasti, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
