The river trip
By boat on the Usumacinta from Frontera Corozal.
Thelmadatter — CC BY-SA 3.0 · ZoRrO0880 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Thelmadatter — CC BY-SA 3.0 · ZoRrO0880 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE — CC BY-SA 2.0
Yaxchilán is an ancient Maya city on the south bank of the Usumacinta River in Chiapas, on the border with Guatemala. It lies at the top of a horseshoe bend that protects it on almost every side. You can reach it only by boat, which makes the visit unlike any other. It was one of the most powerful Maya states on the river in the Late Classic period, with Piedras Negras as its long rival. Its known dynasty begins with the enthronement of Yopaat Balam I, most likely in 359. It stayed small until Itzamnaaj Balam II, who reigned from 681 to 742, when it grew into a regional capital. Its modern name is said to mean green stones, and its ancient name may have meant cleft sky. The city is known for carved stone lintels over the doorways of its buildings, and for stelae whose texts record the history of its kings. You walk under huge trees between the Great Plaza and the palaces, go through a dark passage visitors call the Labyrinth, then climb a long stair to the Acropolis. You may hear howler monkeys in the forest, the sound of the place. The site is 127.6 km in a straight line south-east of Palenque. The drive to Frontera Corozal is put at two and a half to three and a half hours, then about an hour by boat. The site has closed temporarily in the past for local reasons, so confirm it is open and ask a local operator before travelling. Bring insect repellent and water.
By boat on the Usumacinta from Frontera Corozal.
Stones telling the history of the kings.
A dark passage through the buildings.
Ocosingo municipality, Chiapas state
Drive to Frontera Corozal on road 307, then take a river boat. Many come on a tour from Palenque.
Yes, the two sites are close, and many tours from Palenque cover both.