Yaxchilan
Zona Arqueológica de Yaxchilán
A Maya city on a bend of the Usumacinta River that can only be reached by boat, known for its finely carved lintels and temples and palaces in the rainforest.
Zona Arqueológica de Yaxchilán sits inside a horseshoe bend of the Usumacinta River, the border between Mexico and Guatemala. In the Classic period it was ruled by the Shield Jaguar dynasty. Its lintel carvings, including the famous bloodletting ritual relief, are masterpieces of Maya art. Visitors take a long-tail boat for about 40 minutes downriver from the Frontera Corozal dock. Within the forest are Temple 33, the Ciudad David Palace, and the dark Labyrinth structure. Howler monkeys and toucans are often spotted. The boat fare is extra, and the site is usually visited as part of a group tour together with Bonampak.
Opening hours
About 08:00–16:30
Nearby sights
- Lacanjá Chansayab
- Bonampak
- Welib-Ha Waterfall
- Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
- Misol-Ha Waterfall
- Agua Clara
- Agua Azul Waterfalls
- Aluxes Ecopark