It extends along the bank, on the level tops of some hills, heading towards the interior. Yaxchilan is located on the south bank of the Usumacinta River, at the apex of a horseshoe-shaped meander. The voice is deep, loud and hoarse, something like a gigantic sea lion or a small T-Rex. Yaxchilan is one of many Mayan archaeological sites located along the Usumacinta River, the borderline between Mexico and Guatemala. The ruins of Yaxchilan, discovered in 1881 by Edwin Rocktroh, are located in a bend of the Usumacinta River. All of these areas are skillfully adapted to the contours of the low limestone hills and attach to each other with the use of terraces, stairways, and platforms. Yaxchilan pronounced: [ʝaʃtʃiˈlan] is an ancient Maya city located on the bank of the Usumacinta River in what is now the state of Chiapas, Mexico. Yaxchilan is 21 kilometres (13 mi) from the ruins of Bonampak. In the Late Classic Period Yaxchilan was one of the most powerful Maya states along the course of the Usumacinta, with Piedras Negras as its major rival. Elsewhere is a continual jumble of limestone rocks and slabs, often fluted from aeons of tides and sediment. From there is it recommended to hire a tour company to get you to Yaxchilan or you may spend days trying to connect cars, with boats, and buses. It is a border town, located on the banks of the Usumacinta River …
We’re just passionate about what we do. Almost immediately after launch, the howler monkeys took up roaring and bellowing across the river. Many companies combine the day with a trip to Bonampak Ruins, which is not a bad idea.There are more than 120 structures in the central area of Yaxchilan that make up three complexes: the Great Plaza, located in the lower part parallel to the river; the Grand Acropolis; and the Small Acropolis. An insect chorus calls constantly out of the dark.A 400km chain consisting of 32 islands, coral reefs, sand banks, mangroves and rich marine life.We’re not funded by VCs or rich billionaires. In 654 A.D., Yaxchilan found itself at war with Palenque in a fight for power and land. The changing water levels in the Usumacinta River would paralyze the settlement throughout the year. It is these architectural details that tell the story of Yaxchilan and enabled archaeologists to unravel the Mayan history in the area.The first published documentation of the site seems to have been a brief mention by Juan Galindo in 1833,with exploration starting in 1882.Study and documentation has continued throughout the 20th and 21st Century by many national and international groups.We love the diverse and rich landscape of Chiapas. Cities fought for power throughout the centuries which makes the history intriguing and packed with interesting stories. Recent, revolutionary technology known as light detection and ranging (LiDAR) allows scholars to remove digitally the tree canopy from aerial images of the now-unpopulated landscape. The site is 40 kilometres (25 mi) upriver from the ruins of Piedras Negras, its major rival. $10 is all it takes to support our workWe breathe freely on the water while the jungle seems impossibly dense.
It beckons the chance to jump off a 15-foot ledge into the deep, cool water.The Mayan ruins, largely abandoned by 1000 AD, were left to moulder under the engulfing jungle. All rights reserved.The Usumacinta rises in the western Guatemala highlands, and the mountains and high ground in southern Chiapas, Mexico, forming part of their common boundary.
The boat ride is a blessing and makes this Mayan ruin adventure a true adventure.Our journey to Yaxchilan Ruins had us heading down the Usumacinta River in Chiapas, Mexico.