Yaxchilán - Yaxchilán

Yaxchilan is a Mayan ruin in Chiapas in Mexico.

background

Only a few ruins are in such harmony with the environment that one even gets the impression that it grew out of the rainforest. Even entering the facility is often accompanied by the loud roar of the howler monkeys. It is hard to believe that a regional power center of the Maya emerged here strategically directly on the Usumacinta River in the classical period. People settled here very early on, but for a long time this place eclipsed the status of an insignificant small town. But that changed when on August 2nd in 320 AD Yat-Balam ascended the royal throne and ushered in a long dynasty. Through alliances with strong partners like Piedras Negras or Tikal came to smaller regional cities like Bonampak under control of this city. In 654 they joined the war Palenque and competed with this metropolis for supremacy in the region. Around 700 AD, the city attained the greatest power under King Shield-Jaguar II. The King K'inich Tatb'u Skull III is the last known king in the early ninth century.

getting there

The usual journey is initially via the Fronteriza Highway from Palenque to Frontera Corozal. Here is a small port where you can get on a boat. Numerous boats are ready to leave here. Here, a licensed guide usually takes the lead, who then also leads the tourists around the facility. The boat travels 25 km down the river to the facilities. The full tour (including breakfast, lunch and sightseeing Bonampak) is offered daily by numerous providers. You can reserve these via German providers from Germany, but on-site booking is much cheaper. As a precaution, you should take a few extra pesos with you for the trip. From time to time there are minor roadblocks for the residents of the Fronteriza Highway. After paying a small amount (10 to 20 pesos) you can then pass.

mobility

The complex can only be explored on foot. Here you should pay attention to good footwear, as the facility is located in the rainforest and stairs and temples are partially covered with roots. In addition, there is always a basic level of moisture that leads to an increased risk of slipping.

Tourist Attractions

The highlight of the facility is certainly the location in the rainforest. Still half overgrown, the complex still gives the impression of what has just been discovered. Numerous howler monkeys, bats in the buildings and the occasional sighting of parrots complement the ambience perfectly, but although much is still overgrown, there are numerous buildings, steles and frescoes to discover here.

• labyrinth. This building leads to the main square. And this building lives up to its name. A narrow corridor leads to the interior. Nobody will get lost in the building, but at first glance it is a bit opaque. One or the other bat can be spotted in the arches. The main square is on the other side of the building.last change: not specified
  Type is group designation

• Sweat bath. Deep in the rainforest with a humid 30 ° C, it is difficult to understand why the Maya still needed a sauna here. But it is there. The stone that was used to heat the premises can still be clearly seen. The explanation of the archaeologists that the sweat bath had more of a ritual background is definitely understandable.last change: not specified
  Type is group designation

• Ball playgroundlast change: not specifiedType is group designation

• Big Ceibalast change: not specifiedType is group designation

• Stela 1 & 3last change: not specifiedType is group designation

• Templo Mayorlast change: not specifiedType is group designation

• Small acropolislast change: not specifiedType is group designation

• Great Acropolislast change: not specifiedType is group designation

• South Acropolislast change: not specifiedType is group designation

activities

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accommodation

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Practical advice

trips

literature

Web links

Yaxchilan on the INAH website (span.)