Yaxchilan & Bonampak: Hidden Maya Ruins from Palenque
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Discover two remarkable Maya archaeological sites hidden deep within the Lacandona Jungle, combining ancient history with an unforgettable jungle adventure. Cruise along the Usumacinta River by boat to reach Yaxchilán, a spectacular archaeological site surrounded by lush rainforest and known for its carved stelae, lintels, and impressive Maya architecture. Continue to Bonampak, famous for its extraordinary and remarkably preserved murals depicting scenes of Maya life, ceremonies, and warfare. Along the way, enjoy a local breakfast and experience the remote landscapes of Chiapas that make this journey much more than an archaeological tour.
Inclusions
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch (in the selected option)
- Breakfast
- Boat ride on the Usumacinta River
- Local guide on archeological sites (in the selected option)
- Entrance fee
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
What's not
- Gratuties
- Drinks
Itinerary
After pickup from your hotel, enjoy a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours before arriving at a local restaurant for a buffet breakfast. Choose from a selection of traditional Mexican dishes and enjoy a freshly brewed café de olla before continuing your journey into the Lacandona Jungle. The local restaurant may change depending on logistics
Board a boat at the Corozal Border and enjoy a scenic ride along the Usumacinta River toward Yaxchilán. As you cruise through the heart of the Lacandona Jungle, keep an eye out for the lush vegetation and wildlife along the river before arriving at the archaeological site of Yaxchilán.
Step into the ancient Maya world of Yaxchilán, hidden deep within the Lacandona Jungle. Spend approximately 2 hours discovering impressive temples, ancient plazas, and beautifully carved monuments surrounded by the sounds of the jungle—a truly unforgettable Maya experience.
After exploring Yaxchilán, board the boat for approximately 45 minutes and cruise back along the Usumacinta River. Enjoy the lush jungle scenery as you make your way back to the mainland, before continuing to a local restaurant for lunch.
Discover Bonampak, the ancient Maya site whose name means “painted walls.” Upon arrival, transfer to a local vehicle to access the archaeological site and explore its temples and plazas, including three rooms decorated with vivid, well-preserved murals depicting scenes of Maya life, ceremonies, and warfare. After your visit, return to your transportation for the journey back to Palenque, with an estimated arrival around 8:00 PM.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.4
- 527
- 45
- 36
- 23
- 10
Ratings come from 41 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is included for everyone.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 30 travellers
- Operated by
- Encuentro T
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
- Wear Comfortable, lightweight clothing, walking shoes, hat or cap for sun protection, sunscreen and insect repellent
How it compares in Palenque
- Its from-price is 53% above the median of the 46 experiences we list in Palenque.
- It is longer than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 1 of 46.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Palenque
Palenque is a small town in Chiapas beside a Maya city of temples and a palace set on a rainforest hillside, near the waterfalls of Misol-Ha and Agua Azul.
The Maya city of Palenque reached its height in the seventh century, in a hillside of rainforest in the Mexican state of Chiapas. Its stone buildings, with steep pyramids, roof combs and carved stucco, are a World Heritage site. The Temple of the Inscriptions, a stepped pyramid, holds the tomb of the ruler K'inich Janaab' Pakal, found inside in 1952, and the Palace, with its tower, stands in the heart of the site.
