Yaxchilan and Bonampak Tour
$ 164.00 USD
There are places you can visit, and then there are places you must journey to. The ancient Mayan city of Yaxchilan belongs to the second category. Tucked away in a horseshoe bend of the Usumacinta River, deep in the Lacandon Jungle, this site cannot be reached by road. It demands a pilgrimage by boat, an approach that strips away the modern world and connects you to the past in a way few other places on Earth can.
As a guide who has spent more than 20 years exploring Mexico's most remote corners, I can tell you that the journey to Yaxchilan is one of the great adventures of the Mayan world. This guide is designed to be your definitive resource for the best Yaxchilan tours, showing you the incredible things to do in Yaxchilan and how to embark on this unforgettable expedition with confidence.
The journey to Yaxchilan is half the experience. The powerful Usumacinta River carves the border between Mexico and Guatemala and serves as your jungle highway.
After an early start from Palenque, you’ll arrive at the riverside community of Frontera Corozal. Here, you will board a long, narrow motorboat, or lancha. The hour-long journey is an experience in itself. As you glide over the water, the dense jungle walls rise on either side, creating a corridor of green that feels untouched by time. The sense of anticipation builds until, around a final bend, the first stone temples of Yaxchilan appear through the trees.
Keep your eyes peeled. The riverbanks and the jungle canopy are alive with wildlife. It’s common to see crocodiles sunning themselves, troops of spider and howler monkeys moving through the trees, and a variety of bird species, from majestic herons to colorful toucans. All tours in Yaxchilan begin with this incredible natural spectacle.
Once you step off the boat, you enter a city that was once one of the most powerful in the Mayan world. Yaxchilan is vast, mysterious, and incredibly atmospheric.
The site is dominated by the Great Acropolis, a collection of temples and palaces perched on a hill overlooking the river. One of the most fascinating Yaxchilan attractions is Structure 33, a masterpiece of classic Mayan architecture. You can also explore the winding, dark corridors of the Labyrinth (Structure 19), a building that truly lives up to its name.
Yaxchilan is world-famous among archaeologists for its incredible collection of carved stone lintels—the horizontal beams above doorways. These are not mere decorations; they are detailed historical records depicting the lives, rituals, and battles of rulers like the great Shield Jaguar II and his wife, Lady Xook. With an expert Yaxchilan tour guide, these stones transform from ancient carvings into vivid stories.
Our expedition is a two-part discovery. After immersing yourself in the grandeur of Yaxchilan, we take you to its smaller sister site, Bonampak. Here you’ll find the most vivid and complete Mayan murals ever discovered, providing a stunning, full-color glimpse into the world you just imagined among the ruins. It's the perfect end to our Yaxchilan day trips.
A remote journey like this requires expert planning. When you book Yaxchilan tours with us, every detail is handled.
Our Yaxchilan private tours are led by professional, certified guides who are experts in both Mayan history and the logistics of navigating this remote region. Your guide ensures your journey is safe, comfortable, and deeply enriching from the pre-dawn start to your return to Palenque.
We believe in transparent value. Your Yaxchilan tour price includes round-trip private transportation, the private boat charter on the Usumacinta, all national park and site entrance fees, a hearty breakfast, and a delicious lunch. It’s a complete package designed for a worry-free expedition. The Yaxchilan tour price reflects a full 12-hour day of expert service.
Here are some of our top Yaxchilan tour recommendations based on common questions.
This tour requires a moderate level of fitness. There is a fair amount of walking on uneven jungle trails, some of which are steep. The heat and humidity can also be challenging. It is a rewarding adventure for those who are prepared.
The dry season (November to April) is generally the most comfortable time to visit. However, the rainy season (May to October) brings the jungle to its most vibrant and lush state, which can be a magical experience in itself. All our tours to Yaxchilan run year-round.
Due to its extreme remoteness, there are no "day trips from Yaxchilan" to other places. Yaxchilan itself is the prime destination of a long day trip that originates from a base like Palenque. When planning, search for Yaxchilan day trips that start from the city.
This is more than a tour; it’s a genuine expedition into a lost world. For the traveler who seeks authenticity, this journey is one of the most memorable in all of Mexico. Let us guide you on one of the best Yaxchilan tours. If you want to book a Yaxchilan tour, you've come to the right place. We have many tours in Yaxchilan and the surrounding areas. The list of things to do in Yaxchilan is incredible. As you plan your Yaxchilan private tour, remember our Yaxchilan tour recommendations. There are many tours to Yaxchilan, but our Yaxchilan private tours offer unparalleled service.
The Yaxchilan tour price offers great value. All our Yaxchilan day trips are unforgettable. A Yaxchilan tour guide will enrich your visit. The best Yaxchilan tours create lasting memories. So when you're ready to book a Yaxchilan tour, we're here. We offer the best tours in Yaxchilan. Visiting all the Yaxchilan attractions is easy with us. We have the best Yaxchilan tours. Your list of things to do in Yaxchilan starts here. When planning tours to Yaxchilan, choose the experts. Click here to reserve your unforgettable river journey to Yaxchilan!
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