Palenque: Yaxchilán and Bonampak 2 Day Tour

Exploring the ancient Mayan sites of Yaxchilán and Bonampak offers a captivating journey into the heart of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. This two-day tour from Palenque immerses visitors in the remarkable architecture, intricate carvings, and vibrant murals that have stood the test of time. From a scenic boat ride to guided hikes through the Lacandon Jungle, the experience promises to leave a lasting impression. But what secrets do these legendary ruins hold, waiting to be uncovered by the curious traveler?

This experience made our list of the 19 Best Tours In Palenque.

Key Points

• The 2-day tour from Palenque visits the Mayan ruins of Yaxchilán and Bonampak, known for their impressive architecture and well-preserved murals.
• The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, meals, boat transfers, jungle accommodations, and a guided hike through the Lacandon Jungle.
• Positive highlights of the tour include the historical significance and visual splendor of the archaeological sites, but mixed reviews mention issues with drivers, guides, and accommodations.
• Visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sun protection, swimwear, and insect repellent for the jungle environment.
• The tour departs early from Palenque, with efficient transportation maximizing the time spent exploring the Mayan sites and natural surroundings.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Palenque: Yaxchilán and Bonampak 2 Day Tour is priced from $147.63 per person.

This 2-day tour offers an immersive experience, with visitors departing Palenque at 5:30 am on Day 1 for a visit to the Yaxchilán archaeological site, followed by Bonampak.

The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, meals, boat transfers, jungle accommodations, and a guided hike.

Travelers can expect to see impressive Mayan ruins and explore the Lacandon Jungle.

While the tour generally receives positive reviews for its highlights, some customers have mentioned driver issues, lack of guides, and poor accommodation conditions.

Itinerary Highlights

On the first day, visitors depart Palenque at 5:30 am for a breakfast stop before transferring to the Corozal border dock.

From there, they’ll take a boat ride to the Yaxchilán archaeological site. After exploring Yaxchilán, the tour visits Bonampak, where visitors can marvel at the impressive murals.

The day concludes with lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in jungle cabins.

The second day starts with an early breakfast, followed by a hike through the Lacandon Jungle to the Mactunina River waterfalls.

Visitors are treated to a hearty lunch before departing.

• The itinerary includes visits to two remarkable ancient Maya sites: Yaxchilán and Bonampak.
• Travelers can experience the beauty of the Lacandon Jungle with a hike to the Mactunina River waterfalls.
• The tour provides a balance of cultural exploration and natural wonder over the course of two days.

Included Amenities

The tour package includes an array of amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Transportation from the hotel, entrance fees to the archaeological parks, and meals including two breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner are all covered.

Travelers will enjoy a boat transfer and accommodations in jungle cabins.

Local Lacandon transportation and insurance within the tour unit are also provided.

Plus, a guide will be available to lead the hike through the Lacandon Jungle to the Mactunina River waterfalls.

These inclusions ensure a convenient and enriching adventure for participants.

What to Bring

When packing for the Palenque 2 Day Tour, travelers should bring comfortable shoes to navigate the archaeological sites and jungle terrain. Plus, a hat and sunscreen are essential to protect against the tropical sun.

Other recommended items include:

1. Swimwear, as there will be an opportunity to visit the Mactunina River waterfalls.
2. Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs in the jungle environment.
3. Comfortable, lightweight clothing that can withstand the warm and humid conditions.

Bringing these key items will ensure travelers are prepared to fully enjoy the immersive experience of exploring Yaxchilán and Bonampak during this 2-day adventure.

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Customer Reviews Summary

Based on 3 reviews, the Palenque 2 Day Tour has an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars.

Travelers praise the impressive ancient sites of Yaxchilán and Bonampak, as well as the highlight of the jungle hike to the Lost City.

However, some customers have reported issues with the driver, lack of included guides at the temples, poor accommodation conditions, and extra costs for certain amenities.

There have also been complaints about long wait times for the return journey.

Transportation and Departure

The tour begins with an early morning departure from Palenque at 5:30 am.

Travelers are transported from their hotel to the starting point, where they’ll enjoy a breakfast stop before transferring to the Corozal border dock. From there, a boat ride takes them to the Yaxchilán archaeological site, the first stop on the itinerary.

The tour includes the following transportation and departure details:

1. Early 5:30 am departure from Palenque hotels.
2. Boat transfer from Corozal border dock to Yaxchilán.
3. Local Lacandon transportation for the jungle hike on Day 2.

This efficient transportation ensures travelers make the most of their time and experience the highlights of the Palenque region over the 2-day tour.

Yaxchilán Archaeological Site

Situated along the Usumacinta River, Yaxchilán is an ancient Maya city that captivates visitors with its impressive architecture and rich history. The site features several key structures, including the Great Acropolis, the Temple of the Flying Stone, and the Palace Complex. Visitors can explore these well-preserved ruins and learn about the sophisticated civilization that once thrived here.

Structure	Description
Great Acropolis	Massive stone pyramid with intricate carvings
Temple of the Flying Stone	Temple with a unique carved stone slab above the entrance
Palace Complex	Sprawling palace ruins with multiple courtyards and chambers

The boat ride across the Usumacinta River adds to the sense of adventure, transporting visitors back in time to this remarkable Maya city.

Bonampak Archaeological Site

After exploring the captivating Yaxchilán ruins along the Usumacinta River, the tour continues to the Bonampak archaeological site.

This ancient Maya city is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved wall paintings, which depict scenes of royal court life, warfare, and ritual. Visitors can marvel at the vibrant colors and intricate details of these murals, offering a rare glimpse into the sophisticated culture of the Maya civilization.

The site’s highlights include:

1. The Temple of Murals, which houses the famous wall paintings.
2. The Acropolis, a massive architectural complex showcasing the city’s power and influence.
3. The Ball Court, where ceremonial games were played.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Interests?

Yes, customers can likely customize the tour itinerary to better fit their interests. Many tour operators offer flexibility to modify the schedule, activities, or locations visited upon request, though additional fees may apply.

Does the Tour Cater to Vegetarian or Dietary Restrictions?

The tour does accommodate vegetarian diners and other dietary restrictions. Travelers should notify the tour operator in advance to ensure appropriate meal arrangements are made during the included meals.

Are There Any Age or Physical Fitness Requirements for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age or physical fitness requirements, but the jungle hike may be challenging for some. Participants should be reasonably fit and able to navigate uneven terrain. The tour operator can provide guidance on suitability.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group Rather Than as an Individual?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers private group options, allowing you to customize the experience for your group’s needs and preferences.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Make Changes to My Booking?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can make changes to their booking with no penalty, providing they cancel within the 24-hour window before the tour start.

Recap

The Palenque: Yaxchilán and Bonampak 2 Day Tour offers an immersive experience into the rich history of the ancient Maya civilization. Participants can explore the impressive Yaxchilán archaeological site, marvel at the vibrant murals of Bonampak, and enjoy a guided hike through the Lacandon Jungle, culminating in a visit to the picturesque Mactunina River waterfalls. This tour provides an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Maya world.

You can check if your dates are available here: