5 Mayan Archeological Sites that You Should Know About (and Explore) in Chiapas
We present five archeological sites—the essential ones—left by the Mayan culture in Chiapas. Marvel at the treasures in Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, Toniná, and Chinkultic!
1. Palenque
Why You Should Go
Palenque is one of the Mayan civilization’s most enigmatic archeological sites. In 1952, the archeologist Alberto Ruz Lhuillier—together with his team—found the magnificent burial site of lord Pacal inside the structure known as the Templo de las Inscripciones (Temple of Inscriptions). He governed the city between 615 and 683 AD. This famous discovery turned the history of archeology in Mexico on its head. It is a spectacular burial chamber that shelters a type of sarcophagus protected by a stunning and superbly carved tombstone. The sarcophagus holds the remains of the ruler who, while living, ordered the construction of the structure and mausoleum to evoke the journey of the dead to Xibalba, the underworld in Mayan cosmology.
Don’t Miss…
The striking image made by the Templo de las Inscripciones and the site’s lush green vegetation which seems to embrace the historic monument. Other structures of historical and architectural importance include: the Palacio (palace), unique for its enormous tower; Templo XIII and Tumba de la Reina Roja, a temple and tomb respectively; and Grupo de la Cruz, made up of three beautiful temples: Cruz, Cruz Foliada, and Sol. They are fascinating!
How to Get There
The archeological site of Palenque is set approximately 56 miles southeast of Villahermosa, Tabasco. Find it by following federal road 186, and turning off on state road 199. It is just over 186 miles northeast of the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of the state of Chiapas, on state road 199.
2. Bonampak
Why You Should Go
Although the tight-lipped inhabitants of the Lacandon Jungle knew about this archeological site for many years, this ancient indigenous city was opened to the general public and the eyes of the modern world only in the 1940s. There, in the small rooms that make up Edificio 1 (Structure 1), archeologists have identified the most spectacular and best preserved murals in the Mayan area. According to specialists, these works depict planning for combat, the fighting itself (which refuted the idea that the Maya were a completely pacifist culture) and the celebrations of victory on the battlefield. This interesting compound is undoubtedly the most valuable treasure of this city whose name literally means painted walls.
Don’t Miss…
The Gran Plaza and Acrópolis structures, where Edificio 1 (Structure 1) with its amazing murals is located. If you are curious, you will surely spot the details on the lintels above the entrances to each of its three rooms. They are elaborately carved, portraying battle scenes, such as one in which a warrior grasps an enemy captive by the hair. This extraordinary Mayan city would, around 790 AD, be almost completely abandoned and be absorbed by the jungle for almost 12 centuries.
How to Get There
Bonampak is found in the municipality of Ocosingo, Chiapas, about 86 miles southeast of Palenque on road 307.
3. Yaxchilán
Why You Should Go
Arriving at this archeological site, almost swallowed by Chiapas’ rainforest, is like the adventure stories idealized in Hollywood blockbusters. Once you get to the town of Frontera Corozal, you will have to go on by boat (the outboard motor kind). The only way to reach this ancient city is by the Usumacinta river, one of Mexico’s mightiest, just as the ancient Mayans—mainly rulers, ambassadors, and merchants—did during the Classic Maya period more than 1,300 years ago when they created communication pathways connecting to other indigenous cities in the region. While visiting, don’t miss your chance to explore the amazing structures that make up the Laberinto (Labyrinth), the Juego de Pelota (ball court), and the spectacular Acrópolis, one of the true pre-Hispanic architectural gems in Chiapas.
Don’t Miss…
The incredible view from around Estructura 33 (Structure 33) in this Mayan city. You can see the tallest buildings in the city that are visible through the dense jungle, the rippling silhouette of Usumacinta river that embraces the archeological site like a mother her daughter, and then in the distance (and as far as the eye can reach) is the incredible Petén in Guatemala that seems to fade into the horizon.
How to Get There
Yaxchilán sits around 93 miles southeast of the town of Palenque following road 307, and then taking the turnoff in the town of Frontera Corozal.
4. Toniná
Why You Should Go
This ancient Mayan city, located high on an artificial mountain and built in the northern part of the valley of Ocosingo, was once an important military stronghold. This is seen in the many depictions of warriors and captives carved in rocks and covered with stucco that adorned the temples and key structures in this millenary indigenous city whose golden age was around the 7th century AD.
In this “house of stone” or “place where stone sculptures are erected to honor time,” as its name denotes in the Mayan language, you can also explore the seven platforms that make up its Acrópolis. These improved the flow of people across the esplanades and passageways that lead to the various temples and palaces that form the city. The most extraordinary of these reached up to 230 feet high—a true feat of engineering and architecture in the Classical Maya era.
Don’t Miss…
The magnificent reliefs, carved into limestone, which decorated the city’s main temples. The most beautiful of which feature richly dressed warriors with lances, helmets, and protective garments. They also show prisoners with their hands tied who seem to be about to take their last breath. If your interest is piqued, we recommend searching for the carving that portrays the terrible image of the god of death with its exposed backbone.
How to Get There
Toniná lies just over 7 miles east of the town of Ocosingo and 83 miles south of the archeological site of Palenque on federal road 199.
5. Chinkultic
Why You Should Go
The name of this venerable Mayan city, erected on an immense limestone hill, means “stepped pool.” This may be because of a series of 3 naturally-formed bodies of water that can be seen from high up in its most impressive complexes, such as the Acrópolis or Grupo A (Group A) or the quadrangle in Grupo B (Group B), scattered over the more than 741 acres that have been explored by archeologists in Chinkultic. Its beauty is striking and much admired by visitors and fans of images that contrast the wild natural beauty of the place with the ancient architectural legacy of its inhabitants.
Don’t Miss…
In this lesser known city of the Mayan civilization—whose golden age was between 600 and 900 AD—you shouldn’t miss your chance to take the tour on which, in addition to admiring its most extraordinary monuments bestowed with numerous hieroglyphic inscriptions, you can appreciate (and enjoy) its three marvelous bodies of water. During the Late Classic period, these supplied the vital liquid to the citizens of this important city-state. There is the blue cenote pool to the north, Chanujabab lake to the northeast, and Tepancuapan lake to the northwest. The sight is enchanting!
How to Get There
Chinkultic is located about 30 miles east of Comitán de Domínguez, on roads 190 and 307.