How to get there?

1. Getting There (Starting from TGZ Airport)

Airport to Palenque: From Tuxtla Airport (TGZ), take an ADO bus (via Tuxtla terminal) or rent a car. The drive is 5–6 hours. Overnight stay in Palenque is essential.

Palenque to Frontera Corozal: Drive 2.5–3 hours via the "Carretera Fronteriza." This town is the mandatory river gateway.

Tuxtla (TGZ) to Palenque: Buses (ADO/OCC) run 2–4 times daily. Travel time: 5–7 hours.

Palenque to Frontera Corozal: No fixed schedule for public shuttles. Travel time: 2.5–3 hours.

Frontera Corozal to Yaxchilán: Boats run on demand. Travel time: 45–60 mins.

Palenque to Bonampak: No direct public transport. Best reached by rental car or tour. Travel time: 2–2.5 hours.

2. Site Access

Yaxchilán: River-only access. Hire a community boat at the Frontera Corozal pier (45–60 min trip).
Bonampak: Road access via Lacanjá Chansayab. Pay entry fee at the community entrance.

3. Extra Tips

Best Method: Book a private/shared tour from Palenque. They manage all transport, boats, and permits.
Golden Rule: Never travel from the airport to the ruins in one day. The journey is too long and the ruins close early. Stay in Palenque the night before.

Important: Manage your time strictly. Leave the ruins well before closing, as transport to your accommodation can become complicated after 3:00 PM. If staying in Frontera Corozal, remain strictly within designated tourist areas. Leaving these zones is discouraged due to risks associated with the nearby border.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

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It is vital to leave the park with plenty of time, as the exit can become difficult.

November to February. Enjoy pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and perfect conditions for jungle trekking.

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PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

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1.- You must book a tourist guide

because jungle roads are confusing, and a guide will ensure your safety on the correct path.

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2.- You must not travel at night

Because driving on rural roads is dangerous due to poor lighting and limited assistance.

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3.- You should wear comfortable shoes with good grip

Because steep, slippery stone stairs require proper footwear to prevent falls. Specially during rainy seasons.

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4.- You have to carry water and insect repellent

To cope with intense jungle heat and protect yourself from bugs.

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5.- You may need to follow checkpoint instructions

Because local authorities and guards are present to ensure safe travel through the area.

Bring cash (MXN): No ATMs or card payments are available in the area.

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No signal or Wi-Fi: Download your maps for offline use before leaving.

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Itineraries

Option 1 Express (1 Day)

One-Day Adventure: Yaxchilán & Bonampak

05:00 AM – Departure: Leave Palenque early to make the most of the day.
07:00 AM – Breakfast: Enjoy a quick, hearty breakfast in Frontera Corozal to fuel up, as there are no food services available inside the Yaxchilán archaeological zone.
08:00 AM – Boat Ride: Arrive at Frontera Corozal and take a boat down the Usumacinta River to Yaxchilán.
09:00 AM to 11:00 AM – See Yaxchilán: Explore the ancient ruins in the heart of the jungle.
11:30 AM – Travel: Take a boat back and drive to the Bonampak ruins.
01:00 PM – See Bonampak: Visit the site and admire the famous ancient wall paintings.
02:30 PM – Traditional Lunch: Enjoy a local meal in the area.
04:00 PM – Head Home: Start the drive back to Palenque.

Option 2 Express (2 Days)

Day 1: The River and Yaxchilán

07:00 AM – Drive: Leave Palenque and drive to Frontera Corozal.
8:00 AM – Boat Ride: Take the boat down the river to Yaxchilán. Watch for birds and monkeys in the trees.
12:00 PM to 03:00 PM – See Yaxchilán: Walk through the ancient city at a slow pace. You can climb up to the high buildings.
03:30 PM – Lunch & Stay: Eat lunch in Frontera Corozal. Check into a local eco-cabin next to the river.
Evening – Rest: Relax and watch the sunset by the river.

Day 2: The Jungle and Bonampak

07:30 AM – Breakfast: Eat breakfast, then drive to the Lacandon community of Lacanjá Chansayab.
09:00 AM – See Bonampak: Enter the ruins early before it gets too hot. Enjoy the colored wall paintings without the crowds.
11:30 AM – Jungle Walk: Walk in the jungle with a local Lacandon guide. See native plants and a waterfall.
02:30 PM – Lunch: Have a traditional lunch in the village.
04:00 PM – Go Home: Start your drive back to your destination.

Hotels

Traditional Lacandon eco-camps and cabin lodgings are available near the sites, offering an immersive nature experience.

Contact

Yaxchilán Ministry of Culture/INAH

Access via Highway no. 307, intersection to Frontera Corozal, across the Usumacinta River Ocosingo, Chiapas.

Tel: 961 612 83 60 , 961 612 28 24

Bonampak INAH Chiapas Center. Administrator of the Bonampak Archaeological Zone

Mtra. Keiko Teranishi Castillo Tel:

01 (961) 612 83 60 and 612 28 24.

Opening hours

Yaxchilan

Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 14:30. Free admission by Federal Law of community rights. Charges $35 MXN independently of INAH. Restrooms, security, rest areas in the service module.

Bonampak

Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 16:30 hrs

General cost: $210.00 MXN

THIRD-PARTY COSTS

These fees do not include additional charges applied by third parties, such as state governments, Conanp, community groups, or other institutions.

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