The Mexican Odyssey Journal

Yaxchilan

Yaxchilan is a Mayan city of the classical period dating between 300-900 ACE along the Guatemala border on the Uscimacinta River. The site is expansive but sparsely excavated and is best known for its many stellae containing inscriptions about the history and politics of the ancient city. The site is fairly inaccessible because of the Mexican rainforest, and because it is only reachable by boat, tourism is minimal. In the distance the echoes of howler monkeys intensify the dramatic setting. The combination of few people, as well as the rugged stone covered by green moss and weeds, creates a mysterious atmosphere unlike many other archaeological sites. Yaxchilan weaves a spell that invokes vivid images of a once glorious city of the past.

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