Departure
to Frontera Corozal, the last Mexican town on the Usumacinta river;
in this part of its cause, the river is the political boundary between
Mexico and Guatemala. A boat will be taken from Corozal, this boat
will navigate downriver until reaching the major archaeological
site of Yaxchilán, which is only accessible from the river
or by air. Yaxchilán shows to the visitor the magnificent
combination of pure wildlife and ancient history. Most of its buildings
are covered by enormous trees which can reach a height of 60 to
65 meters in average; still, many of the fine steles, lintels and
bas-reliefs, which reflect the high level of artistic and political
development of this kingdom, are in excellent degree of conservation.
Spider and Howler monkeys, parrots, macaws, wild turkeys will animate
the traveler while walking over the ancient streets built by Shield-Jaguar
and Bird-Jaguar (the two most constructively active Kings). After
visiting the site, time to enjoy the atmosphere and return to the
boat that will get back to Frontera Corozal, from this point proceeding
to Bonampak, archaeological site which is famous for its mural paintings
dating from the Late Classic Period. These murals were ordered by
one of the most important rulers of this small site, Chan Muan II.
This ruler was allowed to use the services from the artisans and
scribes from Yaxchilán, which are presumed to be the authors
of the magnificent paintings known as the “Sixtine Chapel
of America”. |