La Ruta Maya

North America » Mexico » Chiapas
May 4th 2006

Published: May 11th 2006

The Mayan Route is a well traveled (but not well defined) path that winds its way through Southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, linking together sites of cultural importance, like traditional Mayan villages, with the many archaeological sites that dot the area. While there are several places, such as San Cristobal de Las Casas, Palenque and Tikal, that end up on most peoples' itinerar... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 44, Displayed: 21

Comment Follow (30) Message

Keith Martin

explorerkeith

I am from Georgia, but I have lived in California for the past few years. I have been working as an engineer since I got out of school six years ago. I have grown tired of working the never changing rat race of ‘normal life’, so I am embarking on a multi-year round the world journey, a retirement of sorts, beginning with a winter contract job in Antarctica. From there, who knows where I will go, but I plan on seeing the whole world and all of the unique cultures, remote wildernesses and amazing history that this planet has to offer. I am planning on traveling as inex... full info

Blog Options

Top Photos Blog Map

Print Version

[blog=58462]

[blogger=1600]

Artifacts

Parts of Palenque still have artifacts laying around. The obsidian blade was like many of the ones I have seen in museums here - Yes, I left them right where I found them!

The Crypt of the Red Queen

The Red Queen's tomb was in the temple next to Lord Pakal's. The skeleton that was found here was completely red, covered in cinnabar.

Bonambak

The remote site of Bonampak was a real treat to see. It is famous for its frescoes.

Bonambak's Stele

Bonampak had some excellent stele.

The Jungle Staircase

This staircase led up into the jungle from behind the main ceremonial complex at Bonampak.

A Carved Lintel

One of the carved Lintels at Bonampak. Some of the pigmentation is still present on this one.

Bonampak's Frescoes

The frescoes are what made Bonampak famous and they are still in excellent shape.

The Rubber Tree

Notice the slanted scars on the trunk. They are used to harvest the natural rubber.

On the Usumacinta River

The best way to get to the remote ruins of Yaxchilán is to take a launch down the Usumacinta river, which forms part of the border between Guatemala and Mexico.

Guatemala

The river banks were covered in jungle with the occasional farmers' field or slash and burn scar - For the most part it was a beautiful ride.

Bats!

These bats were all over the place at Yaxchilán especially in the first structure I went in where I could feel them fly by my head.

Yaxchilán's Carved Lintels

The famous carved lintels were a sight to see. Most of them were on site and in excellent condition.

Edificio 33

One of Yaxchilán's best preserved structures lies in a small jungle clearing at the top of a large staircase from the Grand Plaza.

Me in the Jungle

Mom, do you see the jaguar behind me?

Jungle Ruins

A view from the trail of Edificio 33.

Beautiful Stele

In addition to the beautiful lintels, Yaxchilán's stele are in excellent condition as well.

Another Nice Lintel

More of Yaxchilán's lintels.

The Misfortunate Stele

After many 'misadventures', this beautiful stele has finally returned to Yaxchilán.

The Beach on the Horseshoe Bend

A lot of people still come and see Yaxchilán despite its remoteness. All of these boats are waiting for their groups to return.

Misol-Ha

Are you sick of ruin pictures yet? Well here is a waterfall. Misol-Ha appeared in the movie 'Predator' and it was a beautiful place to spend some time.

In the Cavern Behind the Falls

No treasure in here, but there was a nice cascade and a refreshing wade to get there.

11th May 2006

Timo
non-member comment

Great
Thanks for your story.I´m going back to see more of the Maya wonders in october so your account was very helpful.Greetings from Finland. Timo

11th May 2006

Kathy Leipman
non-member comment

I DO SEE THE JAGUAR! RUN, SON.
Just kidding. Cool pictures. Are you coming home for Mother's Day? No? Well then, Quiero algo de Mexico. Love, Mom

11th May 2006

Sally Patsios
non-member comment

Mayans
Keith, I have been facinated by the Mayans ever since I did a math project on their number system in my senior year in high school. I am really envious that you have had such a wonderful trip. Just stay away from Montezuma. He is up to nothing but bad things. Take care. Love, Sally

14th April 2011

Ellin Apoikos
non-member comment

Ancient greeks in America...
The Colombus stuff is erratic... Ancient greeks and then Vikings have step foot in American continent...Many greeks colonised there... Read the ancient greek philosopher Plato (Myth of Atlantis) and Plutarch to read the truth...See the similarities in building patterns and art...The formal historians hide the truth...Greeting from Greece!!

Tot: 0.491s; Tpl: 0.012s; cc: 27; qc: 109; dbt: 0.27s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1; ; mem: 1.6mb

Do not copy images or text from this page without requesting and receiving permission. All rights are reserved by the author and photographer.

Contact Keith Martin (explorerkeith) - a lack of a response does not mean that you have permission to use material from this page.

La Ruta Maya

Copyright Notice: All Rights Reserved