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Published: August 24th 2007
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Start of the Tour
Here, are friends are sharing some bread. Our second day in Palenque we decided to take another tour and we were so glad we did. This was the best tour we have taken since we have been in Mexico. We woke up around 5:15 a.m. for a 6:00 a.m. departure. It was still dark out when we woke up, but ironically enough the jungle was alive. People were coming and going, even at 6:00 a.m., some leaving on tours and some arriving from other destinations.
There was 14 people on this tour and we rode in a very comfortable van, unlike some of the other tours we have been on. The countries that were represented included: US, Mexico, Belgium, Austria and Spain with mostly Spanish and some English spoken.
Our first stop was an hour outside of Palenque where we ate. This restaurant was in the middle of nowhere right off the main road. An all you can eat buffet was included, which made Carlos really happy. The only problem was that at times we didn't get to eat everything on our plate because the local parrots would walk right over to our plate and start eating. There were easily 20 parrots that joined us for
breakfast. Believe it or not, I was fine too. I didn't have any freak out moments nor fear of these parrots because they were harmless ~ they just wanted to eat. They ate everything too: eggs, bananas, watermelon and bread. Carlos offered them some spicy eggs, but they didn't seem to like that.
After a good hour, we were off another hour or so to the Yaxchilan ruins, which is located on the Mexico-Guatemala border. Upon arrival to Frontera Corozal, we were immediately put into boats that took us approx. 45 minutes down the Usumacinta River to the ruins. The only way to get to these ruins are by boat, so you can imagine what an incredible trip we had.
The ruins of Yaxchilan are located in the middle of the jungle so it is HOT and HUMID! The main section of the ruins are on a flat section, but the most spectacular ruins are on the hilltops. We walked through the main section of the ruins and then decided to ascend. The views were incredible, but unforgettable were the roars of the howler monkeys. The roars are almost frightening at first because you don't expect to hear
them, but then you just want more and more of the sound because now you know you are in the jungle.
We then walked to another set of ruins perched on another hilltop, which was the highest point of Yaxchilan. Here, as seen in the photo, we encountered the spider monkeys. These monkeys were having a great day playing in the trees and didn't seen to mind or even notice the dozen people watching them and taking photos.
One of the best things about Yaxchilan is that there are very few people. There were approx. 30 people in total. It made for a much better visit, unlike many of the other ruins.
By this point, you must be thinking aren't they all ruined out yet and the answer is no way. Just when you think you have seen the last of the ruins for your trip, you decide to take another tour. It is always worth it because the history, scenery, ruins, sounds, etc. are always completely different. We are impressed every single time.
After our fascinating visit to Yaxchilan, approx. 2 hours we, once again, boarded the boats for the 45 minute trip back to
Our Boat
The boats have thatched roofs which protected us from the hot sun. Frontera Corozal, where we had a great lunch. After lunch we were off to Bonampak. Bonampak is located in the Lacandon jungle. Upon arrival we had to switch vehicles because only the Lacandonia people are allowed to drive into this protected area. The Lacandonia people still today, wear an all white loose fitting dress accented by their long black hair. Bonampak was hidden to the outside world until 1946 and stories of how it was revealed are still a mystery today.
Drug trafficking and illegal immigration are facts of life in this border region and this area encircles the main area of Zapatista rebel activity . We encountered numerous military check points along the way, but did not have to stop off at any of them. It is advised to be off the roads before dusk so needless to say after our tour of Bonampak we headed back to Palenque. We arrived at approximately 7:00 p.m.
ALL THIS FOR LESS THAN $50 USD PER PERSON; 2 MEALS INCLUDED!!! PRICELESS TOUR!!!
Upon arrival, Carlos and I had time for a shower and change of clothes before heading off to the bus terminal in the city center of Palenque
for our night bus to Merida.
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