Guide To Bonampak Archaeological Park

About Bonampak

Bonampak means "painted walls" and it is the highly detailed frescoes - drawings telling the history of the people who lived here - painted on the inside of the walls and roofs of three buildings, which make Bonampak a true delight and major attraction for archaeologists and visitors alike. The frescoes are incredibly well preserved and a highlight of a visit to Bonampak.

This site has been hidden away in the jungle for longer than most: not until the mid 1940s did some American explorers discover the place, supposedly after being taken there by a local from the surrounding Lacandon jungle; the exact tale is as much of a mystery as many Maya sites themselves. Bonampak stretches over 2.5 square kilometers, although all of the main attractions revolve around the group of buildings surrounding the main plaza.

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Key Attractions

The entrance to the site is some distance from the ruins themselves, and it's necessary to take a bus (provided for large groups or during busy periods); otherwise a private car will drive you. Alternatively, you can rent a mountain bike and make the 8km (5 mile) trip using pedal power upon a graveled road cutting through the jungle.

The buildings you can see today were built under the rule of Governor Chaan Muan II, who took the throne around 770AD. It appears that Bonampak was at times ally and foe to the neighboring city of Yaxchilan and the frescoes inside the three buildings of the Templo de Pinturas (Temple of Paintings) - the first showing the consecration of the Governor's Heir; the second a battle and torture and sacrifice of captives (suggesting victory in the battle) and the third celebration with dances and headdresses predominant along with bloodletting from the tongue - an offering of thanks to the gods. Interpretations vary.

Only three people are allowed into each of the rooms at any one time because perspiration (moisture) affects the paintings in a severe way; so you may have to wait. You can take photographs of the frescoes, but flash photography is strictly prohibited and enforced by local officials watching visitors.

See the Mexperience Photo Gallery for Bonampak - including pictures from the inside of the Templo de Pinturas, showing the well preserved and detailed frescoes.

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Getting There & Around

Bonampak is close to Palenque, and tour operators offer the opportunity for people to travel from Palenque to Bonampak and nearby Yaxchilan as part of a day trip to these sites. Bonampak and Yaxchilan are off the Frontier Highway, Highway 307 in Mexico. Important! Highway 307 must NOT be traveled on after dark. Tours begin early in the morning and return to Palenque by dusk; if you are traveling independently be sure you follow the same schedule. See Practical Information, below.

Car Rental - To experience this area at your own pace with the freedom and independence to see precisely what you want, the best advice is to rent a car locally. Public transport is available but very scarce around here. See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental

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Practical Information

Opening Days & Times: 7 Days a week; 8 am to 5 pm. Admission used to be free for everybody on Sundays, but this rule was changed in February 2003; now only Mexican Citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency) can enter free. All children under 13 and those over 60 can still enter free of charge.

Photography & Video: A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held video equipment. Read the section on Mexperience Travel Essentials about Video & Photography at archaeological sites in Mexico.

Ideal Clothing & Footwear: You'll need a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes with a non-slip sole. Wear light clothes - it gets very hot and humid here. Insect repellent is essential in Chinkultic as this site is located in the jungle. See Climate, below.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Safety! Driving in Chiapas: If you are driving independently in this region, using a rental car or your own vehicle, its imperative that you heed some special advice.

It's best to keep off all highways after dark, unless you know them well and have good local knowledge.

The highway from San Cristobal to Palenque (Highway 199) must NOT be traveled on after dark. It is generally regarded as safe during daylight hours. This road cuts through some extremely remote territory including, in the latter stages, sweltering jungle. If you are traveling independently it is essential that you have a good, reliable, vehicle, plenty of fuel and drinking water.

The above also applies to Highway 307 between Palenque and Bonampak / Yaxchilan archaeology sites. Most travelers join others and see these places as part of an organized tour, but there are advantages to driving yourself, and if you do, you must take these additional precautions for your safety.

Military Checkpoints: Expect to pass through at least one, but probably several of these on your road trip through Chiapas. Don't be alarmed, the soldiers may or may not check your car's trunk; they are polite, respectful and can even provide local advice and directions if you need it.

Tourist Information Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office in Palenque.

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Nearby Places & Attractions

Major Cities: Mexico City (Closest)

Colonial Cities: Comitan, Tuxtla Gutierrez, San Cristobal de las Casas, Villahermosa, Oaxaca

Nearest Beaches/ Resorts: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres

Other Archaeological Sites Nearby: Palenque, Tenam Puente, Yaxchilan, Chinkultic

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Local Climate

The Local Climate is the same as that for Palenque; which is jungle weather: extremely hot and humid. Dress with light clothes that enable your skin to breathe. Bring sun screen, insect repellent and a hat. Carry plenty of water and stay well hydrated at all times.

Live Weather Report:(Villahermosa)

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