Yaxchilán is located on the border between Guatemala and Mexico, sandwiched between the Usumacinta River and the Lacandon Forest, and across the river from another ancient Maya city, Piedras Negras, in Guatemala. (...)
Yaxchilán is located on the border between Guatemala and Mexico, sandwiched between the Usumacinta River and the Lacandon Forest, and across the river from another ancient Maya city, Piedras Negras, in Guatemala. Yaxchilán is a classic Maya urban complex and is considered a perfect expression of the Usumacinta style, for the architecture is adorned with epigraphic inscriptions and extensive relief sculpture. Yaxchilan and Piedras Negras were of regional importance between 500 and 700 A.D.Since 1882 important epigraphic discoveries have been made from surviving stelae, lintels, and altars, which have provided insights into the extent and complexity of the Maya urban society, their regional networks, and their involvement in trade. While some of the buildings and monuments that are accessible to the public have been maintained at the site, many areas inaccessible to the public had long been undocumented and unprotected. Many structures were in danger of collapsing and the entire site needed improved tourist planning and management. Political unrest in the Chiapas area, looting, and animal infestation contributed to the poor condition of many structures at the site.
