This ancient city of Piedras Negras holds a unique place in investigations. It was right here where Tatiana Proskouriakoff made it possible in “breaking” the Maya written language, bringing Classic Maya kingship into view for the first time in history. Piedras Negras is the largest of the sites along the Usumacinta River, some 25 miles downstream from Yaxchilan. The ancient name of this politic center could have been Yokib, perhaps meaning ´entrance´. Excavated by the University Museum, University of Pennsylvania, from 1931 to 1939, the site was the subject of combined Guatemalan and American project led by Stephen Houston and Hector Escobedo between 1997 and 2004.

The Pasion and Salina rivers converge to become the Usumacinta, the great ribbon of water linking El Petén to the Gulf of Mexico. The ceremonial heart of the city fills a narrow man-made terrace close to the river´s southern bank, but with major structures perched on the slopes of the karst hillscape at its back. Yaxchilan´s dynasty describes and origin in the 4th century, but the city seen today is largely the creation of the two 8th century kings that dominate its history: Itzamna Balam III and his son Bird Jaguar IV.

Itinerary hour by hour: From Flores

Day 1. Flores – Bethel – Piedras Negras

Departure time to Bethel, some 3 hours aprox. Interesting explanations and landscape. Several stops for panoramic pictures.

Arrival to Bethel the border town in Guatemala (it is no necessary to go through Customs).

Departure time to Piedras Negras. It takes some 2 hours 30 minutes to navigate downstream on the Usumacinta. The photo-opportunities along the river make this trip a great adventure.

Arrival to El Porvenir camp-site in Sierra del Lacandon national park.

Lunch-time at El Porvenir camp-site.

Free time for learning and discoveries. A good idea would be to visit the waterfalls near El Porvenir.

Supper time.

A brief introduction about Piedras Negras and the presentation of next day´s activities

Day 2. Piedras Negras

Arriba, Arriba!

Breakfast.

Departure to Piedras Negras a 45 minute hike. On the way to Piedras Negras it is possible to visit a Guerrilla´s camp.

Arrival to Piedras Negras. The visit includes The ball-court area, K-5 structure, West Acropolis, Tatiana Proskouriakoff´s tomb, West Group, South Group and the famous Steam-bath building.

Lunch at Piedras Negras.

Departure to El Porvenir camp-site by boat, 15 minutes ride.

Arrival to El Porvenir and free time for learnings and discoveries.

Dinner.

Introduction lecture of Yaxchilan and delivery of next day´s activities.

Day 3. Piedras Negras – Yaxchilan - Flores

Arriba!

Breakfast!

Departure to Yaxchilan. Some 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Arrival to Yaxchilan.

Archeological visit to Yaxchilan.

Lunch at the site of Yaxchilan.

Arrival to Bethel.

Departure to Flores.

Arrival to Flores.

Farewell dinner at La Danta.