Where the history of the Maya Kings were revealed for the first time. 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 Yo’ki’b, perhaps meaning “the entrance”. Inspired by the deep canyons of downstream or pond nearby hat the Maya associated the underworld.
Highlights: |
This site is within the national park Sierra de Lacandon. Mayan city that was the largest of the Usumacinta. It was here that deciphering Maya writing for first time. Also we visited one of the Mayan cities with lintels and a maze, Yaxchilan. |
Starting at Flores: |
We will meet you at the airport Mundo Maya or any hotel at Flores, El Remate or Tikal. Private transfer to La Técnica or Bethel village 3hrs dirt road. |
Departure at 7:00 am you will first journey overland to the village community of la Técnica, 3hrs. 150 km northwest of Flores. It takes some 4 hours to navigate downstream on the Usumacinta. The photo-opportunities along the river make this trip a great adventure.
10:00 am – Take the boat downstream on the river.
01:00 pm – Box-Lunch on the way.
02:00 pm – Arrival to Piedras Negras. The visit includes the ball-court area, K-5 structure, West Acropolis, Tatiana Proskouriakof´s tomb, West Group, South Group and the famous Steam-bath building.
05:00 pm – Then continue to El Porvenir camp-site by boat, 15 minutes ride there camping.
06:00 pm – Dinner at the camp and Introduction lecture of Yaxchilan and delivery of next day´s activities.
Overnight – El Porvenir Ranger camp.
Jungle morning wake up call. Today explore Yaxchilan an allied city of Tikal and Palenque.
08:00 am – Departure to Yaxchilan 2.5 hrs. navigate the Usumacinta River, which runs between Guatemala and Mexico.
10:30 am – Yaxchilan whose name means "Place of Green Stones" in maya, 3 magnificent stelae and lintels with well-preserved maze even make it a unique place of the mayan cities.
02:30 pm - Arrival time at Corozal Border. Then take a transfer to Flores or Palenque. 3hrs.
End of Jungle trek End of Jungle trek.B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner.
Many travelers interested on expedition to Piedras Negras have questions about the experience and what to need bring. We’ve answered a few of the more common ones here.
The expedition is operated by staff Turismo Aventura (transportation, meals, Cook and guide) and the people la Técnica community (boat) located 150 km west of Flores.
Petén is quite hot most of the year, we can consider that the best season is from October to March. The hottest season is from March to May and June to Nov. is the rainy season. But is possible all year.
It is a Sub-tropical humid forest, where the whole activity take place. It is 660 feet (200 mts) above sea level on average. Since this is a marine origin land we have no mountains to climb (sorry). There is no electricity or water or convenient toilet infrastructure along the trail and/or in the campsites. There is no cellular network neither. Toilet facilities on campsites are basic, some trekkers just prefer nature. Unfortunately, it is completely out of our hands.
You can ask your hotel to guard luggage for free during the Trek. But we can also gladly do it; just bring your luggage to our Agency the same day you start your Trek. If you continue trip to Palenque, you can take it on the trip.
All you will be required to carry is a daypack containing items you will need during the trek (camera, sunscreen, t-shirt, bugs-spray, personal hygienic items, personal first-AID kit etc.).
1 Backpack (water-proof), where you can carry all your personal items.
1 Daypack (water-proof) that you can carry yourself.
FootwearJuly, August, September, October, November: Rainy season. The foot-wear for this season is got to be water-proof, rubber-boots are recommended to bring along.
December, January, February (best time): This time of the year is fairly easy so hiking shoes are good enough.
March, April, May and June: This is the dry season so take in consideration that you will put with temperatures between: 90-109 Fahrenheit / 30-38 Celsius.
Feel free to bring your sandals as well to be used at the camp-sites, although it is important to use the ones with toe-protection.
What to wear:July, August, September, and October: It is our rainy season therefore all your clothes may get soaked. We recommend you to put two or three sets of clothes in water-proof-bags so you can have dried ones at any time. Rain gear and towels.
November, December, January, and February: This are transitional months, we get affected by cool fronts, and therefore we recommend to bring sweaters and warm-clothes. We recommend you to put two or three sets of clothes in water-proof-bags so you can have dried ones at any time. Rain gear and towels.
March, April, and May: This is the hottest and most humid time of the year, and therefore light-clothes. As we tend to have occasional showers it is recommended to bring rain-gear.
Important: All the above information needs to be taken as guide-line, but since weather is nearly impossible to predict take all the advice possible. Check weather fore-cast.
Don’t forget to bring:Water container always with you, flashlight and batteries, broad-brim or peaked cap, sunblock, insect repellent, toiletries.
You also have to bring a copy of your passport with you on the trek, is preferable to leave the original I a safe deposit box or luggage (at the hotel).