Guatemala

[Tackler]

THE USUMACINTA RIVER

The Usumacinta is one of the largest rivers in Mexico. Also, it is one of the few rivers in North America that flow north. The river begins at the confluence of the Chixoy and Pasion rivers on the north eastern slopes of the Highlands of Guatemala. A few kilometers North West of this confluence the river is joined by the major drainage system of the Lacandon National Forest, the Lacantun River. On a nearby beach, as if to signal this important point, some ancient figures and symbols have been carved on the rocks.

North of the Lacantun, the Usumacinta cuts through the thick limestone bed and winds its way through one of North Americas most romantic wilderness. This mid-section of the river forms the political boundary between Mexico and the Peten of Guatemala for over 140 km. Here the river is supported with a number of enchanting arroyos and streams with equally enchanting names: the Yaxchilan, Busilja, Chancala, etc. Just before the Usumacinta passes out into the savannahs and plains of Chiapas and Tabasco the river cuts a magnificent canyon through the limestone. Throughout this canyon, travertine formations, created by dissolved limestone deposits, create a fantasy of geological shapes.

During the first millennium after Christ, the Maya traveled up and down this river in their dug out canoes. The number of archaeological sites on or near both river banks bears quiet testimony of the Mayas use and exploitation of the area. The beautiful carved monuments of Yaxchilan have supplied important hieroglyphic texts for archaeologists, artists, art historians and epigraphers. Thanks to the combined efforts of these investigators many of the carved figures at these sites now have names and personalities.

At Yaxchilan you will gain an historical understanding of the ruins and learn to read a number of Calendrical and Historical Mayan Hieroglyphs. During our descent of the Usumacinta we will also explore the otherwise inaccesible Classic Mayan site of Piedras Negras in Guatemala.