A Lacandon Maya-owned campamento of raised wooden cabanas and hammock shelters beside the Lacanja river at Lacanja Chansayab, the closest accommodation to the Bonampak murals and the departure point for boats to Yaxchilan. Power runs on a generator for part of the evening and there is no mobile signal, which is largely the point.
Campamento Rio Lacanja is a Lacandon Maya-owned campamento at Lacanja Chansayab, on the Carretera Fronteriza del Sur in the Lacandon jungle region of eastern Chiapas, near the border with Guatemala. It is the closest accommodation to the Bonampak murals, one of the best-preserved sets of Classic Maya wall paintings, and functions as the departure point for boats to the Yaxchilan ruins on the Usumacinta river. Raised wooden cabanas and hammock shelters sit beside the Lacanja river, with room types ranging from a shared hammock shelter to a Family Cabana with a private bathroom. The on-site restaurant serves simple Mexican meals, and river swimming is possible directly from the camp. Guided jungle walks led by Lacandon community members are a core part of the experience, alongside mosquito screens and generator power that runs only part of the evening. There is no mobile signal and no continuous electricity, which is largely the point: the campamento trades resort comforts for direct access to Bonampak, Yaxchilan, and the surrounding rainforest under Lacandon community management.
Room types
- Hammock shelter
- Shared Cabana
- Double Cabana with private bathroom
- Family Cabana
Amenities
- restaurant
- river swimming
- guided jungle walks
- mosquito screens
- hammock shelters
- generator power
- parking
- camping area
Location
Lacanja Chansayab, Carretera Fronteriza del Sur, 29926 Ocosingo, Chiapas, Mexico
16.7644, -91.1300 View on map
Highlights
- Closest accommodation to the Bonampak Maya murals
- Departure point for boats to the Yaxchilan ruins
- River swimming directly from the camp on the Lacanja river
- Lacandon Maya-owned and guided jungle walks
- Hammock shelters and cabanas for a range of budgets
Tips for visiting
- Visit Bonampak early in the day, before the murals' viewing chambers get crowded and hot.
- Bring a flashlight, since generator power runs only part of the evening and there is no continuous electricity.
- There is no mobile signal at the camp, so download maps and confirm onward transport before arriving.
- Book the Yaxchilan boat trip the evening before to secure an early morning departure.
Accessibility
Cabanas and hammock shelters are raised on wooden platforms reached by dirt paths and steps, with no paved or level routes, making the site unsuitable for wheelchair users.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Campamento Rio Lacanja close to the Bonampak murals?
Yes, it is the closest accommodation to the Bonampak archaeological site and its Maya murals.
How do guests reach Yaxchilan from the camp?
Boats to Yaxchilan on the Usumacinta river depart from near the campamento.
Is there electricity at night?
Power runs on a generator for part of the evening only; there is no continuous electricity or mobile signal.
What types of rooms are available?
Options range from shared hammock shelters to private cabanas with bathrooms, including family-sized cabanas.