You do not need a map for every ruin site however it is a good idea to have a map for Yaxchilan and Palenque. This way you will not miss anything. It is easy to walk right by something and not even know it is there. Some sites like Tonina are quite open and you can see almost everything from in front of the main structure, however a site like Yaxchilan is a maze of structures spread out through a thick jungle.

Maps are available for the four popular Chiapas ruin sites. They are not sold at every site.

INAH is the official body that oversees Mexican antiquities. They publish a number of excellent map booklets that are inexpensive to purchase - $10 - $15 pesos. These booklets come with a precise map and a brief description of each structure accompanied by some photographs.

Dante maps are colourful plastic laminated maps that can withstand numerous openings and closings and wet weather. Beautifully illustrated these maps generally consist of a site map of the ruins and on the flip side a map of the entire state showing other sites of interest. These booklets come with photographs and brief descriptions of items of interest. These maps cost around $30 pesos.

The maps are only available for the following Chiapas sites:

Palenque
Yaxchilan
Bonampak

There are a number of places to find maps and it is advisable to purchase a site map for every ruin site you can, even if you are not even in the area. Think ahead, the map you see may not be available anywhere near that particular ruin site and you may visit it someday. Besides most of these maps cost less than $3.00.

National Geographic magazines often carry an excellent site map of a ruin site they are featuring. You can either dig through your own collection if you have them or visit a used magazine store that deals in National Geographic.

Books - There are numerous books published regarding many ruin sites both large and small. Many of these books contain detailed site maps.

Magazines - Some magazines like MundoMaya offer site maps from time to time. Some travel magazines do as well although you would have to search through many to find something.