In the south of Mexico, numerous impressive ancient Mayan cities are hidden, but Palenque truly stands out due to its unique location in the lush jungle. Here, you won’t find low bushes like in Yucatán, but a dense rainforest full of howler monkeys, brightly colored parrots, towering trees, and hidden waterfalls. Only a fraction of this mysterious city has been uncovered; it is suspected that as much as 90% is still covered by the jungle. Palenque in Chiapas offers an enchanting mix of history, culture, and architecture, allowing visitors to experience the magic of the Mayan civilization in a remarkable way. The city is also well-combined with a round trip through the nearby Yucatán. Read on below for everything to experience in Palenque!
Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico
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→ Hotel tip for Palenque: Villas Adriana
The Reason to Go to Palenque: Mayan Ruins
The main reason to add Palenque to your Mexico plans is, of course, the Mayan city you will find there! So yes, once in Palenque, you really need to set aside a day for the Mayan city of Chiapas and its many ruins. This city consists of several beautifully restored buildings, and it is rumored that a large part of the Mayan city has not even been uncovered yet. Our favorite in the Mayan city? The Temple of Inscriptions. The Temple of Inscriptions is the most famous and largest pyramid of Palenque (it even once graced the cover of the Lonely Planet). In this temple, the tomb of King Pakal was discovered. In addition to the Temple of Inscriptions, there are numerous other structures to be found here. For example, the Palace of Palenque, Temple of the Cross, Temple of the Sun Cross, and Temple of the Sun. Beautiful drawings can also be found on various temples, and some others can be viewed in one of the nearby museums: Palenque Archaeological Site Museum. All very impressive!
Two Ways to Visit the Mayan City of Palenque
After purchasing your entrance tickets, you have two options to reach the temples. If you are by car, you can drive a bit further almost to the foot of the ruins. You can also park at the entrance and follow a walking route that takes you through the rainforest to the temples. This path, suitable for anyone who is reasonably mobile, leads past small waterfalls and two suspension bridges. After about 15 minutes of climbing via some stairs, you reach the impressive temple complexes. The path is indicated on the offline map of Maps.me, so make sure to download it in advance. It is possible to visit the complex on your own, but you can also take a guide to learn more about all the architecture and history. Don’t forget to visit the accompanying museum; you’ll learn everything about the Mayans here.
Useful Information When Visiting the Maya Ruins
It’s a good idea to pack a good insect repellent. Also, be aware that climbing the temples is no longer allowed. To avoid the crowds, it’s advisable to arrive early. The entrance gate opens at 8:00 AM, so make sure to be at the ticket booth around 7:45 AM. This way, you won’t be bothered by the heat.
→ Tip: The ruins of the Mayan city of Palenque are surrounded by beautiful jungle. When you’re done exploring, don’t forget to dive into this lush environment as well. There are various paths that lead you to waterfalls or other beautiful spots in nature. We stumbled upon one of the most beautiful waterfalls at a suspension bridge!
National Park Palenque
This national park is a place where Mayan history and fantastic nature come together! It is located next to the Maya ruins, making it ideal to combine them. The park, including the Maya ruins, covers 1,771 hectares. Numerous exotic animals and plants can be found in the park, such as howler monkeys, toucans, and reptiles. Through beautiful walking routes through the jungle, you can try to spot these animals! It is advisable to take a guide, as they will tell you all about the nature and increase your chances of spotting animals. Without a guide, the chances are significantly lower, and you will learn much less about the flora and fauna around you.
→ Tip: The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, which is from November to April. During the rainy season, the paths can become impassable.
Visit the Cascadas Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
These waterfalls are located 30 kilometers away from Palenque. The nice thing is that it is incredibly peaceful here! No hordes of tourists, and with a bit of luck, you may even have the waterfalls all to yourself. The waterfalls consist of different levels, and swimming is allowed. You can view the various levels via some jungle paths. The waterfalls are located in the tropical rainforest, so the surroundings are also very beautiful. During the rainy season, it is recommended to wear closed shoes.
→ Tip: Do you want to visit more waterfalls? Misol-Ha and Agua Azul are also nearby waterfalls to consider. Be aware there may be more crowds. Welib Ja is another waterfall that is wonderfully peaceful.
Take a Boat Trip on the Usumacinta River
An activity that unfortunately I didn’t have time for, but it sounds like a lot of fun! The Usumacinta River is the largest river in Central America, making this a unique experience to discover the nature of Chiapas in this way. The river forms the border between Mexico and Guatemala and winds through dense jungles, steep cliffs, and archaeological sites. During the trip, you’ll sail through a breathtaking landscape of rainforest, where you can hear howler monkeys in the trees, see exotic birds flying above you, and perhaps even spot crocodiles along the banks. Along the way, you can stop at the ruins of Yaxchilán, which are only accessible by boat. Another stop is Bonampak, famous for its best-preserved Mayan murals.
→ Tip: The boat trip can be reserved through local tour operators or websites like GetYourGuide.
Best Places for Food & Drinks in Palenque
You shouldn’t go to Palenque for the lovely restaurants because there are unfortunately few to be found. However, there are a few restaurants you shouldn’t miss.
Café Jade is a modern and cozy restaurant with an extensive menu. You can come here for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The pasta and tortillas are highly recommended! The staff is very helpful.
Don Mucho’s was recommended by the hostess of Villas Adriana for dinner. This was a great tip! Don’t expect a fancy restaurant, because it absolutely isn’t, but it has a fantastic atmosphere. It’s a large restaurant where you can sit comfortably. Regular shows are held. Additionally, the food is delicious and quite cheap by Mexican standards!
A Hotel You Want to Stay At in Palenque
Villas Adriana is a lovely base for your stay in Palenque. The cottages are incredibly cute and nicely decorated, also equipped with all amenities. It is quietly located and the owner is very kind. In the morning you can have breakfast with a view over the lovely inner garden filled with plants and flowers. And another nice bonus: the swimming pool! You will definitely want to hang around here for two days.
→ Book immediately: Villas Adriana
Best Travel Time
The best time to visit Palenque is during the dry season, which is from November to April. The average temperature is 25 to 35 degrees. During the rainy season, you have a chance of heavy rain and muddy paths.
How to Get to Palenque?
Palenque is not located in Yucatan but in the state of Chiapas in Mexico, a bit further south of the country from Cancun. Therefore, Palenque is somewhat remote from the usual tourist routes, so you will probably need to travel quite a few hours to get there. However, the city is well accessible both by car and public transport. Most travelers add Palenque to their itinerary between San Cristóbal de las Casas and Bacalar.
Watch Out If You’re Driving to Palenque…
Driving from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Palenque normally takes about 5 hours through the mountains, but the shortest route is discouraged due to safety risks. In this region, there is little government oversight, and there have been reports for years of aggressive roadblocks by local groups demanding a fee to pass through. There are also occasional robberies. Therefore, it is advisable to take a detour via Villahermosa, which takes about 2 hours longer but is a safe route. The (night) bus takes approximately 9 hours. Check the current schedule in advance and book your tickets promptly through well-known websites. Driving from Bacalar to Palenque takes about 6 hours. Be especially cautious as the road can be treacherous due to many potholes. The (night) bus ride here also takes about 9 hours. Plan your trip well by checking departure times in advance.
Is Palenque in Chiapas already on your Mexico bucket list?
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