Palenque
Mexico · Chiapas · 60 m
Description
Palenque is one of Mexico’s most important and atmospheric Maya sites, set amid the tropical rainforest of Chiapas. The once-powerful city is renowned for its elegant limestone temples and palaces, intricate reliefs and hieroglyphic inscriptions, as well as the famous Temple of the Inscriptions, which houses the tomb of the ruler K’inich Janaab’ Pakal. Surrounded by pyramids, dense jungle and the calls of howler monkeys, Palenque combines the fascinating history of Classic Maya civilization with a spectacular natural setting. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the most beautiful and archaeologically significant ancient cities in Mesoamerica.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Temple of the Inscriptions
- Palace of Palenque
- Tomb of Pakal the Great
- Cross Group
- Agua Azul Waterfalls(Day trip)
- Misol-Ha Waterfall(Day trip)
- Temple of the Cross
- Temple of the Foliated Cross
- Temple of the Sun
- Temple XIII & Tomb of the Red Queen
- Temple of the Skull
- North Group
- Ball Court
- Otulum River & Queen's Bath
- Palenque jungle & howler monkeys
- Bonampak archaeological site & murals(Day trip)
- Yaxchilán archaeological site(Day trip)
- Alberto Ruz Lhuillier Site Museum
- Usumacinta River boat trip to Yaxchilán(Day trip)
- Lacandon Jungle (Selva Lacandona)(Day trip)
- Aluxes Ecopark
- Roberto Barrios Waterfalls(Day trip)
- Metzabok Lagoons(Day trip)
- Nahá Lagoons(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- PQM
- Train stations:
- Palenque