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Guide To Palenque Archaeological Park
About Palenque
Read an Introduction to Palenque
Key Attractions
Highlights to be discovered
Getting There & Around
Getting there and around effectively!
Practical Information
Useful Facts, Local Resources & Facilities
Nearby Places & Attractions
Nearby towns & cities; local places of interest
Local Climate / Live Weather
What to expect from local weather
About Palenque
In the Jungle of Chiapas, nestled on a thickly wooded ridge, are the ancient ruins of Palenque (pah-LEN-keh); situated near a town of the same name. The town itself has no real attraction to speak of, but the nearby ancient Mayan city of Palenque is Mexico's most breath-taking archaeological park: in our opinion, the best you'll find anywhere in Mexico, and a must-see Mexico Experience.
Stay Overnight at a Hotel in Palenque
You can visit Palenque for a day, but it is much better to stay overnight. By arriving at a hotel in the day, you can rest, have a meal, swim, and enjoy an evening meal at your leisure.
In the morning, you may enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast and then head to the park early before the day-trippers and midday heat arrive.
When you've finished visitng the park, you can return to your hotel for a swim, a shower and a rest.
During the Mayan period, it was believed to be one of the most important cities of its day. The name Palenque was given to it by the Spanish; its original name, like so much of Mayan history, is shrouded in mystery.
The architecture here is nothing short of dazzling - see our extensive Palenque photo gallery to get a taste of the mood here.
The setting is no less impressive than the architecture: they complement each other perfectly. Surrounded by lush tropical forest and jungle, this site has a serene, mystical atmosphere. From the moment you enter, you feel engulfed by a sense of history, timelessness and awe.
There is an important thing to keep in mind when you're wandering around these ruins: everything you see was built without the benefit of metal tools, the horse or the wheel. This place was created with nothing but the tenacity of human labor.
The surrounding forest is home to a huge variety of wildlife, such as the colorful toucan and monkeys - including howling monkeys.
Palenque contained tombs of ancient leaders and rulers, and still today, excavations are ongoing to uncover more of the mysteries and enigmas surrounding the ancient civilizations of the Maya. Some of the site is still roped off to visitors as work to uncover the hidden treasures, reclaimed by nature over centuries of disuse, continues. A relatively small number of the estimated 500+ buildings have been excavated.
Palenque is situated between some of Mexico's principal tourist areas: Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas and Cancun. It's about an hour and half by road from the city of Villahermosa, which is also the nearest airport. It is too far for a day trip from either Oaxaca, San Cristobal or Cancun, as your day will be taken up with traveling there and back.
Key Attractions
The best way to explore the site is to enter through the main (north) entrance, visit the main temples and structures (see notes below) and then wander around the fringe temples.
There is plenty of space at this park - and shade if you need it. Many people enjoy sitting quietly under the shade of a tree, enjoying the serene ambience. Don't rush Palenque: take your time to really absorb its special atmosphere. Make time to enjoy this park by building in plenty of space within your travel schedule - you won't be disappointed.
Once you have explored the park, there is a trail that leads out of the lower (southern) exit: the trail follows the Otrolum stream; it used to be possible to bathe in the waters, but due to abuse by some visitors, this is no longer allowed for the preservation of the natural beauty.
Below is a summary of the main temples and structures: it is not exhaustive and is intended to give you an idea of what awaits you in Palenque. Be sure to enjoy our extensive photo gallery (probably the most extensive photo gallery of Palenque online) and most importantly - GO THERE. Words and pictures alone cannot describe the impressive impact this place leaves will upon you.
The main, and most attractive ruin is the Templo de las Inscripciones (Temple of Inscriptions). This is the first structure you will see as you climb the hill up to the old city.
Adjacent to this Temple, you'll find Templo XIII and Templo de las Calaveras (Temple of Skulls) - both are ancient burial temples - the former was only discovered as recently as 1993.
El Palacio (The Palace) is an interesting and intricate maze of courtyards and corridors leading into rooms and includes the distinctive Tower - once opened to visitors - but now closed off.
Other Temples and structures of interest include Templo del Jaguar (Temple of Jaguar), Templo de la Cruz (Temple of the Cross), Templo del Sol (Temple of the Sun), Templo XIV, and Templo de la Cruz Foliada (Temple of the Foliated Cross).
There is also an interesting museum on site which records Palenque's history, as well as artifacts from the site.
Getting There & Around
Palenque is located about 90 miles southwest of Villahermosa (Villahermosa is northwest of San Cristobal de las Casas and Oaxaca).
By Air - The closest airport is Villahermosa.
Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines
By Car - Take Highway 186 from Villahermosa. The road is in good condition, and the journey should take around 2 hours. It's best to drive it during daylight hours only. Also see additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.
By Bus - Regular buses make the trip from Villahermosa and San Cristobal to Palenque. From Palenque local transport (buses / taxi) to the ruins is frequent and very inexpensive.
Practical Information
Opening Days & Times: 7 Days a week; 8 am to 5 pm. Admission used to be free for everybody on Sundays, but this rule was changed in February 2003; now only Mexican citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency) can enter free. All children under 13 and those over 60 can still enter free of charge.
Important Tip: Palenque requires at LEAST A WHOLE DAY to enjoy and appreciate fully. Our advice is to stay at a hotel in Palenque, get an early start and arrive at the park's doors around 8 am: before the tour buses get there and before the day's drenching temperatures pick up. The bounty of trees at this park provide plenty of shaded areas to escape from the intense sunlight.
Palenque is a big tour-bus destination. If you want to miss the crowds and get the most out a visit to this, in our opinion Mexico's BEST and most awe-inspiring archaeological park, stay for a night or two at one of the hotels situated next to the archaeological park. It's by far the best way to experience Palenque.
Accommodation: Because of its location, Palenque is best experienced as part of a local visit to the area with at least one overnight stay; either in Villahermosa or better, in Palenque itself. Palenque is not a realistic day trip from either Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas and especially not from Cancun. Find Hotels in Palenque.
Photography & Video: A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological park. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held video equipment. Read the section on Mexperience Travel Essentials about Video & Photography at archaeological sites in Mexico.
Ideal Clothing & Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip sole are essential here - some of the buildings are steep and high. Strong climbing shoes if you plan to ascend the pyramids for the great views they offer. Dress for hot, humid weather. Palenque is in the middle of the jungle so dress using clothes made from light, natural fibers (e.g. cotton); sun screen is an essential accessory; insect repellent is a good idea; a hat and plenty of drinking water. There are toilet facilities on site. Also see Climate below.
Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.
Tourist Information Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.
Nearby Places & Attractions
Major Cities: MexicoCity (closest)
Colonial Cities: Villahermosa, San Cristobal de las Casas, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Oaxaca
Beaches and Resorts in the region: Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Huatulco and Puerto Escondido
Other Archaeological Sites in the region: Chichen Itza, Coba, Uxmal, and Tulum; also Monte Alban and Mitla
Local Climate
Palenque has jungle weather: extremely hot and humid. Dress with light clothes that allow your skin to breathe; natural fibers (cotton) are best; avoid synthetics (e.g. polyester) and denim as you'll feel very uncomfortable wearing them in this jungle climate. Bring sun screen, insect repellent and a hat. Carry plenty of water and stay well hydrated at all times.