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14 of the Finest Issues to do in Palenque, Mexico


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A wide view of Palenque Mayan ruins featuring the main palace, which is a large grey stone pyramid building and several smaller stone temples surrounded by lush green jungle against a beautiful blue sky. things to do in palenque.

Mayan ruins, beautiful waterfalls, and jungle day journeys… these are the most effective issues to do in and close to Palenque!

Palenque is especially well-known for the ruined Mayan settlement discovered within the jungles simply southwest of the town. This huge archaeological advanced is a must-see, filled with stone pyramids and historic carvings.

However there’s lots extra to see past these well-known ruins. Surrounded by mountain rainforests and cloud forests, this small metropolis is the proper base for jungle adventures and nature-filled days out.

Inside Palenque itself, you’ll discover a cute, compact “vacationer zone” with jungle vibes and plenty of good eating places. Pattern native delicacies, choose up handicrafts and vibrant souvenirs, or just wander as much as the principle metropolis centre to take a look at on a regular basis life in Palenque.

I’ve damaged this put up into two sections. First up are issues do to inside Palenque metropolis itself – or very close by. Then, we’ve the issues to see and do which are a bit of additional afield, however nonetheless inside day-trip distance. Hopefully, this makes planning your journey to Palenque a bit of simpler.

I hope you’re keen on this peaceable, historic metropolis and its jungle-clad Mayan ruins as a lot as I did! Buen viaje…

What to do if you happen to solely have a day or two in Palenque

Since many individuals solely go to Palenque for a day or two with a view to go to the well-known Mayan ruins, right here’s a fast checklist of the can’t-miss issues to do whilst you’re on the town. You’ll discover extra data on every one within the subsequent part.

  1. Go to Palenque Ruins and the Museum
  2. Browse for souvenirs on the Plaza de Artesano.
  3. Go to Parque Central and Santo Domingo Church – and snap a photograph with the Palenque signal.
  4. Take a tour of the waterfalls close to Palenque.
14 of the Best Things to do in Palenque, Mexico
Exploring Palenque’s Mayan ruins

9 Issues to do in Palenque (and Close by)

After I was researching my journey, I discovered it irritating that plenty of the web suggestions for issues to do in Palenque have been really a few hour’s drive from the city. Some even advisable San Cristobal – a city 5 hours away! What about Palenque itself?!

So, I’ve damaged this put up into two sections. First up are the issues which are really IN Palenque – or lower than an hour from the city centre. Then, on the finish of this put up, I’ve listed the issues which are a bit of additional afield and should be extra of a day journey. Hopefully, this makes planning your journey to Palenque a bit of simpler…

1. Discover the unbelievable Palenque Ruins

The Zona Arqueologica de Palenque is THE factor to do right here! Going to Palenque and never visiting the ruins can be like visiting Giza and never heading to the pyramids!

large grey stone pyramid with grass on the steps and lots of tall trees behind on a very sunny day with blue sky overhead. there are people walking up the stone steps of the pyramid and two people walking along the gravel path in front of it.
You may climb most of the pyramids at Palenque

This Pre-Hispanic metropolis dates from round 200BC to 800AD – after which, the settlement was deserted and overtaken by the jungle. Archaeologists estimate that solely round 5% of the ruins have been excavated: satellite tv for pc expertise reveals a a lot bigger space nonetheless buried beneath the jungle. Because the forest is protected, it’s possible that many of those will stay misplaced to nature perpetually.

Palenque is smaller than extra well-known websites like Chichen Itza and Tikal, nevertheless it has some critically spectacular structure and brilliantly preserved carvings.

It’s additionally a extremely cool sight, with historic stone pyramids dramatically surrounded by dense jungle. You’ll usually hear the cries of howler monkeys as you discover, and should even spot them within the timber – particularly across the entrance to the ruins.

emily wearing dark denim shorts and a white t shirt with green palm trees on it walking towards the camera with her hands in her pockets with sunglasses on her head and her blonde hair loose. she is walking inside a narrow stone corridor with a few electric lights overhead inside a mayan pyramid at palenque
Contained in the Tomb of the Crimson Queen

Probably the most well-known discoveries was the Tomb of the Crimson Queen, a burial chamber containing the stays of a noblewoman – together with an elaborate jade masks. You may really go inside this tomb, though the sarcophagus and its contents are actually housed inside the museum.

Not like Chichen Itza, you’ll be able to climb a number of of the pyramids in Palenque. Some have historic carvings on the prime – to not point out unbelievable views – so the climb is value it.

You would simply spend a full day exploring Palenque Archaeological Zone. Don’t miss the Motiepá Path via the forest for jungle vegetation, towering sequoias, and wildlife. I’ve included a bit on get to the Palenque ruins on the finish of this put up – or click on right here for a full information.

park ranger on a horse. a mexican man wearing beige shirt and cowboy hat riding a light brown horse away from the camera down a trail between tall jungle trees
Don’t miss the Motiepa Path

2. Be taught extra at Palenque Museum

For extra details about the historical past of the ruins at Palenque, don’t miss a visit to the Museo de Sitio de Palenque. This small however wonderful museum is house to some unbelievable Mayan artefacts – together with the extravagantly carved tomb of Pakal, found at Palenque in 1952.

a large stone tomb covered with mayan carvings behind glass at a museum in palenque with black walls in the background
Pakal’s tomb in Palenque Museum

The museum is definitely inside Palenque Nationwide Park, subsequent to the ticket workplace for the Zona Archeologica. So you’ll be able to simply mix the 2 in a single go to.

You may go to the museum first to get a little bit of background earlier than exploring the ruins. However I like to recommend attending to the ruins early and exploring these first to beat the crowds and the warmth, then ending your go to on the museum to study extra.

3. Go to the three waterfalls close to Palenque

a tall waterfall taken with slow shutter so the water movement is blurred. the waterfall is emptying into a green pool surrounded by tocky cliffs and leafy trees.
Misol-Ha waterfall

Chiapas is understood for its spectacular waterfalls, and three of the state’s most spectacular cascades are inside simple attain of Palenque. After the ruins, these are the second hottest issues to go to close to the town.

Misol-Ha: A shocking 35m cascade plummeting down a sheer rock face right into a inexperienced pool. You may swim within the pool so long as you don’t get too near the autumn. Don’t miss the prospect to stroll alongside the rock face right into a crevice behind the waterfall!

Agua Azul: A collection of large waterfalls alongside a river recognized for his or her unbelievably vivid blue water. The color of the water adjustments relying on climate and lighting – it was extra inexperienced after I visited, however is a vivid cyan in some images. Day excursions combining each Agua Azul and Misol-Ha begin from $33pp (click on right here to examine costs and availability).

Emily wearing a black dress black converse and an orange shawl with gold sunglasses and her blonde hair down, standing in front of a pool of turquoise water with a small waterfall behind that on a very sunny day with blue sky overhead
Agua Azul

Roberto Barrios: A big park with quite a few small cascades and swimming pools of vivid inexperienced water. Click on right here for a helpful information to getting there by colectivo, or try this half-day tour ranging from $22pp.

aerial shot of a jungle with several large bright green pools with several small waterfalls linking each pool
Roberto Barrios

Each Agua Azul and Misol-Ha are discovered alongside the highway main in direction of San Cristobal. You can even guide a tour which features a go to to each falls and a switch to San Cristobal – which is nice if you wish to see extra of Chiapas state. Click on right here to examine the most recent costs.

4. Meet the animals at Aluxes Ecoparque

close up of a red macaw with yellow and blue wing eating a piece of fruit whilst standing on a fence with green leafy trees and bushes behind. things to to do in Palenque.

Love wildlife? It is advisable to go to Aluxes Ecoparque whilst you’re in Palenque. This isn’t a zoo; slightly, it’s a conservation space and rescue centre for the care and rehabilitation of wildlife confiscated by the authorities.

This non-profit, non-governmental civil affiliation focuses on conservation, environmental training, and restoration, in addition to the rehabilitation and breeding of native species. Normal entry is 150 MXN (60 for teenagers) – however it’s also possible to pay for particular animal encounters like feeding the crocodiles or manatees.

5. Choose up native handicrafts on the Plaza de Artesano

3D style street art mural of a large red blue and yellow macaw flying. the mural is painted on a wall and floor so it has a 3D effect.
Vibrant mural on the Plaza del Artesano

A brief stroll from Palenque’s vacationer centre, simply down the highway from the ADO station, you’ll discover the Plaza del Artesano (Artisan Sq.). This can be a small, partly-covered market space full of stalls promoting regionally made items and handicrafts. It’s an awesome place to select up some enjoyable souvenirs – and there are some vibrant murals

The Plaza de Artesano can also be simply throughout the highway from the colorful Palenque signal. All of the Pueblo Magicos (Magic Cities) in Mexico have certainly one of these iconic indicators – don’t miss the prospect to snap a photograph whilst you’re visiting!

6. Wander round La Cañada vacationer space

flagstone street with dense leafy trees on either side and a vertical sign with different coloured letters spelling out the word "Palenque"
Leafy pedestrian road within the La Canada vacationer space

A lot of Palenque’s inns and extra touristy eating places are discovered inside a small space often called La Cañada. That is the town’s vacationer space, nevertheless it additionally occurs to be a very lovely neighbourhood, with large, flagstone streets lined with so many timber it virtually looks like strolling via the jungle!

These few blocks are house to some actually beautiful eating places – I particularly liked Casa Antoliana. The neighbourhood is a bit of Disneyland-esque, however very picturesque and a pleasant place to have a wander round.

7. Take a stroll into the “actual” Palenque metropolis centre

sign with letters in different colours of the rainbow spelling out the word Palenque with blue sky and palm trees behind on a very sunny day
Palenque signal on the Parque Central

Though the vacationer space is cool, you must also head into downtown Palenque for a glimpse of on a regular basis life within the metropolis. Comply with Primera Avenida out of La Cañada and throughout the bridge to succeed in the town centre.

You’ll discover numerous busy streets lined with cafes, outlets and markets. This can be a great spot to seek out some extra reasonably priced locations to eat – significantly across the central park (see under).

8. Go to Parque Central and Santo Domingo Church

front of a small mexican church with a domed roof with a cross on top and two small towers either side. most of the facade is white with bright blue trim, the lower half of the centre of the facade is exposed grey stone with a blue arched doorway in the middle.
Santo Domingo Church

Throughout the metropolis centre, two sights you’ll be able to’t miss are the Parque Central and Santo Domingo Church. The park is a big paved plaza, house to a different vibrant Palenque Pueblo Magico signal and a few small backyard areas. There are fairly just a few cafes and meals distributors across the plaza, so it is a great spot to seek out reasonably priced native meals.

Proper subsequent to the Parque Central, Parroquia Santo Domingo de Guzmán is a small, fairly church with a white, blue, and uncovered stone facade. It’s undoubtedly value a fast look whilst you’re exploring Palenque metropolis centre.

9. Eat a number of the typical meals of Chiapas

Each area in Mexico has its personal distinctive delicacies, and Chiapas is not any completely different. When you’re visiting Palenque, be sure you strive just a few of the native specialities, together with:

  • Tamales – a conventional prehispanic dish made with masa (a starchy, corn-based dough). The Chiapecan model is flavoured with spices and regional fruits.
  • Cochito al Horno – Chiapas-style slow-roasted pork flavoured with native spices.
  • Shuti broth – a Palenque speciality that includes small freshwater snails cooked in a broth flavoured with hoja santa (Mexican pepperleaf, additionally referred to as jacuanĂ©)
  • Queso Bola – a robust cheese from the close by city of Ocosingo.
  • Click on right here for a meals information from the native vacationer board.

5 Superior Day Journeys from Palenque

A couple of weblog posts I learn instructed San Cristobal de las Casas as among the finest issues to do in Palenque. Not solely is {that a} fully completely different city – it’s additionally about 5 to six hours drive from Palenque, so it’s not likely possible as a day journey!

It’s a gorgeous metropolis and properly value a go to in its personal proper, nevertheless it’s NOT a day journey. So if you happen to’re questioning why I’m not mentioning San Cristobal right here when another blogs do, that’s why!

1. Yaxchilan and Bonampak ruins

Ancient murals in Temple of Paintings of Bonampak, from Classic Maya period. The paintings show the story of Mayan life.

Palenque ruins are the most effective recognized, however there are a lot of extra Prehispanic ruins and archeological websites inside Chiapas. Two of probably the most spectacular are discovered southeast of Palenque, close to the Guatemalan border: Yaxchilan and Bonampak.

Yaxchilan Archaeological Web site is the bigger of the 2. It’s deep within the Lacandon Jungle and may solely be reached by boat!

Bonampak is understood for having a number of the best-preserved Mayan murals in Mesoamerica. These are housed inside a three-room pyramid construction, which you’ll be able to enter to witness the colorful murals courting from 300AD – although solely 3 or 4 individuals are allowed in without delay. FYI – I’ve learn on-line {that a} native rip-off makes it tough to go to solo, so it’s a good suggestion to hitch a tour for this one.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Bonampak and Yaxchilan archeological websites & tropical jungle (from $156.50pp)

2. Jungle Mountain climbing Close to Palenque

emily wearing dark denim shorts and a white t shirt with her blonde hair in a poneytail walking away from the camera towards a very tall sequoia tree in a forest. how to get to palenque.
Mountain climbing within the jungle close to Palenque ruins

Palenque is an ideal base for exploring the jungles of northeastern Chiapas. The ruins are surrounded by subtropical rainforest, in fact, however a bit of additional afield you’ll discover the Lacandon Jungle, one of many largest montane rainforests in Mexico. 

You may go to the Lacandon Jungle on a day journey from Palenque – many excursions additionally embody a go to to the Yaxchilan and Bonampak ruins. However in order for you a correct journey, take into account a two day tour like this one (from $138pp)

3. Metzabok Lagoon

grassy wetlands with a large flat lake with mountains in the distance behind and the blue sky and fluffy clouds reflected in the lake

The Nahá–Metzabok Biosphere Reserve, about 2-3 hours drive from Palenque, is an awesome day journey for nature lovers. The reserve encompasses mountain rainforests, evergreen forests, cloud forests, and a few beautiful lakes. Inside Metzabok are 21 lakes that are interconnected when the water degree is excessive.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Metzabok Lagoon Day Journey from Palenque (from $129pp).

4. Water Rafting within the Lacandon Jungle

Fancy a extra exhilerating jungle journey? Take a river rafting tour within the Lacandon Jungle. You’ll raft via the luxurious jungle surroundings on the Lacanjá river and discover the “misplaced metropolis” of Lacanjá; an historic Mayan archeological website.

This tour begins from $149pp – click on right here for the most recent costs and availability.

5. Villahermosa

large stone scultpture carved into the shape of a head with a face, an Olmec sculpture found in tabasco Mexico, in front of lush jungle plants at Parque Museo la Venta in Villahermosa
Olemc head statue at Parque-Museo La Venta

From Palenque, it’s fairly simple to take a day journey into Tabasco state and go to Villahermosa. This sprawling metropolis is a bit more “off the crushed path” – at the least for overseas vacationers – and it’s solely 2 hours by bus from Palenque.

The principle draw right here is the Parque-Museo La Venta. This “park museum” is stuffed with sculptures, altars, and different stone relics from La Venta, an historic Olmec metropolis in Tabasco state that pre-dates Chichen Itza by over a thousand years. The Olmecs have been the first main Mesoamerican civilisation, recognized for carving large stone heads – a lot of that are housed inside La Venta.

READ MORE: Take a look at my information to the most effective issues to do in Villahermosa to plan your day journey!

The right way to Go to Palenque Ruins

I’ve written a full information on get to Palenque and the ruins, so examine that out for extra in-depth data.

Palenque Ruins Excursions

Should you’re the type of one who prefers becoming a member of an organised tour, there are many choices. Pop into one of many tour firm workplaces within the vacationer space, or guide certainly one of these excursions on-line:

The right way to get to Palenque ruins by yourself

It’s VERY simple to go to Palenque Ruins your self utilizing public transport. You may rent a information once you get to the park entrance, or just discover the ruins alone. Right here’s go to Palenque Archaeological Zone…

Emily wearing dark blue denim shorts and a white t shirt and gold sunglasses with her hands in her pockets bending forwards slightly laughing. she is standing on a stone step with a grassy ledge behind her and below her is a grey stone mayan pyramid at Palenque ruins in Mexico on a sunny day with blue sky overhead.
  1. Take a colectivo (minibuses that run a public transport service) to the ruins. These depart from straight exterior the ADO bus station and often have an indication within the window that claims “Ruinas” (ruins). The price is MXN20pp – attempt to have the change prepared.
  2. The colectivo will drop you on the ticket workplace so you’ll be able to pay your entry price. As of January 2023, the associated fee was MXN104 to enter the Nationwide Park, plus MXN90 to enter the ruins.
    • FYI – the Museo de Sitio de Palenque is right here on the ticket workplace. You may go to it earlier than or after you discover the ruins.
  3. Hop again on the colectivo to get to the precise entrance to the ruins. You can even stroll – it’s about 1km from the ticket workplace to the ruins following the highway.
  4. Present your ticket and enter the Palenque Ruins. You may rent a information if you happen to like (see under), or discover at your personal leisure.
  5. When you’re carried out exploring, take the Motiepá path via the forest again down in direction of the ticket workplace and Museum. This path will take you thru the jungle and previous a reasonably waterfall.
  6. Take the colectivo again to Palenque city centre.

Good to know

There are bathrooms on the ticket workplace, simply earlier than the doorway to the ruins, and inside the ruins website itself. There are plenty of distributors and a few meals stalls in entrance of the ruins entrance. I like to recommend bringing some snacks with you as the costs will typically be greater inside the Archaeological Zone.

Don’t overlook to convey mosquito repellent (VITAL), suncream, and loads of water.

Do I want a information for Palenque?

A LOT of guides will give you their companies each on the ticket workplace and park entrance. Having one will be useful in order for you a extra in-depth overview, nevertheless it’s not important.

white sign with the heading "The Complex of the Cross and the Triad of Palenque". Behind the sign is a large grey stone pyramid out of focus.
Palenque’s ruins are properly signposted

The Zona Archeologica is properly signposted, there’s a map on the entrance and a path main across the website. There are indicators in English and Spanish in any respect the pyramids and temples, so that you’ll get a reasonably good overview of what you’re . And you may study much more on the Museum, which is correct subsequent door to the ticket workplace.

I’ve gone into extra element on this in my information to attending to Palenque, so examine that out for more information.

Extra in and close to Palenque

Issues to do in Villahermosa

Off the Overwhelmed Path Locations in Mexico



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