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Palenque is one of the most admired Maya cities, set against forested hills at the edge of the lowlands in northern Chiapas. It reached its height in the seventh century under rulers such as K'inich Janaab Pakal, and its buildings are renowned for elegant proportions, carved panels and long hieroglyphic texts. The archaeological site lies within a national park, and the modern town of the same name sits a short distance away.
The Temple of the Inscriptions holds the tomb of Pakal, discovered in the mid-twentieth century and famous for its carved sarcophagus lid. Across the plaza, the Palace is a complex of courtyards, galleries and a distinctive tower. The Temples of the Cross form a group of shrines with detailed interior panels. Forest trails lead past smaller structures and streams, including the Motiepa and Sombrillas waterfalls. Beyond the site, the waterfall of Misol-Ha drops into a pool with a path behind the falls, while the cascades of Agua Azul and Roberto Barrios are popular day trips. In town, Parque Central and the zócalo are the focus of daily life. Many travelers stay near the ruins in El Panchán, a cluster of jungle cabins and restaurants.
Palenque suits travelers interested in archaeology and rainforest settings. Arriving at opening time beats the heat and crowds, and humidity is high year-round.
WiserMap travel guidePalenque Mexico Jungle Maya Ruins and WaterfallsPlan a trip to Palenque in Chiapas: the Maya ruins and Temple of the Inscriptions, jungle waterfalls, local food, where to stay and a simple itinerary.Read the guide
The most famous pyramid of Palenque, holding one of the longest Maya hieroglyphic texts and, deep inside, the tomb of the great king Pakal, discovered in 1952. The tomb is not open to visitors, but a replica is shown in the site museum. Arrive at opening time to see it in the morning mist.
A large complex of courtyards, galleries and rooms in the center of the city, crowned by a unique four level tower that may have been used for watching the sky. Stucco reliefs and carved panels survive on the walls. Walk through the inner patios and look for the carved captives on the stairs.
The Cross Group, three temples around a plaza built by King Kan Bahlam: the Temple of the Cross, the Temple of the Foliated Cross and the Temple of the Sun, each with carved panels inside. They can be climbed for great views over the site. Go in the afternoon, when the sun lights the facades.
Temple XIII, next to the Temple of the Inscriptions, where in 1994 archaeologists found the tomb of a royal woman covered in red cinnabar, now called the Red Queen. A replica of the burial can be seen inside. Look at the sarcophagus chamber, and visit the museum to see her burial items.
The Alberto Ruz Lhuillier site museum, on the road below the ruins, displays carved panels, incense burners, jewelry and the reconstructed burial of the Red Queen with her malachite mask, plus a replica of Pakal's tomb lid. It is included with the ticket and closed on Mondays. Allow about an hour.
A waterfall about 20 km from Palenque where a river drops about 35 metres into a round pool surrounded by jungle. A path leads behind the curtain of water to a small cave. Swimming is possible in the pool when the water is calm. It is a common stop on day tours toward Agua Azul.
A series of travertine cascades and turquoise pools in the jungle, run by the local community of Roberto Barrios about an hour from Palenque, and far less crowded than other falls. Visitors can swim in several pools. Bring cash for the community fee, and respect the rules at the entrance.
A short jungle trail inside the archaeological zone that follows a stream past small cascades and the Queen's Bath pools, down toward the site museum. It is a shady way to finish a visit and leave by the lower exit. Watch for howler monkeys in the trees, and wear shoes for wet steps.
The protected rainforest that surrounds the ruins, with tall trees, streams, toucans, howler monkeys and many unexcavated buildings still hidden under the jungle. Only a small part is cleared. Hire a licensed guide at the entrance to walk forest trails and learn about plants and wildlife.
A wildlife rescue and education center near the road to the ruins, home to rescued macaws, jaguars, crocodiles, spider monkeys and manatees in a lagoon. Guided walks explain the animals' stories and the threats they face. It is a good family stop, and evening visits are sometimes offered.
The central plaza of Palenque town, with a church, a kiosk and shady benches, surrounded by shops, cafes and restaurants serving Chiapan food. In the evening families come out and vendors sell snacks. It is a short taxi or colectivo ride from here to the ruins and the jungle hotels.
A jungle hideaway of cabins, restaurants and campsites on the road to the ruins, popular with backpackers since the 1970s, where howler monkeys call at night and live music plays in the evenings. It is a lively and relaxed place to stay close to the site. Bring insect repellent and a flashlight.
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