Palenque

travel wonder in Mexico

Why

Palenque

is special

The Palenque (pah-lehn'-kay) archaeological site has well-preserved Mayan ruins. It is nestled in a gorgeous steep-hill landscape blanketed by a lush tropical forest.

Tips & insights

on Palenque in Mexico

The top two attractions of Palenque are:

Temple of Inscriptions (left side of photo) - The building is best known for its long, stone-carved glyphic story board, a Mayan masterpiece. And, Pacal, the greatest of Palenque rulers, is interned underneath the edifice.

Palace (right side of photo) - It sports a distinctive four-story tower and has a rambling complex of rooms and courtyards.

Other major attractions include the Temple of Cross Group and the Temple of Jaguar.

Some temples offer great views of Palenque and of the luxuriant forested plain stretching to the Gulf Coast. But their steps are steep and short-tread, so wear comfortable, good-grip shoes.

Some temple climbers run out of breath, not realizing that Palenque is nearly 3,000 meters (9,000 feet) above sea level.

The climate is typically quite warm, humid and rainy, so wear light cotton clothing and bring hat and rain gear. Sun screen and insect repellent should also be on your packing list.

Palenque dates back to at least about 100 BC. Its glory days were from 600 to 800 AD. Within a 100 years, the city-state collapsed and was abandoned to the encroaching forest. Subsequent excavations, which continue today, have uncovered only a small fraction of the structures.

Most visitors arrive via the Villahermosa airport. They then take a two-hour road trip to Palenque.

Many tour busses make Palenque a daytrip out of Villahermosa.

However, I recommend staying overnight in a hotel in the town just outside of Palenque so you can explore the site when the gates open at 8 in the morning. You'll  beat the tour-bus crowds and the sweltering midday heat. As a bonus, you may see the fog and mist mystically swirling around.

Another low-tourist period is from 3 to 5 p.m., when Palenque closes.

View my other gold,

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winners in Mexico

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for travelers

What every visitor should know.

My Mexican

cuisine guide

I hope your Mexico travel dreams come true - and that my

Palenque page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications