More
Palenque
tips and insights

High altitude

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

Climate

It 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.

Excavations

Archaeologists have uncovered only a small fraction of the structures.

Getting there

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.

How to avoid
the crowds

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., before Palenque closes.

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