Why you should visit the Maya Ruins of Palenque
In this Palenque travel guide, you’ll discover Chiapas’ jungle ruins, quiet temples, and the explorer feeling that makes this site unforgettable.
Palenque is one of those absolutely magical places that captivates you immediately. When passing through the lush green jungle and slowly approaching the first parts of the ruins, you feel like an explorer about to discover something unexpected and breathtaking. I always wonder how it must have felt to discover such a place, enveloped in the greens of the jungle.
There are multiple reasons to visit Palenque. The fact that it is located in the middle of the jungle is just one of them. Another reason is that the ruins are much less visited than, for example, Chichen Itza. If you arrive early in the morning, you might even be lucky enough to have the ruins all to yourself.
Even though there are many ruins to explore in Palenque, the fact that only ten percent of the structures have been cleared makes you feel even more like a real explorer. Only a few of the structures have been restored, which contributes to the special atmosphere of Palenque. It also provides you with the opportunity to use your imagination to visualize how these structures might have looked in the past. Additionally, new parts are still being discovered in the surrounding jungle to this day.
Temple of Inscriptions
Two of the most important buildings at Palenque are the Temple of Inscriptions and the Palace. The Temple of Inscriptions is the first building you will see when entering the archaeological site, as it rises high above the others. It is a stair pyramid that accommodates the second-longest hieroglyphic text known from the Maya world, with many of them having been translated. The glyphic inscriptions outline approximately 180 years of the city’s history. Unlike other ruins in the Yucatan peninsula, you are still allowed to climb this pyramid-like building, which provides you with some great views over the site. However, be warned: it is more challenging than it looks and requires a good level of fitness.
The Palace
From atop the pyramid, you will also enjoy a great view of the Palace, which is located adjacent to it. The Palace is a complex of several interconnected buildings, linked by narrow hallways. In contrast to the pyramid, the Palace almost looks modern in its design. Inside the Palace, you can find numerous carvings and sculptures, as well as courtyards that were once used for gathering and religious ceremonies.
Templo de la Cruz
The most spectacular temple, in my opinion, is the Templo de la Cruz. It does not impress you with its size or spectacularly beautiful ornaments. Instead, it convinces with its position, which is a little off the beaten path and on a small hill, overlooking most of the site below.
The ruins of Palenque are worth a visit. In my opinion, the location of the ruins is more spectacular than that of Chichen Itza. It is also generally less crowded and has a more mystical atmosphere.
If you arrive early, you will get to experience the howler monkeys, which live in the trees around and become silent as the day progresses.
Opening hours of the Palenque Archeological Site: Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission Fees of the Palenque Archeological Site: 70 Pesos (4€)
Not far from the Palenque Archeological Site you can find two other sights, which can easily be added to your one-day itinerary for this area.
Misol-Ha Waterfall
About 40 minutes south of Palenque lies the Misol-Ha waterfall. The waterfall is located in the lush green jungle and consists of two to three streams, which rush down approximately 35 meters. What makes the waterfall special is the small path that leads visitors behind the waterfall and into a cave with a small lake.
Be sure to add this short stop to your itinerary when traveling from San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque or vice versa.
Cascadas de Agua Azul
Some of the most beautiful and magical waterfalls in Chiapas can be found at the Cascadas de Agua Azul. As the name suggests, the water here is a stunning turquoise color. The waterfalls flow down over multiple steps and create small pools, making them perfect for swimming.
Hint: There are several reports on the internet of locals putting up barriers and allegedly collecting entrance fees, but there is only one official entrance near the falls, where you have to pay about 40 Pesos per person. Be aware that traveling in this area requires extra attention, as locals in small mountain villages may try to stop you and ask for money.
When driving from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Palenque, there are some rules that you must follow.
The first and most important rule is to avoid driving in the dark.
The second equally important rule is to drive carefully and slowly.
There are multiple reasons for this.
First, there are many speed bumps or “topes” spread throughout the route. Most dangerous about those speed bumps is that they are not signposted at all, and they may vary tremendously in size, texture, and character. This makes the topes quite unpredictable, and you should always be aware that there might be one right after the next curve, which can cause sudden stops. Therefore, you should always drive carefully and be ready to reduce your speed dramatically.
Secondly, you will pass through many small mountain villages. Although this may sound nice it can be a bit exhausting as almost every village will have a road barrier. The residents of those villages will try to stop you and collect money. Often, they stretch ropes over the road to stop you. It is advisable not to stop at those barriers, but to continue driving slowly but steadily. Usually, they will lower the ropes as soon as they recognize that you won’t stop. There will be many children around, so be cautious when driving through those villages.
Thirdly, the potholes on this route are not just potholes. I remember one section where there was a huge part of the street missing, leaving a huge hole. It was not an issue to bypass this hole by car, but I wondered how the bus, which we met just a few kilometers further down the street, would handle this part of the route.
Do not make any stops along the way.
The area surrounding Ruta 199 is not safe. In 2018, a Polish and a German biker were murdered on this street, and it is still unknown what exactly happened to them, but it is believed that they encountered members of the drug cartel. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you do not make any stops along the route. Plan your trip carefully and only stop at the tourist attractions, such as Cascadas de Agua Azul, the Misol-Ha waterfall, or the Palenque ruins. Even at these locations, be alert and cautious of the people around you. If there are no other tourists present, it is best to continue your journey, particularly at the waterfalls.
