Palenque does not need introductions, it is one of the places that due to its beauty and history is part of the universal retina of the traveler. Right away you feel the power of the masterful Mayan city of Palenque, an unmissable place.
Palenque It is the most visited ancient Mayan city of Chiapas. She is the undisputed queen of this attractive Chiapas state, without a doubt she takes the crown.
Many travelers make the jump to Chiapas from the Yucatan Peninsula to see this great archaeological vestige loaded with stories. We will explore it so you don't miss the most important thing in your visit.
Do not miss the 5 archeological zones of Chiapas most impressive
On the history of Palenque:
Palenque, in its heyday, during the Classic Mayan period (250 AD-900 AD), dominated much of the territory and was one of the motor cities of this great civilization.
It is one of the Mayan precincts most beautiful at the architectural level as their governors, especially Pakal and the son who succeeded him, Kan Balam, they raised a city full of beauty and careful details throughout their fruitful reigns.
Here we have found several figures, ceramics, censers, inscriptions and, of course, the Pakal's tomb, located in the very bowels of the Temple of the Inscriptions.
Tombs in the Temple of the Inscriptions from Palenque
El Temple of the Inscriptions It is a mausoleum, it is not the only tomb that was found inside the temple: the most representative are the tombs of Kinich Janaab 'Pakal K'in and the Red Queen.
The most powerful rulers were buried within the pyramids. In many Mayan archaeological sites there are tombs inside the pyramids. These represent the union between three great cosmic levels: Heavenly, earthly and underground.
These levels refer to both the outer universe and the human universe, they represent both. The three levels are linked together, they form a whole. The burial inside the pyramid is the underworld or underground, the being leaves the earthly plane and rises to the celestial.
How to visit Palenque to not miss the best
For me, the ideal route is to start from the main access that takes you through the most distinguished buildings such as the Temple of the inscriptions, Palace, and then you pass the Aqueduct towards the group of buildings that can be seen in the background, the Group of the Cross.
You can climb to the Palace, this building is beautiful, full of details such as its arches or the hieroglyphic staircase. My skin is enchina, really, beauty of place.
El Group of the Cross It is formed by the Temple of the Cross, Sun Temple y Temple of the Foliated Cross. Go up to all the buildings you can, do not miss the magnificent view from the Sun Temple. The archeological zones are a great imaginative playground, enjoy it
Once the main part has been visited, many travelers leave the site through the same door, especially those who are in a hurry or with guided groups. TRAVELER ERROR. You are not in Palenque every day, so do not miss the icing on the place, I tell you.
Following the riverbedNear the Ball Game, there is a path that leads you through the jungle to minor non-ceremonial groups, these are not majestic. If you walk along this path you will find yourself in wonderful corners along the river.
Watch the howler monkeys attentive, it is easy to see or hear them paying attention.
In this area are the housing complexes, they are smaller buildings, not so spectacular, but the road is absolutely beautiful. Watch your walk, it is very possible that you will see howler monkeys,
The Palenque Museum
The road ends in front of the Site Museum of Palenque Alberto Ruz Lhuillier, his name honors the Mexican archaeologist who found Pakal's tomb. A very complete museum for the very little that the INAH, the entity in charge of managing the Mexican archaeological heritage.
The beautiful life-size replica of the Pakal's tomb the visit is well worth it, and if you are from museums, you will enjoy it. It describes very well the daily life, customs, cosmogony, architectural styles. You collect good information from the Mayan civilization.
You will spend your day in Palenque, with the visit to the Museum complete the day. I then like to walk down to my hotel, until the Pachán there are only 2 kilometers.
Where it suits me sleep in Palenque
The historical importance of Palenque together with its spectacular location and the different natural attractions of Chiapas, make Palenque the most seductive places for the traveler in all of Mexico, an essential stop if you travel around here.
Palenque, archaeological site
LOCATION: The ruins of Palenque are located 8 km from the town of Palenque.SCHEDULE AND SERVICES:Open every day from 8 to 16: 30 hours, the main entrance. The one from the site museum from 9 to 16: 15. There are services at the entrance. Inside the enclosure they do not sell food or drinks. Yes they sell souvenirs. Museum: the museum closes on Mondays, from 9 to 16: 15 hours. Eye, go before to see the sarcophagus, which closes before the camera where it is.
PRICE ENTRY: You pay for two tickets to Palenque, one at the main entrance of the park, which corresponds to the Council of Protected Areas (15 mxn) and the other is the entrance to the archaeological zone, which are 51 mxn. On Sundays the entrance of the INAH is free for Mexicans and permanent residents. Access to archaeological sites is free every day for children under 13 years, students, teachers and senior citizens with valid credentials.
HOW TO GET IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION?Palenque arrives at the 7 bus in the morning from the main towns of Riviera Maya: Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum (it is a night bus, there are 2 categories). From San Cristóbal de las Casas 5 hours, Campeche-Palenque is also nocturnal.Official Webof the bus company that operates in the area.
HOW TO ARRIVE TO THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA?It is located at 8 km from the town of Palenque. There are groups that pass continuously to the archaeological zone from the town.
ACCOMMODATIONS:Palenque has an extensive range of accommodation in several areas. To help you choose we wrote our recommendationswhere to sleep in Palenque, hopefully it will help you organize.
WHAT TO BRING?Light and light clothes, hat, insect repellent, closed and comfortable shoes to climb structures and protect yourself from insect bites, some water always goes well.
Good way,
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If you prefer, you tell us your idea of the trip and together we organize it.
How beautiful those constructions. I would love to step on those stones and climb to the top of them! I'm so far away ...
A hug!
Wonderful! And to think that this year we have been on the verge of knowing part of this ... in the end it can not be 🙁 joooo that sent ... and what more beautiful pictures!
Fantastic!! fantastic and unreal, when I see these things, I almost do not leave home ... you do not know how I appreciate it, because it's like taking a walk through places you only see in movies, thanks Sandra, saluditos
What advice do you need to know the spectacular Palenque to go on your own or on tour and how many hours can you spend to travel the way you did? Thank you
Hello Martha, a thousand apologies for answering so late, I have not had internet access in a month, those things keep happening even if they seem strange to us. Palenque you can visit perfectly on your own, the tours organized to me are too fast (usually do the view in an hour and a half or two tours) ... Yes I recommend a guide to introduce you to the archaeological site, there are several certified guides that you find in the same entrance to the enclosure, that usually guide you between one hour or two hours, according to what you agree. The rest of the time he would enjoy the place on his own. If you are calm you may be between 3 and 4 hours in the premises and then you have the museum site that I think is very interesting. At the end you're going a whole day in the place, and it's worth it. Arriving in Palenque is very simple and it is a place with a very varied hotel offer. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for walking around here and I hope you serve. Good traveling road!
Thank you for answering the answer I arrived on time because I travel the second week of September, any doubt I will be writing to you, thank you very much.
Martha, happy to help, you know. We are, good traveling way!
The place is amazing. The photos are great