Palenque

Palenque is one of the most notable cities of the Classic Maya period, seat of a powerful dynasty that dominated the mountains of northern Chiapas and the plains of Tabasco; territory that some researchers have now recognized as the kingdom of Lakamhá. The pre-Hispanic site is one of the most impressive archeological cities in the world.

To know this town is to discover the soul of the Mayan world, understanding myths, rituals, beliefs and admire the majestic architecture of our ancestors. The town of Palenque Pueblo Mágico is located 6 km from the archaeological zone and the national park, it offers lodging services, restaurants, stores and markets.

Combining the history and mysticism of the Mayan culture, this area offers an infinity of attractions of singular beauty: waterfalls, rivers and the interaction with the indigenous Lacandon communities that invite us to carry out adventure activities. All framed by the greenery of the evergreen jungle.

Places you can't miss!

There are so many secrets of Palenque that will leave you wanting to come back to this wonderful land full of myths and contrasts: the rituals, the architecture of a wonderful culture and its rich and varied vegetation. Here we mention what you shouldn’t miss when visiting this city:

Archaeological Zone of Palenque

Metzaboc Ecotourism Centers

Alberto Ruiz Lhuiller Site Museum

Los Aluxes ecological center

Agua Azul Waterfalls

Misol Há Waterfall

Roberto Barrios waterfalls

Archaeological Zones of Bonampak

Lacanjá Ecotourism Centers

Archaeological Zones of Yaxchilán

Gastronomy

Palenque's gastronomy includes pre-Hispanic ingredients, such as chili, corn and cacao, as well as special touches to the wide variety of dishes that make up the vast culinary legacy of the Mayan ancestors. Enjoy a gastronomic experience and don't miss the following recommendations:

Sour atol or sour pozol with chili
Cassava in syrup or sweet potato in syrup
Totoposte
Shote broth with momo
The pacaya capeada

Get to know all our flavors from Palenca.

Our recommendations for your trip

Palenque is a city with a hot and humid climate with abundant rainfall. We recommend you to take into account the following:

The best months to visit are from November to mid-June, when there is less rain.
Keep in mind that April, May and June are the hottest months (between 35º to 42º). Wear cool clothing, preferably cotton, linen or a hat to mitigate the sun's rays.
It is essential to wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen as well as insect repellent.
During the months of June to the beginning of October the rains are very frequent in the afternoon and at night, so don’t forget to carry an umbrella or raincoat.
The turquoise color of the river waters is best seen in the months with less rainfall.

How to get to Palenque?

To get to Palenque, there are several ways, either by land or by air. Here are some of them:

Airlines
- Interjet
Approximate flight time: From Mexico City 1 hr 40 min.
Bus lines: there are daily departures from the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez or Villahermosa, the closest city to this destination, here are the following:
- ADO buses
- Omnibus Cristobal Colon
- Aexxa buses
Kilometers traveled: From Tuxtla Gutiérrez 391 km, From Villahermosa 144 km Approximate time: 6 hr. and 2 hr 30 minutes respectively.
If you travel with your own vehicle, from the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, follow the directions:
Take the Pan-American Highway 190 to Ocozocoautla, when you reach the detour in the direction of Highway 145 to Mexico, take the deviation to Huimanguillo, until you reach the short road of Raudales Malpaso Highway 187, passing through Huimanguillo to Cárdenas, then Continue in the direction of Villahermosa Tabasco on Highway 180 towards Chetumal along Mexico Highway 186 until you reach the Catazajá junction, there you take the detour from Pakalná Highway 199 to the town of Palenque Chiapas.

Note: on this road there are 3 toll booths that are crossed (Ocozocoautla - Huimanguillo - Villahermosa and the approximate cost is $ 350.00)
Kilometers traveled: 391 km Approximate time: 5 hr.

WHY CHOOSE
PALENQUE?

Because it is a starting point to get to know the Mayan Forest of Chiapas and the Mayan Route in general.
For its exuberant vegetation and fauna.
For the wide variety of tourist attractions.
For its archaeological wealth.
Because it is a border city with Guatemala.
For being a guarantee of unforgettable experiences.

With its characteristic hospitality, the people of Chiapas offer the best of themselves to visitors. The varied ethnic composition of the State is one of its greatest assets, so getting in touch with its people is a better understanding of one of the most complex areas of Mexico.