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Palenque, Mexico
Archaeology & Nature
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Palenque is one of the most important Mayan archaeological zones and a must-see destination on your visit to Mexico’s southern region. Located in the southern state of Chiapas, about 290 km (180 mi) northeast of state capital Tuxtla Gutierrez and 220 km (136 mi) from San Cristobal de las Casas, the Palenque National Park covers some 1,700 hectares (4,200 acres). The ruins are embedded in the heart of a tropical jungle, which gets torrential downpours during the summer and has an average temperature of 26º C (79º F). Palenque features amazing temples and structures dating back to Mexico’s Classic era (from 400-700 AD). The town of Palenque, about 6 km (4 mi) from the ruins, offers everything you will need for your visit: lodging, restaurants, stores and markets, where you can buy all kinds of crafts and enjoy the tasty regional cuisine of Chiapas.
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ARCHAEOLOGY
The ruins at Palenque were explored during the 19th century. Among the most important structures at the site are: The Palace, which has a notable tower that rises above the complex; The Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Cross and Temple of the Foliated Cross, which surround the Plaza del Sol; and the Temple of the Inscriptions. In 1952, a tomb was discovered under this temple with a beautifully inscribed sarcophagus among the funerary furnishings of King Pakal. The ancient ruler of Palenque ordered the temple’s construction, which would also serve as a holy tomb after his death. For more information on the Mayan site of Palenque and other archaeological highlights in the area, please click below.
NATURE
In the ruins’ surrounding areas, you can go hiking amongst dense jungle vegetation while appreciating the abundance of plant and animal species that inhabit the Palenque National Park. You can spot various bird species, howler monkeys, and you might even get a chance to spy a jaguar. Not far away from Palenque you can visit the waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha, two important natural tourist attractions. There, you can take in the gorgeous scenery, which at some time could only be admired by Mayan royalty. Please find below further information about the plentiful natural beauty of this region.
Natural beauty in the Palenque region, Mexico: National Park, Agua Azul, Misol Ha, and Clara The jungle area in which you can find the archaeological zone and town of Palenque covers 3,500 km2 (1,400 mi2). There in the midst of the dense jungle landscape, you will find rivers, waterfalls, lakes and a wide variety of flora and fauna, natural attractions that make this the ideal site for ecot... >> |  |
SUGGESTED DAY TOURS
Whether you would like to know more about the impressive ruins of Palenque, explore the natural beauty close by or visit one of the other amazing archaeological sites of the Mayas in the region, our recommended day tours will provide you with the opportunity to do so in style with your private guide. Please click below for more information.
Tours in the Palenque Region, Mexico: Natural Beauty & Mayan Ruins Apart from the main archaeological site of Palenque the region also features a number of smaller Mayan ruins, each unique in its architecture and setting. The jungle area around Palenque covers 3,500 km2 (1,400 mi2). There in the midst of the dense jungle landscape, you will find rivers, waterfalls,... >> |  |
SELECT ACCOMMODATIONS
We have carefully chosen the most exquisite accommodations that have met our highest standards for comfort and style to assure your stay in the Palenque region is an unforgettable one.
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