Palenque Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Cascadas de Agua Azul featuring landscape views and a river or creek
This city is a famous destination in Chiapas and home of some of the most impressive examples of Maya architecture in Mexico.

The archaeological site in Palenque is considered a national treasure. Discover stunning Maya temples and palaces. Admire fine sculptures and carvings dating from about A.D. 500 to 800.

Palenque is in the northern part of the state of Chiapas, Mexico. It was an important Maya city and a significant inland trade center from where the Mayas controlled a large territory. Note that the ruins are smaller than others in the country but the buildings were some of the most interesting and beautiful constructions of the time.

Walk around the Maya metropolis and see numerous temples and palaces with wide courtyards, artificial pools and ornamental fountains. Discover the most famous ruins, including the Templo de las Inscripciones (Temple of the Inscriptions), the Palacio (Palace) and the Conjunto de las Cruces (Temple of the Cross Complex). Learn about innovative architectural techniques used in the ancient Palenque city, such as roof corbels, which improve the structural stability of the buildings and create larger interior spaces.

Explore Palenque National Park, which surrounds the archeological site and is home to emblematic Chiapas’ species. A short drive away, visit the famous waterfalls, called Cascadas de Agua Azul, Cascada de Misol-Ha and Cascada de Roberto Barrios. Pay the entrance fee and enjoy swimming and photography in these beautiful places. Agua Azul and Misol-Ha have particularly blue waters due to their rich mineral content. Stop off at the Ecoparque Aluxes (Aluxes Eco Park), about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the ruins. This non-profit organization rescues endangered animals from the area.

Reach Palenque by air or road. Take a direct flight or bus from Mexico City. You can also take buses from other cities, including Villahermosa, Cancun or Oaxaca. Find the Maya ruins about 6 miles (9 kilometers) from the town center . From here, take one of the many colectivos (local buses) that go to the ruins during the day. The town of Palenque itself is very modest.

Hotel Ciudad Real Palenque
Hotel Ciudad Real Palenque
3.5 out of 5
Carretera a Pakal-Na Km. 1.5, Col. La Mielera, Palenque, CHIS
The price is ₹5,384 per night from 24 May to 25 May
₹5,384
per night
24 May - 25 May
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Palenque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions El Panchán and Museo Del Textil ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (439 reviews)
"The hotel is really good is like getting to an island, when you get out of the property everything is normal in a small town, and when you return to the hotel you don't feel the Town"

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2024

Hotel Ciudad Real Palenque
Hotel Villa Mercedes Palenque
Hotel Villa Mercedes Palenque
3.5 out of 5
Km 2.9 Carretera Palenque-Ruinas, Palenque, CHIS
The price is ₹8,257 per night from 14 May to 15 May
₹8,257
per night
14 May - 15 May
Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (462 reviews)
"We weren’t here for long but our stay was amazing.. super clean, and the staff was super friendly and nice. The food was also."

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2024

Hotel Villa Mercedes Palenque
Chan-Kah Resort Village
Chan-Kah Resort Village
3.5 out of 5
KM. 3 Carretera Palenque- Ruinas, Palenque, CHIS
The price is ₹8,927 per night from 26 May to 27 May
₹8,927
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Palenque. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 poolside bars. Popular attractions Museo de Sitio Palenque and Palenque ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (699 reviews)
"Our stay was very relaxing and peaceful.We loved that it was close to the ruins and was very quiet."

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2024

Chan-Kah Resort Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cabaña Ik
Cabaña Ik
2.5 out of 5
Carretera Palenque - Ocosingo Km. 2.8, Palenque, CHIS
Stay at this holiday home in Palenque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Misol-Ha Waterfalls and Museo Del Textil are ...
Cabaña Ik
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Palenque

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 75%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
11 Mar 2019

The Palenque ruins are breath taking. The surrounding area is beautiful, but the town itself does not offer much. Choose a hotel with good facilities and in easy reach of the ruins.

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