Palenque
Palenque means in Spanish “near wooden stakes” in reference to a fortress or an enclosed site. However, the city of Palenque, located in the north of the state of Chiapas, received its name almost 200 years before the famous Palenque ruins were discovered, around the 18th century. This exciting part of Mexico invites you to explore and understand in greater depth its hidden archaeological gems. While you are here, you will find that the area surrounding Palenque offers excellent transportation options, breathtaking landscapes and local customs that will amaze you.
The archaeological zone of Palenque, one of the most important tourist destinations in the state, is located just eight kilometers from the city. The site, set on the first hill of the Tumbala mountains, offers a view of the Usumacinta River plain. Once you arrive there, get ready to be confronted by the largest stepped pyramid in Mesoamerica, the Temple of the Inscriptions, packed with hieroglyphs that have contributed significantly to the study of Maya civilization. The site is surrounded by beautiful natural areas; one of them is the Misol-Ha waterfall, whose drop reaches more than 30 meters, forming a large natural pool ideal for swimming.
You can reach the Palenque ruins from Villahermosa via highway 186/199; the trip takes around 90 minutes (140 kilometers). In the area surrounding the ruins you will find everything you need for an unforgettable visit: lodging –we recommend booking in advance–, numerous shops and affordable restaurants (we suggest La Selva, Los Pinos and El Maya). Since Palenque is a major archaeological attraction, don't be surprised if you find it crowded with foreign tourists. In high season, they arrive in droves.
However, it must be said, there is a good reason for this to happen: everything in Palenque is fascinating. Its jungle surroundings and intricate structures captivate those who visit for the first time. Palenque became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and that same organization has described it as “an incomparable achievement of Maya art. Its structures are characterized by their finesse and lightness, a result of the new construction techniques and drainage methods that were developed in order to reduce the thickness of the walls. The expanded interior space, the multiple openings and the use of galleries give the architecture a rare elegance, richly decorated with sculptures and a kind of stucco never seen before. Its influence was considerable throughout the Usumacinta basin, extending to places as far away as Comacalco, on the western border of the Maya cultural area”. There you have it.
During its heyday, Palenque was an expanding religious center that spread over nearly 40 square kilometers. Only about one kilometer has been excavated, revealing what many consider the architectural peak of western Maya civilization. The knowledge that there is still much to discover in Palenque is, without a doubt, part of its enduring charm.
Its numerous inscribed stone slabs, intricate bas-relief sculptures, inlaid masks and other exceptional adornments give Palenque an air of enchantment and holiness. The Temple of the Inscriptions, with an approximate height of 20 meters, contains one of the only crypts found inside a pyramid in Mexico. In the excavation of the Tomb of Pakal, a 7th-century Maya ruler, a collection of jewels, masks, jade ornaments, wall engravings and other exquisite objects was found. Immerse yourself in the history of Palenque, among the ancient stones of its temples and the charming site museum.
The archaeological zone of Palenque, one of the most important tourist destinations in the state, is located just eight kilometers from the city. The site, set on the first hill of the Tumbala mountains, offers a view of the Usumacinta River plain. Once you arrive there, get ready to be confronted by the largest stepped pyramid in Mesoamerica, the Temple of the Inscriptions, packed with hieroglyphs that have contributed significantly to the study of Maya civilization. The site is surrounded by beautiful natural areas; one of them is the Misol-Ha waterfall, whose drop reaches more than 30 meters, forming a large natural pool ideal for swimming.
You can reach the Palenque ruins from Villahermosa via highway 186/199; the trip takes around 90 minutes (140 kilometers). In the area surrounding the ruins you will find everything you need for an unforgettable visit: lodging –we recommend booking in advance–, numerous shops and affordable restaurants (we suggest La Selva, Los Pinos and El Maya). Since Palenque is a major archaeological attraction, don't be surprised if you find it crowded with foreign tourists. In high season, they arrive in droves.
However, it must be said, there is a good reason for this to happen: everything in Palenque is fascinating. Its jungle surroundings and intricate structures captivate those who visit for the first time. Palenque became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and that same organization has described it as “an incomparable achievement of Maya art. Its structures are characterized by their finesse and lightness, a result of the new construction techniques and drainage methods that were developed in order to reduce the thickness of the walls. The expanded interior space, the multiple openings and the use of galleries give the architecture a rare elegance, richly decorated with sculptures and a kind of stucco never seen before. Its influence was considerable throughout the Usumacinta basin, extending to places as far away as Comacalco, on the western border of the Maya cultural area”. There you have it.
During its heyday, Palenque was an expanding religious center that spread over nearly 40 square kilometers. Only about one kilometer has been excavated, revealing what many consider the architectural peak of western Maya civilization. The knowledge that there is still much to discover in Palenque is, without a doubt, part of its enduring charm.
Its numerous inscribed stone slabs, intricate bas-relief sculptures, inlaid masks and other exceptional adornments give Palenque an air of enchantment and holiness. The Temple of the Inscriptions, with an approximate height of 20 meters, contains one of the only crypts found inside a pyramid in Mexico. In the excavation of the Tomb of Pakal, a 7th-century Maya ruler, a collection of jewels, masks, jade ornaments, wall engravings and other exquisite objects was found. Immerse yourself in the history of Palenque, among the ancient stones of its temples and the charming site museum.
