Palenque has been described as the New York City of the Mayan ruins and I am inclined to agree. With its dramatic rain forest backdrop and such structures as the Aqueduct, the Palace and Pakal’s Tomb it is arguably the most impressive site. I visited Palenque on an overcast July morning which turned out to be a most fortuitous day weather-wise. While the clouds kept the sun from beating me all day, the mist hanging in the early air added to the mysterious feel of the ruins. Howler monkeys sounding off in the distance were almost eerie. Palenque is an amazing place to add to your “bucket list.”
Getting there:
Fly into Villahermosa and take a first class bus to Palenque (2.5 hours). Buses are the easiest, most economical way to get to Palenque and they leave from all major cities in Mexico including Cancun (13 hours), Merida (10 hours), Mexico City (16 hours), Playa del Carmen and Tulum (12 hours).
Where to stay:
Boutique Hotel Quinta Chanabnal would have impressed Pakal himself.
For travelers on a budget, Hotel Maya Tulipanes offers combination accommodation and tour packages at reasonable rates.
Getting around:
Taxis are cheap. They are at the northeast corner of El Parque and at the ADO bus station.
Where to eat:
La Selva, on the road to the ruins, is as upscale as it gets in Palenque. Try the delicious enchiladas mole or the fish prepared a la Veracuzana.
Maya Canada on Calle Merle Greene is consistently good. The menu offers a combination of standard Mexican fare and regional specialties.
Besides the ruins:
Some travelers to Palenque have treated the town as a “one night stand” tourist spot, meaning you go for the ruins and then leave. Stay 2 nights and check out these places. The scenic drives through these hills are stunning.
Misol Ha – A 35 meter high water fall set in the middle of a lush jungle.
Agua Azul – Bring your bathing suit and enjoy cooling off in these spectacular blue water falls. Lots of food vendors and artisans located near the falls.
Day trip to the murals of the Bonampak ruins. They are the finest examples of classic Maya painting found to date.
Take a walk through downtown Palenque. You will surely see Lacandon Indians in their traditional dress going about their daily business. Shop for hand made leather goods and textiles.
Helpful Tips:
Get to the ruins early and bring bottled water.
Before taking photos of locals, be sure to ask permission. The Indians are very shy and view this as an invasion of privacy.