Palenque Archaeological Zone
Among the most famous Mayan sites in Mexico, it preserves palaces, plazas, and temples surrounded by the forest. The Temple of the Inscriptions is one of its most iconic monuments.
America del Nord / Mexico · TRAVEL GUIDE
PalenqueChiapas · Mexico
DISCOVER · PLAN · GO
Ricraider · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
One destination.
A thousand ways to live it.
Palenque is the gateway to one of Mexico’s most enchanting Mayan sites, tucked away in the tropical vegetation of Chiapas. Between monumental temples, museums, and waterfalls set in the jungle, it offers a fascinating journey through history and nature.
6 places to see1 / 3 / 7-day itinerariesInteractive map
THE PLACES THAT TELL PALENQUE
Worth seeing, worth remembering.
Alberto Ruz L'huillier Palenque Site Museum
The museum displays artifacts, sculptures, and objects found in the archaeological area, offering useful context for understanding the history of the Mayan city.
A reserve and conservation center for local wildlife, with trails through lagoons and tropical vegetation. It is a pleasant nature stop on the outskirts of the city.
Misol-Há Waterfalls
A waterfall about 35 meters high plunges into a natural pool surrounded by forest. A trail also leads to the passage behind the cascade.
August Dominus · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Agua Azul Waterfalls
A series of waterfalls and natural pools creates one of the most spectacular landscapes in Chiapas. The turquoise color of the water is especially vivid in the dry season.
Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
Surrounded by lush vegetation, these waterfalls alternate between cascades and natural pools. They make a lovely destination for a day trip out of town.
CHOOSE YOUR PACE
How much time
do you have to get lost?
From a first stroll to a week of discoveries. A starting point to make your own.
A concentrated tour through the most iconic ruins and the natural wonders closest to the town center.
- 1Palenque Archaeological Zone
- 2Temple of the Inscriptions
- 3Alberto Ruz Lhuillier Site Museum
- 4Misol-Ha Waterfall
Three days to explore the archaeological site in depth and venture toward the spectacular turquoise waters of Chiapas.
- 1Palenque Archaeological Zone
- 2Temple of the Cross
- 3Palace of Palenque
- 4Alberto Ruz Lhuillier Site Museum
- 5Agua Azul Waterfalls
- 6Misol-Ha Waterfall
- 7Aluxes Ecopark
- 8Central Park in Palenque
A complete itinerary ranging from ruins hidden in the jungle to indigenous villages and spectacular canyons.
- 1Palenque Archaeological Zone
- 2Temple of the Inscriptions
- 3Aluxes Ecopark
- 4Agua Azul Waterfalls
- 5Misol-Ha Waterfall
- 6Bonampak archaeological site
- 7Yaxchilán archaeological site
- 8Lacandon Jungle
- 9Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
- 10San Cristóbal de las Casas
- 11Sumidero Canyon
- 12San Juan Chamula
- 13Zinacantán
- 14Alberto Ruz Lhuillier Site Museum
GET YOUR BEARINGS, THEN EXPLORE
The city takes shape.
Stop after stop.
BEFORE YOU GO
A well-planned trip.
Getting around
The center of Palenque and the archaeological site are about 7 km apart. To reach the ruins, you can take colectivos, shared minibuses that leave from town and travel along the road to the site, or a taxi. Colectivos are also handy for visiting the Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls, but it’s best to check schedules and return connections. To explore the archaeological site, you’ll be walking a lot on paths and steps, so comfortable shoes are useful.
When to go
From November to April, the weather is generally drier and visits are easier, although temperatures can be high. From May to October, rain and humidity are more frequent; downpours can make the jungle trails slippery. In any season, arriving at the site early in the morning helps you avoid the hottest hours and part of the crowds.
Where to eat
In central Palenque, you’ll find restaurants, taquerías, and casual spots where you can try Mexican dishes and Chiapas specialties, such as tamales. Other options are located along the road leading to the ruins, but choices may be more limited and opening hours vary. For a simple, inexpensive meal, look for places popular with locals and check opening times, especially in the evening.
Quick tips
- 01Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen: the heat and humidity are noticeable even during morning visits.
- 02Use insect repellent, especially on shaded trails and during the cooler hours.
- 03Carry cash in pesos for small purchases and transportation; don’t assume every place accepts cards.
- 04Wear shoes with good grip and bring a light rain poncho during the rainy season.
YOUR STARTING POINT
Wake up in the right place.
Where to stay · Palenque
1 night · max 14 nights
Observed average price · EUR/night
1 night · 1 room · 2 adults · no children
Data still limited · Sample: up to 15 distinct hotels, 3 real searches in the last 48 hours, for this query. Not the official average of the destination and not guaranteed to be representative.
Arrival date
Lowest price among the hotels found
among 15 hotels with a LiteAPI price for this search, not the absolute lowest of the destination
Hotel Quiloma Ranch
Km 2 Carr. Palenque-Ruinas, Palenque
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$32
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Prices are real for the searched dates and may change. Click a point on the chart to change arrival keeping the length of stay.
Real prices for your dates
Hotel La Aldea del Halach Huinic
Carretera a Las Ruinas Km 2.8, Palenque
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$83
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Casa Hadassa La Cañada
Calle Juarez 18, colonia la cañada atrás del Hotel xibalba, Palenque
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$50
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Hotel Villa Mercedes Palenque
Km 2.9 Carretera Palenque-Ruinas, Palenque
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$69
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Hotel Maya Palenque
Merle Green Y Juarez S/n, Palenque
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$71
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Villas Adriana Wellness Village, Palenque
Carretera las Ruinas km. 2.5., Palenque
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$132
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Hotel Ciudad Real Palenque
Carretera a Pakal-Na Km. 1.5, Palenque
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$74
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Hotel Maya Bell
Carretera Palenque-Ruinas km 6 s/n, Palenque
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$90
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Hotel Ikzam Palenque
Merle Green No. 7, Palenque
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$100
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
AXKAN PALENQUE, ALBERCAS, GASTRONOMIA MAR y TIERRA & TRAVEL AGENCY
Carretera a Palenque KM 1.5, Palenque
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$54
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Hotel Plaza Palenque
Km 27 Carr. Palenque-Catazaja, Palenque
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$67
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
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