Palenque: Jungle, Ruins and More
Venture into the Heart of Chiapas, Mexico
Discover Mayan ruins tucked away in the exquisite Mexican jungle, and take a refreshing dip in the clear blue waters of Agua Azul.
The ruins of Palenque tend to get passed over by most North American tourists when they travel to Mexico. Most opt for Chichen Itza and Tulum because of their proximity to the beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula (aka "The Mayan Riviera"), or Tenochtitlan for its convenient location near Mexico City. For the more adventurous tourist, Palenque offers just as much and more with its exotic jungle location.
Scenic Ruins
Located near the Usumacinta River in the state of Chiapas, bordering Guatemala, the ruins of Palenque are tucked away in the lush, deep green jungles of Southern Mexico. Howler monkeys can be heard in the distance as you trek through waterfalls and a well-groomed jungle path on your way out of the site.
If you're the climbing type, Palenque has the additional perk of being one of the only Mayan sites in Mexico that allow you to climb its temples and pyramids, giving you amazing bird's-eye views of both the site and its natural surroundings. Such contact is a rarity in contrast to the roped-off ruins of Tulum. Climbing the pyramids of Chichen Itza is also banned, following the fall and subsequent death of a female tourist. The steps of Mayan ruins tend to be very narrow and steep, so be sure to be slow and steady when climbing.
Ancient Architecture
Although not as large as Tikal in Guatemala or Copan in Honduras, Palenque contains some of the finest sculpture and architecture produced by the Maya in the classical period, notably roof comb and bas-relief carvings. Among the highlights are the Palace, with its pagoda-like tower, and the Temple of Inscriptions, consisting of a pyramid with a temple on top that dominates the site at 85 ft (26 meters) high.
The site reached its height between AD 500-700, when many buildings and plazas were constructed, although it's said to date back 1500 years. Although what is seen today is but a fraction of the incredible complex of chambers, terraces, staircases, temples, palaces and other structures that constituted the lively metropolis at its peak, what has been uncovered remains awe-inspiring.
Agua Azul
After exploring the ruins, travelers can be sure to cool off and relax at Agua Azul, located 69 km outside of Palenque. Spanish for "Blue Water," Agua Azul refers to the fresh, crystal blue water of the river, which includes a number of small to medium-sized waterfalls. Tourists can swim, stroll along the shore, snag some cheap souvenirs, and enjoy coconut milk, juice and empanadas made fresh by the locals.
