Palenque, Mexico: travel guide
Jungle gateway to temples and carved inscriptions, near waterfalls
The jungle gateway to the spectacular Maya ruins of Palenque — one of the most impressive pre-Columbian cities in Mexico, with towering temples in a rainforest setting.
About Palenque
Palenque is a small town in the rainforest of Chiapas, and it is the gateway to one of the most impressive Maya cities in Mexico. The ruins sit in dense jungle, where temples rise from the green and howler monkeys call from the trees.
At the site, climb to the Templo de las Inscripciones and explore the Palacio with its tower, then see the Templo de la Cruz and its neighbours. Paths lead through the forest to waterfalls, and further afield the cascades of Agua Azul and Roberto Barrios offer pools and swimming. A site museum gives context for the carvings.
Palenque suits history lovers and photographers, and is usually combined with San Cristóbal de las Casas. It is hot and humid, and the drier months from November to April are the most comfortable for exploring.
- Country
- Mexico
- Currency
- MXN
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_City
- Nearest airport
- PQM
Last updated
Top places to visit in Palenque
Palenque Ruins
Heritage · 4.9 rating · about 4 h · entry $85 (≈ ₹440)
Spectacular Maya temples rising from dense Chiapas jungle. Temple of Inscriptions holds King Pakal's intact tomb — discovered 1952 with his famous jade burial mask.
El Palacio de Palenque
Heritage · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Sprawling multi-level palace with a distinctive tower at the heart of the Maya city.
Templo de la Cruz
Heritage · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
Elevated temple group with well-preserved carved tablets on Palenque's east side.
Templo de las Inscripciones
Heritage · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Pyramid-tomb of the Maya king Pakal, one of Palenque's greatest structures.
Museo de Sitio de Palenque
Museum · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
On-site museum displaying Pakal's jade mask replica and carved panels.
Cascadas de Agua Azul
Waterfall · about 2.5 h · entry $40 (≈ ₹210)
Terraced turquoise waterfalls in the jungle, a famous day trip from Palenque.
Cascada de Misol-Ha
Waterfall · about 1.3 h · entry $50 (≈ ₹260)
35 m jungle waterfall you can walk behind, near Palenque.
Parque Nacional Palenque Jungle Trail
Nature · about 1.5 h · entry $40 (≈ ₹210)
Rainforest paths past minor ruins, streams and howler monkeys within the park.
Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
Waterfall · about 2 h · entry $30 (≈ ₹160)
Lesser-known cascade complex with turquoise pools, quieter than Agua Azul.
Things to do
- Palenque Ruins & Waterfalls Tour Cultural · 6 h · from MXN 900 per person
- Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls Tour Day Trip · 8 h · from MXN 650 per person
- Palenque Ruins Guided Archaeology Tour Tour · 3 h · from MXN 450 per person
- Yaxchilán & Bonampak Jungle Expedition Day Trip · 12 h · from MXN 1,400 per person
- Roberto Barrios Waterfalls Half-Day Day Trip · 5 h · from MXN 500 per person
Where to stay in Palenque
Hotels
- Boutique Hotel Quinta Chanabnal 5-star · MXN 3,200 to MXN 5,800 per night
- Chan-Kah Resort Village 4-star · MXN 2,200 to MXN 4,200 per night
- Hotel Maya Tulipanes 4-star · MXN 1,400 to MXN 2,400 per night
- Hotel Xibalba 3-star · MXN 900 to MXN 1,500 per night
- El Panchan Jungle Cabañas 2-star · MXN 250 to MXN 900 per night
Where to eat
- Restaurant Maya Cañada mexican, chiapaneco · about MXN 200 per person
- Restaurante Las Tinajas Mexican, Chiapan · about MXN 180 per person
- Café de Yara Cafe, Mexican · about MXN 150 per person
- Restaurante Bajlum (Chan-Kah area) Mexican, Yucatecan · about MXN 320 per person
- Pizzería Palenque Italian, Pizza · about MXN 200 per person
- Cocina Económica Doña Ana Mexican, Chiapan · about MXN 110 per person
Getting to Palenque
Airport: Palenque (PQM)
Getting around
- Bus
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Waterfall access "fees"
Roads to Agua Azul / Misol-Ha
Occasional informal roadblocks collect ad-hoc tolls from vehicles.
How to avoid it: Go with an established tour that includes access; keep small change.
More in Mexico
Frequently asked questions about Palenque
- What are the main places to visit in Palenque?
- Places covered in our Palenque guide include Palenque Ruins, El Palacio de Palenque, Templo de la Cruz, Templo de las Inscripciones, Museo de Sitio de Palenque.
- How do I get around Palenque?
- Ways to get around Palenque covered in our guide: City bus, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Palenque?
- Scams reported to us for Palenque include Waterfall access "fees". Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Palenque?
- The nearest airport to Palenque has the code PQM.