The jungle is louder than you expect. Before you even see the ruins, you hear them — howler monkeys calling through the canopy, birds you cannot name filling the humid air with sound, the creak and drip of a rainforest doing what rainforests do. And then you turn a corner on the path and the Temple of Inscriptions rises out of the green, sudden and enormous, a 23-metre pyramid that has been standing in this jungle for nearly 1,400 years. Nothing quite prepares you for that moment.
We had visited Chichen Itza and Tulum before arriving at Palenque, and we thought we knew what a Mayan ruin looked like. We were wrong. Palenque is different — quieter, more remote, more deeply embedded in the jungle — and in our experience, it is the most atmospheric and emotionally powerful of all the Mayan sites we have visited throughout Mexico. If you only visit one set of ruins in your life, make it this one.
Nestled deep in the rainforest of Chiapas in southern Mexico, the Palenque ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas. From the royal tomb hidden inside the Temple of Inscriptions to the extraordinary hieroglyphic carvings of the Palace, every structure here tells the story of a civilisation that was, at its peak, one of the most sophisticated on earth.
In this guide we cover everything you need to know before you visit — how to get there, what to see, where to stay, the best tours to book and the practical tips that will make your visit unforgettable.
Palenque is not the most famous ruin in Mexico. It is the best. Here is how to do it justice.
Love Visiting Mayan Ruins Try These
Our visits in the Yucatan of Mexico included the following Mayan Ruins – Izamal, Chichen Itza, Tulum and Uxmal.
Further afield, you can visit Tikal in Guatemala.
Mexico also has Aztec Ruins – Teotihuacan, which you can visit as a tour from Mexico City, the Great Pyramid of Cholula near Puebla; and Monte Alban in Oaxaca.
Why Visit Palenque
We are frequently asked whether it is worth visiting Palenque. Yes, definitely.
Palenque is quite a distance from the usual travel route of Mayan ruins. It is located 650 km from Chichen Itza, about an 8-hour drive. You have to make a special trip to visit Palenque. But it is worth it. Chichen Itza is busy at any time of the year, particularly December to March. Tulum is spectacular with its views over the ocean, and it is busy too, requiring you to beat the crowds and arrive as soon as the gates open.
Palenque is located in the jungle and has a smaller intimate layout and feel than Chichen Itza and Tulum. We used the services of a local guide, and to be honest, it was the best thing we did. We didn’t want to wander around the site and not know what we were looking at or the history behind that particular ruin.
When you arrive at the site, you can be bombarded by guides, as we did, but we held back and spoke to a few, and then we clicked with one particular local guide and had the best tour. He explained the history, allowed us to sit back and take it all in, and we did not feel rushed at all. Make sure that the guide you choose is an official guide.
What we still remember is how green Palenque was and the calls of the howler monkeys as we wandered around. There was so much to see and take in during our few hours we spent there. The ruins are impressive, and you keep wondering how on earth they created such beautiful pyramids. Our guide helped us understand what life was like here at Palenque, explaining the uses of each structure in particular, how they channelled the local natural water sources beneath their buildings through aqueducts that they constructed.
Facts About The Palenque Ruins
- The Chiapas Mayan Ruins date back from 226 BC to 800 AD. Initially, they were known as Lakamha, which means “Big Water”. The ruins fell into decline and became overgrown by jungle.
- Palenque is smaller than Chichen Itza and Tikal.
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Many of Palenque’s structures were constructed during Pakal the Great’s reign, which lasted from 615 to 683 AD.
- In the 1830s, Palenque was rediscovered, and photographs were taken by two European Explorers – Desire Charnay and Alfred Maudslay.
- Palenque was one of the most influential cities in the Classic Maya.
- During the 1950s, excavations started.
- By 2005, the excavated area had covered 1 square mile. Over 1,000 structures overgrown by the jungle are believed to still be waiting to be discovered.
There is not much to see around the modern town of Palenque; the drawcard is the ruins.
Outside of Palenque, there are a few more places to visit, such as waterfalls and an Eco-park, which I will include further down in the article for your information.
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Where is Palenque
The modern town of Palenque is a few kilometres away from the impressive Mayan site of Palenque in Chiapas, which is about 800 km southeast of Mexico City.
The Palenque ruins are 5 km from the town.
Bus travel is easy to visit Palenque Town:
From San Cristobal, the journey is 9 hours, and there are several daily buses
Tuxtla Gutierrez is 6 hours away
Villahermosa is 2.5 hours away
Merida is 8 hours away
Campeche is 5 hours away
Cancun is 13 hours away
Mexico City – the bus journey is approximately 16 hours – one or two buses operate daily.
Oaxaca – 15 hours away
Playa del Carmen – 12 hours away
Tulum – 12 hours away
There are two bus stations in Palenque
- The address of Central de Autobuses ADO is Palenque – Pakalná LB Tulija, 29960 Palenque
- Aexa SA de CV Buses – Av, Central Pte. No. 182, La Cañada, 29960 Palenque
Check the latest schedules and ticket prices for ADO Buses here.
How To Get To The Palenque Ruins from Palenque Town
You can take a collectivo (shared mini bus) from Palenque town to the entrance. The collectivos all charge a flat rate of MXN 40 (USD2) and run every 10 – 15 minutes; they will have a sign on the front that says “Ruinas”. Head to the ADO bus terminal for your departure; buses depart from 07.00. The driver will stop at the Visitor Centre so you can purchase your tickets. Ensure that you have cash for the tickets and the driver.
On your return journey, you can hail a Collectivo from outside the entrance gates or the museum.
Practical Information for Visiting Palenque
Opening Hours For Visiting Palenque: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm (the last entrance time is 4.00 pm).
Allow: 3 hours to visit. Take water with you and apply sunscreen – it can get hot and steamy!
Where to purchase tickets for Palenque?
Tickets are no longer sold at the entrance of the archaeological zone itself. You must purchase your entrance ticket at the Visitor Centre (CATVI) located about 5 km before the ruins.
Palenque Entrance Fees:
- National Park Fee: $105 MXN
- Archaeological Zone Fee: $90 MXN (This also includes entry to the on-site museum)
- Total Entry Cost: $195 MXN (about $10 – $12 USD)
- Free Entry: Children under 13, visitors with Mexican citizenship on Sundays, and seniors/teachers with a valid Mexican ID
Palenque Ruins – What To See
Map of Palenque
The Temple of The Inscriptions and The Royal Tomb
Interestingly, the temple can also be a royal tomb, which is unusual in other Mayan sites. The temple is important as it houses the second-longest Mayan glyphic text, known to have recorded 180 years of Palenque’s history. In the 1950s, an archaeologist discovered Pakal’s tomb down a hidden passageway.
The temple stands 23 metres high and is remarkably well-preserved.
It has a 9-tiered pyramid platform that contains 69 steps, and as our guide pointed out, the number 9 that is represented by the nine tiers relates to the Mayan underworld.
Unlike the ruins of Chichen Itza, you can climb the structures here at Palenque. The views are incredible from higher up, and it gives you a better perspective of how the buildings were laid out and their uses. We recommend starting early, as soon as the gates open, as climbing during the middle of the day is quite exhausting.
The Palace
The Palace is believed to have been used for various purposes, such as the administration centre for the region, a residence for the aristocracy and high priests and the top of the Palace was used for astronomy. The palace has a four-storey tower containing glyphs used for ritual and astronomical purposes.
During the winter solstice, you will note that the sun sets directly over the Temple of Inscriptions from the Palace.
The Temple of the Sun
The Temple of the Sun has a unique roof and houses a vital panel that depicts scenes that involve the King Serpent -Jaguar.
Skull Temple Palenque
Beside the Temple of the Red Queen, or Temple XIII, is the Temple of the Skull. The temple is not open for viewing. It is named the Temple of the Skull due to a corridor that leads from the top of the tomb containing a sarcophagus of an unknown ruler. The temple is named after a rabbit’s skull, whose shape is seen on a full moon. The Mayan Moon Goddess is thought to hold a rabbit in her hands.
The Temple of the Count
The Temple of the Count is a pyramid with a temple on top. It is the oldest of the structures that have been excavated.
Temple of the Foliated Cross
The Temple of the Foliated Cross is part of the three temples that form the South Complex or Cross Complex. It is the smallest temple of the three temples and is impressive as it is surrounded by jungle atop a small hill.
Temple of the Red Queen
Located next to the Temple of Inscriptions is the Temple of the Red Queen, which is also known as Temple XIII. The Red Queen could have been the mother of Kinich Janaab Pakal (23 March 603 CE – 31 March 683 CE), the King of Palenque, or his wife. You can view her empty tomb. She was named the Red Queen as she was covered in a red mineral known as cinnabar. Kinich Janaab Pakal ruled from the age of 12 for 68 years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Palenque Ruins
Is Palenque worth visiting?
Absolutely — and in our view, it is the most rewarding Mayan ruin in all of Mexico. What makes Palenque special is the combination of extraordinary architecture, remarkable preservation and the jungle setting that surrounds it. Unlike Chichen Itza and Tulum, which can feel overrun with tour buses and vendors, Palenque retains a genuine sense of atmosphere and discovery. If you are travelling through southern Mexico or Chiapas, visiting Palenque is not optional — it is the highlight.
How does Palenque compare to Chichen Itza and Tulum?
Palenque is smaller and less visited than both, which works strongly in its favour. Chichen Itza is impressive but extremely crowded and heavily commercialised — you cannot climb the pyramids, and vendors follow you constantly. Tulum is beautiful but compact. Palenque sits in a completely different category — a deeper jungle setting, extraordinary architectural detail, a royal tomb you can stand beside, and far fewer crowds. Serious history lovers consistently rate Palenque as the superior site.
Do I need a guide at Palenque?
While you can explore independently using a map and signage, we strongly recommend hiring a local guide. The history of Palenque is layered and complex — without a guide, you will walk past extraordinary details without understanding their significance. A good guide brings the site to life completely. Guides are available at the entrance for a negotiated fee.
Our personal tip: avoid the pushiest ones — they are not always the best. Take your time to find someone you feel comfortable with, and always agree on a price before you start and roughly how long it will take.
How long do you need to visit the Palenque ruins?
Allow a minimum of three hours to see the main structures — the Temple of Inscriptions, the Palace, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Red Queen and the Cross Group temples. If you want to explore the more remote areas of the site and take your time with the details, four hours is better. Go early — the site opens at 8 am and the first hour is the most magical, with mist rising from the jungle and the howler monkeys at their most vocal.
What is the best time to visit the Palenque ruins?
Arrive when the gates open at 8 am. The early morning light is extraordinary, the temperature is cooler, and the site is at its quietest. By mid-morning, tour groups begin to arrive, and by midday, the heat and humidity can be intense. If you visit in the dry season (November to April), the paths are easier and the weather more predictable. The wet season (May to October) brings lush green jungle but also heavy rain — usually afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours.
Is Palenque safe to visit?
Yes — the archaeological site and the surrounding area are generally safe for tourists. The town of Palenque itself is a working Mexican town rather than a tourist hub, and normal city awareness applies. The site itself is well-managed and staffed. We had no issues whatsoever during our visit. As with all travel in Mexico, keep valuables secure, be aware of your surroundings in town and use reputable transport.
Is it hot at Palenque?
Yes — Palenque is in a tropical jungle, and the heat and humidity can be significant, particularly from late morning onwards. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, apply sunscreen before you arrive, carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person and wear a hat. There is shade inside the jungle sections of the site, but the main temples are exposed. Starting early is the single most important thing you can do to enjoy a comfortable visit.
Can you climb the pyramids at Palenque?
Climbing is restricted at Palenque, as it is at most major Mayan sites throughout Mexico. You cannot climb the Temple of Inscriptions. However, the site allows significantly more access and exploration than Chichen Itza — you can walk through the Palace, explore multiple levels of various structures and get genuinely close to the architecture in a way that larger sites do not permit.
What wildlife can you see at Palenque?
More than you might expect. Howler monkeys are commonly heard and occasionally seen in the canopy — their call is one of the most distinctive sounds of the Palenque experience. Spider monkeys, coati (a relative of the raccoon), toucans, parrots and a remarkable variety of tropical birds are regularly spotted within the site. The jungle surrounding the ruins is genuinely wild, and the wildlife adds an extraordinary dimension to the visit that you simply do not get at coastal sites like Tulum.
Should I book a Palenque tour or visit independently?
Both options work well, and each has advantages. Visiting independently gives you flexibility over timing — crucial for arriving early — and you can spend as long as you like at each structure. An organised tour is excellent if you want to combine the ruins with the spectacular Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls in a single day, which is hard to arrange independently. If you are short on time or travelling without a car, a guided day tour is excellent value and takes all the logistics off your hands. See our tour recommendations below.
Is it true that an underground water system was found under the Temple of Inscriptions?
An underground tunnel was found under the Temple of Inscriptions by archaeologists. Gonzales, one of the archaeologists, believes that the Temple and its tomb were built above the water spring. The tunnel was located under the tomb, and it is believed that the waters gave King Pakal a spiritual path to the underworld.
The Mayan people of Palenque built a sophisticated system of dams, aqueducts, canals, and reservoirs. They were creative as they could harness the water through their unique systems, and we found that other Mayan sites had to find ways to store water during the dry season.
Is Palenque located on a river?
Palenque is located on the Usumacinta River, overlooked by the Tumbalá mountains.
Book a Palenque Tour — Our Recommendations
Whether you want a private guided experience at the ruins or a full day combining waterfalls and jungle, there are excellent tour options available. Booking in advance through Get Your Guide is our recommended approach — tours sell out quickly, particularly in the dry season.
Guided Tour of the Palenque Ruins
The most popular option — a knowledgeable local guide takes you through the main structures of the archaeological site, explaining the history, mythology and significance of each building. This is by far the best way to experience Palenque if it is your first visit. With a guide, the ruins transform from impressive stones into a living, breathing story of one of the ancient world’s most remarkable civilisations.
Why book: A good guide at Palenque is genuinely transformative. The detail — the astronomical alignments, the hidden tomb, the meaning of the glyphs — is impossible to appreciate without expert explanation.
👉 Check availability and book your Palenque guided tour here →
Palenque Ruins + Agua Azul + Misol-Ha Waterfalls Day Tour
This is the classic Chiapas day trip and one of the best value full-day tours in Mexico. Combine a visit to the Palenque ruins with the extraordinary turquoise pools of Agua Azul waterfall and the dramatic single-drop Misol-Ha cascade. The contrast between ancient stone temples and spectacular jungle waterfalls makes for an absolutely unforgettable day.
Duration: Full day (approximately 10–12 hours)
Included: Transport, entrance fees and a guide
Why book: The waterfalls are difficult to reach independently without a car — this tour makes the whole combination seamless and excellent value.
👉 Book the Palenque + Agua Azul + Misol-Ha tour here →
Yaxchilan & Bonampak Ruins + Lacandon Jungle Day Tour
For those wanting to go deeper into the ancient Maya world, this extraordinary full-day tour visits two remote jungle ruins — Yaxchilan (accessible only by boat along the Usumacinta River) and Bonampak (famous for its extraordinarily preserved painted murals). The journey through the Lacandon jungle is an adventure in itself.
Duration: 13 hours Why book: Yaxchilan and Bonampak are two of Mexico’s most remarkable and least visited archaeological sites. This tour takes you well off the tourist trail into genuine jungle territory.
👉 Book the Yaxchilan and Bonampak jungle tour here →
Jane’s Tip: If your budget allows only one organised tour in Chiapas, make it the Palenque + Agua Azul + Misol-Ha combination. The waterfalls alone are worth the trip to this part of Mexico — and combining them with the ruins in a single day is extraordinary value.
Where To Stay in Palenque
If we were to revisit Palenque, we would stay in one of the resorts closer to the Archaeological site; there is not much in Palenque town itself.
If you want to stay in town, here are some recommendations:
Hotel Maya Rue (where we stayed) at Calle Aldama s/n entre Juarez y 5 de Mayo.
Budget accommodation, but very clean, beds were comfortable and the wifi worked well. The location is 200 m from the town square. The ADO Bus Station is a 5-minute walk away. We loved breakfast! We would be happy to return back to this hotel for a further stay.
Before you book anywhere else, take a look at this hidden gem.
Latest Guest review: “The location was excellent, near the centre and ADO bus station. The room was clean and perfect for our night’s stay. Breakfast was great! ”
Address: 20 de Noviembre s/n entre Aldama y Abasdo Palenque
Set in a bright townhouse, a 5-minute walk from Palenque’s Central Park, Posada Aguila Real offers a 24-hour reception and simple rooms with private bathrooms. The Palenque Archaeological site is a 10-minute drive away.
Each air-conditioned room at Posada Aguila Real has a private bathroom with hot water and complimentary toiletries. All rooms have a TV, while free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your stay here and start planning your adventure.
Latest review: “small hotel in the middle of Palenque, we stayed there for 1 night, perfect breakfast and a big bed with aircon. I recommend it for a short stay; you can also park the car in a private space.”
Hotels Closer to the Palenque site:
Hotel la Aldea del Halach Huinic
Address: Carretera a las ruinas 2.8km from the city centre
Very comfortable 4-star accommodation with swimming pool, restaurant, free Wifi and bar.
Some hotels are just a place to sleep. This one is part of the destination – book here
Guest review: A little paradise! In the jungle, you can hear howler monkeys and see macaws flying over your head! The site is spotless and beautiful. The restaurant’s food was excellent and at a reasonable price, too. It is a great location to go to Aluxes Park (a 5-minute walk). You can also take a collectivo to the archaeological site of Palenque for 20$pesos and it’s only 5 minutes away.
Address: Carretera Palenque Ruins Km4.5
Charming bungalows that overlook the garden with a swimming pool. The ruins are located 2.2 km away.
- Save this stay for your next adventure—you’ll thank yourself later – book here
Guest review: This is a really lovely place in the middle of the Palenque jungle. There are loads of animals around to see. I was lucky to see some howler monkeys (funnily enough, I didn’t hear them but saw them jumping in the trees). It’s very close by Colectivo to Palenque ruins, so there’s no need for booking a tour. The cabañas are very lovely with comfy beds.
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Final Thoughts — Why Palenque Stayed With Us
We have visited Mayan ruins across Mexico and Guatemala — Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Tulum, Tikal, Izamal — and Palenque remains the one we talk about most. There is something about the combination of extraordinary architecture, dense jungle, remarkable preservation and the quiet that surrounds it that gets under your skin in a way that the bigger, more famous sites do not.
Standing beside the tomb of King Pakal — a man who ruled this city for 68 years and was buried in a secret chamber beneath a 23-metre pyramid more than 1,300 years ago — is one of those genuinely humbling travel experiences. The kind that reminds you why we travel in the first place.
If you are planning a trip through Mexico or Chiapas, do not shortchange your time at Palenque. Allow a full day — arrive early, hire a guide, explore every corner of the site and then reward yourself with a cold drink in the jungle shade before heading back. You will not regret a single minute of it.
Ready to book your Palenque visit?
👉 Book a guided Palenque ruins tour →
👉 Book the Palenque + Agua Azul + Misol-Ha waterfalls day tour →
👉 Compare flights to Mexico with Skyscanner →
👉 Compare accommodation in Palenque →
👉 Get travel insurance for Mexico with Ekta Travel Insurance →
Have you visited the Palenque ruins? We would love to hear about your experience — drop a comment below and let us know what you thought. And if this guide helped you plan your visit, please share it with a fellow traveller who is heading to Chiapas.
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