Palenque Maya Site
About Palenque Maya Site
The Mayan city of Palenque contains some of the greatest Mayan ruins in the world. It has a spectacular setting on steep hills in the jungle, and much of the complex is still buried under the jungle foliage. The crowds take away a bit from the atmosphere, but it can still provide the jungle explorer feel with the morning mists and the noises of birds and other animals in the backdrop.
Palenque was founded around the 1st century BC, reached the apex of its power in the 7th century under the ruler Pakal, and then was abandoned around the 9th century. The highlights of the site include the centrally-located palace, which is a complex of buildings that includes a picturesque four-story central tower and stucco friezes depicting Pakal’s dynasty. Another highlight is the Temple of Inscriptions, which contains Pakal’s tomb and huge crypt, as well as an outstanding stone-carved glyph storyboard. You can climb to the top of the 86 ft tall pyramid (or other tall structures) for an outstanding view of the Palenque site.
Palenque was founded around the 1st century BC, reached the apex of its power in the 7th century under the ruler Pakal, and then was abandoned around the 9th century. The highlights of the site include the centrally-located palace, which is a complex of buildings that includes a picturesque four-story central tower and stucco friezes depicting Pakal’s dynasty. Another highlight is the Temple of Inscriptions, which contains Pakal’s tomb and huge crypt, as well as an outstanding stone-carved glyph storyboard. You can climb to the top of the 86 ft tall pyramid (or other tall structures) for an outstanding view of the Palenque site.
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Getting there:
Off Hwy 199
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First To Review:
Jan 27, 2009
Another gorgeous Mayan ruins site in Chiapas, Mexico, Palenque is a must see site. Palenque is on the edge of the Sierra de Chiapas forest. The biggest attraction at the ruins is the Temple of the Inscriptions which is where the tomb of Lord Shield Pakal was found and was one of the biggest finds in the excavations of Mayan ruins. You may or may not be able to go down the staircase and view the tomb. When I was there you were able to go down the strairs but could not view the tomb. Don't miss the other buildings in the site. Its a large site and there is a lot to see. Plan on at very least a full day. There is also a museum and a restaurant. The town of Palenque has a few hotels and restaurants. There is also some shopping of handicrafts and souvenirs, but overall the town isn't that interesting. A couple of tips: Try to visit ruins in Mexico on Sundays because the admission is free to the public. Try to advoid going on Monday when most of the ruins and museums are closed. Also bring bug repellent and talk to your doctor about Malaria medications. Palenque is in the jungle and does have a malaria problem especially during the rainy season. To get there from Campeche take Carretera 186 South and cross over into the state of Chiapas, then turn south twoards Palenque on the same highway that goes to Bonampak) Or you can go from Villahermosa going East, then turning south towards Palenque. (on that same highway that goes to Bonampak) A third option is coming from San Cristobal de las Casa and going through Agua Azul and Ocosingo then on to Palenque on Carretera 199. I went this route and the road was horrible and washed out in places. Its a bad route during the rainy season, although Agua Azul and the other waterfalls nearby are really worth seeing.
Jun 9, 2008
This one of the most fascinating of the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico. Pack a picnic lunch and plan to spend the day, especially if you are a photographer. The early morning or late afternoon light is perfect for pictures and when the midday sun starts scorching, take a rest and a snooze under the shade trees after you finish your picnic.
Jan 29, 2011
Surreal Mayan ruins. The site is huge and has only partially been reclaimed from the jungle. Walking a bit on the side trails demonstrates how so many Mayan sites could be "lost" for centuries. Allow plenty of time to see the whole site!
May 19, 2010
Of all the mayan site I've seen and that where quite a lot I liked this one most. It's located in the jungle and the colors surrounding it are lush... It's not that packed as Chichen Itza what makes that site even more attractive....
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