Palenque

Palenque is one of the most beautiful and tourist-friendly of the Mayan cities, with well-preserved architecture and reliefs set amidst a stunning rainforest backdrop. The ruins integrate with the natural landscape to provide an educational tour with genuine impact, and the site is still being actively explored by renowned archaeologists. Both the ruins and the surrounding national park are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making this a must-visit for anyone interested in Mesoamerican history.

Palenque is accessible by several transport options. ADO runs comfortable first-class buses from destinations including San Cristóbal de las Casas, Oaxacan cities, and Villahermosa. Mexicana flies to Palenque from Mexico City's AIFA airport (Santa Lucia). The Tren Maya service terminates at the Pakal Ná-Palenque railway station, a full-service station with ticket sales, baggage check, shops, and food vendors. The old airport railway station also serves Ferrocarril Transístmico (Line FA) for travel to Coatzacoalcos.

The ruins are about 6 km from the town of Palenque. Minibuses run between the town and the "Ruinas" every 10 to 15 minutes at MX$30 (March 2025). Flag one on Benito Juárez or just after the roundabout outside the ADO bus station — it's better to catch it in Benito Juárez if you plan to go early in the morning. On the way back, catch one at the main gate or near the museum.

The national park ranges in altitude between 200 and 800 meters with a climate typical of low-lying tropical jungles. Expect hot temperatures averaging 26°C and high humidity year-round. Torrential downpours can occur at any time but are most common in the summer months. The dry season from November to April offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring the ruins.

Accommodation is available in the town of Palenque or along the road to the national park near the ruins. Budget travelers can find dorms from M$70-400, camping from M$30, or hammock space at El Panchán from M$80. Rustic cabañas in the jungle near the ruins start around M$500-700, while mid-range hotels in La Cañada neighborhood offer rooms from M$2000. El Panchán complex near km 4.5 on the Ruinas road is a popular budget traveler hub with multiple accommodation options, restaurants, and live music.

The town center near Parque Central offers the best dining options. Local favorites include Pollos La Brasa (2a. Avenida Sur Pte. 121), La Huasteca (Central Pte. 48), and Taquería "Los Pastorcitos" (Central Ote.). For something different, El Panchán complex at km 4.5 serves stone-oven pizzas with live music. For evening drinks, Las Tinajas (C. Abasolo) opens early and serves pizza with beer and tequila, while Zanate across from Parque Central is a loud, lively local party spot with frequent live music. Micheladas la palenk-na (2a Av. Sur Pte.) specializes in michelada — beer mixed with a spicy red chile blend.

The main draw is the archaeological ruins, with tickets costing MX$100 to INAH and MX$215 to the government (March 2025) bought separately at the museum about 1.3 km from the entrance. Shuttle tickets for round-trip transport to the ruins cost MX$60 (March 2025). Waterfalls inside the archaeological site include Motiepa Waterfall and Sombrillas Waterfalls. The village has a lovely, tree-sheltered zocalo where bands play in the evening — join the villagers for a drink on the square. Maya-style artwork is available from outdoor vendors at the ruins, with shops and an artesania market in town.

Palenque is a relatively safe small town, and the center near Parque Central is a pleasant, safe place to walk in the evening. Standard travel precautions apply — watch your belongings at tourist sites and avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night. The jungle areas around the ruins can be uneven; wear appropriate footwear.

Most budget accommodations in the town center offer free Wi-Fi. Some jungle cabañas near the ruins, like Margarita and Ed's Cabañas, have no Wi-Fi or mobile coverage, though Wi-Fi is available at nearby Don Mucho's restaurant in El Panchán. SIM cards from Mexican carriers are available if you need data while exploring.

Palenque is a budget-friendly destination. A dorm bed costs M$70-400, a basic cabaña M$500-800, and meals at local taquerías run M$50-100. The main ruins entry costs MX$315 combined (INAH + government tickets), with shuttle transport at MX$60 round trip. Minibus rides to the ruins are MX$30. A daily budget of M$500-1000 covers accommodation, food, and entrance fees.

From Palenque, you can continue by Tren Maya to other destinations on the peninsula. ADO buses connect to San Cristóbal de las Casas (approximately 4-5 hours), Oaxacan cities, Villahermosa, and further afield. The Ferrocarril Transístmico train from Pakal Ná station can take you to Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf coast.