Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
Handicrafts
Adventure
Archaeological Sites
Culture and Traditions
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Destinations
Information
MICE tourism
A WINDOW TO THE ENIGMATIC MAYAN PAST
Palenque was founded in 1567 by Pedro Lorenzo de la Nada, a Dominican friar.
The city was mainly composed of the Chol families who lived in the region and were scattered throughout the Lacandon jungle. At that time, the ancient Mayan city had not yet been discovered, and it was not until 1740 that the priest Antonio Solís stumbled upon it.
In 1813, Palenque was granted the title of Villa, and it wasn't until 1972 that it was officially recognized as a city.
In 1987, the Palenque archaeological site, along with the Palenque National Park, were inscribed on the World Heritage List, acknowledging the importance and significance of this spectacular site.
In 2014, the Palenque airport was inaugurated, providing greater access not only to the ancient past of this place but also to all the natural wonders surrounding it.
The city of Palenque has hotel and restaurant infrastructure and boasts a pleasant central square where locals gather to converse. Not far from there is a crafts market where you can purchase some of the beautiful products crafted by skilled artisans from Chiapas.
The climate in Palenque is tropical, characterized by warm and humid conditions. The highest temperatures can reach just above 30ºC (86ºF) during May, which is the hottest month, and drop to around 15ºC (59ºF) during the winter months.
It is located in the heart of a tropical jungle, approximately 394 km (6 hours) from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, 214 km (5 hours) from San Cristóbal de las Casas, and 145 km (2 hours) from Villahermosa.
Palenque
What to See in Palenque
Tourist Attractions in Palenque
Palenque Archaeological Site
The main attraction is the archaeological zone, one of the most spectacular sites in the world, featuring impressive temples and buildings dating back to the Classic period between 600 and 900 AD.
Highlights include the majestic Temple of the Inscriptions, which houses the tomb of King Pakal; the Palace with its stairways and underground passages; and the Cross Group with three spectacular temples. More information
Alberto Ruz Lhuillier Museum
Located at the archaeological site, this museum is considered one of the most important Maya museums in the world, exhibiting over 230 pieces from various areas of Palenque.
It consists of six rooms that cover all aspects of Maya culture. Room 1 provides information about the historical and cultural relevance of Palenque; Room 2 displays sculptures from some of the temples at the site; Room 3 illustrates the religious beliefs and customs of the settlement; Room 4 portrays funerary practices; Room 5 includes carved monuments and glyphic inscriptions; and Room 6 features various pieces such as sculptures and household items.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Lak Puj Kul Textile Museum
This museum showcases an incredible collection of Chiapas textiles, renowned worldwide for their quality and vibrant colors.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm.
Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán
Located in the Main Square of Palenque, this austere church is dedicated to the patron saint of the town, Santo Domingo.
Plaza del Artesano (Craft Plaza)
In this square, you can find jewelry and magnificent stone and wood carvings.
What to Do in Palenque
Select your Adventure in Chiapas
UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCES IN PALENQUE
Visit the Archaeological Zone of Palenque
Explore the Misol-Ha Waterfall
Visit the Metzabok Tourist Center
Discover impressive waterfalls
In the vicinity, there are several places you can enjoy, such as the Ecotourism Center "Cadena de Cascadas El Chiflón," which offers a unique spectacle of several breathtaking waterfalls, one of which has a height of 120 meters (394 feet). Here, you can hike and observe the flora and fauna.
The "Las 3 Tzimoleras" is part of a Tourist Center located 12 km away and features three beautiful waterfalls with their respective natural pools for swimming. The tallest waterfall is 60 meters (197 feet) high, while the others are 45 meters (148 feet) and 13 meters (43 feet) high. It is not easily accessible, but the effort is worth it, as it is a true paradise.
Marvel at the most beautiful lakes in the country
Just an hour away, you will find one of the most impressive natural wonders in the country, the Montebello Lakes, which are a collection of lakes with various colors ranging from turquoise blue to emerald green, surrounded by a forested landscape. This is an ideal place for camping, swimming, exploring the lakes in small rafts, and hiking.
You can also visit Laguna Chincultik, one of the lakes that is part of the Laguna System in Montebello Lakes National Park, where you can kayak or take a boat ride and experience one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Mexico.
Venture to swim or dive in lakes and cenotes
Lagos de Colón offers crystal-clear pools with shades ranging from green to blue, where you can swim and dive.
The Cenote Chucumaltik has incredibly clear water and measures 200 meters (656 feet) in length, with a depth of almost 70 meters (230 feet). It is an option for those who enjoy high diving and want to explore the petrified trees and sulfur chimneys found in its depths.
Enjoy natural pools with thermal waters
Another option for recreation is the San Francisco Uninajab Tourist Center, which offers a circuit of natural pools with thermal waters. Due to the limestone, the pools have beautiful shades of blue. Small waterfalls form along the pools, and the sulfur-rich waters are crystal clear and at a pleasant temperature. In addition to swimming, you can also camp there, and it has a restaurant and green areas.
Explore other destinations in Chiapas
Tuxtla Gutiérrez
Tapachula
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Chiapa de Corzo
Palenque
San Juan Chamula
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