Read this Mini Guide to see what to do in Palenque Chiapas, Mexico.
Palenque is an impressive, well-preserved Mayan city that has managed to keep its rich culture and traditions alive. Palenque was once the center of the Mayan civilization, which means that there’s plenty for you to explore. From visiting the vast archaeological site to learning about daily life in this ancient community, here are some of our favorite things to do in this City.
What to do in Palenque
Palenque is a beautiful, well-preserved Mayan city with a rich culture and traditions. Visitors worldwide come to Palenque to enjoy the vast archaeological site, learn about daily life in this ancient community, and more. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Palenque.
1. Visit the archaeological site
The large archaeological site of Palenque is a fantastic place to visit. You will be able to walk around the ruins of this once-thriving city and see the pyramids, houses, statues, steles, and more. Official Web Site
2. Walk to the local market
The market in Palenque is a great place to experience what it’s like to buy products and meet the people who grow them. The market is open 7 days a week and is extremely lively. You can find fresh flowers, vegetables, fruit, meat, clothing, shoes, jewelry, and more here.
3. Visit the Museum of Palenque
The Museum of Palenque is an excellent place to learn about this ancient Mayan civilization. You can see artifacts from the site as well as learn about the different ways to construct buildings, use ceramics, and local Art. More Information
Must-see attractions
One of the most popular attractions in Palenque is the archaeological site itself. This is where you’ll find everything from pyramids to ball courts, all of which provide insight into the rich history of this ancient civilization. A guided tour will help you learn more about Palenque’s significance and how it was once the center of the Mayan civilization.
Another must-see attraction is the Casa de la Selva, an eco-park that offers a unique experience for visitors. Here you can learn about the natural environment and how it’s survived over time. You can also try your hand at traditional Mayan crafts, like embroidery, weaving, or pottery.
Palenque has plenty of other attractions, like the Palenque Museum, which offers more insight into the history of this ancient civilization. You’ll learn about daily life in Palenque and see relics that give you a glimpse into the past. A guided tour will also take you to some of Palenque’s most beautiful temples and pyramids, like “Temple XII” and “Temple XIII.”
Where to stay
There are a few accommodations in Palenque, but we recommend staying at Posada Ciudad Real. This gorgeous hotel has a good location, comfortable rooms, and a lovely communal space.
Hotel Posada Ciudad Real is perfect if you’re looking for a great location. It’s located right in the center of the city town, which means that you can walk from here to anywhere you want to go. It’s also close to the archaeological site and a few restaurants on this list.
The rooms are comfortable and well-maintained, and the common spaces are great for meeting other travelers or relaxing. This is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comfortable stay in Palenque.
Web Page: https://www.ciudadreal.com.mx/palenque
How to get to Palenque
Palenque is approximately a 2-hour drive from the nearest airport in Villahermosa. The road is quite scenic as it winds through the mountains and into the heart of Chiapas. As you drive, you’ll see the beautiful greenery of the landscape and how it changes as you get closer to Palenque. There’s even a chance you’ll see some wildlife on your drive, like deer and monkeys!
There are plenty of options for transportation once you get to Palenque. You can rent a car, take a guided tour, or even take an organized bus tour. Whether you go solo or with your family, Palenque is a fantastic destination that will offer unforgettable memories.
What to bring
One of the best parts about visiting Palenque is getting to explore the archaeological site. But what do you need to bring with you?
Bring your camera! This is an opportunity to capture memories of the beautiful sights and sounds of Palenque. Be sure to pack extra memory cards, as this is a place where you’ll want to take a ton of pictures.
Bring sunscreen! The weather in Palenque can change very quickly, so bring some sunscreen if it’s hot outside.
Bring water! It’s always a good idea to have some water on hand when you’re exploring this beautiful, hot city.
Bring snacks! It’s easy to get lost in Palenque’s fascinating history and forget to eat, so pack some snacks for your time there.
Bring a light jacket! The weather can change quickly here, so it’s good to be prepared with a light jacket if the air cools down.
Bring a hat! Along with your sunscreen, bring a hat to protect your head from the sun’s harsh rays.
Bring comfortable shoes! There are plenty of opportunities to explore Palenque, which means you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes.
Bring your sense of adventure! The best thing about
Safety and emergencies
Safety is always a primary concern when traveling, especially if you’re going to a country you’re unfamiliar with. But don’t worry. Palenque is a safe place. In fact, it’s one of the safest places in the country. In fact, it’s been named as one of the safest destinations in Mexico.
In Palenque, you don’t have to worry about being robbed or attacked. Theft is very rare, and the locals are amiable and welcoming to tourists.
That being said, it’s always a good idea to take precautions. You don’t want to be caught off guard if something does happen. Ensure you have a copy of your passport and other important documents, like visas. Keep them with you at all times.
It’s also important to take note of the emergency numbers for Palenque. In case of emergencies or if you get into trouble, you’ll want to know who to call. The emergency numbers are 066 for police, 060 for fire, and 098 for ambulances.
Transportation and parking
The easiest way to get to Palenque is by plane. There are no direct flights, so you’ll have to fly into one of the large cities in Mexico, like Mexico City.
If you’re coming from the United States, it’s best to fly into Villahermosa, which is just a couple of hours away. From there, you’ll need to catch a bus or hire a driver.
Transportation within Palenque is easy. There is plenty of taxis, buses, and tuk-tuks available.
The best parking options are found right outside the ruins. It’s a few pesos for the day, which is well worth it if you want to explore the ruins without having to walk too far.
Taxi services
Taxis are the most popular mode of transportation in Palenque. They are also the most efficient way to get around the city, especially to avoid the language barrier. Taxis can be found in Palenque at bus stations, the city center, and tourist attractions like the archaeological site.
You’ll never have to worry about not being able to communicate with your taxi driver since many speak English. Plus, they’ll take you anywhere you want to go in Palenque (within reason). Though they charge a fixed rate, it’s not too expensive. A ride around town should only cost around $4-$5 USD.
When taking a taxi, the most important thing to remember is to always ask for a receipt after your ride. This will ensure that you record where you went and how much you paid for your ride.
Some people think that they have to bargain with taxi drivers in Palenque. In reality, there’s no need to do this because they have a fixed price already. Just ask them what it is before hopping in the taxi. You can always negotiate a little bit if you’d like to try, but don’t go overboard, or else they will not accept it.
Buses and shuttles
One of the easiest ways to get around Palenque is by bus. There’s a bus station near the central park in the city. It’s a comftable ride to San Cristobal, which is worth visiting.
You’ll also have to take a shuttle from the bus station to the ruins. You can get a taxi or a shuttle from the station to the ruins but be warned that it’s a 45-minute ride.
Conclusion
Palenque is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to explore Mayan culture. Visitors will not be disappointed. But it’s essential to be prepared. Consider this insider’s guide to help you make the most of your visit.
Palenque is a beautiful, bustling community with plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. From visiting their beautiful archaeological site to getting the chance to learn about daily life in this ancient community, there’s something for everyone in Palenque, Mexico.
You can always join one of our tours that includes Palenque.
