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Palenque is an ancient Mayan city located in the jungles of southern Mexico. Travelers from around the world visit Palenque to admire its well-preserved ruins, intricate carvings, and profound historical significance.
In this guide to Palenque, we will tell you everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip there. We’ll discuss the history of Palenque, the layout of this ancient city, where to stay, when to visit, and more! Read on and get ready to explore one of the most spectacular wonders of Mexico!
Table of Contents
What is Palenque?
Palenque is an ancient Mayan city located in the state of Chiapas in Mexico. The well-preserved ruins of this city have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History of Palenque
Palenque has a rich history that dates back to around 200 AD! The city was a prominent political and cultural center, known for its intricate architecture and advanced artistic expression. It reached its peak between the 7th and 10th centuries AD when it was ruled by famous Mayan kings like Pakal the Great. During this time, Palenque experienced a surge of construction projects, including the construction of iconic structures like the Temple of the Inscriptions and the Palace. The inscriptions found at Palenque provide important insights into the history and religious beliefs of the Mayan people who inhabited the city.
Why was Palenque abandoned?
Despite its prominence, Palenque eventually faced a decline and was abandoned by its inhabitants. Nobody knows the exact reason why it was abandoned, but it could have been due to a few different reasons. The large population may have exhausted all the natural resources in the area, making life in Palenque unsustainable. Drought or the outbreak of disease may have also led to its collapse. Another possibility is that political instability or the advent of war caused the Mayans to abandon Palenque.
What is the origin of Palenque?
The original name for Palenque was Lakamha, which means Big Water in Maya. The name of Palenque was adopted due to a nearby Spanish settlement named Santo Domingo Palenque.
Where is Palenque?
Palenque is located in southern Mexico, in the state of Chiapas. It is about 300 kilometers northeast of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Chiapas, and about 210 kilometers northeast of San Cristobal de las Casas. Palenque is surrounded by jungles and hills.
Structures of Palenque
North Group
The North Group is a collection of smaller temples and residential buildings located in the northern part of Palenque. This group of structures also includes the larger Temple of the Count, and is located directly across from the Ball Court.
Ball Court
Like in many other Pre-Hispanic cities, the Mesoamerican Ball Game was played in Palenque. This game consisted of two teams competing with a rubber ball weighing between 3-4 pounds. The players had to hit the ball through a vertical hoop using only their hips, legs or arms.
According to a local guide, the players who won were decapitated and their hearts were cut out. Meanwhile, the players who lost were mutilated and their tongues were cut out.
Temple of the Count
The Temple of the Count is an impressive structure located among the North Group. This pyramid was named after Jean-Frédéric Maximilien de Waldeck, a French explorer and count who stayed here while traveling in Palenque. A tomb of the ancient royal family was once housed here, but the tomb was unfortunately looted many years ago.
Palace Complex
The Palace Complex is one of the largest and most important architectural structures in Palenque. It served as the royal residence for the ruling elite and was a center of political and ceremonial activities. There are multiple interconnected buildings in the complex, as well as courtyards and patios. You can check out the different rooms and admire the beautiful stucco decorations and intricate stone carvings depicting mythological and historical scenes.
Cross Group
The Cross Group refers to a trio of temples located in the southern part of Palenque. It is named after the prominent cross-shaped monument found in the complex. The group includes the Temple of the Cross, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Foliated Cross. These temples are famous for their intricate carvings. The Temple of the Cross is the highest structure in Palenque, and climbing to the top of it provides amazing views of the area!
Temple of the Sun
The Temple of the Sun is a truly unique building in Palenque. It was built in alignment with certain celestial bodies in accordance with Mayan belief. It also has a unique design on its roof which speaks to its importance.
Check out the view of the Temple of the Sun and Palace Complex filmed from the Temple of the Cross below.
Temple of the Inscriptions
The Temple of the Inscriptions is the most iconic and arguably the most important structure in Palenque. This majestic pyramid is known for its inscriptions that provide valuable historical and cultural information about the ancient Maya civilization. The temple gets its name from the extensive hieroglyphic texts carved on the walls and panels.
K'inich Janaab' Pakal
One of the most notable aspects of the Temple of the Inscriptions is its association with the powerful ruler K’inich Janaab’ Pakal. Also known as Pakal the Great, he was a prominent Maya king who ascended the throne at the age of 12 and ruled Palenque for 68 years! He was the longest serving monarch in the history of the Americas, and the fifth-longest serving monarch in the world!
The temple served as his tomb, and its intricate design and detailed carvings depict scenes from Pakal’s life and accomplishments.
Hieroglyphic inscriptions
The hieroglyphic inscriptions on the walls of the temple provide important knowledge about the history, mythology, and political events of the ancient Maya. The quality of these inscriptions have helped scholars to learn more about the lineage and achievements of Palenque, as well as ancient Mayan society as a whole.
Temple of the Red Queen
Located next to the Temple of the Inscriptions sits the Temple of the Red Queen. This temple was originally known as Temple XIII because nobody knew of its importance.
Discovery of the Red Queen
In 1994, Mexican archaeologists were able to find a secret entrance into a burial chamber in Temple XIII. They discovered two human sacrifices, human remains, and a large sarcophagus. Inside were the remains of a woman surrounded by jade and pearls. The woman was completely covered in cinnabar, which dyed everything red.
Who was the Red Queen?
After DNA tests have determined that the Red Queen is not related to the Mayan ruler Pakal, many have speculated that the Red Queen is his wife, Ix Tz’akbu Ajaw.
Residential Groups
The Residential Groups lie outside the cleared area of the major ruins. This is where citizens of Palenque used to live. Most of this area has yet to be completely cleared, so there’s no telling how many structures are still buried under plants or earth.
Best Time to Visit Palenque
The best time to visit Palenque is during the dry season, which is from November to April. The weather during this period is much more tolerable than the hotter summer months. However, if you do come during the summer months, you will be able to enjoy the colorful flowers that bloom in the trees among the ruins.
If you do come during the summer months, come to Palenque in the morning. I visited in June, and by the time I left Palenque around noon, it was over 100 degrees and 50% humidity! Visiting in the morning will help you avoid the heat (and the crowds!).
Where to Stay in Palenque
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Palenque. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
Low budget
If you are on a budget, Hotel Naj Kin is a great option. This hotel is located right in the center of town, only a block from where the Colectivos take you to the ruins. You can get a room here for about $20 USD/night. This is where I stayed while in Palenque. The air-conditioned rooms were so refreshing, it was difficult to leave!
Medium budget
If you want a little more luxury, check out Hotel Tulija Palenque. This hotel is conveniently located just 15 minutes from the ruins and 5 minutes from the intercity (ADO) bus station. You can relax in the outdoor pool and grab a drink at the poolside bar after a long day of exploring. Rooms here go for about $70 USD/night.
High budget
For a truly relaxing and luxurious stay, check out Hotel Chablis Palenque. This hotel is located in La Cañada, the eco-tourism part of town, just 5 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the ruins. You can pass the time by hanging out at the pool, relaxing in the hot tub, or eating at the restaurant in the hotel.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
FAQs About Palenque
1. How much does it cost to visit Palenque?
It costs about 90 pesos to enter Palenque. You will have to pay for two separate tickets. One ticket is for the national park, the other is for the ruins and museum. The total cost of the two tickets is about 90 pesos.
2. How long do you need to visit Palenque?
2-3 hours at Palenque is plenty of time to explore the different ruins and temples. The jungle surrounding the ruins is large, but the excavated portion of Palenque is pretty small. Other Mexican ruins, such as Monte Albán, and even other Mayan ruins such as Xunantunich in Belize, require much more time to see everything.
3. Can you climb the ruins at Palenque?
Yes, you can climb the ruins. However, when I visited, the Temple of the Inscriptions was blocked off. In addition, if there are renovations being done, you won’t be able to enter certain areas.
4. Are there mosquitoes in Palenque?
Yes, there are mosquitoes in Palenque. If you enter the park from the side entrance, you will have to (briefly) walk through the jungle to reach the ruins. You will walk across bridges hanging over creeks and waterfalls. If you stand still for a few seconds, you will feel plenty of mosquitoes.
5. Is it safe to visit Palenque?
Yes, Palenque is very safe to visit. One thing to note: if you take a bus to Palenque from San Cristobal de las Casas, you will have to go west past Tuxtla Gutiérrez, north to Tabasco, and all the way around to Palenque. The road between these two cities is dangerous, so it is better to take the long way around to be safe.
6. What time does Palenque open?
Palenque is open every day, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
