Palenque, Mexico: Maya Ruins, Waterfalls & Guide
Palenque is one of Mexico's most beautiful Maya sites — elegant temples and the tomb of King Pakal set against the jungle of Chiapas, near the Agua Azul and Misol-Há waterfalls.
About Palenque
Palenque is one of the most beautiful Maya sites in Mexico — elegant temples and the tomb of King Pakal set against a backdrop of dense jungle in the state of Chiapas. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the surrounding rainforest hides waterfalls like Agua Azul and Misol-Há.
How to get to Palenque from the US
There is no major airport at Palenque. Most travelers fly into Villahermosa (VSA), about 2–2.5 hours away, or Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ), about 5 hours — usually connecting through Mexico City. The town of Palenque has hotels, buses and tour operators.
Best time to visit
The dry season (November–April) is the most comfortable for the ruins and roads; the jungle is hot and humid year-round. Waterfalls are fullest after the summer rains. Visit the ruins early to beat the heat and the crowds.
What to see at Palenque
At the archaeological site (about 8 km from town), visit the Temple of the Inscriptions (tomb of King Pakal), The Palace with its tower, and the Temple of the Sun and the Red Queen. Nearby, the cascades of Agua Azul and Misol-Há are classic add-ons, and some travelers continue to Bonampak and Yaxchilán deeper in the jungle.
Where to stay
Stay in the town of Palenque for convenience, or in the jungle-edge area of El Panchán near the ruins for an atmospheric, nature-immersed base.
Is Palenque safe to visit?
The state of Chiapas carries a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory from the US Department of State. The Palenque ruins are a well-established tourist site, but parts of Chiapas have seen unrest and some roads have had checkpoints. Many travelers visit Palenque without incident by flying in, staying in the main areas and avoiding intercity travel at night; review the current US State Department Mexico Travel Advisory before you go.
The Mayan Circuit and Chiapas Tourism
Palenque is part of the great Mayan archaeological circuit of southeastern Mexico. It pairs perfectly with Chichén Itzá in Yucatán and Campeche. In the same state of Chiapas, San Cristóbal de las Casas offers indigenous and colonial culture, while the Sumidero Canyon impresses with walls up to 1,000 meters high. Check our Chiapas tourism packages.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Palenque?
In the state of Chiapas, in the Lacandon Jungle of southern Mexico, about 200 km from San Cristóbal de las Casas.
How do I get to Palenque from the US?
Fly into Villahermosa (VSA), about 2–2.5 hours away, or Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ), about 5 hours, usually via Mexico City; the town of Palenque has hotels and tours.
What can you see at Palenque?
The Temple of the Inscriptions (tomb of King Pakal), The Palace with its tower, and the Temple of the Sun, plus the nearby Agua Azul and Misol-Há waterfalls.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season, November to April, is most comfortable; the jungle is hot and humid year-round, and waterfalls are fullest after the summer rains.
Is Palenque safe to visit?
Chiapas carries a Level 3 ‘Reconsider Travel’ advisory. The ruins are a well-established tourist site; review the current US advisory and its area notes before you go.