Is Palenque Worth Visiting in 2025? Things to do & Reasons to Visit
When you hear the name Palenque, the chances are you immediately picture the incredible Mayan archeological site, but spend some time in the area and you will discover it is also the name of a charming town nestled in the northern jungles of Mexicoโs Chiapas state.
Rich in heritage and surrounded by lush landscapes, Palenque offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Letโs explore 6 reasons to visit Palenque and find out why we believe itโs much more than just a ruin and should be a part of your Mexico road trip.
Grab a beverage of choice, get comfortable, and let us tell you more about why Palenque is worth visiting and deserves to be on more Mexico travel itineraries.
Where is Palenque?
Palenque is located in the northern jungles of Mexico’s Chiapas state, nestled in lush tropical landscapes not far from the border with Tabasco. It’s a nature lover’s dream where ancient Mayan ruins meet pristine jungle wilderness.
Is Palenque worth visiting in 2025?
If you’ve read this far already then you will have worked out that we think Palenque is definitely worth visiting. But keep reading and you will come to see that it offers one of the most spectacular combinations of history and nature in Mexico.
While it may not be the easiest place to get to for travellers, there is no doubt that your efforts will be rewarded, and you will discover a place that will hold special memories forever.
How many days do I need in Palenque?
The answer to this depends on whether you are passing through as a stop on a Chiapas road trip, or if you are using Palenque as your base to explore the surrounding area.
As a stopover location, we recommend at least 3 days, but an extra couple of days still wouldn’t seem like enough time, as you will undoubtedly fall in love with this magical combination of ancient history and natural beauty.
If you plan on using Palenque as a base, then you could plan on staying a week or even more to allow time to discover the amazing waterfalls, jungle adventures, and other archaeological sites nearby.
How do you get to Palenque?
To get to Palenque, you have several options depending on your starting point and mode of transportation. Here are the primary ways to reach this amazing destination:
By Air:
- Fly to Villahermosa:
- The nearest major airport to Palenque is Villahermosa International Airport (VSA), located approximately 140 kilometres away.
- Major airlines like Aeromรฉxico, Volaris, and Interjet operate flights to Villahermosa from various cities in Mexico.
- Fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez:
- The other major airport for Palenque is in the capital of Chiapas, Tutla Gutierrez, located approximately 260 kilometres away.
- This airport is the usual starting point for visitors wanting more of Chiapas, like San Cristobal de las Casas and Sumidero Canyon.
- Transfer from the Airport to Palenque:
- By Shuttle: Direct shuttle services from the airport to Palenque take about 2-3 hours.
- By Taxi: You can take a taxi from the airport. It’s convenient but more expensive.
- By Bus: Take a taxi to the bus terminal in Villahermosa and then a bus to Palenque.
By Bus:
- From Villahermosa:
- Regular buses operate between Villahermosa and Palenque. The journey takes about 2-3 hours.
- Companies like OCC and ADO offer comfortable and reliable services.
- From Tuxtla Gutierrez:
- Regular buses operate between Tuxtla and Palenque. The journey takes about 6-7 hours.
- Companies like OCC and ADO offer comfortable and reliable services.
- From Mexico City:
- Direct buses are available, although the journey is very long (approximately 12-14 hours).
- Consider breaking the journey by stopping in another city such as San Cristรณbal de las Casas.
By Car: If you are visiting Palenque on a Chiapas road trip, you will likely have picked up your Mexican rental car from one of the nearby airports.
Palenque is approximately 140 km from Villahermosa, about a 2-3 hour scenic drive through jungle landscapes, or approximately 420 km, about 6 hours from Tuxtla.
A road trip between the two airports is the ideal way to see the best that Chiapas has to offer. And believe me when I say it has plenty to offer, and something for everyone.
Best things to do in Palenque
Palenque may be tucked away in the jungle, but don’t be fooled into thinking that means you won’t find plenty of incredible things to do here. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.
1. Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque
The archaeological site of Palenque is nothing short of spectacular and is often hailed as one of Mexico’s most beautiful and mysterious ancient cities. We feel it is far more interesting than even Chitzen Itza.
Originally known as Lakamha, Palenque was once a thriving Mayan city-state that flourished during the Late Classic period, from approximately 600 to 800 AD. Walking through the site feels like stepping back in time.
The remarkable architectural wonders, such as the iconic Temple of Inscriptions, have withstood the test of time, showcasing the ancient Mayans’ advanced engineering and astronomical knowledge.
2. Discover 2000 years of fascinating history
Palenque holds a rich and captivating history that dates back over two millennia. The region was originally inhabited by the Mayan civilisation, and the city of Palenque emerged as one of the most important and influential cities in the Maya world.
The earliest known settlement in the area dates back to around 100 BC, and it was during the Classic period that Palenque flourished as a powerful city-state.
Palenque reached its peak between the 6th and 8th centuries AD when it became a centre of culture, religion, and politics in the Maya world. The city’s rulers engaged in both alliances and conflicts with neighbouring city-states, playing a pivotal role in the intricately woven web of Maya politics.
3. Immerse yourself in the jungle paradise
The jungle surrounding Palenque is teeming with wildlife and natural wonders that offer boundless opportunities for nature lovers to immerse themselves in untamed beauty.
As you venture into this lush wilderness, you’ll forget that civilisation is nearby. The chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the booming calls of howler monkeys will help you forget about city life and create memories that will stay with you long after you leave.
4. Experience the hidden waterfalls near Palenque
If you are anything like us, and search for beautiful scenery everywhere you go, then prepare to be enchanted by the natural wonders surrounding Palenque, as the region is adorned with incredible waterfalls that seem like scenes straight out of a fairy tale.
These breathtaking cascades are nature’s masterpieces, inviting you to immerse yourself in their refreshing waters and savour moments of tranquillity.
Among the most famous waterfalls near Palenque is the enchanting Agua Azul. Aptly named for its azure-coloured waters, this stunning cascade flows through a series of tiered limestone formations, creating a magical sight that is both soothing and awe-inspiring.
But the real star of the show has to be Cascadas Roberto Barrios. Nestled amongst dense jungle, this lesser-known waterfall paradise offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
This series of falls features turquoise waters that cascade through the dense bushland, creating a mesmerising spectacle that will leave you in awe of nature’s artistry.
We were absolutely dazzled by the stunning beauty of Roberto Barrios. It remains one of our greatest memories from our many trips to Mexico. This is a section of the river that covers a run of six cascading waterfalls of different sizes and styles, and every fall and pool is swimmable!
5. Unleash your inner foodie
Palenque is not only a destination for history and nature enthusiasts but also offers plenty for food lovers. From traditional Mayan dishes to regional Mexican delights, Palenque offers something for everyone.
One must-try culinary experience in Palenque is indulging in the flavours of traditional Mayan cuisine. Local eateries and food stalls serve up dishes that pay homage to ancient culinary traditions, including cochinita pibil, a succulent slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and citrus juices.
You must also experience the tantalising taste of Chiapas-style tamales, distinguished by their unique masa infused with ingredients like chocolate, cinnamon, or herbs. For a hearty meal, try the sopa de chipilรญn, a traditional soup made with indigenous chipilรญn leaves.
To accompany your meal, don’t miss the opportunity to try traditional beverages such as pozol, a refreshing corn-based drink with a hint of cocoa, or agua de chaya, a healthy green drink made from the leaves of the chaya plant.
Where to stay in Palenque
Palenque may not be a large city, but that doesn’t mean that accommodation choices are limited. Here are our recommendations for the best areas and our preferred hotel:
Archaeological Site Area: If you want to be in close proximity to the ancient ruins, there are several hotels and lodges located near the Palenque Archaeological Site. Staying in this area allows you to conveniently explore the ruins early in the morning when it’s cooler and less crowded.
Downtown Palenque: The town of Palenque itself has a bustling downtown area with a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Staying in downtown provides easy access to local restaurants, shops, and markets where you can experience authentic local life.
La Caรฑada: This residential neighbourhood is located a short distance from the town centre and offers a quieter, more residential environment. This area has a selection of charming boutique hotels and eco-lodges nestled in jungle surroundings.
El Panchรกn: This popular and bohemian area is located near the archaeological site and offers a range of accommodations from rustic cabanas to boutique hotels. It has a laid-back atmosphere, surrounded by lush vegetation.
We stayed at the Chan-Kah Resort Village Convention Center & Maya Spa, an impressive place built in the heart of the jungle that’s still quite reasonably priced for what you get.
The highlights were the staff, the jungle hut rooms, and a massive pool. But the wildlife in the resort stole the show – the roaming iguanas and spider monkeys playing in the trees around the pool were a fun bonus!
And the booming sound of the howler monkeys is something special to witness, especially the first time you hear them and have no idea what it could be.
Common questions about Palenque
Is Palenque safe for tourists?
Yes, Palenque is generally considered a safe destination for travellers. However, like any other place, it’s important to exercise common sense and, if you are a particularly nervous traveller, stick to the busier areas, especially at night.
What is the best time to visit Palenque?
The best time to visit Palenque is during the dry season, which typically extends from November to April. This period offers pleasant weather with warm temperatures and lower chances of rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the archaeological site and jungle activities.
The wet season, from May to October, brings more frequent rainfall and higher humidity to Palenque. While the rainforest becomes lush and vibrant during this time, it’s important to be prepared for occasional showers.
We travelled in June and experienced almost no rain during our stay. One advantage of travelling during the wet season is that the waterfalls are more active, however, too much rain can turn the water at Agua Azul brown from the stirred up river beds.
Is it necessary to know Spanish to visit Palenque?
While it’s not necessary to know Spanish to visit Palenque, having some basic knowledge of the language can greatly enhance your experience. Many locals involved in tourism have basic English skills, but learning some basic Spanish phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience.
How is the walkability?
The archaeological site itself involves quite a bit of walking on uneven jungle paths, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. The terrain can be challenging with some steep sections, but the paths are well-maintained.
In town, most attractions are within walking distance, though the humid climate means you’ll want to take breaks in the shade regularly. Maybe with some ice-cream or a cold beer!
Is Palenque worth visiting? Our opinion.
When we initially decided to explore Chiapas and started creating a list of must-see archaeological sites, Palenque stood head and shoulders above many other options. We had to include this stunning combination of ancient history and natural beauty in our itinerary.
Expectations were sky-high for this place, which can often lead to some disappointment on arrival, but Palenque not only lived up to expectations but exceeded them on every level!
What we found are really two Palenques! The obvious one is the famous Mayan site that has attracted tourists for many years, and the second, lesser-discussed Palenque, is the small town located about a 10-minute drive from the ruins.
The archaeological site is absolutely spectacular – having previously visited many of Mexico’s famous sites like Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, and Tulum, we can confidently say that Palenque ranks amongst the very best. The jungle setting adds an extra layer of magic that you simply don’t get at other sites.
But as amazing as the ruins are, and believe me they are amazing, the strongest memories we carry from our time in Palenque are actually of the stunning Cascadas Roberto Barrios.
This privately owned natural attraction is something you simply have to see for yourself – sparkling blue water running over limestone rocks, with every fall and pool being swimmable.
Every one of the locals we had the chance to interact with was humble, gracious, and friendly, whether they were guides at the archaeological site sharing their knowledge, market vendors talking up the quality of their goods, or staff at the hotels and restaurants we visited.
In a nutshell, we came for some Mayan ruins and left with great memories of that and so much more. While Palenque is famous, it’s not as well known as sites like Chichen Itza or Teotihuacan, likely because it’s harder to get to.
But for those willing to make the effort, you will be rewarded with an incredible mix of history, culture and nature.
So, to sum up our opinion of Palenque in a single sentence… Palenque is an essential stop on any trip to Mexico for those wanting to experience the perfect blend of ancient history and natural beauty, without having to share it with busloads of tourists.
We have visited many archaeological sites across Mexico, but would have to think long and hard to think of a place that combines stunning ruins with such incredible natural surroundings as perfectly as Palenque.
And to top off the experience of visiting this remarkable place is that it still flies pretty much under the radar as far as tourism goes. Sure you will find backpackers and fellow road trippers, but what you won’t find are lines of tour buses or massive crowds jostling for the perfect photo.
Palenque is a hidden gem, so get there and see it yourself, but don’t tell anyone else… we don’t want to ruin the secret!
