Holiday in Palenque
Area in Mexico — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇲🇽
Country
Mexico
Type
Area
Best time to travel
November–April (less rain), early morning hours for wildlife sightings
Budget/day
40–80 € (800–1,600 MXN)
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Villahermosa (USA) via Mexico City, then 2 hours by bus to Palenque. Alternatively, night bus from Merida or San Cristobal.
About Palenque
Palenque is one of the most atmospheric Maya sites in the world – located in the steaming jungle of Chiapas, surrounded by the calls of howler monkeys, colorful toucans, and lush tropical vegetation that covers the still unexcavated temples. The UNESCO World Heritage site reached its peak between 600 and 800 AD and was one of the most powerful city-states of the classic Maya period. The Temple of the Inscriptions houses the famous tomb of K'inich Janaab Pakal, whose jade-encrusted death mask is one of the most significant archaeological finds in the Americas. The palace with its unusual four-story tower – possibly an astronomical observatory – impresses with finely carved stucco reliefs and labyrinthine corridors. The Temple of the Cross, the Sun Temple, and the Temple of the Cross Group together form the Cross Temple Group with the best-preserved reliefs in the Maya world. Only a fraction of the former city is uncovered – archaeologists estimate that over 1,000 structures still lie hidden under the jungle. Nearby are the turquoise waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha, which make for excellent day trip combinations. The nearby small town of Palenque offers simple but charming accommodations and authentic restaurants. The best time to visit is early morning when fog blankets the ruins and the jungle sounds are most intense. The travel period from November to May offers the most pleasant conditions.
Top 5 highlights in Palenque
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Temple of the Inscriptions
Here, in 1952, the tomb of Pakal the Great was discovered – the famous jade death mask is in the Anthropological Museum in Mexico City.
The Palace
Extensive palace complex with the unique square tower – presumably used as an astronomical observatory.
Cross Temple Group
Three temples on pyramids grouped around a plaza with detailed mythological reliefs – the artistic peak of Palenque.
Jungle Atmosphere
Fog, howler monkeys, and tropical birds surround the ruins – Palenque offers the most intense jungle experience of all Maya sites.
Waterfalls of Misol-Ha and Roberto Barrios
Spectacular waterfalls nearby – Misol-Ha plunges 35 meters into a pool, Roberto Barrios offers turquoise cascades.
Hotels in Palenque
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für Palenque
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Palenque
Recommended travel time
November–April (less rain), early morning hours for wildlife sightings
Summer
Hot and extremely humid, 30–38 °C, daily rain
Winter
Warm and more humid than elsewhere, 22–32 °C, occasional rain showers
How much does a holiday in Palenque cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
18–35 € (360–700 MXN)
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
40–80 € (800–1,600 MXN)
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
90–180 € (1,800–3,600 MXN)
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Palenque
Compare thousands of package holidays to Palenque and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Palenque
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Arrive early in the morning (8 AM opening) – then the fog is at its most beautiful and the monkeys are most active.
Insect repellent is absolutely essential – the jungle is full of mosquitoes, especially in the early morning and evening.
Wear good hiking shoes – the paths are wet and slippery, especially the way through the jungle.
Plan to visit Misol-Ha waterfall on the way from Villahermosa – it is right on the main road.
The town of Palenque itself is unimpressive – stay in El Panchan (eco-lodges at the edge of the ruins) for a jungle atmosphere.
Food & drink in Palenque
These specialties you must try!
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