Things to Do in Palenque

Palenque is the gateway town for one of Mexico’s greatest archaeological sites — Mayan ruins that push into a steep jungle hillside on the edge of the Usumacinta lowlands. The town itself is unremarkable (it exists to service the ruins and the waterfall circuit to the southwest). Most visitors spend 1–2 nights: one day at the ruins, half a day at the waterfalls.

Palenque archaeological zone

The most important Mayan site in Chiapas — some argue the most significant in Mexico for the quality of its inscriptions and hieroglyphic texts. The key structures:

• Templo de las Inscripciones: the tomb of the 7th-century ruler Pakal the Great was discovered here in 1952. The carved sarcophagus lid is one of the most reproduced images in Mesoamerican archaeology. The original is in the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City; a copy is on-site.
• Palacio (the Palace): the administrative complex with its distinctive four-storey tower — the only tower of its kind at any Mayan site.
• Grupo de las Cruces (Group of the Cross): three temples with elaborate carved panels depicting Pakal’s dynasty.

The site opens at 8am; arrive then to beat the heat and tour groups. Entry ~MXN 90. A jungle path connects the site to the Museo de Sitio (on-site museum) where the best carved panels and finds are displayed.

Misol-Ha waterfall

35 km southwest of Palenque town on the road toward Ocosingo. A 35m waterfall drops into a pool where you can swim. Behind the falls is a cave corridor. Entry ~MXN 40. Usually combined as a morning stop before Agua Azul.

Agua Azul

65 km from Palenque. A series of travertine cascades where the river runs through mineral-rich limestone formations, producing striking turquoise water in dry season (best January–May). Rope swings and swimming areas on the lower sections. Entry ~MXN 60. Note: the water turns brown after heavy rain — check conditions.

Organised day tours covering Misol-Ha and Agua Azul depart daily from Palenque (~USD 25–35 per person including transport). Alternatively, take a colectivo from the ADO bus station (shared minivan, ~MXN 80 each way to Agua Azul).

Roberto Barrios

Less visited than Agua Azul: 60 km northeast of Palenque via a different road. Multiple tiers of waterfalls with deep green pools — quieter and arguably more beautiful. Entry ~MXN 50.

Getting to Palenque

• From San Cristóbal: 3–4 hours by bus (ADO, several daily).
• From Mérida: 7–8 hours by direct ADO.
• From Cancún: 10+ hours — not practical as a day trip; use it as a stepping stone.