palenque

Palenque


Because of its unique location in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains of Chiapas and its fine architecture, sculptures and stucco reliefs, Palenque is as impressive as Chichen Itza, Tikal or Copan. By many considered the most enigmatic and beautiful of the Mayan city-states, this archaeological site was inhabited for 700 years, reaching it’s peak during the Classic Period between 600 and 750 A.D. Palenque is one of the few Mayan ruins in which one of the temples was used as a final resting place for one of its most powerful rulers. Pakal’s tomb was discovered in the early 50’s at the bottom of the temple of the Inscriptions, the tallest pyramid in Palenque. The lively little town of Palenque is only 5 miles (8 kms) away. Accommodations abound and range from inexpensive hostels to luxury hotels. Good restaurants offering delicious regional dishes are scattered all over and can be reached by foot taking a stroll along the winding streets of town. Worth a visit are the waterfalls of Misol-Ha and Agua Azul. Further into the jungle and a longer ride away lie the ruins of Yaxchilan and Bonampak.