San Cristóbal de las Casas Excursions
Palenque © Judith Duk
Palenque
The setting for this spectacular ancient Mayan city is splendid,
a hauntingly beautiful site engulfed in the endless tropical jungle
that bristles with the shriek of insects. The architecture is
fantastic and for many Palenque is the most remarkable of the major
Mayan sites. The city was at its peak from 600 to 700 AD, an
important ceremonial centre and the provincial capital. The
buildings that are visible today form only a small part of what it
once was, and only a few of the remaining buildings have been
properly excavated. The reason for the city's decline is
still a mystery. Early morning is the best time to capture the
setting at its most photogenic, when swirling vapours encircle the
temples and the jungle. The slippery jungle paths climb steeply
past waterfalls and between trees, past ancient settlements
scattered around the jungle-clad hillsides, and rewarding views
from the temple tops take in the sweeping plains in the distance.
The highlight is the tallest and most important of Palenque’s
buildings, the magnificent Temple of Inscriptions. Constructed on
eight levels, there is a steep central stairway of 69 steps leading
to the rooms at the top. The rear interior wall is decorated with
panels of Mayan hieroglyphic inscriptions describing the history of
Palenque and the temple. There is a museum near the entrance of the
site.
Address: Four miles (6.5km) from Palenque town;
Transport: Frequent minibus services from Palenque town;
Opening time: Daily from 8am to 5pm
