Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
Location: Chiapas Mexico
Year of Inscription: 1987
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque is located in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. The park covers an area of approximately 1,771 hectares and is home to one of the most important ancient Mayan cities. The city of Palenque was at its peak between the 6th and 8th centuries AD and was an important political and cultural center in the region.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Palenque include:
History: Palenque was one of the most important Mayan cities in the region and was at its peak during the 6th to 8th centuries AD. The city was abandoned around the 10th century AD and was largely forgotten until the 18th century when European explorers rediscovered the site.
Family-Friendly Activities: Palenque offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
Fun Fact: The name "Palenque" means " fortification" in Spanish, but the original Mayan name of the city is still unknown.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Palenque varies depending on the activity and the location within the park. For example, the fee for visiting the ruins is 80 pesos (approximately $4 USD) per person, while the fee for a guided tour can be up to $20 USD per person.
How to Reach it: The easiest way to reach Palenque is by flying into Villahermosa or Tuxtla Gutierrez and then taking a bus or hiring a car to drive to the park. Visitors can also take a bus directly to Palenque from other nearby cities, such as San Cristobal de las Casas or Oaxaca.
From Oaxaca:
From San Cristobal de las Casas:
From Campeche:
The archaeological site of Palenque is located about 8 km from the town center, and can be reached by taxi or colectivo.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and other accommodations available near Palenque, including:
Next Stop: Historic Fortified Town of Campeche 360km (200miles) to the northeast
Year of Inscription: 1987
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque is located in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. The park covers an area of approximately 1,771 hectares and is home to one of the most important ancient Mayan cities. The city of Palenque was at its peak between the 6th and 8th centuries AD and was an important political and cultural center in the region.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Palenque include:
- The Temple of the Inscriptions, which is a nine-level pyramid that contains the tomb of the Mayan ruler Pakal the Great.
- The Palace, which is a large complex of buildings that served as a residential and administrative center.
- The Temple of the Cross, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Foliated Cross, which are all located in the same complex and are known for their intricate carvings and decorations.
- The surrounding national park, which is home to a range of flora and fauna, including howler monkeys, jaguars, and toucans.
History: Palenque was one of the most important Mayan cities in the region and was at its peak during the 6th to 8th centuries AD. The city was abandoned around the 10th century AD and was largely forgotten until the 18th century when European explorers rediscovered the site.
Family-Friendly Activities: Palenque offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
- Guided tours of the ruins, which offer insights into the history and culture of the Mayan people.
- Visiting the on-site museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the site and provides additional context to the history of the Mayan civilization.
- Hiking and exploring the surrounding national park, which is home to a range of flora and fauna.
Fun Fact: The name "Palenque" means " fortification" in Spanish, but the original Mayan name of the city is still unknown.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Palenque varies depending on the activity and the location within the park. For example, the fee for visiting the ruins is 80 pesos (approximately $4 USD) per person, while the fee for a guided tour can be up to $20 USD per person.
How to Reach it: The easiest way to reach Palenque is by flying into Villahermosa or Tuxtla Gutierrez and then taking a bus or hiring a car to drive to the park. Visitors can also take a bus directly to Palenque from other nearby cities, such as San Cristobal de las Casas or Oaxaca.
From Oaxaca:
- ADO bus company operates direct buses from Oaxaca to Palenque, with a travel time of around 10-11 hours. Buses depart daily from the ADO bus terminal in Oaxaca.
From San Cristobal de las Casas:
- ADO bus company operates direct buses from San Cristobal to Palenque, with a travel time of around 5-6 hours. Buses depart several times a day from the ADO bus terminal in San Cristobal.
- OCC bus company also operates direct buses from San Cristobal to Palenque, with a travel time of around 5-6 hours. Buses depart several times a day from the OCC bus terminal in San Cristobal.
From Campeche:
- ADO and OCC journey takes approximately 9 hours.
The archaeological site of Palenque is located about 8 km from the town center, and can be reached by taxi or colectivo.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and other accommodations available near Palenque, including:
- El Panchan - a popular backpacker spot with a range of budget accommodations and a lively atmosphere.
- Chan-Kah Resort Village - a luxury resort located near the park entrance.
- Hotel Maya Tulipanes Palenque - a mid-range hotel
Next Stop: Historic Fortified Town of Campeche 360km (200miles) to the northeast