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Palenque Maya Ruins – Everything You Need to Know About This Ancient Wonder
- Jenn & Leon
- Sep 9, 2022
- 10 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
The Ruins of Palenque are located in southern Mexico, just north of Guatemala, in an area known as the Maya Lowlands.
It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Mesoamerica and with its breath-taking beauty and preservation you can see why.
Also listed under UNESCO World Heritage, more of the site is being excavated every day.
Read on for more about our visit, the history of this once great and vast Mayan city, and how you can travel here!
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Introduction to Palenque
For those of you who love south American history, archaeology and all things Maya, then this is the adventure for you.
This epic city may be lesser known than places such as Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan, but that may well change as more of the site is uncovered after being buried for well over a thousand years.
The ruins are part of the Zona Arqueológica of Palenque, located just outside of the main city in the Chiapas region of Mexico.
We travelled here from the amazing city of San Cristobal via a 6 hour coach ride which went very smoothly thankfully.
When we arrived at the main bus terminal we took a minibus to the site and it was pretty straight forward overall. But more on that later!
The History of Palenque
The earliest evidence of occupation dates from 200 BC, and it grew steadily from a simple farming village to a power center that ruled over most of Mexico’s south by 600 AD.
It was known as ‘big water’ due to natural streams and a major river that ran through the site.
It was abandoned in 799AD and as mentioned was completely overgrown by the jungle that surrounded it until its excavation and restoration in recent years.
It houses many tombs, temples, and administrative buildings alongside general accommodation.
It is a hugely impressive site and one that is still waiting to be fully discovered; it is estimated that almost 80% of the original city is still completely covered by the jungle and is just waiting to be explored.
As of 2017 Palenque recorded nearly 1 million visitors and no doubt this will continue to grow as more of the city is revealed!
This once powerful and important political centre is also famous for its decorative stucco sculptures and carvings, which present some of the greatest works of Maya art.
The wide courtyards, ornamental fountains, and artificial pools and waterways also demonstrate a great understanding of city planning and organisation.
The Temple of the Sun (Templo de Sol, below) was built in the late 7th Century.
It is one of a complex of three different-sized structures thought to correspond to three different levels of the Maya universe: heaven, earth/surface of water, and the underworld.
Who Were the Maya?
The Maya were an ancient Mesoamerican civilization known for their remarkable achievements in various fields, including architecture, mathematics, astronomy, and writing.
They inhabited a region that includes present-day southeastern Mexico, all of Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador.
⪢ Key Aspects of Maya Civilization
● Historical Timeline: The Maya civilization emerged around 2000 BCE and reached its peak during the Classic period (approximately 250 to 900 CE).
● City-States: The Maya were organized into city-states, each ruled by a king. Major cities included Tikal, Palenque, Copán, and Calakmul.
● Writing System: They developed one of the most sophisticated writing systems in the pre-Columbian Americas, known as Maya glyphs, which were used for recording historical events, rituals, and astronomy.
● Mathematics and Astronomy: The Maya made significant advancements in mathematics, including the concept of zero, and created intricate calendars based on their astronomical observations.
● Religion and Mythology: Their religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods associated with nature, agriculture, and celestial bodies. Rituals often included offerings and ceremonies.
● Art and Architecture: The Maya are renowned for their impressive architectural structures, such as pyramids and temples, as well as their intricate pottery, sculptures, and murals.
⪢ Decline and Legacy
The decline of the Maya civilization began around the end of the 1st millennium CE, attributed to factors such as environmental changes, warfare, and social upheaval.
However, many Maya communities still exist today, preserving their cultural heritage and traditions.
The legacy of the Maya continues to influence modern society, particularly in the fields of archaeology, anthropology, and cultural studies.
Mexico Travel Tip - Ado Bus
Mexico's ADO Bus network is extremely efficient and operates out of main bus terminals in all major cities.
We used the service several times while traveling in Mexico, and we always had a good experience. You can use our online booking system to buy your tickets.
The coaches are well cleaned and tend to stop off every couple of hours at different terminals for refreshments, bathroom breaks and new passengers.
There tend to be a fair few security checks along certain routes, so be prepared to show your passport during these.
We also found that these 'inspectors' may not always be dressed as government officials either; we suspect that the local cartels also conduct checks. It is nothing to be too concerned about, even if it is a little unnerving at the time.
We would recommend having some change handy as all of the bathrooms usually require a few pesos for entry.
At most stops, you can also find fairly decent food and refreshment options, although it is always a lot more cost-effective to pack your own food!
⪢ Safeguard Your Trip with SafetyWing
To ensure peace of mind while traveling or living abroad, we recommend getting health insurance.
SafetyWing's Essential plan covers travel and medical emergencies with options for adventure sports and electronics theft.
Their Complete Plan offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, anywhere in the world, including in your home country, on top of all Essential benefits.
How to Get to Palenque Ruins
The majestic Palenque Ruins are nestled in the jungle hills just outside the town of Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico.
While there are several ways to reach the site, we found that the most cost-effective, comfortable, and stress-free option was via the ADO bus network.
By Car or Taxi
If you're driving, the Carretera Palenque–Zona Arqueológica leads straight to the site with paid parking available.
Taxis from town cost around 100–150 pesos each way. Be sure to confirm the fare in advance.
By ADO Bus + Local Shuttle (Our Recommended Route)
By Bus from Other Cities
⪢ Consider Taking a Tour
One of the most popular ways to visit the Palenque Ruins is with a combo tour including the nearby Roberto Barrios Waterfalls.
Check out a host of different options with Get Your Guide. No matter where your travels take you, Get Your Guide offers the best way to connect with your destination. Book your tickets here.
⪢ Easily Find Hotels in Palenque and Beyond
Use our interactive map to easily locate the top hotels nearby, sourced from a variety of reputable platforms such as Booking, Vrbo, Expedia, Get Your Guide, and Hotels.com.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Ticket Prices, Opening Times & Best Time to Visit
⪢ Ticket Prices
When we visited the Palenque Ruins, we were required to purchase a combined ticket that included both the Palenque Museum and the archaeological park:
● Entry Fee (combined museum + ruins): 90 MXN per person
● Optional shuttle to site entrance (from the museum): 10 MXN
● Local minivan from ADO Terminal to the museum: 20 MXN
Tickets are sold at the museum entrance, which sits at the base of the hill beneath the ruins.
As of our visit, separate ticketing options weren’t available, and visitors were directed to buy both museum and park entry.
Prices are correct at the time of writing (May 2025). All prices are in Mexican Pesos. Convert your currency here.
⪢ Opening Times
● Palenque Archaeological Zone:
Open daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(Last entry typically around 4:30 PM)
● Palenque Museum:
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
(Closed on Mondays)
⪢ Best Time to Visit
● Best Months: November to March – Dry season, cooler weather, and fewer mosquitoes
● Avoid: June to October, during the rainy season (trails may be muddy and humid)
● Best Time of Day: Early morning (8–10 AM) for cooler temps, better lighting, and fewer crowds
● Tip: Arrive as early as possible to enjoy a peaceful walk through the ruins before tour groups arrive
Our Accommodation in Palenque
We spent a night at the 4-star Hotel La Aldea del Halach Huinic, which is just a short walk from the Museum area of the Palenque Ruins site.
We had a great time here; the room was great and there was a lovely pool to enjoy alongside a nice restaurant.
For a detailed review, please check out our video below. Book your stay at Hotel La Aldea with booking.com.
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
Our Experience Rating:
Palenque
We had a fantastic time exploring here and would highly recommend it.
We had visited several other Mayan sites prior to this, such as those at Tulum, and this was our best experience by far. Be sure to add Palenque to your list - you will not be disappointed!
We would love to hear from you, and if you have any questions about Palenque or our experience, please do not hesitate to ask! We are always happy to help.
FAQ: Palenque Ruins – Exploring One of Mexico’s Most Breathtaking Maya Sites
Where is Palenque located?
Palenque is located in the state of Chiapas, southern Mexico, surrounded by jungle and close to the town of the same name.
It’s about 5–6 hours by road from San Cristóbal de las Casas or 8 hours from Villahermosa.
What makes Palenque special?
What are the opening hours and entry costs?
Can you climb the temples at Palenque?
Is there a museum on-site?
How much time should I plan for a visit?
Is a guide necessary?
Is Palenque suitable for children or older travelers?
What should I bring?
Is Palenque worth visiting over other Maya sites?
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