PALENQUE
Located in
the southern state of Chiapas,
about 290 km
(180 mi)
northeast of state capital Tuxtla
Gutierrez and 220 km (136 mi) from San
Cristobal de las Casas, Palenque
is one of the most important Mayan archaeological zones. Simply put, it?s a must-see
destination on your next visit
to Mexico?s southern region.
The ruins are
embedded in the heart of a tropical jungle, which gets
torrential downpours during the summer
and has an average temperature of 26º C (79º F).
Palenque offers amazing
temples and structures dating back to Mexico?s Classic era (from 400?700 AD); the ruins were explored
during the 19th century. Among the most important
structures at the site are: El Palacio (The Palace), which
has a notable tower that rises above the
complex; Los Templos del Sol, de la Cruz and de la
Cruz Foliada (The Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Cross and Temple of the Foliated
Cross), which surround the Plaza del Sol. There?s also the Templo de las
Inscripciones (Temple of the
Inscriptions). In 1952, a tomb was discovered under this temple with a beautifully inscribed sarcophagus among the funerary
furnishings of King Pakal. The
ancient ruler of Palenque ordered the temple?s construction, which would also
serve as a holy tomb after his
death.
In the ruin?s surrounding
areas, you can go hiking amongst
dense jungle vegetation while appreciating the abundance of
plant and animal species that inhabit
the Palenque National Park, which covers
some 1,700
hectares (4,200
acres). There, you?ll
spot various bird species, howler monkeys, and you
might even get a chance to spy a jaguar.
About 6 km (4 mi) east of
the archaeological zone and the national park lies the town of Palenque, which
offers everything you?ll need for your visit: lodging, restaurants, stores and
markets, where you can buy all kinds of crafts and enjoy the tasty regional
cuisine of Chiapas. Nearby, you can visit
the waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha, two important
natural tourist attractions.
There, you can go camping and take in the gorgeous
scenery, which at one time could
only be admired by Mayan princes.
