You can spend hours wandering this expansive site, popping in and out of the jungle.

It’s no wonder the Ruin site was awarded UNESCO status in 1987.

This anthropological marvel in the Mexican state of Chiapas came into prominence between the 700 and 800’s AD.

It became abandoned shortly thereafter, in the year 900 AD.

It sat forgotten for nearly a thousand years thereafter as it became swallowed by the surrounding jungle.

Many of these huge ancient structures have been excavated.

Meanwhile other temples are left as they were found.

Not sense touring Cambodia’s Ankor Wat have I seen such beautiful displays of the natural flora intermingling with ancient wonders like this.

The temples are tall!

In fact, Palenque’s Temple of Inscriptions (AKA “House of the Nine Sharpened Spears”) rises out 75 feet high out from the jungle, making it the tallest of the bunch.

But you’ll find not just one tall temple here but rather several.

In fact, there is said to be over 1,000 buildings documented within the 25 square mile site. Yet less than 10% has been uncovered.

While there is a steady flow of visitors, you’ll find it’s not teaming with hoards of tourists.

Perhaps it’s the grandiosity of Palenque that helps people to get lost among it’s vastness.

You likely find it’s a very tranquil and peaceful place to roam around.

Some of the temples include intricate hieroglyphics carved into the stone.

You’re permitted to climb most of the temples too, providing for a sense of adventure as you gain a birds-eye view of the grounds below.

You can even enter inside sacred tombs.

The lush jungle setting of the Palenque Ruins is full of life. Tropical birds call out while howler monkeys roar.

Take a stroll through the jungle and over the swing bridges.

Wander down a side trail and if you don’t spot any wildlife, you’ll at least be treated to some majestic waterfalls.

The Otolum Creek actually runs right through the middle of the ruin site and into the forested overgrowth that surrounds.

Hopefully these photos have attempted to show-off how special Palenque is.

Yet it’s really one of those places that needs to be experienced rather than seen in order to really appreciate it.

Looking at pixelated two-dimensions on your computer or phone, simply doesn’t do Palenque justice.

The jungle needs to be delved into and those ancient steps need to be climbed.

Palenque deserves to be explored.

So what are you waiting for? Adventure awaits.

If You Go to Palenque Ruins, Mexico

Palenque Costs, Admission, and Entrance Fees

The Palenque ruins can be explored as part of a guided tour or can be easily traversed on your own. For a DIY tour of Palenque, simply take one of the frequent collectivos from town to the ruins for 20 pesos per person each way. You’ll be charged 27 pesos to get into the National Park and a 57 peso entrance fee to access the ruin site, which also includes museum admission. This all adds up to 124 pesos (~$7 USD), making for incredible travel value.

How to Get to Palenque

Interjet has flights twice per week from Mexico City to the small Palenque Airport on Sundays and Thursdays. One-way flights start at $66 USD.

Otherwise fly into Villahermosa where frequent ADO busses depart directly from the Villahermosa airport to Palenque. That bus trip takes just over two hours.

Busses from other regional cities also make it a perfect stopover on any Mexico or Central America itinerary. Popular ADO bus routes connect: San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque, Campeche to Palenque, and Mérida to Palenque.

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