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 19^th 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.

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