The jungle area in which you’ll find the archaeological zone and town of Palenque covers 3,500 km² (1,400 mi²). There in the midst of the dense jungle landscape, you’ll find rivers, waterfalls, lakes and a wide variety of flora and fauna, natural attractions that make this the ideal site for ecotourism outings.

Palenque Archaeological Zone – Located just 8 km (5 mi) from the town of Palenque, it is one of the main Mayan archaeological sites and a delightful destination for ecotourism enthusiasts.  Here, paths cutting through the jungle lead to various temples and the gorgeous Montiepa waterfalls, where over time, curious figures have taken shape in the rock formations. Open daily from 8:00 to 6:00.

Parque Nacional Cascadas de Agua Azul (Agua Azul Waterfalls) – Located 50 km (31 mi) south of the town of Palenque, off Highway 199 in the direction of Ocosingo. Because of its abundant vegetation and its impressive waterfalls, which are formed from the water flow of the Tulija River, Agua Azul was declared a national park in 1980. Here you can appreciate an abundance of flora and fauna in a natural habitat full of mahogany, cedar and sapodilla trees, as well as birds, insects and small mammals. You can also marvel at the beautiful blue waters, which have that color as a result of erosion; water flowing past the rocks causes small particles of lime containing magnesium salts and other chlorides to break off and dissolve.

Agua Clara – Head 55 km (34 mi) west of the town of Palenque along Highway 199 and then take the turnoff at Km 27. This tourist zone covers 90 hectares (222 acres) and lies between the Tulija and Shumulja rivers. This is an excellent spot to go on a photo safari while hiking along beautiful trails among the lush jungle vegetation. You’ll also have the opportunity to observe toucans, doves, parakeets and howler monkeys.

Cascada Misol-Ha – This is an ideal place for trekking, as it offers trails that lead to impressive waterfalls. During the hike, you’ll see such flora as mahogany, sapodilla and jiggerwood trees.

 

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