The Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque is one of Mexico’s treasures. This area in the city of Palenque has an impressive archaeological site and a national park with opulent tropical vegetation. Enjoy some of the finest and most interesting Maya architecture and hike among lush trees and waterfalls.
The park is a nature reserve of about 4,400 acres (1,780 hectares). It contains and surrounds the Ciudad Prehispánica (Pre-Hispanic City), which are very famous Maya ruins. Marvel at the splendor of an ancient metropolis with sophisticated architectural designs. Find numerous palaces, temples, sculptures and carvings. Join a tour to see parts of the jungle that you can access only with a guide. Discover the many ruins that have not yet been excavated.
Choose a trail and walk surrounded by a beautiful high moist evergreen rainforest. The trees stay this deep green color most of the year. Hike along picturesque waterfalls and blue water streams. Try to spot some of the emblematic Chiapas’ species that live in the area. The park is home to gray four-eyed opossums, cotton rats, guaqueques (Central American agouti) and howler monkeys.
While you are in the park, stop off at the Museo de Sitio de Palenque Alberto Ruz Lhuillier. This archeological museum is located within the national park, near the large souvenir shop. The place is named after the archaeologist Alberto Ruz Lhuillier, famous for discovering the tomb of the Maya ruler, King Pakal. See the impressive giant sarcophagus, one of the main attractions in the museum. Learn about the fascinating Maya culture and the interesting objects discovered among the ruins.
Find the Ciudad Prehispánica and Parque Nacional de Palenque about 6 miles (9 kilometers) from the center of town. Reach the place by car or jump in one of the many colectivos (local buses) that go from downtown to the ruins during the day. Pay an entrance fee, which will give you access to the national park, the archaeological site and the museum.
