//
Ancient Maya city-state in Chiapas, Mexico
Photo: Bernard DUPONT, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Located in Chiapas, the Mayan ruined city of Palenque stands out as one of the most beautiful and tourist-friendly of the Mayan cities. It has well developed tourist infrastructure with easy accessibility and a spectacular setting on a mountain in the midst of a rainforest. Beautiful architecture, unique in the Maya world, and well-preserved reliefs integrate with natural landscape to provide an educational tour with impact. Numerous discoveries were made in Palenque, defining a large chunk of the known history and mythology of the ancient Mayan culture. The site is still being actively explored and renown archaeologists from around the world come to research new theories about the Mesoamerican world.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
These waterfalls are inside the archaeological site.
These waterfalls are inside the archaeological site.
Great stone-oven pizzas and live music.
Serves pizza and light food, drinks are nothing fancy, mostly beer and tequila (straight up...don't be asking for no fancy mixed drinks here!).
Loud and lively with frequent live music. Popular local party spot.
Specializes in michelada, beer mixed with a spicy red chile blend known only to the bartender. Casual, friendly atmosphere. Cheap prices.
Basic guy's beer bar. Dark atmosphere and only national beer brands.
Rustic palapa bar with friendly atmosphere and strong cocktails.
Very near the ruins and has many options to stay, from hammocks to cabins inside the jungle. Showers, restaurant with live music and shows during the night, a big swimming pool and parking space, also for RVs.
It is relatively near the ruins and has cabanas and small cabins and common sleeping areas with hammocks. A cabana with access to a common showers and bathrooms facility is M$80. The little Otulum river runs through the location. Restaurant on-site.
Offers mixed budget accommodation from camping, dorms, and small cabañas all with shared bathroom. Showers have hot water. Restaurant on-site.
Rustic cabins close to the archaeological site. Great value for the budget traveler.
A selection of cabanas, rustic and modern rooms in a jungle setting, all with private bathroom, hot water and fans, some with AC. No Wi-Fi or mobile coverage, but Wi-Fi available at nearby Don Mucho's restaurant, which serves all the El Panchán accommodation choices.
Very friendly, clean budget spot in the town of Palenque. Laundry, free internet and Wi-Fi. Hot water (also in dorms). Baggage locker.
Clean, comfortable, secure, upscale hotel. Restaurant on site. Relaxing outdoor pool area with umbrellas and tables.
Modern, comfortable hotel on the main highway.
By bus
The easiest way to get to Palenque is by bus.5 hours), Merida (8-9 hours), Campeche (5 hours), Cancún (13 hours).
By train
The new Tren Maya intercity railway has its terminus station at Palenque.
By Shuttle
ADO buses between Palenque and San Cristobal de las Casas take a 450km route via Villahermosa and Tuxla Guttierez.
Taxi
DiDi and Uber do not operate in Palenque. To order an official taxi, send a WhatsApp message to +52 916 124 54 42 or call +52 916 120 90 85.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Villahermosa · International · VSA
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Palenque and Mexico.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in November across autumn foliage, mild desert warmth, southern spring blooms, and off-peak travel bargains.
6 min read
ItinerariesPlan your Isla Holbox trip with our complete Mexico guide. Explore sand streets, Punta Cocos bioluminescence, whale sharks, beach clubs, and ferries.
8 min read
Travel tipsIs it safe to travel to Mexico right now? Compare safety in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico City, and Oaxaca with official travel advisories and local tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.