Palenque in New Mexico
Palenque was built and inhabited from 100 B.C. to 800 A.D. Between 800 – 900 the Palencans migrated to the Yucatan; although there are several theories, on one knows why they abandoned this magnificent city. Palenque is a spectacular example of Classic Mayan architecture.
There are 1400 buildings in the city, but only a dozen or so have been excavated. The dense rain forest of the Chiapas Sierra surrounds the site and the Oltum River runs through the site via an aqueduct built by the Maya. One of the most famous buildings, the Temple of Inscriptions, houses the tomb of King Priest Pakal (603 – 633 A.D.) There is also a small but excellent museum on site.
Mishol Ha & Agua Azul Waterfalls
Mexico's History Happened Here
This central, mountainous part of Mexico reminds us of the hillside towns of southern Spain, only we like this better. The Spanish mule trains traveled this route from the gold and silver mines to Mexico City in the 1500s, giving rise to settlements along the route that founders used to replicate the world they left behind. Among common sights are towering cathedrals, built by Indian workers, shadowing large, central squares. The Mexican government has declared San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato national monuments because they are free of stop lights, neon, and the trappings of cluttered modern life. The enduring, fine colonial architecture lies along hilly cobblestone streets, all preserved to look much as that of 400 years ago, This tableau reveals itself time and again in cities named for Mexican heroes whose fight for Mexican Independence began here in the early 1800s.
Palenque sits amid dense tropical rain forest in the lush foothills of the Chiapas Mountains. The Classic Maya architecture makes it one of the most beautiful of the Maya archaeological sites in Mexico. The entire area is dotted with rivers and waterfalls. If you are a nature lover or an explorer, the northern part of the state of Chiapas state where Palenque is located won’t disappoint you.