The modern town of Palenque is functional but nothing special so we recommend you stay at the hotels right on the outskirts of town in the forested La Canada hotel zone or at one of the hotels at the entrance of the archaeological site. This way you experience the lush tropical jungle first hand. Agua Blanca

When to Go

It takes a little effort to get to Palenque, (Getting There) but your efforts will be rewarded. If you avoid the Mexican high season, July – August, Christmas, and Easter you will be one of the privileged few to experience these treasures. On our last visit in May, there were only a couple of dozen European and American tourists at the archaeological zone, and just a handful at the Mishol-Ha waterfalls. Palenque is known for the extensive flora and fauna; a family of howler monkeys hung our right outside our hotel room door! Birdwatchers visit from October (October is very rainy) to March to catch sight of hundreds of species on their migratory journey.

How Long to Stay

You can see Palenque and visit nearby waterfalls in two or three days, but if you can spare five or six days don’t miss nearby Bonampak and Yaxilan archaeological sites. Both are in the heart of the tropical jungle. Yaxilan is reached by boat.