Palenque

The ancient Maya City of Palenque, setting in the jungle and with its special architecture, is one of the most frequently visited archaeological zones in the country.

For many years, Palenque was covered by dense jungle, until the 19th century when it was discovered by adventurers and artists, such as Guillermo Dupaix, Count Waldeck, John L. Stephens, Frederick Catherwood, Désiré Charnay and Alfred P. Maudslay, whose reports made the world aware of the greatness of this city.

This imposing ceremonial centre reached its peak during the Classic period (600-700 AD), when its major buildings were constructed. During this time, it was the capital of a province that comprised the lowlands bordering on the Usumacinta and Grijalva rivers. The set of buildings that can be seen today are only a fraction of what the city once was. Among the most important structures at the site are: El Palacio (The Palace), which has a notable tower that rises above the complex; Los Templos del Sol, de la Cruz and de la Cruz Foliada (The Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Cross and Temple of the Foliated Cross), which surround the Plaza del Sol. There is also the Templo de las Inscripciones (Temple of the Inscriptions). In 1952, a tomb was discovered under this temple with a beautifully inscribed sarcophagus among the funerary furnishings of King Pakal. The ancient ruler of Palenque ordered the temple's construction, which would also serve as a holy tomb after his death.

The archaeological zone lies within Palenque National Park. Its climate is warm and humid, with altitudes of less than 350 m. The vegetation is mainly tropical forest which supports a wide range of fauna.

The modern Palenque Town is just a few kilometres to the east. It is a sweaty place with limited attraction except as a jumping-off point for the ruins.