Palenque – In the Kingdom of the Forgotten Maya
We arrived in Palenque, one of Mexico’s most spectacular archaeological sites, hidden deep in the Chiapas jungle. We explored these ancient Maya ruins (cost: 10 pesos transport + 10 pesos park fee + 45 pesos entrance) with a local guide (250 pesos for 4 people) whose passionate storytelling brought the site to life.
Known to the Maya as Lakamha (“Great Water”), Palenque flourished between the 7th-9th centuries AD. Though smaller than other Maya cities, its exquisite architecture and carvings make it arguably the most beautiful. The Temple of Inscriptions stunned us – where in 1952 archaeologist Alberto Ruz Lhuillier discovered the intact tomb of King Pakal the Great, one of Mesoamerican archaeology’s most significant finds.
The contrast between partially restored structures and jungle-covered ruins fascinated us. Only about 10% of an estimated 1,500 buildings have been excavated – the rest await discovery beneath dense vegetation. At the Palace, we marveled at unique bas-reliefs depicting Maya nobles in prayer, while the Temple of the Cross preserved hieroglyphs telling the city’s history.
A Night in the Jungle
We stayed at a cozy jungle-edge hotel (350 pesos for a 4-person room). That evening, surrounded by rainforest sounds, our guide shared legends about spirits of Palenque’s rulers supposedly still guarding the ruins. At dawn, howler monkeys provided nature’s alarm clock!
Agua Azul – Emerald Cascades
The next day (tour cost: 125 pesos), we visited Agua Azul – turquoise waterfalls on the Tulijá River. These stunning cascades, colored by calcium carbonate, form perfect natural pools (though the water’s refreshingly cold!).
Pro Tip: Visit during dry season (Jan-May) for the most intense turquoise colors, or rainy season for more dramatic flows. Locals believe bathing here cleanses the soul – especially powerful when standing behind the falling water.
Palenque and Agua Azul showcase Chiapas’ dual magic – the Maya’s mysterious past and breathtaking nature that continues to thrive. Here, history and wilderness intertwine for an unforgettable journey through time.
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