The ruins of ancient Palenque are one of the best examples of Maya architecture in Mexico. Palenque was first occupied around 100 BC and it fell around 900 AD. The dense jungle covering the hills surrounding the ancient city forms a jaw-dropping background. The forest which encircles the Maya pyramids is still home to many monkeys and toucans. A big part of the former city still remains undiscovered and hidden under the thick jungle.
I spent a day walking around the site and climbing the pyramids in early 2016. It was rainy, foggy and I heard monkeys around every corner. This definitely helped to create an even more fascinating atmosphere. Here’s my photo essay of that day.
Photo Essay
The line of temples you will see when you enter the site.
Welcome to Palenque!
The ‘Templo de las Inscripciones’ is the tallest and most prominent temple.
The most prominent temple of Palenque.
‘Templo de las Inscripciones’
Looking from ‘El Palacio’ towards ‘Templo de las Inscripciones’. The second picture shows the view onto ‘El Palacio’ from ‘Templo de la Cruz’.
The view from ‘El Palacio’.
The magnificient ‘El Palacio’.
Left: The first row of temples near the entrance of Palenque – Right: ‘El Palacio’
The interior of ‘El Palacio’.
The main court of ‘El Palacio’.
The plaza ‘Grupo de las Cruces’ featuring the ‘Templo del Sol’ on the west side.
Palenque is such an amazing site!
Looking onto ‘Templo del Sol’ and ‘Templo de la Cruz Foliada’. The third picture shows the view from ‘Templo de la Cruz’.
Left: ‘Templo del Sol’ – Right: ‘Templo de la Cruz Foliada’
Temples and jungle mingle perfectly together!
The view from ‘Templo de la Cruz’.
You will get the best view of Palenque from this spot!
The striking ‘Templo del Sol’.
There are many small temples hidden in the thick jungle with terrific well preserved details.
I love these small hidden temples of Palenque!
You will find here many well preserved details.
The temples of ‘Grupo Norte’.
Perfect view on the temples of ‘Grupo Norte’.
You can climb all the temples of Palenque!
On your way towards the exit of the site you will pass by many scenic waterfalls.
Idyllic waterfall near the exit of the site.
More scenic waterfalls!
Palenque is an amazing archaeological site and luckily not so crowded as its big brother Chichen Itza. A must for everyone who wants to explore the district of Chiapas.
Wanna see more travel pics? Check out my Photo Gallery
