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Palenque

Palenque: Our most recommended tours and activities

Yaxchilan & Bonampak Ruins and Lacandon Jungle from Palenque

1. Yaxchilan & Bonampak Ruins and Lacandon Jungle from Palenque

Benefit from early morning pick-up at your hotel in Palenque, and drive to the ancient Mayan archaeological site of Bonampak, first seen by non-Mayans in 1946. Upon arrival, get 2 hours to explore the site and look at its famous murals. Enjoy a breakfast buffet on the road, and venture into the lush green rainforest of the Lacandon Jungle. Declared a natural monument on August 21, 1992, the forest extends over some 4,357 hectares and is still inhabited by the Lacandon Maya people. Encounter refreshing streams and marvel at the endemic flora and fauna of the dense countryside. Upon your departure from Bonampak, take a 30-minute drive towards the frontier town of Frontera Corozal. Then, take a 1-hour boat trip to the hidden ruins of Yaxchilan, also known as "The City of Green Stones.” Once one of the most powerful Maya states along the Usumacinta River, the site is known for its decorative walls and the ruins of “The Labyrinth,” a temple with rooms spread over 3 levels and linked by interior stairways.  Get 2 hours to explore the complex and unravel some of the mysteries of its palaces, temples and public plazas. Then, journey back to Palenque and get dropped off at your hotel at the end of the tour services.

From San Cristóbal: Agua Azul and Palenque Day Trip

2. From San Cristóbal: Agua Azul and Palenque Day Trip

Following pick-up from your hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas, head towards the ancient Maya city of Palenque and stop at the amazing waterfalls of Agua Azul along the way. Gaze in awe at the cascades, formed by the currents of the Otulún, Shumuljá and Tulijá rivers and shallow canyons banked by vertical cliffs. Get the chance to cool down with a swim, time permitting, and marvel at the different areas and landscapes of the natural wonder. Continue to the waterfalls of Misol-Ha, where the water can rise to heights of up to 30 meters in the natural rainforest surroundings. Then, discover the ruins of the Maya civilization at the archaeological site of Palenque. Admire the impressive buildings and structures of the former city state, including the Temple of the Foliated Cross and Temple of the Sun in the stunning Temple of the Cross group of step pyramids. Return to San Cristóbal at the end of the day for drop off at a central location.

Misol Ha and Agua Azul Waterfalls Tour from Palenque

3. Misol Ha and Agua Azul Waterfalls Tour from Palenque

Enjoy the drive to Misol Ha Waterfall to see its impressive cascade that’s 20 meters high. Continue to the Agua Azul Waterfalls on this six-hour excursion from Palenque. Marvel at the stunning turquoise color of the water. Start out midday with a pickup at your hotel and a drive that takes you through spectacular natural landscapes. After your visit to Misol Ha you’ll head to Agua Azul Waterfalls, where you’ll spend around two hours, with time for lunch before returning to your hotel in Palenque.

Tuxtla Gutierrez: Palenque Ruins Day Tour with Breakfast

4. Tuxtla Gutierrez: Palenque Ruins Day Tour with Breakfast

Discover the stunning state of Chiapas and some of its natural and archeological treasures on this day trip. Admire stunning waterfalls at Agua Azul and the Misol-Ha cascade, and stop for a filling breakfast. Take a tour of the immense Mayan ruins at Palenque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After pickup in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, travel to the beautiful Agua Azul Cascades, one of Mexico's most stunning natural attractions. Marvel at the clear blue water and relax over a breakfast of regional dishes. After breakfast, opt for an invigorating dip in the large ponds formed by the waterfalls. From Agua Azul, make your way to the impressive Misol-Ha Cascade, which drops from a staggering 25 meters. Relax beside this beautiful natural wonder and let the thundering sounds of cascading water envelop you. After Misol-Ha, head over to the fascinating Palenque Archeological Site named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its historic and cultural richness. With your guide, spend a few hours exploring the remains of one of the Mayan empire’s capital cities. After the tour, you will have some time in Palenque to enjoy dinner before you are transferred back to your accommodation in Tuxtla Gutiérrez.

Agua Azul, Misol-Ha & Palenque Ruins

5. Agua Azul, Misol-Ha & Palenque Ruins

Enjoy the stunning Chiapas state and explore its many treasures on this exciting day tour. Travel from San Cristobal to the beautiful Agua Azul Cascades, one of Mexico's most stunning natural attractions. Marvel at the clear blues of the water and relax to a breakfast of tasty regional dishes. After breakfast, opt for a invigorating dip in the large ponds formed by the waterfalls. From Agua Azul, make your way to the impressive Misol-Ha Cascade, which drops from a staggering 25 meters. Relax before this beautiful natural wonder and let the majestic sounds of cascading water wash over you. After Misol-Ha, head over to the fascinating Palenque Archeological Site, named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its immense historic and cultural richness. Spend a few hours here exploring the remains of one of the capital cities of the Mayan empire. The tour will end in Palenque at 17:00, and you will have time to enjoy a dinner before the journey back to San Cristobal at 21:30.

Palenque: Agua Azul, Misol-Ha and Palenque Ruins Day Tour

6. Palenque: Agua Azul, Misol-Ha and Palenque Ruins Day Tour

Enjoy some of the most stunning sites in Chiapas and explore its many treasures on this exciting day tour. Start off at the Palenque Archeological Site exploring the rich Mayan past before heading to the natural beauties surrounding the area. Travel from Palenque City to the fascinating Palenque Archeological Site named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its immense historic and cultural richness. Spend a few hours here exploring the remains of one of the capital cities of the Mayan empire. From the Palenque Ruins, make your way to the impressive Misol-Ha Cascade, which drops from a staggering 25 meters. Relax with the majestic sounds of cascading water washing over you. After Misol-ha, go to the beautiful Agua Azul Cascades, one of Mexico's most stunning natural attractions. Marvel at the clear blues of the water and relax or opt for an invigorating dip in the large ponds formed by the waterfalls.

Palenque: Bonampak Site and Rafting in the Lacandona Jungle

7. Palenque: Bonampak Site and Rafting in the Lacandona Jungle

Begin your 13-hour outdoor adventure with a pick up at your accommodation in Palenque. Enjoy the ride, in an air-conditioned minivan, to the Lacanjá River in Lacandona Jungle and take a short breakfast stop on the way.  Surrounded by the gorgeous Lacandona Jungle, the Lacanjá River is the perfect place to get a taste of Chiapas’ nature and fascinating cultural heritage. First, explore the beautiful surroundings on your way down the Lacanjá River. Your expert guide will teach you about the ways of the river and explain how to safely raft down it. Enjoy being swept across the water as you admire the surrounding jungle. Keep an eye out for creatures of the jungle, like the monkeys playing in the trees. In the afternoon, enjoy a satisfying lunch. Then, stretch your legs on a brief hike through the jungle. Listen as your guide tells you all about the native flora and fauna. Next, make your way to Bonampak, an ancient Mayan archaeological site. Immerse yourself in history as you navigate the grounds, which were built as early as 580 AD. Learn about the Temple of Murals, which is a long narrow building with interior walls containing well-preserved Mayan paintings. Reflect on your exciting day on the ride back to Palenque, which ends at your accommodation. 

San Cristobal: Palenque, Agua Azul, and Misol-Ha Day Trip

8. San Cristobal: Palenque, Agua Azul, and Misol-Ha Day Trip

Get picked up early in the morning in San Cristobal de las Casas and begin your tour. Stop at a traditional Mexican restaurant and enjoy a delicious breakfast.  After, head to a set of waterfalls named "Cascadas de Agua Azul," created by the currents of the Otulún, Shumuljá, and Tulijá rivers. See shallow canyons with vertical cliffs. Go for a swim and enjoy the different views that surround you.  Continue to the Misol-Ha Waterfalls which are 30 meters high and surrounded by a tropical jungle, making this a beautiful and refreshing place. Then stop at the archaeological site of Palenque where a professional tour guide will accompany you in this historic site. Admire The Palace, The Temple of the Foliated Cross, The Temple of the Sun, and other famous sites in this Mayan city known for its architectural and sculptural heritage. After, reflect on your fun-filled day as you head back to San Cristobal de Las Casas to get dropped off.

Agua Azul & Palenque Ruins: Full-Day Tour from San Cristobal

9. Agua Azul & Palenque Ruins: Full-Day Tour from San Cristobal

Your full-day tour leaves San Cristobal de las Casas for the 90-minute transfer to Agua Azul. When you reach this series of glittering cascades you’ll have free time to immerse yourself in the pools, and later you’ll see Misol Ha, the highest waterfall in Mexico. In the Sierra Madre de Chiapas Mountains you’ll marvel at Agua Azul, a series of cascades and shallow pools of limestone-rich water. You can follow the movement of the water down a series of natural dams to the point where it ends the clear, waist-deep Shumulhá River. During April and May, the dry months, the water is a shimmering blue due the high amount of limestone present. In the rainy season the color is diluted because of the increased volume of water. These beautiful cascades continue on for miles across lush valleys and canyons. The Mayan archaeological site at Palenque is your next stop on the tour. Palenque was a Mayan city-state that flourished during the 7th century. The ruins that have been unearthed date as far back as 226 B.C, with the most recent dating to the fall of Palenque, which occurred around 1123 A.D. Palenque is a medium-sized site, much smaller than some of the major Mayan sites, but it contains some of the finest Mayan architecture, sculpture, and bas-relief carvings found to date.

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What people are saying about Palenque

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 94 reviews

Great ruins in the middle of the jungle. We saw monkeys close by. We were 14 on the tour (bus) but only three who had booked a guide so we were a small group at the ruins. the guide was brilliant, he made the Mayan city come to life and he helped us find and photograph the monkeys. There was a breakfast buffet at the beginning of the tour which was helpful because we left too early to have breakfast at our hotels/hostels

It’s a long day but well worth it. The tour clicked along as advertised. Very impressive. Terrific local English guide for Palenque. One has to see the site to believe it. Magnificent! Do NOT miss the Palenque museum on site. Will knock your socks off for sure. The waterfalls and rapids were beautiful and well worth seeing. If you don’t mind getting wet there is a trail BEHIND the falls! The pictures we took - wow!

Palenque js a beautiful old Mayan City, but as a lover of nature the beauty of both waterfalls is the best for me.

We were picked up on time, had a friendly driver and had plenty of time at each location to take a closer look.

A long day, but amazing. The 3 visits are all as beautiful as each other! I recommend