UNESCO Mayan Ruins of Palenque

The Mayan ruins, located just outside of the small city of Palenque, are found in the southern state of Chiapas, Mexico. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The ruins are held within the Parque Nacional de Palenque (or Palenque National Park). A National Park that covers an area of 1,780 hectares (or 6.87 square miles).

The ancient city of Palenque was originally known as Lakamha in the Itza language, but was renamed to Palenque upon arrival of the Spanish in the 1520’s. The Conquistadors found the area to be sparsely populated due to the fallout of the city sometime during the 8^th century. It’s believed that the Mayan’s resided here between 226 B.C. and 799 A.D.

The city of Palenque flourished during the 7^th century, under leader Pakal the Great, who ruled from 615 to 683 B.C. Pakal was most likely responsible for the renaissance in both the city’s art and architecture. His funerary monument was designated the “Temple of Inscriptions” by the lengthy text that was preserved inside the temple. During the time of excavation, Pakal’s tomb was the richest and best-preserved burial site from the ancient Americas.

The Mayan architects of Palenque were able to complete significant feats during their time. They managed to combine the elements of the city with the façade of the surrounding jungle. This site is a little smaller, but just as important as other significant sites, such as Chichen Itza, Takal, and Uxmal. Palenque was named a UNESCO site as a testimony to the mythology and just how resourceful that the Mayans were.

The settlement of Palenque can be found in the Tumbalá mountains, overlooking the jungle below. The city was built with palaces, platforms, and temples in harmony with the surrounding jungle landscape to create an artful touch.

The Usumacinta River runs through part of the settlement, heling the Mayans with transportation around the region. The river allowed Palenque to be along major trade routes while simultaneously providing water to the citizens.

The Mayans built man made canals to help deliver the much-needed water. In 2010 archeologists discovered that these canals were pressurized and the first of their kind. The Otulum is a tributary of the Usumacinta River and was channeled through a 50-meter canal that brought water to the citizens of Palenque.

Palenque is one of the most studied and documented Mayan archeological sites. It contains some of the finest examples of Mayan sculptures and architecture. The history of the city was pieced together from the Mayan hieroglyphs that are found all over the site. However, the known history is far more extensive than can be provided here.

Less than 10% Discovered

There have been more than 1,400 documented buildings discovered. However, it is believed that less than 10% of the city has been discovered with far more than 1,000 buildings yet to be uncovered from the surrounding jungle.

Palenque’s decline began somewhere around 800 A.D., when there was no new construction around the ceremonial center. The city became overgrown by thick combinations of cedar, mahogany, and sapodilla trees. This overgrowth left the ruins untouched and forgotten about for hundreds of years.

The first historical mention of the ruins is from de la Nada’s brief account; however, no attention was given until 1773. The first excavations and preservations didn’t begin until modern times, from 1949 through 1952, by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History.

I spent a day here, journeying through on my way to the Yucatan. I couldn’t help but marvel at the brilliance of the pyramids and their unique beauty of being completely surrounded by the jungle on all sides. I was completely enamored and in total awe. The detail of the buildings and the façade’s ability to melt into the surrounding jungle was a site that every history buff should see in their lifetime.

The Mayans had an uncanny ability to read the stars. Many of the structures are aligned astronomically, a feat that is hard to imagine in present times. The lack of resources paired with the wisdom of the indigenous culture is impressive to say the least.

Accessing these ruins is fairly straight forward, especially if visiting from the near town of Palenque. Collectivos run back and forth all day with one way costing 20 MXN. At the time of visitation (Dec. 2021), there were two entrance fees. One for the National Park (90 MXN) and one for the ruins themselves (80 MXN) totaling 170 MXN (or roughly $8.50 US).

Overall, these ruins are something else. It is hard not to feel the deep history from all angles as you walk through the site. It’s a magical place and a perfect stop for families, couples, and backpackers alike.  If you’re somewhere in the Yucatan, do yourself a favor and take a couple of days to stop into Palenque, you will not be disappointed.

Quick Notes:

• Collectivos to and from Palenque: 20 MXN
• National Park entrance fee: 90 MXN
• Palenque Ruins entrance fee: 80 MXN