The most famous and evocative of Mayan ruins
Not the largest, but certainly the most famous of Mexico’s Mayan sites; Palenque’s magical jungle setting as well as the discoveries made at this settlement that reveal the astounding sophistication of this ancient civilization, combine to justify its infamy and why it should not be missed.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city was predicted to have been built around 226 BC standing until its fall in approximately 1123AD; well before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century. However what was left behind and uncovered by archaeologists centuries later was some of the finest architecture, sculptures, murals, carvings, roof combs, and bas-reliefs ever produced by the Mayans. Much of the site has been painstakingly excavated and as faithfully restored as possible, leading to much being written about it and the advanced Mayan civilisation marveled at as a result.
We can arrange for an expert local guide and historian to take you around the site to help bring it to life and animate the theories, its succession of kings, and ancient Mayan culture. Surrounded by a dense and steamy jungle of cedar, mahogany and sapodilla tree filled with the chatter of howler monkeys and the Usumacinta River nearby, the setting of Palenque is spectacular indeed.
We have handpicked a few luxury hotels close to the site or you can base yourself in San Cristobal de las Casas.
The Jacada Difference
Seamless organisation, every step of the way
Journeys as meaningful as they are memorable
Remarkable stays, handpicked by our experts
Luxury accommodation in Palenque
Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip Inspiration
Meet your Latin America team
Plan your trip to Palenque
Whatever you want from your adventure in Palenque, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.


Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.