A 1 hour and 25-minute flight from Mexico City, Mexico to Palenque, Mexico puts you in a UNESCO…read moreWorld Heritage site of Pre-Hispanic City Palenque, home to the National Park of Palenque the northwestern most city-state in the Maya World with origins that date back to as far as 100 B.C..
To get to the park from Palenque, you can use a taxi or the better and cheaper version is the bus van (see my pictures). Bus vans are very common in Palenque and from the City Center to the National Park you pay about MXN $10 ($0.55 USD). If you decided to take a taxi travelers expect to pay anywhere from MXN $500 to $1000 ($27 to $55 USD!) The drive from City Center to the Park is about 20 minutes to 30 minutes long since they pick-up and drop off other passengers along the way. I used the bus van and found it safe and the people driving it were always friendly.
Prior to accessing the temples expect to be charged two entrance fees. The first charge will be MXN $15 will be charged by the Council of Protected Areas at the park's main gate. The second charge will be MXN $45 ($2.50 USD) and collected at the archaeological park's entrance. The bus van will drive you all the way up to the archeological park's entrance. But be aware that it might be faster to just get down and walk since traffic can get congested at the archeological park entrance. Once you get down, be prepared to be overwhelmed by tour offers, souvenir and water vendors!
Once you've entered the archeological park and left the hustle and bustle of vendors, you will be surrounded by a lush green jungle home to howling monkey's, jaguars and amazing birds. Many of the temples of Palenque was rebuild and currently visitors can climb the many temples. However, I was told by my guide that this would soon change. Expect to stay here for the entire day!
Below are some additional tips from my trip:
- For a one hour tour, I paid about MXN $200 ($10 USD). I found a tour vendor located to the right-hand side prior to entering the main archeological entrance. They were dressed in brown. Rates vary so expect to bargain. I recommend doing a one hour tour if you are interested in learning about the history of the city.
- The park is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., every day of the week, 365 days a year.
- Bring your own water or buy one before you enter the park! You will need it, the weather (depending on the time of the year) during my visit was hot and humid!!
- Make sure to bring a small bottle of insect repellant.
- Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing.
- Be respectful of the area!
