Jungles, Temples and Waterfalls

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Palenque, Calakmul and Chicanna
Duration:
5 days / 4 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 278.- per person (excluding flights)

Dive into Mayan ancient ruins as you explore Palenque, Calakmul and Chicanna on this five day trip. Cool off in beautiful waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle, learn about the immense history in this unique area of Mexico and soak up the stunning scenery. Our local lodge accommodation adds to the experience with a stay in an eco-village to round off your adventure.

Day 1 – Arrival in Palenque

Nestled in the jungle, the city of Penenque offers a warm and humid environment with temperatures often reaching 35 degrees. You’ll stay in a traditional lodge with a refreshing swimming pool, set in tropical gardens.

The centre is a short 5-minute walk away, and the Palenque ruins are only a 10-minute drive, so you’ll be ideally located to explore the area.

Day 2 – Explore the ancient ruins

Today, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins of Palenque, situated in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by waterfalls and the calls of howler monkeys – a must-visit on your Mexican adventure. Palenque stands out as one of the few cities where historians have decoded a significant portion of Mayan history. The well-preserved hieroglyphs on the walls narrate tales of dynasties, conquests, prosperity, and decline. Don’t miss the chance to explore the most sensational discovery in the Mayan world – the tomb of King Pacal. Plan your visit early to beat the heat, and take a refreshing break at the nearby waterfalls during the hottest part of the day.

Hidden in the jungle are numerous waterfalls, ranging from the popular Agua Azul to the lesser-known gems like Roberto Barrios. We recommend the latter for its authentic charm, attracting mainly locals. A short journey from the ruins, these waterfalls offer a unique experience guided by a local who knows the area well. During the rainy season, the waterfalls swell, limiting swimming opportunities, while from February to May, they display a mesmerizing turquoise hue, perfect for capturing stunning photos.

Day 3 – Travel from Palenque to Calakmul

As you bid farewell to Palenque, the jungle gives way to coast as you make the five-hour journey to your next destination. Along the route to the Caribbean coast, you’ll encounter yet more Mayan ruins, unil you reach the impressive Mayan city of Calakmul, rivaling Tikal and Palenque in size (25 km2). The high pyramids with steep stairs and royal burial chambers with masks and rare vases make Calakmul unique. We ecommend a self-guided walk through the city to take in the grandeur of this site. You’ll spend the night on the outskirts of the city.

Day 4 – Travel from Calakmul to Chicanna

After exploring Calakmul, continue your journey to Chicanna, where we have reserved accommodation near the ruins. Stay in a wooden bungalow around the pool in an eco-village powered by solar energy. The spacious rooms feature verandas or balconies, offering tranquility after a day of exploring ancient Mayan cities.

If the wonders of the Mayan cities have captivated you, there are more to discover in this area, some only recently unearthed in 2004. While we couldn’t explore them all, our local partner recommends Kohunlich, a one-hour drive from your hotel.

Day 5 – Departure from Chicanna

Today it is time to head on to your next destination. From Chicanna, you can head to Tulum, with an optional stop at Kohunlich or a delightful lunch at a scenic fish restaurant on the shores of Lake Bacalar.