Jungles, Temples and Waterfalls
Bite-sized trip
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 Chicanna
As you bid farewell to Palenque, the jungle gives way to the coast as you make the five-hour journey to your next destination, Chicanna, where we have reserved accommodation near the ruins. You’ll 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.
Day 4 – Explore Calakmul
About 30 minutes from Chicanna, you will find the turnoff to the 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.
If the wonders of the Mayan cities have captivated you, there is more to discover in this area, some only recently unearthed in 2004. Our local partner recommends Kohunlich, a one-hour drive from your hotel.
From Calakmul, 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.
Accommodation
