Palenque
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The site of probably the most beautiful Mayan ruins in Mexico is five miles south of town. Palenque is tucked away in the jungle, steamy hot and far away from everywhere else. Explorers knew of the ancient ruins since the 1830’s, but serious excavations only began in the 1920’s and experts are still deciphering the mysterious glyphs they have found there.

The combination of elaborate relief sculptures on these human-sized stony pyramids and the rich tropical foliage is exquisite. However, because heat and humidity made access difficult, in the past the archaeological site was frequented more by backpackers. Local accommodations and dining facilities have improved in recent years, making Palenque more appealing to a wider range of tourists. In addition to protection against the sun and heat, visitors should take very strong insect repellent and apply it regularly, day and night. Antihistamines or other medications can help with bites and stings.