Palenque is where almost every Yaxchilán journey begins. The town itself is a busy crossroads, but a few kilometres away, on the first hills of the Chiapas mountains, lies one of the most beautiful of all Maya cities — the capital of K’inich Janaab Pakal, whose tomb inside the Temple of the Inscriptions was found by Alberto Ruz in 1952.
Palenque and Yaxchilán belonged to the same world of rival kingdoms linked by the Usumacinta and its tributaries. Visiting both — with Bonampak in between — gives a vivid picture of the Classic Maya west. Spend at least two nights in Palenque: one day for its ruins and waterfalls, one for Yaxchilán.
Palenque: what to see and do
Visit the archaeological zone
The Temple of the Inscriptions, the Palace with its unique tower, the Cross Group and the jungle paths down past waterfalls to the site museum. A guide helps enormously — see the guided tour.
See the site museum
The museum near the lower exit displays carved panels and a replica of Pakal’s sarcophagus lid. Check opening days locally.
Swim at the waterfalls
Misol-Ha, Agua Azul and Roberto Barrios are all within day-trip range. See Agua Azul & Misol-Ha.
Palenque: how to get there
- By Tren Maya: Palenque is a station on the Tren Maya network, linked to Campeche, Mérida and beyond.
- By air: Villahermosa airport is about two hours’ drive; Palenque’s own airport has limited scheduled service.
- By bus: ADO long-distance buses connect Palenque with Villahermosa, San Cristóbal, Mérida and Cancún.
Insider tips
- Be at the ruins when they open — before the heat and the tour buses.
- Stay on the jungle road between town and ruins if you want to hear howler monkeys at night.
- Book Yaxchilán tours a day or two ahead; pickups are very early.
Palenque: the best tours
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to get there:
Guided tour from US$104 Palenque: Archaeological Zone Guided Tour
A focused guided visit of Palenque, the UNESCO-listed city of K’inich Janaab Pakal. It sets the scene perfectly for Yaxchilán, one of Palenque’s neighbours and rivals in the Usumacinta world.
- The Temple of the Inscriptions and the Palace
- An expert guide to Pakal’s city
- Perfect the day before Yaxchilán
Day trip from US$90 Palenque: Palenque Ruins, Agua Azul Waterfalls and Misol-Ha
The other classic day out of Palenque — ruins in the morning, waterfalls in the afternoon — with close to a hundred reviews. Pair it with a Yaxchilán day and you have seen the best of northern Chiapas.
- Guided visit of Palenque’s ruins
- Walk behind the Misol-Ha waterfall
- Swim at Agua Azul (conditions permitting)
Day trip from US$111 Palenque: Yaxchilán and Bonampak Archaeological Area Tour
The most-booked way to see Yaxchilán: an early pickup in Palenque, the drive along the Frontera highway, a lancha down the Usumacinta to the river city, then Bonampak and its painted rooms on the way back. Close to a hundred reviews and one of the lowest prices.
- Boat along the Usumacinta from Frontera Corozal
- Guided visit of Yaxchilán and the Bonampak murals
- Hotel pickup in Palenque
