San Cristobal de las Casas, lovely colonial town situated in the highlands of the state of Chiapas, is the ideal place to remain two or more days visiting its main interesting sites such as the or the Na-Bolom Museum, cultural center of the region, and later on depart towards one of the most interesting archaeological zones, Palenque, cradle of the mythical and ancestral Pakal King.
From San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque
Leaving by road at an early hour you pass by the Tenejapa and San Juan Cancuc towns. To the south of these settlements you will find the Cillon, Bachajon and Temo villages until you get to Ocosingo, where we recommend visiting the cathedral and taste the cheese that the natives manufacture.
In Ocosingo there is a detour to visit the archaeological zone of Tonina, one of the largest Mayan settlements in the area. Visit, it will be a good experience.
Continue by road 199 towards the north, pass again by Temo and arrive to the famous Agua Azul Waterfall, where you can have lunch and refresh yourself in their blue waters. Further on, approximately 45 minutes later, you will find the Misol-Ha Waterfall, a beautiful recreation place where you can spend the night in comfortable cabins to depart the next day towards Palenque.
The town of Palenque is found at only 15 minutes away from the archaeological site. It has an airport and its hotel offer is very wide. The five star Mision Hotel is located one side of the downtown area, and in La Ca帽ada, which is beautiful, we find the Chablis, Maya Palenque and Tulija Hotels. This last one is located on the highway towards the airport. It is a four star hotel, clean and comfortable.
The ancient city of Palenque is a very interesting place. It cannot be seen in one day. We recommend that you spend three days visiting the site’s museum, where among many treasures, you will be able to admire the “Red Queen” Pectoral, carved in stone.
Entering by the exuberant path that is located almost in front of the museum, you can begin your visit until you cross a hanging bridge in the middle of the jungle and arrive at a sweet water creek, which is known as “The Queen’s Bath”. Being in this Pre Hispanic place, you can visit The Great Plaza, The Bats, and very specially, the most important and imposing construction that dominates the plaza, known as the Temple of the Inscriptions, where Pakal’s Grave is located.
Want to learn more about Chiapas? Then we invite you to read about hings to do in Chiapas and El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve
