About Palenque in the state of Chiapas, Mexico

In Spanish the word Palenque means “wood stake fence” referring to a fort or fenced off place. In Mexico in the city of Palenque ruins were discovered in the eighteenth century. This part of Mexico invites you to explore and gain a deeper understanding of it’s hidden archaeological gems. 

A brief history about Palenque

Palenque was first occupied around 100 BC, and flourished around 640 to 740 AD. The city rose to it’s prominence under the ruler Pakal who reigned from AD 615 to 683. Archaeologists have discovered that Pakal is represented by hieroglyphics of sun and shield, and he is also referred to as Sun Shield. During Pakals reign many plazas and buildings were constructed in Palenque. The structures were also characterized by mansard roofs and very fine stucco bas reliefs. After 900 AD Palenque was largely abandoned, the area was soon overgrown and the city remained unknown to the Western world until 1746. Mayan hunters revealed the existence of a jungle palace. Later explorers claimed Palenque as the capital of an Atlantis like civilization. It was not until 1837 when John L Stephens who was an armature archaeologist reached Palenque that the site was investigated. Today this site coninues to yield fascinating and beautiful secrets. 

Tourism for Palenque

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The Palenque archaeological site is one of the states most important tourist destinations. It is located just five miles from the city. The site looks out over the Usumacinta River flood plain. When you arrive at the site you will first see the largest mesoamerican step pyramid the Temple of Inscriptions. The site is surrounded by beautiful natural areas including the Misol-Ha Waterfall with a drop of 100 feet. You can reach the ruins from the highway 186/199. The trip takes roughly 90 minutes from the city. Accommodations are available at the ruins or near them as well. There are numerous shops and inexpensive restaurants. The jungle setting and intricate construction are and the scale of the ruins are truly fascinating for the first time visitors and returning people. Palenque has been described as an incomparable achievement of Mayan art. The structures are characterized by a fineness and a lightness which resulted from the new construction techniques and drainage methods that were developed in order to reduce the thickness of the walls. The expanded interior space, multiple openings and the use of galleries give the architecture a rare elegance.   
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