Enchanting spots: Palenque, Mexico
Palenque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another Mayan city that is a sure highlight of a visit to southern Mexico. Nestled deep in the jungles of the mountainous region of Chiapas, Palenque does not receive the large flow of tourists as Chichén Itzá or Tulum so it’s a great place to explore at a leisurely pace without the throngs of crowds. The city inspires both awe and wonder and is renowned for its exquisite sculptures, roof combs and reliefs. As with Tikal in Guatemala and Copan in Honduras, the thick rainforest that envelops the city gives the site a wonderfully mysterious charm (and even more so when the clouds roll in) that is truly mesmerising. The summits of the impressive pyramids and towers soar above the trees and provide a stunning panorama of the coastal plains below.
Among the highlights of a visit to this site is the Temple of Inscriptions. The temple is famous for its hieroglyphs depicting the city’s history, as well as the tomb that was discovered here which contained a large sarcophagus with a stunning carved lid and walls richly decorated with impressive stone carvings. Find out how the sarcophagus was placed in the pyramid. It’s an awe-inspiring story! The temple is located at the main plaza next to two smaller step pyramids, against an immense backdrop of trees. Further into the site, a complex of buildings and courtyards and a square four-story tower form the Palace grounds which was built on an artificial hill. Across the stream that meanders through the site and a short climb up the hill, you’ll find the beautiful Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Cross.
Palenque is certainly an enchanting spot that is more than worth a visit!
Read about other ‘Enchanting spots‘:
- Sydney Opera House, Australia
- Mount Nemrud, Turkey
- Petra, Jordan
- Blue Lagoon, Iceland
- Ngorongoro, Tanzania
- Whitehaven beach, Australia
Some Palenque photos from my latest trip, around 2-3 years ago! =) Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15760124@N04/sets/72157623237671098/
That’s a neat tip. Thanks Camilo! Palenque is such a magical place! Loved it there.
Hugs back from Amsterdam!
Keith
Oh man, Palenque is one of my fav places on EARTH!
Yes, it is magical. Very, very much.
It can’t be described; you need to experience it!
Me, my favorite thing when there (I tend to go back again and again
) is going off the road, entering the jungle, and finding some semi-virgin waterfalls to dip into!
Note: Going into the jungle, alone, off the “normal path” CAN BE DANGEROUS. DO NOT do it if you dont go with someone who knows the place and more important, that YOU can TRUST.
Hugs from Cancun!
Camilo
Thank you Paola! Have a great trip there. I’m sure you’ll love it. The Agua Azul is also a great place to visit. Enjoy!
Cheers,
Keith
Hi Keith,
After reading this I feel even more inspired to visit Palenque! Sounds like it has a special magic to it…
Paola
Hi Fida,
Thanks for your lovely comment. That’s what velvet escape is about. Fab dreams!
Cheers,
Keith
You make me dream