Palenque

Location: Northeast region of Chiapas State, southeast Mexico
Closest major airport: Palenque Airport (PQM)
Nearest town/city: Santo Domingo de Palenque
Other important cities/sites nearby: San Cristóbal de las Casas (136 miles southwest)
Web site: www.chiapas.gob.mx

Photo by Nadine Markova Click on the image for larger version

Palenque is one of Mexico´s most spectacular ancient Mayan cities and most frequented archaeological zones, covered for many years by dense jungle. The renowned archaeological zone lies within Palenque National Park, 185 miles outside of the state capital of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, and 136 miles from San Cristobal de las Casas. It was discovered during the 19th century by a wave of traveling adventurers and artists including Guillermo Dupaix, Count Waldeck, John L. Stephens, Frederick Catherwood, Desire Charnay and Alfred P. Maudslay.

This ceremonial center of Palenque reached its peak during the Classic period (600-700 AD), when its major buildings were constructed. During this time, it was the capital of a province that comprised the lowlands bordering on the Usumacinta and Grijalva rivers. The set of buildings that can be seen today are only a fraction of what the city once was. Palenque’s collapse is still a mystery. It is thought to have been due to the rebellion of an oppressed people, since there are signs that it was intentionally destroyed.

Several spectacular buildings stand in the heart of the ancient city. Some of the most visited include the Temple of Inscriptions, the Great Palace, Temple XI, the Temples of the Foliated Cross, as well as the Sun and the Count. The surrounding area offers a great opportunity to explore the city’s Mayan tradition and purchase local handicrafts.

Photo by Guillermo Aldana Click on the image for larger version

The surrounding climate is warm and humid, with altitudes of less than 1,150 feet. Camping facilities are available in the area, which can be reached via the Villahermosa-Chetumal Highway, taking the turn-off in Catazajá to Palenque. Five miles outside the archaeological zone stands the city of Santo Domingo de Palenque, which offers lovely hotels, restaurants and other tourist services.

Handicrafts can be purchased either in the local shops or from street vendors, usually consisting of native folks who set up their stalls in the street markets. The souvenirs are produced in various parts of the state and include textiles and decorative artifacts, depending on the region of origin. Zoque craftsmen, for example, are famous for their gold and amber earrings whereas the highlands are renowned for their leatherwork, wrought iron and cotton and woolen textiles. Amatenango del Valle is renowned for its pottery, Chiapa de Corzo for its woodcarvings and masks, Berriozabal for its marimbas and hammocks, and Palenque for its reproductions of prehispanic objects. With the variety of shopping options in the area, travelers are sure to find several crafts to satisfy their taste.

Typical dishes of the region combine several distinct flavors. The area is known for its tamales, made from leaves, toropintos, corn, maize dough and rattlepod. Roast suckling pig is traditionally eaten in the Central region, crayfish on the Coast and San Cristobal de las Casa is famous for tazajo, chimol and smoked leg of pork. Palenque offers several restaurants specializing in these and other traditional Chiapas dishes.