Things to do in Palenque

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Cascadas de Agua Azul showing a cascade as well as a couple
Cascadas de Agua Azul showing a river or creek and landscape views
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque featuring interior views and heritage elements
Cascadas de Agua Azul showing a river or creek
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque which includes a garden and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Palenque Attractions

It's little wonder so many vacationers head back to Palenque every year. This enchanting city is packed with fun things to do. Whether you enjoy sightseeing or trying out more action-packed activities, you'll never have a boring moment here.

If you're ready to discover the best of Palenque, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a friendly local show you the most popular landmarks. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {45 fun activities in Palenque fun activities in Palenque} are also worth a look.

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Palenque must see attractions

1. Cascadas de Agua Azul

The Cascadas de Agua Azul (Blue Waterfalls) are a beautiful and very popular tourist attraction in Chiapas, Mexico. See several picturesque falls, some of them about 20 feet (6 meters) high. Dive into the transparent fresh water and take memorable photos of the natural beauty that surrounds you.
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Cascadas de Agua Azul featuring a waterfall and a river or creek

2. Palenque Archaeological Zone

The Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque is one of Mexico’s treasures. This area in the city of Palenque has an impressive archaeological site and a national park with opulent tropical vegetation. Enjoy some of the finest and most interesting Maya architecture and hike among lush trees and waterfalls.
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Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque which includes heritage architecture as well as a couple

3. Cascadas de Roberto Barrios

The Cascada de Roberto Barrios is a lovely waterfall visited by both tourists and locals. Some people prefer it to other falls in the area due to its less crowded conditions and fewer souvenir vendors. Make a dive, sightsee and spend the day surrounded by nature and the powerful sound of water falling into a blue natural pool.
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Cascada de Roberto Barrios featuring a bridge and a river or creek as well as a couple

4. Misol-Ha Waterfalls

The beautiful Misol-Ha Waterfalls (Cascadas de Misol-Ha) is an impressive single cascade about 115 feet (35 meters) high. Enjoy the sight of water falling dramatically off a cliff into a wide pool far below and swim surrounded by tropical jungle.
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Misol-Ha Waterfalls which includes a lake or waterhole and a waterfall

5. Aluxes Eco Park

The Aluxes Eco Park (Ecoparque Aluxes) is a non-profit organization that rescues and breeds species that are in real danger of extinction. A local group saw the dramatic effects that deforestation and illegal animal trafficking were having on the environment, so they decided to act. They created this beautiful place to help those that could no longer survive for themselves. Visit a park with lush green vegetation, learn about the important work they do for Palenque and have close encounters with beautiful plants and animals of the area.
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Aluxes Eco Park featuring a lake or waterhole

6. Museo de Sitio Palenque

Visit the Museo de Sitio Palenque, a fascinating museum that holds around 250 objects from the surrounding archaeological zone. These works, which range from clay figures to limestone statues, were found during a 50-year period of excavation in the Palenque area. Admire the ingenuity of the Maya people in this tribute to their preserved tools and works of art.
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Palenque which includes interior views and heritage elements

What to do in Palenque

Things to Do in Palenque with Kids

There are loads of amazing experiences in Palenque that the whole gang will enjoy. Here are a few of the top family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Palenque? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Palenque

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque showing heritage elements

Palenque Archaeological Zone

5/5(41 reviews)

Exuberant jungle with walking trails, rich colorful vegetation and sophisticated Maya temples make this one of Palenque’s most fascinating attractions.

Palenque Archaeological Zone
Cascada de Roberto Barrios featuring a river or creek and a cascade as well as an individual femail

Cascadas de Roberto Barrios

5/5(9 reviews)

Be refreshed in numerous clear waterfalls, take stunning photos and explore all day long in this beautiful place near Palenque.

Cascadas de Roberto Barrios
Misol-Ha Waterfalls which includes a lake or waterhole and a waterfall

Misol-Ha Waterfalls

5/5(26 reviews)

See one of the highest waterfalls near Palenque and swim in its large natural pool. Enjoy this great place to refresh yourself and appreciate nature.

Misol-Ha Waterfalls
Palenque featuring a garden

Palenque National Park

Explore the great outdoors at Palenque National Park, a lovely green space in Palenque. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Palenque National Park
Aluxes Eco Park featuring zoo animals

Aluxes Eco Park

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Born from the determination of one group to protect endangered animals, this amazing park has grown and become a sanctuary for Palenque’s wildlife.

Aluxes Eco Park
Palenque which includes a park

Museo de Sitio Palenque

4.5/5(18 reviews)

Bring the city of Palenque back to life through the artifacts, sculptures and tools spread across the enlightening chambers of this museum.

Museo de Sitio Palenque

El Panchán

5/5(6 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Palenque with a stop at El Panchán. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

El Panchán

Museo Del Textil

4.5/5(3 reviews)

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Museo Del Textil during your trip to Palenque. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Museo Del Textil

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Palenque

Tonina featuring heritage architecture

Ocosingo

Frequently asked questions

Is Palenque worth visiting?
Famous for its festivals and culture, discovering cool things to do in Palenque is a breeze. Don't forget to add Misol-Ha Waterfalls to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Palenque?
Start your day with a visit to Misol-Ha Waterfalls and Aluxes Eco Park. Then, explore different parts of Palenque for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Palenque?
You can't leave without visiting Misol-Ha Waterfalls, ranked the top tourist attraction in Palenque.
Is three days enough to stay in Palenque?
You can easily visit top attractions like Aluxes Eco Park, El Panchán and Museo de Sitio Palenque with a three-day stay in Palenque. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Chilón.
What are some activities to do in Palenque with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Palenque with kids.

What to do in Palenque for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Palenque for adults including El Panchán and Museo Del Textil.
Are there free things to do in Palenque?
In Palenque, El Panchán is a popular spot for anyone wishing to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in Palenque.

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