The state of Chiapas dips more into the tropics. A UNESCO world heritage site (Click Here), the ancient Mayan city of Palenque is fascinating on several levels. Without going into too much detail, the Mayan civilization is divided into three periods: pre classic: 2000BC to 250CE, classic is from 250CE – 900CE, and post classic 900CE-1539CE. There were migrations, scientific, mathematical, astronomical, and agricultural developments. The contributions of the Maya were vast. The Mayan civilization was a collection of city states that constantly interacted, changed alliances, and vied for power.

This is part of what made Palenque so interesting. Aside from some unique architecture not found anywhere else in the Mayan world. It predates structures at Tikal. It is also famous for Kʼinich Janaabʼ Pakal I who ruled for nearly 70 years one of the longest ruling monarchs of all time and the longest ruling of ancient times. Another feature of Palenque is the plentiful water. Streams ran everywhere. Through the main section of the ruins, the Mayans constructed a canal lined with limestone to help prevent flooding. All around the forest the water is ethereal baby blue rich with limestone minerals. In some places the Mayans had constructed giant bath houses, and in other quiet springs with stairs

The forest grows and constants makes efforts to reclaim land. Although many areas are cleared regularly to facilitate access. There are a great many temples and smaller areas that are deep withing the forest. Some ruins are below foliage and trees, with massive trees taking root all over.

Commemorating the accomplishments of various rulers are giant stelea. The glyphs usually denote the name of the depicted and their accomplishments.

The archeological size is in the middle of the Palenque National Park. There is one natural trail (Sendaro Motiepa). The trail winds along side of some beautiful streams. Aside from some amazing wildlife, there are also some unexcavated ruins and signs that the Mayans spread out their living all over. I found small temples, baths, and obelisks on the trail. Of course the forest was filled with wildlife. I walked along the short trail until it gave way to pastureland. Hower monkeys fill in the sounds of forest with bird song. In moments of quiet, rustles in the bushes are sometimes Aguiti, and sometimes….something else unseen.

Palenque National Park is atop a hill that overlooks the flatlands to the north. It is a condensed park that contains three elevations of biomes that are beautiful. Many people take a shuttle from entrance to the park, however a walk back from the park to the entrance along the road is also amazing. There are some hotels, campsites, a museum, and local farms. As I walked back taking pictures of Orolopenda colonies and the various birds I saw, locals would come up to me and share stories of life along the National Park road and their experiences with the wildlife and the changing times.

Palenque is small compared to the larger Mayan juggernaut sites like Chitza Izta, however it still receives about 2000 visitors per day. This varies strongly by season, with August, January, and April being the most busy months. I arrived first thing and stayed a full day, I saw no more than 200 people on my day there.

Early Civilization Timeline,