The road between San Cristóbal and Palenque is long, and many travellers choose to stay overnight in Palenque rather than do the whole trip in one day. Hotel Misión Palenque is a well-established option for this, a comfortable hotel in the lowlands where warm weather, jungle sounds and a swimming pool provide a contrast with the cool highlands. It is a practical choice for those who want an early start at the ruins. Staying here allows you to see Palenque at a gentler pace, with time for the museum, the jungle paths and the nearby waterfalls. It also makes the logistics easier if you plan to continue to Yaxchilán, Bonampak or the coast.
Location
Palenque town lies a short drive from the archaeological zone, and hotels in the area offer easy access by taxi or collective van. Ask the hotel about the best way to reach the gate at opening time, which is the cooler and quieter hour. Some travellers walk to restaurants in town for dinner, while others eat at the hotel.
Rooms and facilities
Hotels in Palenque tend to emphasise air conditioning, a pool and gardens, since the climate is hot and humid. Check that your room has working air conditioning and a reliable hot shower. A pool is a welcome relief after a morning at the ruins. Mosquitoes can be present, so bring repellent and ask about screens. The sounds of the jungle at night are part of the charm.
Who it suits
Couples, families and independent travellers on a route between Chiapas and the Yucatán peninsula or Tabasco. It is also a good base for tours to Yaxchilán, Bonampak and the waterfalls, many of which depart from Palenque. If you plan an early departure, arrange breakfast or a packed meal the night before.
Good to know
The dry season is the busiest, and rooms fill quickly around Christmas, Holy Week and the summer holidays. The weather is hot, so pack light clothing, a hat and sunscreen, and take a rain layer for sudden showers. Confirm check-in times if you arrive by night bus, and ask about luggage storage if you continue on after the ruins.
Cash is useful, as not all places in the area take cards. A night in Palenque turns a long day into a relaxed visit and gives you a chance to see the site at its best.
Making the most of a night in Palenque: arrange your taxi or van to the ruins the evening before, ask for an early breakfast, and take a hat, water and repellent. After the ruins, return for a swim and a long lunch while the day heats up, then visit a waterfall or the town in the late afternoon. If you are continuing to another region, ask about bus tickets and luggage storage so your departure is easy.
Why stay here
- ✓Swimming pool
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Garden setting
- ✓On-site dining
- ✓Near the archaeological zone
- ✓Tour arrangements
- ✓Taxi help for early starts
- ✓Luggage storage
Good questions
Why stay in Palenque overnight?+
The drive from San Cristóbal is long. A night in Palenque allows an early, calmer visit to the ruins.
Is there a pool?+
Hotels of this type usually have one. Confirm when you reserve.
How far is it from the ruins?+
A short taxi or van ride. Ask the hotel for the best way to get to the gate early.