Palenque National Park

Palenque Overview

Palenque National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Palenque, is located in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. Covering an area of approximately 26 square miles (67 square kilometers), the park is home to the ruins of the ancient Maya city of Palenque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nestled in the foothills of the Tumbalá mountains, the park’s lush jungle setting is characterized by dense tropical forests, cascading waterfalls, and winding rivers. The Usumacinta River basin nourishes the park, supporting a rich variety of vegetation, including towering ceiba trees, palms, and bromeliads, which form a thick canopy over the archaeological ruins. The terrain consists of rolling hills, limestone outcroppings, and humid lowland rainforest, creating a dramatic backdrop for the Maya city’s stone structures.

Wildlife in Palenque National Park is abundant, with a variety of species thriving in its biodiverse rainforest. Visitors may encounter howler monkeys and spider monkeys moving through the treetops, their calls echoing through the jungle. Jaguars, though elusive, roam the depths of the forest, along with ocelots, margays, and peccaries.

The park is also home to a wide range of bird species, making it a prime destination for birdwatching. Scarlet macaws, toucans, motmots, and trogons add splashes of color to the greenery, while hummingbirds dart between the flowers. Reptiles such as iguanas and various snake species, as well as amphibians like tree frogs, can be found in the park’s humid environment.

The main attraction of Palenque National Park is its archaeological site, featuring some of the most well-preserved and intricately carved Maya ruins. The Temple of the Inscriptions, the largest pyramid in the park, houses the tomb of the Maya ruler Pakal the Great and contains hieroglyphic inscriptions that have provided historians with valuable insights into the Maya civilization.

Other notable structures include the Palace, with its distinctive tower, and the Temple of the Cross Group, which offers breathtaking views over the surrounding jungle. The park’s waterfalls, such as Misol-Ha and Agua Azul, are also popular destinations, attracting visitors who wish to swim in the clear, cascading waters.

Visitors can explore Palenque National Park in various ways. Walking tours and guided hikes allow for an immersive experience through both the ruins and the rainforest, with expert guides sharing knowledge about Maya history and local biodiversity.

Birdwatching excursions offer a chance to spot rare and colorful species, while nature trails provide opportunities to observe wildlife up close. The nearby waterfalls and rivers invite visitors to cool off in the natural pools, and photography enthusiasts will find endless subjects, from ancient stone carvings to vibrant jungle scenery. Many travelers also engage in cultural experiences in the surrounding communities, learning about traditional Maya customs and crafts.

Palenque National Park faces conservation challenges, primarily related to deforestation, climate change, and human encroachment. However, efforts have been made to protect both the archaeological and ecological heritage of the park.

Conservation programs aim to preserve the delicate balance between the ruins and the natural environment, while sustainable tourism initiatives help reduce the ecological footprint of visitors.

The Mexican government and international organizations have worked together to support ongoing research, restoration, and environmental education programs, ensuring that both the cultural and natural wonders of Palenque remain protected for future generations.

Park Map

Palenque National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The lush rainforest, rivers, and diverse plant life of Palenque National Park make it an important refuge for a variety of bird species, including raptors, songbirds, and tropical waterbirds.

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
One of the most striking birds in the park, the scarlet macaw is known for its brilliant red, blue, and yellow plumage and loud, raucous calls.

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
With its large, colorful bill, the keel-billed toucan is a fruit-eating bird that thrives in the park’s dense canopy.

Great Curassow (Crax rubra)
A large, ground-dwelling bird, the great curassow is often seen foraging in the undergrowth for seeds, fruits, and insects.

Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus)
A beautiful tropical bird with a bright yellow belly, the black-headed trogon is commonly seen perched in the mid-level canopy.

Violaceous Trogon (Trogon violaceus)
Another stunning trogon species, the violaceous trogon displays deep purple and blue plumage and is often seen feeding on insects and fruit.

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl)
A fast-flying hummingbird, the rufous-tailed hummingbird is often seen hovering near flowering plants, sipping nectar.

Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma)
A large, social bird with a distinctive hanging nest, the Montezuma oropendola is known for its loud, bubbling calls.

Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona)
A bright green kingfisher commonly found near the park’s rivers and lakes, diving into the water to catch fish.

Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis)
A small but powerful bird of prey, the bat falcon hunts for small birds and bats, often seen perching high above the forest.

Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
A snake-eating raptor, the laughing falcon is named for its distinctive call, which resembles human laughter.

Palenque National Park, located in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, is a tropical rainforest reserve surrounding the ancient Maya ruins of Palenque. The park’s dense jungle, abundant waterways, and humid climate create a rich and diverse ecosystem that supports a wide variety of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The largest feline in the Americas, the elusive jaguar roams the park’s dense forests, preying on deer, peccaries, and other medium-sized mammals.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A nocturnal wild cat, the ocelot hunts small mammals, birds, and reptiles, using its excellent camouflage to blend into the jungle understory.

Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
One of the largest land mammals in Central America, the endangered Baird’s tapir is a shy, nocturnal herbivore that feeds on aquatic vegetation and fruits.

Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra)
Recognized for its deep, guttural calls that echo through the jungle, the howler monkey is an essential seed disperser in the park’s ecosystem.

Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
An agile and acrobatic primate, the spider monkey moves swiftly through the treetops, feeding on fruits and leaves.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
This pig-like mammal moves in groups, foraging for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates, contributing to seed dispersal in the rainforest.

Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana)
A medium-sized anteater, the northern tamandua is often seen in trees and on the forest floor, using its long, sticky tongue to feed on ants and termites.

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
One of the most easily recognizable reptiles in the park, the green iguana is often spotted basking on tree branches and feeding on leaves and fruit.

Fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper)
A highly venomous snake, the fer-de-lance is a well-camouflaged predator that hunts rodents, birds, and amphibians in the park’s dense jungle.

Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas)
A vibrant green amphibian with striking red eyes, this nocturnal tree frog is an important indicator of environmental health in the rainforest.