Mexico > The Maya City of Palenque

I wake up just before the alarm. The bathroom is a bit unusual. We have a separate shower and a separate toilet. Both can be closed off with glass doors. Between the shower and the toilet is the washbasin. By keeping both doors open, you can still use the washbasin with some privacy. After breakfast, we drive to the historic Maya city of Palenque. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Palenque is one of the most impressive Maya cities. It flourished between 600 and 800 AD and was an important political, religious, and cultural center of the classical Maya civilization. Around 900 AD, Palenque was abandoned for unknown reasons. The jungle slowly took over the city until archaeologists rediscovered it in the 18th century. One of the most striking buildings is the Temple of the Inscriptions, a pyramid that houses the tomb of the powerful king Pakal the Great.

Mexico - The Temple of the Inscriptions

This tomb contained an elaborately decorated sarcophagus with inscriptions. Another notable building is the Palace, a large complex with courtyards, galleries, and a square tower. Behind the palace lie the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Cross. The Temple of the Cross is a 20-meter-high temple that can also be climbed. Caution is advised as the steps are narrow, steep, and sometimes slippery. From the top of the temple, I have a magnificent view over Palenque. I descend at a slow pace. I am impressed by the splendor of this Maya city, and the location in the rainforest makes it even more special. We conclude the visit to the city with a walk through the jungle.

Mexico - The impressive Temple of the Cross

A path runs past some ruins and waterfalls through the rainforest. Trees and shrubs everywhere compete for light and water in the forest. Climbers use the large trees to climb higher and higher. It’s a beautiful sight. The jungle path ends at the museum. The museum had been closed for years due to renovation but has reopened a few weeks ago. The museum exhibits the mask of Pakal the Great. This death mask is made from mosaic pieces of jade, a sacred stone for the Maya. Pakal’s tomb is also displayed here. The temporary exhibition on the first floor is only in Spanish. I walk a little further to the Maya-Bell restaurant.

Mexico - The death mask of Hanab Pakal is made of jade mosaic

I order a sandwich. Around half past two, we are back at the hotel. I grab my book and lie down by the pool. The water is cool, but once you’re in, it’s lovely to swim. I dry off on the edge. At the end of the afternoon, I go to the supermarket next to the hotel. It’s a huge supermarket. They even sell motorcycles and car tires. Because of its size, it’s difficult to pick up something simple for tomorrow on the bus. Since it’s uncertain whether we will have a lunch stop, I buy some drinks and biscuits. In the evening, we go out to eat with a group again in the town of Palenque. The nicest restaurants are in the street where we ate yesterday. This time we choose a place on the first floor. While we wait for our food, the music starts. A father, mother, and their daughter play beautiful songs. The daughter proudly says that her mother participated in The Voice of Mexico.

Mexico - A musical performance during dinner in Palenque