Palenque

Founded by the Aztecs in the 14th century, Mexico City is a melting pot of history and culture, where its ancient past and fashionable present blend to create a unique synergy with a foot in both worlds. The 20 million plus people that live in the Valley of Anahuac – once an enormous lake – are blessed with constant views of the snow-capped volcanoes of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl.

Located at an altitude of 2,250 metres above sea level, this buzzing metropolis is a world-class destination with the oldest urban centre in the Western Hemisphere and is rightly ranked among the best cities in the world. What makes Mexico City holidays so fascinating – and why it should not be used as just an entrance and exit city, are its diverse districts.

The stunning archaeological site of Palenque, including the Templo de las Inscripciones, is one of the most renowned burial monuments in the Americas. Palenque was an important power centre during the height of the Mayan civilization that dates back to 100 BC. It is still unclear what led to the important city state’s fall around 800 BC.

Nestled deep in jungles at the foot of the Sierra Madre del Sur, Palenque’s setting is as memorable as the site is important for the light it sheds on Mayan traditions, rituals, ceremonies, and spirituality. The setting of this site is truly unforgettable.

The area has a wildly differing climate that brings chilly starts and cold evenings which only adds to the mystery of the region. Palenque was at its height between 500 and 700 AD, and its soaring temples, all of which are surrounded by jungle add to the magic of this unique site.

At its height, Palenque was home to tens of thousands of people. Although the ruins are only partially unexcavated, the highlight is the towered palace and pyramid tomb which date from between 300 to 900 AD, but the magic of Palenque is really in its intricately adorned pyramids, which depict tales of Mayan mythology.

Palenque is best explored in the early morning, to avoid both the crowds and the midday heat, which can be very humid in the jungle clad ruins.