Suggested 3 night Itinerary (can be customized to meet your individual needs and interests):
Day 1 (Thursday): Your adventure begins with your non-stop domestic flight from Mexico City directly into the Palenque airport. A friendly driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The city of Palenque is 5 miles from the archaeological site. Like its Mayan ruins, the city exudes character, charm and an energy all its own. You'll have free time in the afternoon and evening to explore this interesting modern Maya city. Your hotel is nestled in the forested "La Canada" area and within walking distance of downtown. Overnight Maya Tulipanes Hotel Palenque.
Day 2 (Friday): Today you have an entire day for a guided visit of the spectacular ruins of Palenque. A UNESCO historical monument, Palenque is considered a world treasure. Ancient structures rise out of the lush rainforest on multiple terraces set against the mountains, many of them built by the great King Pacal in the 6th & 7th centuries AD. There are many major buildings to explore and new buildings are now being uncovered and studied. Many wonderful examples of Maya art and history are carved into the buildings' facades, some of them the most famous depictions from the ancient Maya world.
Palenque is exciting because of the vast amounts of information that has been painstakingly brought to light by archeologists over the years. Here you will find the unique building styles that caused early explorers to think that the builders of Palenque were influenced by Eastern or Asian architectural concepts. You'll also visit the Palenque archaeological museum with its extensive collection of jade masks, well preserved carvings and incense burners. Overnight Maya Tulipanes Hotel Palenque.
Day 3 (Saturday): Today you journey to Yaxchilan and Bonampak. First you visit Bonampak, home of famous Mayan murals. Their ancient colors remain clear and vital, making them an excellent representation of Mayan art. Bonampak was a city of the Maya Early Classic period peaking from 200 to 400 A.D. and has very well preserved stale that detail important historical moments. The great plaza is astounding in its mass and one of the largest in the region, measuring over 100 yards.
Then you travel down the mighty Usumacinta River to the mysterious ancient Maya site of Yaxchilan. This incredible boat ride through the rainforest with its huge trees and abundant wildlife makes you feel like you are in an Indiana Jones movie! The tremendous archaeological site of Yaxchilan, situated on riverbanks, rises in levels to temples with breathtaking views of the rainforest stretching far into Guatemala. You'll hear stories of ancient Mayan Queens who exerted great power and the modern Lacandon Indians who still worship at Yaxchilan. See howler monkeys and many exotic birds as you roam this well organized ancient Maya city. Overnight Maya Tulipanes.
Day 4 (Sunday): A driver will transfer you to the Palenque airport for your departing flight to Mexico City.
