Classic Maya of the Rainforest in Palenque
2 night visit of the breathtaking Mayan ruins of Palenque and fascinating La Venta Olmec Museum



 


Day 1: The international airport closest to Palenque is in Villahermosa, which is 2 hours away. Your flight must arrive by 4 pm.  A friendly driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to Palenque.  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:  Today you have an entire day for a privately 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: This morning you return to Villahermosa to enjoy a self guided visit of La Venta Olmec Museum. There are 28 Olmec carvings at this beautiful outdoor museum with interesting zoo and lake. Each piece was set carefully for optimum viewing with benches placed for those wishing to meditate or ponder the huge and amazingly well crafted Olmec heads, intricate altars, and intriguing stele and statues.  Based on the earliest long count date inscriptions found at sites that combine both Olmec and Maya influences many scholars theorize that it was the Olmec who invented the long count calendar and initiated the Maya into the understanding of this system of calculating time.You’ll also visit the newly remodeled Carlos Pellicer Museum of Anthropology.  On display is the controversial Tortuguero Stela 6 which has rare inscriptions referring to the end of the 13th baktún, which corresponds to December 21st, 2012.  Then your driver will transfer you to the Villahermosa airport for your departing flight.






This tour is designed for those flying from Cancun, Mexico City or other cities in Mexico.

Cost of this 2 night private tour (double occupancy):

2 people $590 per person
4 people $450 per person
6 people $380 per person
8 people $325 per person


Tour includes:
  • 2 nights hotel and taxes (Hotel Maya Tulipanes in Palenque)
  • All ground transportation (in fully insured private air-conditioned vehicle with licensed chauffeur)
  • The all day private services of a professional English or Spanish speaking licensed guide on the day you visit the Palenque ruins
  • All other entry and guide fees for activities listed on the itinerary

    If you would like to stay in Palenque for more days before or after your tour we can assist you with reserving extra hotel nights.

Please go to our Mayamap page for Palenque's location.   Getting to and From Palenque.

For more information or to make a reservation contact MayaSites Travel Services:
U.S. office toll free 877-620-8715
Outside of the U.S. (1) 505-255-2279
Or e-mail us at
[email protected]


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