Palenque Travel Guides (Updated September 2026)

The adventure to the waterfalls is worth the bumpy bus ride! Both are absolutely breathtaking in their own special way. At Aqua Azul I would go all the way to the top for more private swimming area on a week day. One important thing to note, I recommend if you are staying in Palenque that you book with an operator that only goes back and forth to Palenque and does not include an option to transfer to San Cristobal. The transfer for the other passengers was 2hrs late which delayed my arrival to Palenque to 9pm, instead of 7pm. This can happen anytime you travel, but if the transfer was not part of the trip, this would have been avoided for me. The place where the transfer met, in the middle of a dark highway had no signal, so I had no way to inform my family that I was delayed and they were quite worried. Other than the delay, Eddie was a great driver and the waterfalls should not be skipped!

Carlos was an excellent driver. He was on time and provided clear instructions on the days activities. He was even kind enough to wait for two women who were 20 minutes late from our departure. He actually went into the falls looking for them. They are super lucky!! What a nightmare to find a way back to the city from this far away paradise.

Please do not miss this!We were picked up from our hotel. En route we stopped at an extremely authentic place for a delicious breakfast.Following this, we went to Yaxchillan which was one of the most interesting and beautiful sites I have ever visited (I’ve travelled a lot of the world).The boat ride was safe, stunning and a lot of fun! We took our time exploring the site and learning lots!Our guide was very well-informed and provided a lot of information in a very calm and approachable way, answering every question we had.After exploring the site in our own time (not rushed whatsoever), we returned to the port and had a beautiful lunch (we agreed on what we wanted before getting on the boats). It was delicious.We then headed to Bonampak which was equally beautiful. We were allowed to explore the sites and climb each monument if we wanted to (same with Yaxchillan).I’d also like to note we saw (and heard) lots of monkeys, an alligator, bats and the tour before even saw a jaguar!After this we headed back to our hotel with massive smiles on our faces.

Everything went smoothly. The van was new and the driver was good. The various syops were well organized. A couple of minor notes: this is not a guided tour, if you want a guide your group will pay onsite. Expect to get back a bit later than they suggssts. We returned by 8pm, but it was a long day.

The visit was incredible. The waterfalls were amazing. The sounds of waterfalls echoing through the jungle was unforgettable. Was a great time.

The experience was unforgettable. The journey into the jungle was incredible. Our guide was informative and lead us to a lost Mayan Temple on nearby. The food was great. Great one day visit. The trip was long but the people were wonderful.

Amazing place to visit and swim. The ride was scenic and an overall great experience. Would love to do it again

Truly a beautiful experience. The guide was very informative and helpful. I was able to experience the site with understanding. We had time to explore the Maya Jungle Experience next to the site. Incredible experience.

Well organized and attentive drivers, I recommend them fully!

Very comfortable and efficient. Hotel pick-up, stops for toilet, comfortable shuttle, drivers took care of us at the border.

Inpressive site! Mildred was a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable about the site. Also gave lots of great recommendations. Would recommend!

It is a long day but entirely worth it! Mildred is the most wonderful guide. Very informative and friendly.

The journey took a Collectivo first to the Palenque archaeological zone and then to the falls. Included are ride and admission. The sights are magnificent. In Palenque we have additionally booked a guide (300 pesos per person): Belen translated Spanish and English). She was excellent. Thank you Belen!!

It's a great experience you get to admire the Mayan ruins experience history and the water falls and many merchants selling very beautiful pieces

Homero was a great guide He was very professional , carried a conversation with the group and he very professional as a driver.. Best driver/guide we’ve had

Very worthwile trip from Palenque into the Lacandon selva to Yaxchilan and Bonampak, two beautiful and fascinating Maya ruins. The trip requires a lot of driving but also a fantastic boat trip on the Rio Usumacinta to/from Yaxchillan which is inaccessible by land. The murals at Bonampak are beautiful and impressive. We loved this day trip.