Town in Chiapas, Mexico
Palenque
Small jungle town beside one of the finest Maya sites, with waterfalls and river trips to Yaxchilán. Cheap and easy for 2–3 days; hot, humid, and road blockades or highway risks need planning.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$769–1,210Comfortable, one person · MX$14,000–22,000Details
- Value for money82/100Better value than 81% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Apr, 36°CDetails
- Internet118 MbpsFixed broadband, Mexico medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$16–38Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundColectivo van to the ruinsYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash for colectivos, markets, tours and small eateries; cards at hotels and some restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Palenque
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro (Zócalo and Avenida Hidalgo) | Hostels, restaurants, bus stations and colectivos to the ruins |
| La Cañada | Jungle lodges and bars near the ruins road |
Apps that work in Palenque
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Google Translate: Spanish menus and conversations
- Taxis: No reliable ride apps; use taxis with agreed prices or colectivos. Book tours through your lodging to avoid unlicensed sellers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mexico.
- Mostly cash Cash for colectivos, markets, tours and small eateries; cards at hotels and some restaurants. ATMs in Centro often run out on weekends.
- Currency: Peso (MXN). US$1 ≈ MX$18.21 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards roughly MXN 30–150 per withdrawal; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants (check whether service is already added), MXN 10–20 for gas attendants and grocery baggers; app rides optional.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many card terminals in cities; local bank transfers need a Mexican account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Air arrivals get a digital FMM (QR code) at immigration; the visitor fee is already included in your airfare.
- Officers set your stay and may grant fewer than 180 days; carry a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
- Land arrivals going beyond the border zone need an FMM; the visitor fee applies for stays over seven days.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Telcel or AT&T SIMs at airports, OXXO stores and carrier shops, about MXN 100–300 with data. Bring your passport to register the line. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Mexico
Going to Palenque solo?
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Sources
- INAH (Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia)
- Tren Maya
- ADO
- US State Department: Mexico Travel Advisory
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.