Palenque

Next stop, another dreaded overnight bus, this time from San Cristobel to Palenque. Unfortunately the journey is very long as the usual route is closed due to safety issues on this stretch of the road (government vs local communities leading to people being robbed). We thought about getting rid of one of the boys, but thought we could put up with them both for a little longer! 


We arrive in Palenque where we instantly feel that we are in ‘our place’. The air is humid but finally clean, and the whole area is just beautifully lush and green and filled with wildlife. We are here to visit the Mayan ruins, waterfalls and also the abundant jungle that the ruins sit in.  


We arrive at our accommodation which is very basic, but the land it sits in is absolutely stunning. We are on the edge of the jungle within the accommodation and after sitting for just a few minutes, we see and hear all kinds of animals: howler monkeys in the distance, colourful birds (including macaws and toucans), lizards, iguanas, preying-mantis, butterflies to name a few, as well as all kinds of fruits in the trees (bananas, oranges, avocado and what looks like kiwi). 


Whilst in Palenque we visit the incredible ancient ruins which the Maya left 700 AD, (Still debated but likely due to similar over exploitation as Easter Island), then discovered by some Spanish doods in 1700ish. I was listening! The number of ruins is endless, and to prevent any more destruction of the jungle, archaeologists are no longer able to excavate any more but estimate that only 2% have been uncovered and restored.


Just behind the ruins, we pop off to do a tour of the jungle with a local guide. This was an unforgettable experience, and what more can I say, it was an incredibly stunning place. 


Whilst in Palenque, we also visited some local waterfalls and when I say waterfalls, I mean the most beautiful natural waterfalls I’ve ever seen, slid down and swam in. What was even better, was that we felt like these were our own private little pools, as were practically the only people there, whoop-whoop! 


Thanks Palenque, you are my top location so far. Further into the jungle we now head….. 

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