Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Palenque

Palenque, Mexico

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 13 2026
Palenque

Mayan city in the jungle of Chiapas, Mexico, near the town of Palenque. Visitors walk among temples, palaces and pyramids, with howler monkeys calling from the forest.

Highlights

  • Temple of the Inscriptions
  • The Palace
  • Plaza of the Sun

Good to know

  • Cars must park about 4 km away
  • Separate fees for national park and ruins
  • Book a guide in advance, avoid entrance touts

Also in Mexico

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  2. Uxmal N° 9 Uxmal Santa Elena Ancient city
  3. Yaxchilán N° 18 Yaxchilán Frontera Corozal Ancient city
  4. Ek Balam N° 29 Ek Balam Temozón Ancient city
  5. Edzná N° 37 Edzná Campeche Ancient city
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