About the Port
Palenque sits at the edge of the Chiapas rainforest, where limestone temples and palaces emerge from dense green cover much as explorers first found them. The site flourished as a Maya city-state between the fifth and eighth centuries, and its Temple of the Inscriptions holds the tomb of the ruler Pakal, one of the most significant funerary discoveries in the Americas. Carved facades, a stepped palace tower, and stone aqueducts reflect the sophistication of Maya engineering and artistry.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palenque draws travelers inland from the Gulf coast, with the ruins reached by road through tropical lowlands and river valleys. Waterfalls and forest trails surround the archaeological zone, rewarding those who linger beyond the main plazas. Comfortable walking shoes and an early start make the humid jungle setting far more pleasant.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Palenque.
Climb the Temple of the Inscriptions
Ascend the stepped pyramid that once concealed Pakal's jade-laden tomb, among the most important funerary finds in the Americas. Arrive early to beat both heat and crowds.
Explore the Palace Complex
Wander the maze of courtyards and galleries beneath the four-story observation tower, studying carved stucco reliefs that depict Palenque's rulers and cosmology. Allow at least an hour to take in the detail.
Hike to Jungle Waterfalls
Follow forest trails beyond the main plazas to cascading pools shaded by rainforest canopy, a cooling reward after touring the stone ruins. Sturdy shoes and bug repellent make the short trek easier.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Palenque
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 5, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 7 | $3,649 | |
| Aug 12, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 7 | $3,149 | |
| Aug 19, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 7 | $3,149 | |
| Aug 22, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 7 | $3,649 | |
| Aug 26, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 7 | $3,649 | |
| Aug 29, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 7 | $3,149 | |
| Sep 2, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 7 | $4,149 | |
| Sep 5, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 7 | $2,999 | |
| Sep 9, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 7 | $3,799 | |
| Sep 12, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 7 | $4,049 | |
| Sep 16, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 7 | $3,299 | |
| Oct 3, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 7 | $3,549 | |
| Oct 10, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 7 | $3,549 | |
| Oct 17, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 7 | $3,799 | |
| Oct 24, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 7 | $3,799 | |
| Oct 28, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 7 | $3,299 | |
| Oct 31, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 7 | $3,299 | |
| Nov 4, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 7 | $3,549 | |
| Nov 7, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMagdalena | 7 | $4,049 | |
| Nov 11, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaMelodia | 7 | $3,549 |
Showing the next 20 of 133 upcoming departures. Browse them all in cruise search → or call 800-528-9300 for today's best pricing.