12-13/08 - Palenque: Maya Ruins and Waterfalls

In the night from Friday to Saturday, Simon and I set off together for a weekend trip to Palenque in Chiapas (a neighboring state of Yucatán). Maya ruins and waterfalls were on the program.

Saturday

After we dropped off our luggage at the hotel and bought breakfast at the market, we jumped into a small crowded minibus and headed off-road to the first waterfall, Misol-Ha.

From there, we continued with our bus over bumps and rocks to the next waterfall, Agua Azul. The pictures we had seen so far were simply breathtaking. However, we were a bit skeptical whether the waterfall would be as beautiful in the rainy season - everyone says something different, so the only way to find out is to go there and see for ourselves. Our conclusion: in the rainy season, the waterfall definitely does not deserve its name. The water was more muddy brown than crystal clear blue.

Nevertheless, the trip was worth it. The waterfalls are definitely impressive regardless of the color of the water, and the nature surrounding them is definitely worth a visit as well.

Instead of swimming (the water was not really inviting), Simon and I went on an exploration tour into the hinterland and discovered some small villages and isolated huts - at the same time frightening and somehow picturesque.

Sunday

On Sunday morning, our off-road adventure continued in the minibus. First stop: the Mayan ruins in Palenque. For me, they were the first Mayan ruins ever and I was simply speechless. Simon had already been to the ruins in Uxmal, but he was also impressed by the Mayan structures in the jungle. The special thing about the ruins in Palenque is not only that they are 'hidden' in the jungle, but above all that you are allowed to climb the pyramids and even go inside some of the buildings. Here are some impressions...

After the morning on the trail of the Maya, we continued by bus to the Roberto Barrio waterfalls, which are quite hidden in the jungle.

But the exploration tour through the thicket over bumps and rocks is definitely worth it: you will be rewarded with a wonderful cooling off while bathing, sliding, and swimming in the waterfalls.

And the view is simply breathtaking...

After this impressive excursion, Simon and I ended the day and our last trip together in Mexico with good Mexican food and (not too bad) Mexican beer, until we took the night bus back to Mérida. When we arrived there, it was time for me to say goodbye to Simon as well. Because on Monday morning, he continued his journey to Valladolid to visit the many other beautiful places in Yucatán and southern Mexico, while I started my first week of lectures.