Palenque National Park, National Park in Chiapas, Mexico.

Palenque National Park is a protected tropical rainforest that surrounds ancient Maya ruins. The terrain features rivers and streams flowing through thick vegetation, with archaeological remains scattered throughout the forest.

The ancient Maya city flourished between the 7th and 10th centuries before being gradually buried by the forest. The area received its designation as a national park in 1981 to protect both the archaeological remains and the surrounding environment.

The park takes in the ruins of the pre-Hispanic city of Palenque, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site together with the national park. The stone complex in the clearing has stepped terraces, a multi-tiered building with a wide stairway and a square tower with a flat roof. The park is managed by the state of Chiapas.

You can reach the park via Highway 199 from Tuxtla Gutierrez or Highway 186 from Villahermosa, turning off at kilometer 23. The ground becomes wet and slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear and plenty of water are essential for walking the trails.

The forest is home to endangered red macaws that help disperse seeds and pollinate plants throughout the canopy. These birds are often heard calling above, even when not easily visible, and their presence signals that the forest ecosystem remains intact.