Discover the Mystical Charm of Palenque

• HelloKienixi
  [kie-NEE-shee]
• GoodbyeXhani
  [HA-nee]
• YesXhaw
  [HAH-oo]
• NoMai
  [MY]
• Please/You're welcomeAba
  [AH-bah]
• Thank youMuxas
  [MOO-shahs]
• Excuse me/SorryHini
  [HEE-nee]
• How are you?Kienixi nda?
  [kie-NEE-shee ndah]
• Fine. And you?Nda, nindia?
  [ndah, neen-DEE-ah]
• Do you speak English?Kienixi nxi ingles?
  [kie-NEE-shee nee een-GLES]
• I don't understandNxi mai muku
  [nee MY MOO-koo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKienixi nxi kuan menu, aba
  [kie-NEE-shee nee kwan MEH-noo, AH-bah]
• I don't eat meatMai nxi kuan kie
  [MY nee kwan KYEH]
• Cheers!Xha
  [HAH]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKienixi nxi sana, aba
  [kie-NEE-shee nee SAH-nah, AH-bah]

• Help!Nda!
  [ndah]
• Go away!Xhaw!
  [HAH]
• Call the Police!Kienixi nxi xhia polisia!
  [kie-NEE-shee nee SHEE-ah poh-lee-SEE-ah]
• Call a doctor!Kienixi nxi xhia mukua!
  [kie-NEE-shee nee SHEE-ah moo-KWAH]
• I'm lostNda nxi mai nkuke
  [ndah nee MY n-KOO-keh]
• I'm illNda nxi mai nda
  [ndah nee MY ndah]

• I'd like to buy...Kienixi nxi kun...
  [kie-NEE-shee nee KOON]
• I'm just lookingNda nxi kuan kieni
  [ndah nee kwan KYEH-nee]
• How much is it?Kienixi nxi kuan?
  [kie-NEE-shee nee KYEHN]
• That's too expensiveXhaw nxi mai kuan kieni
  [HAH nee MY kwan KYEH-nee]
• Can you lower the price?Kienixi nxi kuan kieni kuan?
  [kie-NEE-shee nee KYEH-nee KYEHN]

• What time is it?Kienixi nda nxi kuan?
  [kie-NEE-shee ndah nee KYUAN]
• It's one o'clockNguan o kuan
  [ng-WAHN oh KYUAN]
• Half past (10)Xhia kuandia (10)
  [shee-ah KWAHN-dee-ah (DEE-es)]
• MorningNguan
  [ng-WAHN]
• AfternoonKandia
  [KAN-dee-ah]
• EveningXhandia
  [HAN-dee-ah]
• YesterdayKuaxhia
  [kwah-SHEE-ah]
• TodayNguan
  [ng-WAHN]
• TomorrowKuaxhia
  [kwah-SHEE-ah]
• 1Nguan
  [ng-WAHN]
• 2Nguandia
  [ng-WAHN-dee-ah]
• 3Nguandiaxhia
  [ng-WAHN-dee-ah-shee-ah]
• 4Nguandiaxhia kuan
  [ng-WAHN-dee-ah-shee-ah KYUAN]
• 5Nguandiaxhia kuan kuan
  [ng-WAHN-dee-ah-shee-ah KYUAN KYUAN]
• 6Nguandiaxhia kuan kuan kuan
  [ng-WAHN-dee-ah-shee-ah KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN]
• 7Nguandiaxhia kuan kuan kuan kuan
  [ng-WAHN-dee-ah-shee-ah KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN]
• 8Nguandiaxhia kuan kuan kuan kuan kuan
  [ng-WAHN-dee-ah-shee-ah KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN]
• 9Nguandiaxhia kuan kuan kuan kuan kuan kuan
  [ng-WAHN-dee-ah-shee-ah KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN]
• 10Nguandiaxhia kuan kuan kuan kuan kuan kuan kuan
  [ng-WAHN-dee-ah-shee-ah KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN KYUAN]

• Where's a/the...?Kienixi xhia...
  [kie-NEE-shee SHEE-ah]
• What's the address?Kienixi xhia nda?
  [kie-NEE-shee SHEE-ah ndah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kienixi nxi xhia nkuke (nxi map)?
  [kie-NEE-shee nee SHEE-ah n-KOO-keh (nee map)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kienixi xhia nxi kuan (bus)?
  [kie-NEE-shee SHEE-ah nee KYUAN (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Xhia kuan (ka ....)
  [SHEE-ah KYUAN (kah)]

Palenque, known as 'Lakamha' in the ancient Maya language, was an important city-state during the Maya civilization, flourishing between 600 and 900 AD. This period saw the construction of grand temples and palaces, with the most notable being the Temple of the Inscriptions, which served as a tomb for the ruler Pakal the Great. The inscriptions found here provide invaluable insights into Maya history, religion, and governance.

After the collapse of the Maya civilization around the 10th century, Palenque was largely abandoned, and its ruins became overgrown by the jungle. The site remained largely unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery in the 18th century by explorers such as Juan Galindo, who brought attention to its remarkable architecture and inscriptions, sparking interest in Maya archaeology.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, significant archaeological work was undertaken at Palenque, notably by the Mexican archaeologist Alberto Ruz Lhuillier. His excavations unveiled many structures, including the Temple of the Inscriptions, and helped to preserve the site for future generations. Palenque was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, recognizing its cultural significance and the need for ongoing conservation efforts.

Today, Palenque is not only a key archaeological site but also a vibrant cultural hub that reflects the rich heritage of the Maya. The surrounding area is home to contemporary indigenous communities that maintain traditional practices and languages, contributing to the cultural tapestry of Chiapas. Festivals and events celebrate both ancient and modern Maya culture, drawing visitors from around the world.

Palenque has played a pivotal role in the field of Maya studies, influencing our understanding of ancient Maya society, politics, and art. The extensive hieroglyphic inscriptions found at the site have led to significant breakthroughs in deciphering the Maya script, allowing scholars to piece together the history of this fascinating civilization and its impact on the region.

Palenque is accessible from several major cities in Chiapas. The nearest airport is Palenque Airport (PQM), with limited domestic flights. For those traveling from Tuxtla Gutierrez, a bus ride takes about 5 hours to reach Palenque. Buses from San Cristóbal de las Casas and Villahermosa also operate regularly and provide a scenic journey through the Chiapas landscape. Shared taxis (colectivos) are another option for a faster but slightly more expensive ride.

Palenque is a small town, making it convenient to explore on foot. Taxis are available for longer distances or to visit nearby attractions like the Palenque ruins and waterfalls. Colectivos also run frequently to surrounding areas and are a budget-friendly option. Bicycle rentals are offered at some local shops, providing an adventurous way to explore the town and its surroundings.

Palenque is generally safe for tourists, but standard caution is advisable. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, particularly around the bus station. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places. It's wise to stay vigilant in the downtown area after dark. The outskirts of the town can be less safe; thus, stick to well-populated areas during your visit.

In emergencies, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Local hospitals and clinics are available, with the Hospital General de Palenque being the main facility. Always carry a copy of your passport and travel insurance details. Pharmacies are common, and many offer over-the-counter medications for minor ailments.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for the warm climate. Avoid wearing overly revealing attire, especially in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs, and if visiting a church, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Public Transport: Do greet the driver upon entering a bus and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't play loud music or engage in disruptive behavior. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hola!' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods, and thank hosts for any meals offered. Don't waste food or express dissatisfaction openly, as it may offend.

To experience Palenque like a local, visit the local markets, such as the Mercado de Palenque, where you can sample fresh produce and traditional dishes. Engage with vendors, as they often share insights about the region's history and culture. Explore the lesser-known ruins and take guided tours to learn about the Mayan civilization. Don't miss the nearby waterfalls, such as Agua Azul and Misol-Ha, which are perfect for a day trip.