Palenque National Park Jungle Trails & Murciélagos Falls
Parque Nacional Palenque – Grupo de los Murciélagos
A rainforest trail descending from the north side of the site, passing the Group of the Bats, the Queen's Bath waterfall and a suspension bridge to the museum. Howler monkeys and toucans may be seen along the way.
The Palenque ruins are surrounded by national park rainforest, and the excavated portion covers only about a tenth of the ancient city. After visiting the North Group, you can take the 'Waterfall Path' back down: following the Otulum River past the Queen's Bath, the Group of the Bats and a small waterfall, then crossing a suspension bridge to reach the site museum. The whole walk is about 1 km and mostly downhill. Howler monkeys can often be heard at dawn and dusk. Deeper jungle trails require a local guide and lead to uncleared ruins. Watch out for slippery surfaces and bring mosquito repellent.
Opening hours
Follows site hours, about 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Palenque Site Museum Alberto Ruz Lhuillier
- The Palace
- Cross Group
- Palenque Archaeological Site
- Temple of the Inscriptions
- Temple XIII (Tomb of the Red Queen)
- El Panchán
- Aluxes Ecopark