Palenque painted by Frederick Catherwood who visited here with John Lloyd Stephens during their 1839-40 explorations.

The Barnhart map shows the extent of the ruins at Palenque. Much of the site remains to be excavated.

The first ruin you encounter as you enter the central area of Palenque

Named for the hieroglyphics found inside, the Temple of the Inscriptions is Palenque’s most massive pyramid. In 1954, under the floor of the temple building and down a descending stairway of 62 steps, archaeologist Alberto Ruz opened a tomb, later determined to be that of the Mayan King K’inich Janaab Pakal, ruler of Palenque for 68 years.

The Palace structure is one of the most complex in the Maya world and its tower is unique.

A model of what Palace complex is thought to have looked like in its prime.

A view into one of the Palace courtyards. The tower is visible at the right rear

Our group gathered in one of the several courtyards

Inside the Palace

Courtyard wall glyphs

Building interior showing arch construction

Building interior wall. The tropical climate has taken a heavy toll on Mayan art.

Temple of the Cross: steps, steps, and more steps.

Temple of the Foliated Cross