Palenque

The questions people ask first about Palenque, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
• SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
• Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
• TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
• SafetyPalenque is a small, calm tourist town and the ruins area is well patrolled; the real risks are heat and humidity, slippery waterfall rocks…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Street or quick mealTaco or simple meal in townMX$40–120 (≈ US$3–7)
• BeerBeer in a bar / at a shopMX$40–70 (≈ US$3–4)MX$20–35 (≈ US$2)
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekMX$200–400 (≈ US$11–25)
• Museum or sight ticketRuins entry (INAH + state tickets)Bought separately at the museum officeMX$100 (≈ US$6) + MX$215 (≈ US$12)
• Budget bedHostel dorm or hammock space, a night, per personMX$150 (≈ US$9)
• Mid-range bedDouble room with fan or AC, a night, per roomMX$900 (≈ US$50)
• High-end bedDouble room with fan or AC, a night, per roomMX$1,800 (≈ US$100)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$600 (≈ US$35) · Mid MX$1,200 (≈ US$65) · High MX$2,200 (≈ US$120)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

PQM Palenque Airport (Small field; flights from Mexico City's AIFA (NLU) on limited days — check the current schedule) · VSA Villahermosa (About 2 h by road; the usual fallback airport) · TGZ Tuxtla Gutiérrez (5–6 h by bus; use it if you are coming from San Cristóbal)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

MX$600–1,000 (≈ US$35–55) excl. bed

Mid

MX$1,000–1,800 (≈ US$55–100) excl. bed

High

MX$1,800 (≈ US$100)+ excl. bed

• Ruins tickets are bought in two parts at the museum ticket office about 1.3 km (0.8 mi) before the entrance, plus a separate shuttle ticket — bring cash and expect queues at opening.Ruins tickets are bought in two parts at the museum ticket office about 0.8 mi (1.3 km) before the entrance, plus a separate shuttle ticket — bring cash and expect queues at opening.
• Wet rocks at the waterfalls are slippery; wear shoes with grip, not flip-flops.
• The ruins are in rainforest: rain can close paths or the site with little notice in the wet season — check before you go.
• El Panchán and some cabin areas have no mobile signal or Wi-Fi; arrange your onward bus before you go out there.
• ADO's website lists its Palenque terminal under a different town — the terminal is in Palenque; don't panic.