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Palenque has three clear places to sleep: La Cañada, the ruins road with the upscale hotels, El Panchán, the jungle backpacker enclave near the site, and Centro, the town centre by the bus station. This where to stay in Palenque guide lists the best hotels in each area across three price tiers.
Where to Stay in Palenque: La Cañada (The Ruins Road)
La Cañada is the Carretera Palenque-Ruinas, the 4 km road to the archaeological zone. It holds most of the upscale and mid range properties, all set back in gardens. Staying here means a 5 to 10 minute drive to the site and easy early morning entry, but few services within walking distance beyond hotel restaurants. For the best season to be near the ruins, check our Palenque weather by month guide. For airport and colectivo details, read our Palenque travel tips guide.
Suggested Hotels in La Cañada
Hotel Boutique Quinta Chanabnal
A boutique hotel built to resemble a Maya palace, with two pools with waterfalls, a spa and air conditioned suites in tropical gardens about 2.2 km along the ruins road. Best for couples who want a high end base minutes from the archaeological zone. Check rates and availability
Chan-Kah Resort Village
A full resort with casita style rooms, two swimming pools, a spa and its own restaurant at km 3 on the road to the ruins. Best for families who want resort facilities close to the site. Check rates and availability
Hotel Maya Tulipanes Palenque
A four star hotel in the eco tourist area of La Cañada with an outdoor pool, a Mexican restaurant and a lounge bar, minutes from El Panchán. Best for travellers who want comfort near the ruins without a resort price tag. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Palenque: Centro (Town Center)
Centro is the town proper, built around the zocalo, the market and the ADO bus station on Avenida Juárez. It has the banks, pharmacies and cheap restaurants, plus the colectivo stand for the ruins. The archaeological zone is about 8 km away, a 10 minute shared van ride. The zone and the waterfalls are covered in our things to do in Palenque list. For the equinox and fiesta dates, see our Palenque events and festivals guide.
Suggested Hotels in Centro
Hotel Plaza Palenque
A hotel with tropical gardens, a feature swimming pool and an on site restaurant, about a 10 minute walk from the zocalo and a 10 minute drive from the ruins. Best for travellers who want town centre convenience with resort style grounds. Check rates and availability
Hotel Chablis Palenque
A town hotel with an outdoor pool, a hot tub and an on site restaurant, with free Wi-Fi throughout and private bathrooms. Best for couples and small groups who want a pool in town at a mid range price. Check rates and availability
Hotel Maya Palenque
A budget friendly hotel 8.2 km from the archaeological site with an outdoor pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Best for road trippers and budget travellers who want a pool without paying a premium. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Palenque: El Panchán (Jungle Enclave)
El Panchán is a pocket of thatched cabanas, restaurants and bars in the rainforest at km 4.5 on the ruins road, right before the site entrance. It is the budget and backpacker heart of Palenque, with howler monkeys in the trees and a lively evening scene. Most places here are simple cabanas with fans rather than air conditioning, which matters in the hot months from March to May. Check our best time to visit Palenque guide before booking a fan only room. For a full comparison of the three areas, see our Palenque neighborhoods guide.
Suggested Hotels in El Panchán
Hotel Villa Mercedes Palenque
A five star hotel on the ruins road with a restaurant serving traditional Mexican food, a poolside bar and a terrace with hammocks, about 15 minutes from the airport. Best for couples who want five star comfort in the jungle, with a 9.4 location rating from couples. Check rates and availability
Hotel Mundo Maya Palenque
A five star property with a fitness centre, garden, restaurant, bar and a year round outdoor pool, with free Wi-Fi throughout. Best for travellers who want resort amenities at the jungle edge. Check rates and availability
Hotel Palenque Premier
A simple, non smoking hotel about 8.7 km from the ruins with a terrace, free Wi-Fi and an on site restaurant. Best for solo travellers and short stays that need a clean budget room near the jungle edge. Check rates and availability
