El Panchán

Palenque


Just off the road to the ruins, El Panchán is a legendary travelers’ hangout set in a patch of dense rainforest. It’s the epicenter of Palenque’s alternative (and slightly grungy) scene and home to a bohemian bunch of Mexican and foreign residents and wanderers.

Once ranchland, the area has been reforested by the remarkable Morales family, some of whom are among the leading archaeological experts on Palenque. Today El Panchán has several (mostly rustic) places to stay, a couple of restaurants, a set of sinuous streams rippling their way through every part of the property, nightly entertainment (and regular drumming practice), a meditation temple, a temascal (pre-Hispanic steam bath) and a constant stream of quirky visitors from all over the world.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Palenque attractions

1. Palenque Northeastern Groups

1.23 MILES

East of the Grupo Norte, the main path crosses Arroyo Otolum. Some 70m beyond the stream, a right fork will take you to Grupo C, a set of jungle-covered…

2. Grupo C

1.25 MILES

A set of jungle-covered buildings and plazas thought to have been lived in from about AD 750 to 800.

3. Museo de Sitio

1.26 MILES

Palenque’s site museum is well worth a wander, displaying finds from the site and interpreting, in English and Spanish, Palenque’s history. Highlights…

5. Baño de la Reina

1.33 MILES

A series of small falls tumble down to form natural bathing pools. Unfortunately, you're not allowed to bathe here.

7. Grupo II

1.36 MILES

On the river, overlooking the Baño de la Reina, this small group has a lovely jungle setting.

8. Grupo I

1.4 MILES

Just north of the Grupo Norte, this small group of buildings is right before the bridge across the Arroyo Otolum, which gives access to the Grupo de los…