Getting to Palenque National Park
Palenque National Park sits in Chiapas, Mexico, with Palenque the nearest town of any size — about 7.4 km (4.6 mi) out, or roughly 12 min of driving.
Drive times from Palenque National Park
Palenque National Park sits close enough to Cañón del Sumidero National Park and Lagunas de Montebello National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Cañón del Sumidero National Park | 133 km (82.6 mi) | 2 hr 24 min |
| Lagunas de Montebello National Park | 156 km (97.2 mi) | 2 hr 45 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Palenque | 7.4 km (4.6 mi) | 12 min |
| Egipto | 25.9 km (16.1 mi) | 40 min |
| Río Jordán | 29.1 km (18.1 mi) | 43 min |
| Punta Arena | 29.1 km (18.1 mi) | 43 min |
| Salto de Agua | 32.1 km (20 mi) | 46 min |
| Agua Blanca Serranía | 32.9 km (20.4 mi) | 47 min |
| Loma Bonita | 33.8 km (21 mi) | 48 min |
| El Limar | 38.6 km (24 mi) | 53 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Palenque National Park?
Palenque, about 7.4 km (4.6 mi) away — roughly 12 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Palenque National Park?
The practical bases are Palenque, Egipto, and Río Jordán — all within a reasonable drive of the park.