Seventy five miles east of Villahermosa by way of Highway 186, a paved road turns south for 22 miles to the archaeological site of Palenque in the Chiapas jungles. Rental cars are available in Villahermosa; buses also run from there to the ruins. Modest accommodations are available in the small town of Palenque nearby.
Considered by many to be the most beautiful pre Hispanic site in Mexico, Palenque was a Maya center inhabited from the lst century A.D., reaching a cultural peak in 600 A.D. that was prolonged over three centuries. Most of its buildings are gems of light, airy construction. The Temple of Inscriptions contains a Royal Tomb reached by a narrow stairway down into the body of the pyramid, where it opens out into a magnificent burial chamber. Though the central area of the city has been ex
cavated and restored, there is much yet to be uncovered. You'll find a small museum at the site.
You can swim on a beach inside the breakwater at Salina Cruz, a fast developing port about 10 miles from Tehuantepec. Swimming and the general atmosphere are even more delightful about 4 miles south at the small fishing village of La Ventosa reached only by way of a rough dirt road. Taxis from Tehuantepec will take you there for a small charge. Young people are discovering this as yet undeveloped area. Only two establishments serve refreshments and rent hammocks; one place with no facilities will allow campers to park under a small grove of palms.
Seventy five miles east of Villahermosa by way of Highway 186, a paved road turns south for 22 miles to the archaeological site of Palenque in the Chiapas jungles. Rental cars are available in Villahermosa; buses also run from there to the ruins. Modest accommodations are available in the small town of Palenque nearby.
You can swim on a beach inside the breakwater at Salina Cruz, a fast developing port about 10 miles from Tehuantepec. Swimming and the general atmosphere are even more delightful about 4 miles south at the small fishing village of La Ventosa reached only by way of a rough dirt road. Taxis from Tehuantepec will take you there for a small charge. Young people are discovering this as yet undeveloped area. Only two establishments serve refreshments and rent hammocks; one place with no facilities will allow campers to park under a small grove of palms.
