Palenque Ruins

I almost didn´t bother stopping here (been feeling a bit ruined out and there are still lots to see), but I´m glad I did. Very impressive and a great jungle setting.

At the entrance to the ruins is the Templo De Las Incriptiones group of buildings. First off is the Templo de La Calavera, named after the sculture of a rabbit or deer skull.





Also in this complex is the Templo de las Inscripciones, you need to get permission to go inside this temple, but that involved going to the museum first which is on the other side of the ruins.



Opposite the Temple is El Palacio with a large observation tower.



Rund the corner down a jungle path is the Templo Del Rollo Relieve. I got to the ruins quite early so there weren´t many people around and this temple is definitely out of the way. Quite spooky going down dark stairways into chambers underground. Not good for the nervous system!

Following the main path we come to the Grupo De La Cruz. This consists of Templo del Sol. Which is stupidly steep.



And Tempo De La Cruz which gives the group it´s name.



Down a small path is copy of a carved panel showing a captive kneeling before one of the rulers.



To the north of this area is the ball court.




And just to the west is a temple that has yet to be escavated:



Heading on we come to Grupo Norte which has some interesting history.





Also we seem to have some kind of Mayan picnic area:



Heading east we come to Grupo C.






Back on the main path we come to Baño de la Reina




which is traversed by a suspension bridge



and followed by another set of waterfalls. You used to be able to swim around here, but not anymore.



Past this are some more buildings including groups I and II which are mainly residential:




And that concludes Palanque. A quick stop at the cafe for a beer and a look round the museum and then back into town.

I now need to kill a few hours until 9pm when the bus for Tulum leaves. Tomorrow I´ll be back on the beach!

Photos from the past few days

Lamani

So, we took a boat from Orange walk. Quite an exciting ride twisting through the bends of the river.



With the occasional stops for crocodiles!



and the odd Jesus lizard.



The ruins were pretty typical Mayan structures



With some pretty impressive carvings:



And the obligatory temple to climb. This one was actually quite steep!




But had some fantastic views from the top.



Then it was back to Orange Walk spend the night there and then catch the bus over to mexico and then overnight it to San Cristobal which is a very nice town, but quite high up in the mountains so a bit chilly.



Spent a day in the area round San Cristobal visiting a local Mayan town, and the zoo:






Today was another bus ride to Palenque. Quite spectacular. It´s a shame I slept through this on the way to San Cristobal.

San Cristobal

Made it to San Cristobal.

This morning we went out to local Mayan village in the hills. I´d forgotten how cold it gets here at altitude. Have to buy a new jumper. Almost got a poncho but thought better of it.

This afternoon we took a trip to the zoo. Saw lots of wildlife that I´d already seen in the wild and a few animals (mostly the big cats) that have so far prooved elusive.

Tomorrow I think I´ll head to Palanque to check out the ruins and the museum there and then start heading up the Atlantic coast to Cancun.

Adios Belize, Hola Mexico!

Crossed the border this morning from Orange Walk and I´m now in Chetemal. My guide book doesn´t seem to have much detail on Mexico - this place is summarised in a couple of paragraphs that say "most people change bus here". I think I need to get a new guide book for my Mexico adventures.

Anyway, I´m now killing time until my overnight 14 hour bus journey to San Cristobal. I´ve been through the museum of Mayan culture, which is actually pretty good and there is a zoo somewhere. Only another 5 or so hours to go...

Yesterday I took a trip to Lamani from Orange Walk, best bit of the trip was the boat journey, we saw several crocodiles, some jesus lizards, bats and lots of birds. Probably the most wildlife I´ve seen so far in my trip. We also got to speed down the river at a slightly stupid speed - which was fun. Oh, there were some ruins at the end of the ride, pretty standard pyramid type things.

Will post some photos tomorrow if I survive the bus journey.

More crazy travelling

Decided to pop home at the start of April for Ashley's stag weekend. So I'm going to be doing a bit of crazy trip:

29th March - Cancun to New York to meet Alison who claims she is on a business trip.
2nd April - New York to London for the stag weekend on the 5/6/7
11th April - Washington DC to catch up with the boys and girls there and visit the god children.
18th April - DC to Cancun
19th April - Cancun to Ecuador to carry on travelling!

Today I'm off to Corazon - don't know what's there, but I think it's more beaches with jungles and ruins close by.