Palenque guide
🇲🇽 Packing List
What to pack for Palenque
In April, Palenque is typically hot, expect showers (23 to 34°C). This list adapts to those conditions; adjust for your exact travel dates.
Palenque essentials
- Light cotton for ruins. Insect repellent is non-negotiable (mosquitos and biting ants).
Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Return / onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance policy
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Passport-size photographs (2-4)
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- Casual day outfits
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Very light, breathable cotton or linen clothing
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Compact umbrella
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS (7 days)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- After-sun lotion
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- Power adaptor: Type A/B plugs, 127V.
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Local currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
- Cash dominates — limited ATMs in town.
Local know-how
- Local SIM: Telcel for rural Chiapas. Other networks patchy in jungle zone.
- Pocket tissues: some island toilets are squat-style or limited
Trip gear
- Light cotton
- Very hot in exposed ruins