We were now getting loser to Chiapas, the last Mexican region before the Guatemalan border. Our last stop before Palenque and its striking temples would be Villahermosa, the capital of the Tabasco state, and a not so charming city to visit in the humid heat.
Everybody agrees that you can cross the city without making a stop at the Parque Museo de La Venta, a huge park in the middle of the city, where people can admire giant Olmec heads and other artifacts found on oil fields west of the city. The park is also a zoo, as the administration wanted to show animals that were sharing the everyday life of the Indians. After the visit, I was excited to take the direction of Palenque, a small city in the jungle, at the foot of the Chiapas Mountain.
I was lucky enough to go there few years back, when I took my first trip in Mexico, and since then, images of the site, as long as memories of San Cristobal de Las Casas.
Upon arrival in the city, found a cheap camping at US$4. We cooked diner, drank wine, and went to bed in the tropical heat.
Eventually, the morning after, we arrived on the ruins of the old city at 10, and visited the immense site. One can only visit part of the city, as the rest is still buried under the jungle. This is one of the biggest Mayan cities in Mexico, a possibly the most beautiful, thanks to the natural surroundings.
We then left for San Cristobal, a city in the mountain, at 7,000 feet from sea level.
It was an exhausting 7 hours drive, and we arrived, we agreed it was time to settle for a small hotel. We didn’t have warm showers since Monterrey, and even if you don’t miss it much, it is still a dream that you can realize once in a while. While driving in the streets, we found a small and a room in a simple hotel with a parking lot for US$ 25.
Can’t wait for the shower!
Now comes the fun part, Nicolas. Be safe.
I am jealous, I would love to be there!
Did you hit something in the truck or is that just a shadow on the fender?
Nick, I hope you read this. You need to go to Cancun, it’ll be worth it. I took a roadtrip w/ a guide a few years back, and we end in Cancun after we visited Chiapas, and Campeche. BTW, I think you are driving too fast. Take your time.
looks like a great city to explore 4 sure. Did ya get to go inside the the old riuns?
Nick,
Can’t believe it’s been 22 days and all crammed into less than 7 min. on YouTube©.:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWLfXkq5-zQ
Cheers,
Harvey
Wow….. Beautiful!!!! I find old ruins fascinating. About 8yrs ago I went to Machu Picchu and that was breath taking. I totally sympathize with you when it comes to jungle humidity. My mother is from a small town in Peru called Tingo Maria (I still have family their) and it sits in the jungle, they have no running hot water because it’s never cold enough for them to even take a warm shower. Humidity is not fun but great for your skin. Love reading your blog and seeing your pictures, keep it coming :o)
What is wrong with you? You look drunk in every picture you take! What’s your story? I mean you’re sleeping in a hotel almost every night, you’re eating like a king every meal and you don’t go but a day without a shower. I thought you were gonna rough it? I’m very disappointed. Of couse the reason could be that you are drunk all the time. You need to lay off the sauce for a few days and recooperate.
Say are you and that philly keeping each other warm at night? What’s the story with her. Is she single?
Buddy you are gonna catch hell with all the rigging you are doing to that vehicle especially when you are supposed to be hauling ass across Africa. Good luck.
I find the whole trip very fascinating. I am from alaska and i cant imagine the heat and humidity and sleeping in it! I cant sleep if its more than about 65 degrees in my room. Too bad you arent traveling through alaska on your trip it is quick breath taking here as well.
Chiapas! Best coffee in the world. Period.