- Agua Azul & Palenque
Agua Azul
Agua Azul means "blue water", and is the name of this clean blue river which flows through the Chiapan mountains.
The water provides a refreshing retreat from the hot, humid weather of this jungle area. It's no wonder many travellers seem to get stuck here for long periods. The media often tells of the problems in Chiapas, and how tourists sometimes "go missing". Well, now I know why.
Some people feel the need to conquer the forces of nature.
Take a look at my professional diving technique,
and the leap of faith.
A secluded waterfall at a place called "Misol Ha", not far from Agua Azul.
Palenque
The Palenque ruins are the remains of the Mayan culture of this area. Set amidst the jungle at the foot of the surrounding hills, they are one of the most beautiful sites I have visited.
At 6:20am a few friends and I snuck inside the gates before opening to see the beauty of Palenque without the hordes of tourists. Walking through the jungle, the booming roars of the howler monkeys sounded so close it felt like they were right at the edge of the clearing, ready to jump out at any minute.
The palace on a warm, misty morning. The Temple of inscriptions is to the right of the tree.
Looking down onto the palace from the top of the Temple of inscriptions with Anna, Hanna and Julian. On a different day I decided to hide in the small labyrinth of tunnels beneath the palace until after closing time. This again offered a little peace and tranquility with which to appreciate the surroundings.
The tower inside the palace. It is believed to have been used for astronomical observations. At the winter solstice (22 Dec), the sun sets directly on the Temple of Inscriptions.
Unfortunately the tower is restricted from public access. It would afford some nice views.
The Temple of inscriptions, taken from the palace tower.