We left Campeche and drove about 4.5 hrs. into the State of Chiapas and the town of Palenque.  It was an interesting drive with a story we will tell when we see everyone.
Photos of some of the sites between the two locations are below.

It was a two lane road and always a challenge to pass a truck like this.

We have now entered the State of Chiapas and the jungle.  The town of Palenque isn't much except for very hot and steamy.  The photos below were taken from our hotel balcony

You can see that the town is surrounded by mountains and jungle.

Jerry took this photo of these two Mayan woman selling their wares with his telephoto lens.

We moved the next night to a quieter, lusher and cheaper neighborhood.

The only reason to go to the town of Palenque is to travel five miles further to visit the incredible ruins.

As you leave Palenque and head out to the ruins, you see this sculpture of Pakal The Great who was considered the most distinguished leader of Palenque.  He was born in A.D. 603 and ascended to the throne at the age of 12.  He lived to be 81 years old which was quite remarkable for that time period.

This Temple is known as the Temple of the Red Queen as within recent years a large stone sarcophagus was uncovered with the remains of what are believed to be those of Pakal's mother.  She was interred with a rich collection jade jewelry and was covered in cinnabar powder, a prized red pigment.

Her remains are now in a museum in Mexico City but some of the jewelry is available to see in the Musuem at Palenque.

It was an extremely hot and humid day.  We were only able to spend about 2 hours at the ruins before we had to leave but inside the structures were the living quarters and it felt as tho the air conditioning was on and they probably spent a lot of time inside during the hot seasons.

Do I look overheated?  My bangs are plastered to my forehead with sweat!