Palenque National Park
Palenque National Park
The Palenque National Park is a protected area located in the archaeological zone of Palenque, Chiapas; this national park occupies an approximate area of 1,772 hectares.
The park was created by decree issued on July 20, 1981 by the then president of Mexico, José López Portillo.
Geography –
Palenque National Park is a nature reserve located in the southeastern part of the Mexican state of Chiapas. It is famous for hosting one of the most important and spectacular Mayan archaeological sites as well as rich biodiversity within the tropical jungle.
The park is located in the southern region of Mexico, near the border with Guatemala. It covers an area of approximately 1,772 square kilometers (683 sq mi).
The region where the park is located is characterized by hills and mountain ranges, typical of the orography of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas.
Much of the park is covered in dense tropical jungle, which includes a wide variety of plant, tree and flower species. This jungle features lush vegetation and a diverse range of wildlife.
Several rivers and streams cross the park, which have helped create a series of waterfalls and natural pools.
Within the park is the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, famous for its well-preserved temples, pyramids, and palaces. This archaeological site is located in the middle of the jungle and offers a unique opportunity to explore Mayan history and culture.
Palenque National Park is home to a diverse range of animal species, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and insects. It is estimated that there are more than 300 bird species and over 100 mammal species present in the park.
The park was established in 1981 with the aim of protecting both the cultural heritage represented by the archaeological site and the important jungle ecosystem. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.
The park is open to visitors and it is possible to explore the archaeological site and enjoy the natural beauty of the place. There are hiking trails, but it’s important to note that the jungle can be challenging to navigate due to the wet weather and soil conditions.
In summary, Palenque National Park is a precious natural and cultural resource that combines the magnificence of Mayan archaeological finds with the beauty of the tropical jungle and its rich biodiversity.
Climate –
Palenque National Park is located in a tropical and subtropical zone which affects its temperature and rainfall throughout the year. The climate can be divided into various periods:
– Rainy Season (May-October): During this season, the park receives a significant amount of rainfall. The rains are heaviest from June to September. This period is characterized by high temperatures and high humidity. Average daily temperatures can vary from 24°C to 32°C.
– Dry season (November-April): During this season, rainfall is less and the weather is generally more pleasant. Average temperatures are slightly lower than in the rainy season, with values ranging between 20°C and 28°C.
However, it should be remembered that climatic conditions can vary from year to year and can be influenced by factors such as global atmospheric phenomena, such as El Niño and La Niña.
Heavy rainfall and humidity during the wet season can make the ground slippery and muddy, so visitors should be prepared with proper footwear and light, breathable clothing. During the dry season, the weather is generally more conducive for exploration, but it’s still advisable to bring adequate sunscreen and hydrate regularly due to the warmer temperatures.
Flora –
The Palenque National Park is characterized by a biodiversity of absolute interest.
The flora of the Park is typical of humid tropical forests, where a great variety of plants can be found, including tall trees with thick foliage and dense vegetation on the ground.
According to the National Information System on Biodiversity of the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) in the Palenque National Park there are more than 1,475 species of plants and animals of which 139 fall into some risk category of the Official Gazette Mexican standards NOM-059 and 34 are exotic. 4.5
The flora of the park consists of tall evergreen jungle and grasslands.
Palm trees are often found in these forests, adding a distinctive component to the landscape. Typical palms might include coconut palm, date palm, and other local species.
These forests are home to hardwood trees such as mahogany and acajou.
Epiphytic plants, such as orchids and bromeliads, grow on trees and add unique splendor and color to the greenery.
Due to the dense nature of the tropical forest, lianas and vines are often encountered climbing the trees, creating intricate plant networks.
Many plant species in the tropical forest are used for medicinal and aromatic purposes by local people.
Since the tropical forest is home to a wide variety of exotic fruits, fruit trees or plants such as bananas, papayas, pineapples and many others are frequently encountered.
Wildlife –
The fauna of Palenque National Park consists of mammals such as jaguars, howler monkeys, four-eyed possums, woolly possums, gray squirrels, cotton rats, guaqueques, cacomixtles, kinkajous, and other animals.
The variety of habitats found in the park, ranging from tropical rainforest to wetlands and rivers, support a diversity of animal species.
The birdlife is very diverse, with species such as the resplendent quetzal (the national bird of Guatemala), toucans, owls, hummingbirds, herons, eagles and a host of songbird species.
Snakes, such as the green boa, fer-de-lance, and various non-venomous snakes can be found in the park. There are also numerous species of frogs and toads, some of which are endemic to the area.
Insect biodiversity is also very high, with colorful butterflies, dragonflies and a variety of pollinating insects.
The park’s rivers and wetlands are home to several species of fish, such as tilapia, catfish, and other native species.
The rainforest environment is rich in invertebrates, including several species of insects, spiders and other small organisms.
It is important to note that, as with many protected areas, wildlife can be elusive and not always easily observed, especially more elusive species such as jaguars and ocelots. Times and seasons can affect your chances of spotting certain species.
Guido Bissanti