November 27, 2005
Palenque
After a 5 hour bus ride descending from the mountains I arrived in Palenque. Gone was the bitter cold that froze my bones the night before. Instead it had been replaced with the hot and humid climate typical of any tropical climate. Palenque is home to some of Mexico's greatest Mayan ruins and specticular waterfalls.
On my way to Palenque I made some friends with an Australian and a few Italians. We were all headed to the same place, the traveler's mecka named El Panchan. El Panchan is an interesting place. It is a backpacker oasis next to the ruins of Palanque. Its basically a bunch of hostel like guesthouses in the middle of the jungle. Its centered around one bar that has live music at night. Everything is open air and connected with a bunch of trails.
After a farely uneventful night I awoke the next morning to go on a waterfall tour. Our tour would cover Misol-Ha, Agua Clara, and Agua Azul. We first arrived at Misol-Ha, a waterfall featured on the set of Predator (that was back when Arnie was cool). The waterfall is pretty huge and drains into a beautful pond below. Near the top of the waterfall our group went into a cave and checked out a bunch of bats and a smaller waterfall.
Misol-Ha
Our next stop was Agua Clara. Agua Clara is basically a spot in some river that has really crystal blue looking water. There really isn't anything all that special at the spot other than a huge rope bridge and a bunch of kids trying to sell you bananas.
Agua Clara
Our final stop was Agua Azul. This place had a massive water fall, clear blue water, and a bunch of really great food. Highlights included soaking in the water and getting some sun rays, eating banana chips and all sorts of Empandanas (banana, meat, and cheese to name a few).
Agua Azul (that pose if for you Zeek)