Palenque
Running In The Jungle Arrived at Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico. Drove highway 180 to 186 to 199 MX. Cuotas ran about $50.00. It was hot and humid. Most cuota roads have some construction going on them. However, at times, you can do 110 kph (70mph)-but don't get use to it. Otherwise, the speeds are 45-50 mph or slower. Of course, no one abides by them. On the other hand, the federalas are out in force stopping people. So, I abided by them, unless I had someone running interference.
We went to the ruins in Palenque. They claim that the Palenque mayan village, at its zenith, was approximately l l/2 miles square and housed 8000 people, before disappearing.
They had constructed a water and a sewage system. There were many preserved buildings, including the Palace, housing for the citizens, and a large sports area.
Got to mayan site by using the suggested taxi service. We had a nice hotel with a courtyard for bike and car parking. Again, good food. Lots of Mayans selling their crafts. At the historic site they have guides and people selling some beautiful crafts.
The topes get your attention. Some are so big that it is impossible not to hit the frame of your vehicle. You must almost come to a complete stop. At times, but not often, there was an escape route for a bike.
On April 19th we will go to San Cristobal via highway 186 (back to Villahermosa) and then 195 to San Cristobal.