One Of Mexico's Most Visited Waterfalls Is A Beaming Blue Water Gem With Jungle Views

Mexico's well-preserved Mayan ruins serve as a beautiful reminder of Central and South America's unique history and cultural heritage. While Chichén Itzá is the most famous (and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World), it's also busy and often over-crowded with tourists. For something a little more off-the-beaten-track, look no further than Palenque. This beautiful region is in the southern state of Chiapas, which shares a border with Guatemala. Not only is it home to some incredible Mayan ruins, but it's also where you'll find Agua Azul — a series of stunning limestone waterfalls with impossibly blue water. Hidden in the jungle along the Xanil River, this is the perfect place to cool off in Mexico's tropical climate.

Agua Azul literally translates to "blue water," which is very fitting (if not a little uninspired). The vibrant, dreamy shade of blue is thanks to its high calcium carbonate content. Because of its stunning beauty, it's consistently ranked among the best waterfalls in all of Mexico and is definitely one of the many waterfalls you need to see in this lifetime. Fortunately, there are a few ways to get there, so be sure to add this natural gem to your itinerary.

While it isn't quite as busy as the breathtaking natural swimming holes known as cenotes around Cancún and Tulum, the secret is out, and Agua Azul is pretty popular among locals and visitors alike. As many visitors visit this region to explore the ruins, several tour groups offer full-day tours that bring you to both the Palenque ruins and Agua Azul. Joining a tour is the most hassle-free way to see the falls, but it comes with less freedom as you're bound to the group's schedule.

Alternatively, you can rent a car in Palenque and drive an hour and a half to Agua Azul. This is a good option for confident drivers who want to explore at their own pace. Then there's also the local bus (known as a colectivo), which takes about two hours and is the most affordable option for the budget-conscious traveler. There are plenty of options, and the choice is yours.

Whether you choose to drive, take the bus, or go on a tour, consider adding Misol-Há to your day's itinerary. This is another nearby waterfall that's an impressive 115 feet high and safe for swimming. Its waters may not be as vibrant and turquoise as its neighbor Agua Azul, but you can enjoy a serene dip surrounded by rainforest — keep your eyes peeled for spider monkeys! If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can walk behind the waterfall and explore a small cave. If you have the time and are looking to venture further, there are several trails you can follow along the Xanil River. They'll lead you to more secluded swimming spots, but be sure to bring good walking shoes, as the trails can be slippery in the wet season.

The Palenque ruins are a must-visit when exploring this area of Mexico. They're famous for well-preserved and intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions in the city's temples. They reveal much about Mayan culture, mythology, and calendar systems and have helped scientists and historians gain insight into about 180 years of history. If you find destinations like this fascinating, you could easily spend your whole day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site and may want to save Agua Azul and Misol-Há for another day. For another historic town in Mexico, visit Tepoztlán, which is famous for its record number of UFO sightings.