PALENQUE, Chiapas... Is it safe again?

[@PriorityFocused]

Do NOT let my video scare you from Palenque! WATCH THIS VIDEO to see Karen's take on the same trip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ-zn414ab56gac

[@LukeA1223]

I went to Palenque when I lived near Puerto Angel, Oaxaca in 1981. I was basically a wandering hippie at the time (maintaining my center of life at Playa Zipolite) and didn't have the pesos at the time to go into the grounds. I backtracked east about two miles or so on the road, wove my way south into the jungle, climbed what I thought was a mountain (turned out to be one of the thousands of pyramids throughout the jungle) and camped in the stone quarters at the top. Waited till the Palenque grounds closed (back then it was at 6pm), entered after watching the guards and their AK47"s left and the place was mine to enjoy all night! I stayed there for two weeks eating out of the jungle and practicing my "no trace camping technique" (now it's called "no footprint"). There was a tigrè that would visit from time to time, sit in the corner and eat a monkey (from the bone pile in the corner it was obviously her favorite spot). After the first time she came in and didn't discover me till about halfway through her meal, looked carefully at me, then recomenced consumption, I thought she wouldn't come back, but she came back three more times. I might not have smelled like a typical "people". I wish I had paid as much attention to cacao as I did to Peyote and Oñgos, but, I did respect the Earth, as I have everywhere I've been. When I first went to southern Mexico, foreign people would come up to me and ask if I spoke English, when I affirmed they would go into a rant about how great Mexico would be without Mexicans! I found the frustration of telling them that this (Mexico) is their house and their being uninvited guests falling on deaf ears, I began responding after the first month "No hablar English" and wouldn't speak English for the rest of the time in Mexico unless a Mexican was practicing English. It backfired on me though, when I came back to the states I found I wasn't fluent in English anymore and had to relearn it! Not Bilingual. Alas. Enjoyed your vids and perusing your channel. Salud!

[@PriorityFocused]

🥰 Oh wow! I feel like you could write a book (or create a KZbin channel) going into all your travels! Were these locals saying “how great Mexico would be without Mexicans”? Super intriguing!

[@LukeA1223]

@@PriorityFocused These were mostly Americans, but interspersed with mostly Swiss, French and Italians. Intriguing fun fact... Germans I met there were intensely respectful.

[@PriorityFocused]

@@LukeA1223 Wow, that's a really awful thing for them to say! I'm glad the Germans kept things respectful!

[@ruchika5502]

I love mexico! I really appreciate you posting this video!

[@PriorityFocused]

You're so welcome. I love Mexico, too!

[@AllentheBeloved]

I went to palenque back in 2000 as a backpacker out of college, the zapatistas were at san cris, there's all kinds of insurgencies in Chiapas with the Indian natives, there have been genocides with the Mexican army and the Indians, the Indians have killed and burnt Mexican government politicians on the street, there's been all kinds of stuff like that and many blockades, I'm not sure I would want to go there again, I had spent 2 months in the riviera Maya and took the bus to palenque and it was insane the curves and all that, not sure I would do that again, I would stick to safe destinations like Cancun or playa del carmen, this is way too dangerous to be worth my life

[@PriorityFocused]

I can absolutely see that. Yeah, it's a very unique region of Mexico to be backpacking through, that's for sure!

[@Whatarewedoingtoday2021]

Amazing video Ann, you are much braver than I am. Important information for anyone planning to travel to this area of México. Thanks for your honest, realistic perspective.

[@PriorityFocused]

Thank you so much! And yes, we gotta keep Mexico Living real!

[@RioBahiaWilliams]

Love Mexico, in Mexico (Puebla area) currently, but no, to sketchy. There are many places to go until things are more secure and travel is easier, but thanks for the vlog!

[@PriorityFocused]

You’re so welcome!

[@KatyaD-pk6rs]

What company did you use to hire a private driver? I looked into one my friend recommended and we have to pay food and hotel for the individual?

[@PriorityFocused]

So if you're staying overnight somewhere with the driver, then yes, you would normally pay for his accommodations... I don't remember the company, but a lot of the tour companies on the walking streets provide that service.

[@KatyaD-pk6rs]

@@PriorityFocused Thank you:)

[@PriorityFocused]

You're welcome!😁

[@montysano]

A really excellent video, super informative. Palenque is at the top of my list, and Tonina, near Ocosingo, is right up there with it. So I have to go. Hopefully we'll have the ability to take several days and do San Cris>Comitan>Ocosingo>Palenque, bypassing Oxchuc.

[@PriorityFocused]

Thank you so much! Right now Oxchuc is calm, but yes, especially if you're doing a long roadtrip, it should be easy to bypass Oxchuc. Tonina looks AWESOME! I saw a video by Our Million Adventures... and their Airbnb had Tonina within sight!

[@montysano]

@@PriorityFocused It would be fun to leave Palenque and do Yaxchilan>Bonampak>Lagunas de Montebello. My Chiapas list is completely out of control. 😄

[@PriorityFocused]

@@montysano 100%!!! There's so many nooks and crannies to explore here!

[@jalqassar]

Thank you for a very informative detailed video.

[@abraham115]

You have to understand that the natives in those lands do not get any help from the government and that’s why they act like that. but with the president that’s in office right now, he’s actually helping a little hopefully they could give more help to the locals so they could stop acting that way.

[@PriorityFocused]

Yes... I understand a little part of why the culture here is like that, although not the full history, of course. Always important to be aware!

[@PriorityFocused]

WATCH NEXT: Controversies in Cancun😳😬 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaPTlIpsg9Gif68

[@margiedavis1685]

Dang girl! You scared me to death! But no fear, I have already done the trip from "San Cris" to Palenque in a van sitting shotgun & my camera kept my mind off the unpleasantness that was possible. We did get a few thugs in the road but the driver must've known them & he gave them a tip and we went on. One thing you didn't mention is the Chiapas addiction to Coca-Cola. It's like an epidemic there because Coca-cola BOUGHT the water rights of the area. The native people have terrible tap water & drink Cokes instead. They worship it in some places because it makes you belch--thus expelling bad spirits. They feed it to babies in their bottles. There are advocate groups exposing the high level of diabetes, heart problems, obesity not to mention rotten teeth & bloated bodies. It's a true problem. Google it. Along the road from San Cris are CocaCola promos everywhere. Signs, benches, coolers, awnings for shade, fences, etc...Buy bottled water or drink beer.

[@PriorityFocused]

Oh, I didn't mean to scare you so much! But yes, the Coke epidemic in Chiapas is insane! There are tons of KZbin videos on it!

[@maxduewel54]

great informative video! thanks

[@PriorityFocused]

You're very welcome! Thank you!

[@chrisoleary9876]

I was able in the mid 1970s to clime to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, (no longer allowed) as well as the Eifel Tower, go beneath the Vatican, etc. Many places now are now off limits.

[@PriorityFocused]

I climbed the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa! That was back in 2002/2003... I went to the Vatican, but never went underground anywhere there... I didn't know you couldn't do that anymore! Shame...

[@chrisoleary9876]

@@PriorityFocused I went to Europe with other young students (about 25 of us) We had international "student" I.D. cards and transportation passed that enabled us to go places regular tourists couldn't. One entire morning was dedicated to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum.

[@PriorityFocused]

@@chrisoleary9876 Oh, that's so cool! I hope that program (or something like it) still exists for students!

[@chrisoleary9876]

@@PriorityFocused P.S....the trip was also subsidised by Readers Digest. It was 3 months of awesomeness...

[@PriorityFocused]

I would never have guessed Readers Digest!👍🏻

[@cindyk3076]

Wow, that's scary. I'm glad that you guys had a safe trip. It is such a shame that those things happen and ruin a chance to see the ruins or just sight-see through that area.

[@PriorityFocused]

They don’t happen frequently! Just something to be aware of (and something tour companies take very seriously). They safely have tours every day👍🏻

[@MayaXoxitl]

@@PriorityFocused what tour group do you recommend?

[@PriorityFocused]

@@MayaXoxitl So this is a great question! But the reason I don't recommend a particular one is because the businesses in San Cris is constantly changing... business names change, and business associates switch out. My recommendation is to meet physically with your tour companies (they're all on the main walking street in San Cris) and go with the one that feels friendly and knowledgeable. We didn't do a "normal" tour because we are a fairly large group already (that day was two adults and four kids) so we did a private tour to increase flexibility - which is pretty important the more kids there are.

[@abraham115]

Please stay safe also🙏🏽

[@PriorityFocused]

Thank you so much!

[@thehumandidge]

Got robbed twice in Palenque

[@PriorityFocused]

Well, that's not fun.

[@NelsonMontiel-l7x]

So is not safe at all??

[@PriorityFocused]

@NelsonMontiel-l7x Palenque is a highly visited area... and MOST people go without any problems. I recommend a guide to take you there (you don't need a guide on the premises of Palenque although it can be helpful) because the region is very specific...

[@dragontribe8371]

Have you been to La Selva lacandona?

[@PriorityFocused]

I haven’t. Have you? What do you know about that area?

[@anitamendez116]

WOW! Very informative video. Thank you for your honest and tactful input. The place sounds amazing,educational and beautiful, however, I am elderly and disabled so this is probably not a place that is conducive for me, but I still appreciate your video.

[@PriorityFocused]

You’re so welcome! And it really is a great place… in an isolated and beautiful region!

[@NelsonMontiel-l7x]

I was about to take the bus from Houston Tx to Chiapas now you’re making me think twice

[@PriorityFocused]

If there's a bus, you should be fine👍🏻 (esp to San Cristobal or Tuxtla region).

[@nixonsmateruby1]

They were originally from Britain.

[@PriorityFocused]

Oh, I didn't realize that!

[@michaelwilkinson2110]

I hope my wife doesn't see this video because she is already paranoid enough about traveling in Mexico, unless we're talking Yucatan or Campeche. (She's from Brazil and so she has an acute wariness of what could go wrong in a foreign country.) What about reaching Palenque from Villahermosa? That would be my plan, if I could sell my wife on the idea, and thus also avoid some of those serpentine pukey roads.

[@PriorityFocused]

So I haven't traveled on that side, so I'm not 100%... I think at least close to Palenque you might still get car sick but you'll definitely be avoiding the Oxchuc region, so that'll be a huge plus! Also, if you haven't seen it yet, maybe have her watch Karen's video... she puts things much more, ahem, delicately than my more blunt tendencies!

[@michaelwilkinson2110]

@@PriorityFocused I did watch it, and I enjoyed both. I admire your move to Chiapas (Comitan?).

[@PriorityFocused]

@@michaelwilkinson2110 I'm in San Cristobal, but I take day trips to Comitan... for the food and water fun!

[@DavidMyers-bl9gx]

Please take note o 19:57 f our experience before risking a visit to Chiapas April 25 2024 Car stopped wrecked physically abused Robbed Held hostage for six hours They even tore up photos of our children and grandchildren I am 60 my wife is 70 These where Mexican people not cartel Please consider our experience before you risk a visit to Chiapas We where between jet jar and the next biggest town. On are way to Palenque. We are from UK. Held hostage. Physically abused. Seems a big risk.

[@PriorityFocused]

I'm so sorry this happened to you!

[@PriorityFocused]

I would definitely say, if you're traveling through Chiapas, always have a guide. This could be as simple as using the ADO bus system, or even city buses and taxis, up to getting a private guide which is what we hired for the Palenque trip. There are definitely people who traverse Chiapas in their own vehicles without a problem, but seasoned travelers know to check in with local groups to see what type of unrest is happening throughout Chiapas. The unrest in even San Cristobal de las Casas is one of the first things I noticed when moving there... and it's why I didn't immediately take day trips. I wanted to settle into San Cristobal, figure out this new vibe before traveling. Again, I'm so sorry you were caught up in the chaos that is a major part of Chiapas. I hope you've found the medical assistance needed, as well as a plan for your next move.

[@jpsmusicandmore5457]

Really good video. I am sure the place is amazing but the trip may make it not worth the hassle

[@PriorityFocused]

Definitely something to double-check before visiting! But yes, it was amazing... I wish I would have stayed the night!

[@jpsmusicandmore5457]

@@PriorityFocused Staying the night and traveling during the day would make it seem much less stressful at least

[@PriorityFocused]

Agree!

[@candelariagarcia2557]

Sería bueno traducir en español

[@PriorityFocused]

Desafortunadamente, mi español no es lo suficientemente bueno para traducir a este nivel, pero creo que KZbin tiene una función para traducir al español... Espero que ayude.❤️

[@theunconciousmind7314]

I am now here in san cristóbal. First i kind of liked it until i found out that there is not a single walk you can take in the nature. A city literly surrounded by mountains but NOT WALKABLE! I CAME here because i love hiking in the mountains a close to the rivers. There's really nothing special about this place. People are weird. i dont understand the hype. There's reallu nothing to see or do here besides eating good foot (i got food poison the first day) and a lot of traffic. Now im of corse a little disappointed. And dont get me wrong the people are very nice and friendly but some really seem to have a huge lack of humor.. everytime i make a joke they react so serious. And i'm like "ok?" Thats kind of weird...

[@PriorityFocused]

If you mean that all the hills/nature belong to someone, yes, that's true. Honestly, I just enjoyed walking around the town in general, especially with the weather there. But for "nature," yes, it's all private property (well, private or ejido property...) That being said, there are a few places you can enjoy with minimal entree fees. Reserva Ecologica y Jardin de Oquideas Moxviquil and El Encuentro are places I would walk to on occasion. A few times I walked the hills around the San Cristobalito Church, but was told I should really have a guide of some sort... Arcotete and Rancho Nuevo require getting a ride of some sort (off-hand I prefered Arcotete, although with kids most seem to prefer Rancho Nuevo). Once you get to know the locals more, they will have other places to recommend... but again, because the properties belong to someone, it usually requires having connections of some sort...

[@theunconciousmind7314]

@@PriorityFocused thanks for the answering yes i know exactly what you mean 😉 and the weather is amazing yes! True. but i will never pay for a walking tour as this will always be my daily routine and should belong to nobody. I simply love and enjoy walking around nature, parks, hills, seas and rivers. (I hate taking cars to get from a to b)If you have any recomendations please feel free to let me know. Highly appreciated 😊🙏

[@kelsimcmartin]

Thanks for the video. I get carsick 😢 so maybe I’ll skip it.

[@PriorityFocused]

Yeah... that drive was a doozy!

[@jalqassar]

Wow, I thought these thingsonly happened in the cannabalistic (still existing) tribesand countries. Very primitive.

[@PriorityFocused]

Chiapas is a very unique state!

[@olegwiththeknowledge1729]

Been like this ATLEAST since 1996 when I started traveling there. Learn tzeltal, chol and mame and a vit of tojolabal which has helped! Please learn about lical culture and customs when going to Mejico or stay in Key West guerita😅

[@PriorityFocused]

I've never been to Key West, is it nice? And one of the purposes of travel is to learn😉... and I prefer to learn as I go vice learning solely through books and other people's opinions, so staying away won't help!

[@olegwiththeknowledge1729]

@@PriorityFocused Sure, so you speak the local languages (plural) of the Chiapas region? Not spanish, but tzeltal, tzotzil, tojolabal, zoc or/and mame? This will prevent you from getting robbed in the villages around Ocosingo et.c. That is my point, all the tourists are so clueless about where in the world they are and how to behave.

[@PriorityFocused]

@@olegwiththeknowledge1729 Of course I don't speak all the local languages... And not speaking the local languages doesn't mean I got robbed! What a crazy idea.

[@olegwiththeknowledge1729]

@@PriorityFocused It is helpful to learn one or two of the local languages, that way you also can get to know the customs and culture of the place where you are hence can more easy stay out of trouble (had the Russian couple you showed in your video known to communicate in f.e. tzeltal they would probably had a better chance to get out of the situation unharmed). But westerners and in particular americans tend to believe that the world is their oyster and they can go wherever they like and not adapt in any way, so once again: learn a local dialect of the mayan idiom branche and your stay in Mexico will enhance, gabacha!

[@PriorityFocused]

@@olegwiththeknowledge1729 No one said I wasn't adapting... language is but one way to adapt...

[@dangerousfables]

Palenque is fine. If you’re coming from San Cristobal just go via Villahermosa rather than Ocosingo. I’m there right now. Also no one apart from idiots ever thought Pakal was an alien.

[@PriorityFocused]

Yes, archeologists are funny sometimes! I wonder how many other wild guesses have been taken as truths🤔 From Villahermosa, is it still very winding? Is there a high chance of car sickness?

[@dangerousfables]

@@PriorityFocused I took the bus. OCC only goes via Villahermosa currently. I come here a lot for the amazing bird watching. Didn’t seem too windy coming that way (it is two hours longer though). Erich Von Daniken was the guy who started the whole silly aliens thing about Lord Pakal. He wasn’t an archaeologist, but was the basis for Indiana Jones. His book “Chariots of the God” said the ark of the convanant was a radioactive weapon. He also served a lot of time for fraud and embezzlement. 👍

[@PriorityFocused]

😳 Oh wow, I didn’t know all that! I always blamed archeologists🤦🏻‍♀️ (also love the original Indiana Jones movies!) Very cool that you know about him!