Instead of taking the ADO bus from San Cristobal to Palenque, I came across many travel agencies offering an interesting option of travelling in a shuttle van to Palenque, stopping at Agua Azul and Misol Ha Falls.
The route also brings the group to the Palenque ruins before returning to San Cristobal. I had arranged with the travel agency to skip the ruins, since they are limited to only 2 hours at the Park, and to leave me at Palenque town after the Miso Ha Falls. This cost MXP350, inclusive of admissions, which was even cheaper than taking a direct bus on ADO.
The tour picked me up at about 5am in the morning, an extremely early start, so that those who are ending the tour back in San Cristobal will be able to return back by 11pm. Super long journey!
The road was super windy as we climbed up and down into the mountains. We also had to slow down at every 50 – 100m, as Mexicans decided to build numerous speed humps, resulting in the longer than usual travel time. I had heard a few travellers taking a night bus, just so that they won’t waste time. Looking at the road conditions, I wouldn’t suggest a night bus as it really takes a lot more effort to drive in the night, and there were great views to be seen in the day.
The green and nature along the way was beautiful. We must had been really high in altitude at one point, as I could also see the clouds hanging very low in the mountains.
A little girl aged about 2 years old, whose mum was selling local made clothing outside the restaurant, was curious at what I was doing.
Before long, she was in possession of my phone and had her hand playing with it! Kids learn fast. It took a while before I managed to pry my phone back.
We continued on our journey and reached Agua Azul (Blue Water) at about 10.30am, and spent about 1+ hour visiting the thundering cascades. The water wasn’t blue when I was there, as there had been rain, so it was a slight murky brown-grey. Some people chose to take a bath at a calmer spot along the way.
It was a good thing that I made the decision to end off the tour in Palenque town instead of continuing on to the ruins. Shortly after we arrived in Palenque, it started pouring heavily!
Another couple on the same tour had decided on the same decision as well, and we felt bad for the group that had went on with the tour.
Seemed like a total wash out! Glad I wasn’t taking the return 5+ hour long drive back to San Cristobal too.
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