The modern city of Palenque is mainly visited as a base for visitors wanting to explore the ancient ruins that go by the same name. The ancient Palenque city and National park is the top destination in the Chiapas region and date back to 100BC. The ruins are from the Maya civilization who abandoned the site in 800AD due to rising population; causing the site to becoming lost in the growing forest. Today you can explore the ruins and also the great museum that houses smaller relics like busts and jewelry.