Palenque was my first brush with the jungle. Tucked away in the jungles of Southern Mexico is the Mayan ruin of Palenque. Once an important religious site, all that remains are a series of pyramids and temples dedicated to their gods. For me it was fascinating and I was so excited to explore the site.
The ruins themselves are worth a visit, but I was enthralled by the giant plants. I had never seen leaves this big in my life and had to get a picture.
What you can’t tell in the picture is that I’m starting to freak out. Howler monkeys played in the trees behind me, but I hadn’t seen them yet. Their call is a bit like an African predator and I was literally shaking in my sandals thinking a giant animal was approaching. Needless to say we of course set off into the jungle to see the monkeys. We climbed muddy hills and followed animal paths, but never did get to see them.
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Lisa says
They are nearly as tall as you! Maybe you will see the monkeys on a future trip.
Jillian says
I know, the leaves were huge! We saw monkey’s that night back at our lodge, but I’ll never forget how afraid I was when I heard those howlers!
Cathy Sweeney says
Wow! That’s an amazing plant. Almost looks dangerous.
Jillian says
I think it could swallow me whole. Wait, didn’t I see that in a horror movie once?
Roy | cruisesurfingz says
Wow, that’s scary huge!
Michael Figueiredo says
Those plants look like they’re from “Jurassic Park”… .hopefully no dinosaurs are hiding behind them too!
Jillian says
My thoughts exactly!
Norbert says
Eek! Those leaves are HUGE!!!
Jillian says
Very Jurassic Park
jill- Jack and JIll Travel says
Holy moly, those are huge leaves indeed!