Having visited El Panchan last year and really enjoying the atmosphere, my husband and I decided to come here again on our recent Mexico trip (late January 2012).

I have to say that this time around, we really didn't enjoy our stay that much. We stayed at Margarita & Ed's again, which was lovely (very, very clean - unlike many of the other cabins, from what I've heard), but whereas last year we had peace and quiet at night and could listen to the sounds of the jungle, this year there was no way we could get a good night's sleep.

Being woken up at 4am by groups of people singing outside and shouting or stating how stoned they are and then hearing them urinate outside our door (and vomit... yes, this did happen twice) really wasn't funny.

The lad who was working at reception at Margarita's told us there had been numerous complaints about the noise recently. The culprit seems to be a place called "Chely's Bar", which plays music into the early hours of the morning. I feel sorry for the wildlife.

I guess if you're 18 years old and want to sleep all day and party all night, this might be the place for you. If we return to Palenque, we'll most likely stay somewhere quieter.

We were quite excited to come into the jungle and did not know what to expect in the cabins. I was okay with the basic infrastructure but was totally appalled at the condition of the dirty shower in a filthy cement stall. In addition, when I returned from a hike, there was no hot water running for us as the water pump broke and required a repair.

On the positive side, the cabin rooms were spacious and there was space to place luggage and even a writing desk. More than one electrical outlet was available so that both myself and roommate could charge our cameras and phones. In addition, the meals onsite were excellent. I loved the pasta and the pizza!

In the past, there were some safety concerns on this property but I was comforted with the barred windows and double locks to my room and the fact that I had a roommate with me.

We came late to Palenque, and there was no place in Margarita and Ed's hotel, so we crossed the "street" and came to El Panchan.
The Cabin was nice, with big room, good toilets, and big bed. No air condtion yet and no windows, just nets against the masquitos and a curtain. But with a big wentilator or the ceiling.
We had a good sleep there.

After searching for the place's phone/email or any way of communication we understood that the best thing is to arrive there.
First of all, there is nothing to do in Palenque. After you arrive take the first collectivo to El Panchan and head to Margarita and Ed's place.
Margarita takes wonderful care of the place and everything is so nice and comfortable even though it's in the middle of the jungle.
Don Mucho is a great place to eat and enjoy live music at night.