This was quite nice! It was a joy to have a spacious room with a large bathroom and great shower. Having a hammock hanging on the front porch was a treat as were the gardens with Guinea fowl strolling around.

Well the title says it all. I had been trying to find information on this property for a month before we left on this trip. To no avail. I tried using a travel agency out of Palenque town to book, but email returns were too slow to make arrangements before we left. So-----we arrived on their doorstep unannounced, with no reservation, and un poco espanol.

Fortunately, the manager was in the office and with my limited spanish we negotiated to look at the "rustic" rooms, as well as the "luxury" rooms. The rustic rooms are the original thatched palapas with two beds, a fan, and some private baths, some shared. They weren't bad, clean, neat, the palapas painted with graphic Mayan symbols. But, it was so hot we couldn't even conceive of making it through the night.

The luxury rooms are all new, duplex constructions with plaster walls and thatched roofs. Inside, the ceilings soar to 12' or more, and there are large glass windows overlooking the jungle and front porches that have hammocks. The private baths are around the corner from the sleeping areas and feature walk in showers, all tiled, and even upscale ceramic bowl sinks set upon mahogany stands. Very nice. Lots of hot water, plenty of air conditioning from new-through the wall units.

The restaurant sits up on a hill, a large palapa, completely open. Nice bar area with tables, chairs, and lounge sofas with big cushions. A separate dining area, all overlooking the property. The food was well prepared, we ate two dinners and one breakfast here. Menu not extensive but adequate. Bar well stocked.

There is a small pool, but it was very small and in the sun, it didn't look very inviting as hot as it was! By the time we had toured all around Palenque ruins, we were ready for showers and a little cool!

There is a long drive way to the road, but collectivos and taxis pass by every few minutes to take you up to the ruins, or about an equal distance back to Palenque town. We had tried to get into El Panchan, but they were full. I think La Aldea made a great alternative, and it was very quiet.