The Carretera Fronteriza (Border Highway) runs from Palenque southwest along Río Usumacinta and the Guatemalan border to the town of Frontera Corozal; from there it loops down and westward, eventually reaching the city of Comitán in central Chiapas.

The first section, from Palenque to Frontera Corozal, is covered here, including a variety of villages, detours, and roadside attractions, roughly in the order you’d encounter them driving from Palenque. Some make for a quick stop, others an extended side trip; some have food and lodging, others do not. It’s worth reviewing the entire section before deciding how to tackle the region.

A number of agencies offer transportation from Palenque that hits the major destinations; they’re recommended for their convenience and reasonable price. Alternatively, colectivos ply the Carretera Fronteriza throughout the day, and a rental car is very handy for places off the main road, as bus service to those areas can be very slow and unpredictable.