Palma Sola
Palma Sola
4.5
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4.5
24 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Bill M
Clearwater, FL7,771 contributions
The Palma Sola Archeological Zone is relatively knew, and unusual for the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Many people have heard of ruins and special archeological attractions in inland Mexico, or along the water in the state of Quintana Roo - but Acapulco? What you see at this site are rock carvings, dating back thousands of years. There might be 25, 30 or more. The site is lightly visited, mostly because many people don't know how to get tere (including local residents). The site is on the side of the mountain, and the climb can be steep at times. The paths and large boulders where you find the carvings are well-marked. You get to the site by taking a micro bus which you catch from across the street from Sanborn's on the Costera (near the Zocalo plaza) or by taxi. Taxi is probably the best way to go, and the cost shouldn't cost more than MX$30-40 (US$3-4).
Written 3 February 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
smithjen78
Robbinsdale, MN144 contributions
I read about this place being off the beaten path, and it certainly was. Our taxi driver even got lost on the way up there. At the very least, it's worth going up there for the panoramic aerial views of acapulco. It was also really nice to get away from crowds of people. Be sure to ask your taxi driver to wait for you or it may be a long time before you catch another one.
Written 17 May 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yves D
Laval, Canada1,664 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
Palma Sola is an archeological site that dates from 850 before christ to 750 after. It is sacred ground in that both water and caves are present. Water in the form of 2 rivers: El Camaron and El de Palma Sola. These form the water that are important to Tlaloc and it’s helpers, Tlaloqes. Tlaloc is the god of rain therefore of fertility since without rain nothing grows. Rituals for pleasing this god included child sacrifices. Their tears, when taken to the sacrifice area, would be agreeable to Tlaloc. Some child bones have been found in cenotes of Chichen Itza indicating that Chaac (the mayan rain god) was thus appeased. (According to archaeologist Guillermo de Anda of the University of Yucatán, evidence from Mayan mythology suggests that many young victims whose sex is indeterminate were male.)
Also, you will find caves. Those are the entrance to the underworld (Xibalba) which lead to the “heaven” after going through the 9 levels of hell.
The figures that are found here are not paintings but engravings onto the rocs. They are therefore not detailed as paintings would be.
Palma Sola has 18 elements (rocs) on which there are “petrogliphicos” (Petroglyphs (also called rock engravings)). They are found all over the world and some date from up to 12,000 years ago. (Some were found that could date from 40,000 years).
Those found here represent masks, scenes, rites, etc. Some can even represent the specific dates for planting and gathering or even the times of the year like equinox and solstices. Element 10, for example, shows 4 pyramids whose relationship could indicate such dates.
Element 1, at the very top of the mount is the most important. This is probably where ceremonies were held and where the shaman held them. From the top of this immense roc, you can see the bay of Acapulco in it’s entirety.
This site is for those who want to learn.
Also, you will find caves. Those are the entrance to the underworld (Xibalba) which lead to the “heaven” after going through the 9 levels of hell.
The figures that are found here are not paintings but engravings onto the rocs. They are therefore not detailed as paintings would be.
Palma Sola has 18 elements (rocs) on which there are “petrogliphicos” (Petroglyphs (also called rock engravings)). They are found all over the world and some date from up to 12,000 years ago. (Some were found that could date from 40,000 years).
Those found here represent masks, scenes, rites, etc. Some can even represent the specific dates for planting and gathering or even the times of the year like equinox and solstices. Element 10, for example, shows 4 pyramids whose relationship could indicate such dates.
Element 1, at the very top of the mount is the most important. This is probably where ceremonies were held and where the shaman held them. From the top of this immense roc, you can see the bay of Acapulco in it’s entirety.
This site is for those who want to learn.
Written 10 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nir L
7 contributions
We got there by a taxi for 55 pesos, but there is a pink bus from the center for 7 pesos. The entrance is free and the site is amazing. Our guide stumbled a bit with the English at first, but turned out to be fluent :). Very knowledgeable and funny as well. A very good time to see a very unknown place in Acapulco, one of several archeological around the city
Written 12 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lili G
Montreal, Canada111 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
We loved Palma Sola if only for looking at the bay from a mile up in the sky. The history lovers will enjoy it. The rocks with hieroglyph are over 3000 years old, it is the most historical place in Acapulco. There is a lot of stairs so if you have knee problems, stay at the museum and let the others climb up.
Written 14 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jezeray
Worcester, UK36 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
A small entry in a guide book took us to Palma Sola. An archaeological site with spectacular views of the city and bay. We were the only visitors so had an uninterrupted time exploring the site. It is steep, hot and muggy but worth the trek to see the rock drawings from nearly 3000 years ago. A wonderful way to spend an hour or two and take you away from the hustle and bustle of busy Acapulco.
Written 21 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KnollDeb
Port Alberni, Canada27 contributions
Feb 2016
Petroglyphs. Quite the hike. All stone stairs but lots of them. Only made it part way up. Also, recommend going in the morning. Very hot (40 degrees celsuis),
Worth going to have a look
Worth going to have a look
Written 27 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexandra T
10 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Fun trip in the city up the mountains. Beautiful and interesting. Take a cheap taxi and no fee to get in, recommend.
Written 27 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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