I visited this WHS in December 2015. I would definitely place Palenque as one of the best examples of Mayan cities in Mexico and I'd recommend spending a night there to be able to visit at sunrise. The pyramid like structures are similar to Tikal in a way although I think Calakmul is more comparable to Tikal on the whole. No climbing is allowed on the main structures of Palenque but I think it's a plus side as the best way to appreciate these structures is mainly from the opposite minor structures. During my visit the majority of tourists were Mexican as the coaches and tours for foreigners arrive towards 11am from Guatemala or in the afternoon from Oaxaca. If your priority is photography head straight to the top entrance as early as possible and not later than 07:30 to beat the never-ending vendors, mostly children. The main plaza, like Chichen Itza, is only a few steps away so it's worthwhile heading straight beneath the astronomical tower for the best views. The top entrance reminded me of the negative aspect of Angkor Wat ... children trying to sell the same postcards or cheap souvenirs, official and fake tour guides, etc. Parking spaces were non-existent already at 07:30 and don't fall for the car-wash or 'watching service' scam offered to park your car or to look after your car. Just park for free 50-100 metres downhill on the side of the road if only to have easier access to exit. Otherwise the best option is to park your car at the great museum housing several masks, inscriptions, artifacts and a very good reproduction of Pakal's sarcophagus (entrance is included) and use the lower entrance just opposite. This entrance will entail a number of stairs in the shade to a small waterfall and then up again towards the main plaza and could be a good alternative too to avoid any hassle. However, the Unesco plaque is just after the top entrance so it's worth keeping in mind. Apart from the main plaza, the highlight of my visit were the several embossed inscriptions and masks which are pretty unique and in a very good condition. The best inscriptions are to be found on the northwest side just beneath the astronomical tower away from the main plaza on a bright white stone. On the stairs going down just behind the astronomical tower there is a magnificent sculpted mask which could easily be missed. Just look out for the dried palm leaves or the perspex 'roof' protecting it from the rain and you'll spot it. Another unique feature is the rabbit skull relief just above the stairs of the Temple of the Skull. Palenque is a really great site although it does not offer a jungle/forest setting anymore (several green lawns instead like Tikal's main plaza). Howler monkeys are getting closer to the city (or the other way round actally!) and there are billboards everywhere. Electricity pylons are protected with nets to avoid howler monkeys getting electrocuted when crossing from one side to the other of the streets. The best time to spot birdlife is mainly at sunset but sunrise could also be a valid alternative. I spotted several scarlet macaws, parakeets, motmots, egrets, herons, orioles, etc in the wild (it's sad that there is a Palenque Ecopark/Zoo when most caged animals/birds can be easily enjoyed in the wild). It's surprising that not many have visited/reviewed this great WHS but perhaps its unconvenient location can also be seen as a positive aspect it can still be enjoyed without the crowds.