Safely venture off the beaten path to Uxmal, an ancient Mayan marvel tucked away less than a two-hour drive south of Merida in the Yucatan. This site, a treasure trove for the discerning traveler, boasts remarkable architecture and profound historical significance. Journeying to Uxmal is as seamless as it is scenic, with open roads leading straight to the heart of Mayan legacy. Perfect for those who seek to delve deeper into the less-trodden corners of history, Uxmal offers a rich, immersive experience far from the typical tourist trail.
It’s worth a day trip, you can spend 3 hours at Uxmal with plenty of time for photos and stopping to eat, there are restaurants and facilities there.
How to Reach Uxmal: Your Travel Options
Getting to Uxmal by Car
For those who prefer independence and the freedom to explore at their own pace, renting a car is a great choice. The drive takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, and following the main roads makes the journey straightforward. Renting a car also offers the flexibility to stop at small villages along the way.
Getting to Uxmal by Taxi or Uber
For a more direct and private mode of transport, taking an Uber or taxi is another option. The journey typically takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. While you can negotiate a round-trip taxi fare (around 2,000 pesos, depending on your negotiating skills), it’s worth noting that you can’t book an Uber for the return trip. Therefore, you might need to arrange a return trip to Mérida with a taxi or negotiate with your Uber driver without using the app.
Getting to Uxmal by Bus
For budget-conscious travelers, the public bus is the most economical option. Buses depart daily from the TAME bus station in Mérida, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 hours and costing around 65 pesos one-way. It’s important to check the bus schedule at the station as it may change seasonally.
A convenient and informative option is an organized day tour. These tours typically last 8 hours and include transportation and an English-speaking guide who will share insights into Mayan culture. Such tours often include a visit to the Choco-Story Museum before returning to Mérida, providing a comprehensive experience of the region.
Practical Tips for Visiting Uxmal
Uxmal entrance Fees and Ticketing
Entrance Fee: 495 pesos per person. Pay in cash or card, but note that a part of the fee (government tax) requires cash.
Uxmal facilities at the Site
Baggage Policy: Large bags and backpacks are not permitted on site and must be stored at the entrance. Carry essentials like water, suncream, and cameras in your pockets.
Exploring the Heart of Uxmal – Key Attractions
Pyramid of the Magician (Pirámide del Adivino)
This towering structure, rising to 90.5 feet, is the tallest in Uxmal and renowned for its unique three concentric sections. The pyramid’s base spans approximately 227 by 162 feet. Intriguingly, it’s also known as the “House of the Dwarf,” a name derived from a legend that claims it was constructed overnight by an enchanted dwarf who subsequently ruled the city. The temple at its summit is adorned with a doorway shaped like a mask of the rain god Chaac.
The Nunnery Quadrangle
Located west of the Pyramid of the Magician, this complex consists of four rectangular buildings housing 74 rooms. Its purpose is speculated to have been a palace, or perhaps a residence for students, priests, or soldiers. The quadrangle is remarkable for the Chaac figures decorating each of the four temple-sides, and its central courtyard measures 260 by 212 feet. Adjacent to the quadrangle is a Mayan ball court, known as pok-ta-pok, measuring 111 by 33 feet.
The Majestic Governor’s Palace of Uxmal (Palacio del Gobernador)
This structure is a crowning example of the Puuc architectural style, which is characterized by limestone construction with smooth surfaces, plaster finishes, and a prevalence of horizontal lines. The palace, admired for its pre-Columbian architectural brilliance, comprises three sections atop a 29-foot high terrace. The middle section reaches up to 65 feet and is connected to the lower flanking sections by vaulted corridors. Also noteworthy is the nearby House of Turtles, named for its sculptured turtle frieze.
The Great Pyramid in Uxmal and Surrounding Structures
Just west of the Governor’s Palace, the Great Pyramid stands impressively, each side measuring 260 feet. This area also features the House of the Pigeons, notable for its pigeonhole-style upper section, and the South Temple. Other significant complexes in this vicinity include the Cemetery Group, the House of the Old Woman, and the North Group, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Uxmal’s heritage.
The House of the Turtles
The House of the Turtles at Uxmal is a fascinating example of Mayan architectural detail and symbolism. This relatively modest yet beautifully preserved structure is named for its most distinctive feature: a frieze of sculptured turtles. These turtles, a symbol often associated with rain in Mayan culture, encircle the building, creating a unique and intriguing aesthetic. This building, like many in Uxmal, reflects the Mayans’ deep connection with nature and their environment. Visitors are often captivated by the intricate craftsmanship and the serene ambiance of this less-visited yet historically rich part of the site.
The Uxmal Ball Game Court
The Ball Game Court in Uxmal is an integral part of the site, echoing the significance of the Mesoamerican ballgame in Mayan culture. This court, where the ancient and highly revered ball game was played, features smooth terrain flanked by two parallel walls, each topped with a stone ring. The game, played using hips, elbows, and knees to maneuver a solid rubber ball through these hoops, was more than just a sport; it held deep cultural and religious significance. Often, the outcome of the game had serious implications, sometimes determining the fate of the players. Visiting this court offers a glimpse into a ritual that was both a physical contest and a symbolic representation of celestial events, central to Mayan cosmology and daily life.
The Architectural Brilliance of Uxmal: Puuc Style Explained
At Uxmal, the architectural elegance of the Puuc style comes to life, showcasing a distinctive chapter in Mayan artistry. Characterized by its intricate limestone constructions with smooth lower walls and elaborate upper facades, the Puuc style is a testament to advanced Mayan craftsmanship. This style often features detailed carvings of the rain god Chaac, emphasizing the Mayans’ deep reverence for nature. The buildings in Uxmal, with their horizontal emphasis and ornate decorations, represent a peak in Mayan architecture, blending functionality with an aesthetic that speaks to both the celestial and the earthly, a harmony that defines the spirit of the ancient Maya.
Planning Your Uxmal Adventure: A Day Trip Itinerary
– Morning: Arrive at Uxmal around 10:00 and explore the site.
– Midday: Lunch at Uxmal café or Coole Chepa Chi.
– Afternoon: Visit Choco-Story and enjoy the exhibitions.
– Late Afternoon: Head to the bus stop by 14:45/15:00 for the return journey.
Beyond Uxmal: Nearby Attractions and Experiences
Visit the Choco-Story Museum in Uxmal
- Location: Close to Uxmal, in the Yucatan Peninsula.
- Focus: Explores the history of chocolate in Mayan culture.
- Exhibits: Interactive displays on chocolate-making processes.
- Demonstrations: Live demonstrations of traditional Mayan chocolate preparation.
- Tasting Opportunity: Samples of traditional Mayan chocolate drink, “Xocolatl”.
- Animal Exhibits: Features rescued animals native to the region.
- Educational: Provides insights into Mayan culture and regional wildlife.
- Experience: Combines cultural heritage with natural beauty.
TAKE A LOOK AT UXMAL ON THE MAP AND PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY
Is Merida safe?
Parts of Mexico can often be pose a threat to safety, Visit the safety analysis to see how safe it it to travel to Merida in Mexico?
