Uxmal



Uxmal is an archeological site in the state of Yucatan in Mexico, and a UNESCO World Heritage List site. It is one of the best restored and maintained ruins in the Yucatan. Its architecture, some of the most dramatic of the Yucatan ruins, is characterized by low horizontal palaces set around courtyards, decorated with rich sculptural elements and details.

Understand
Uxmal (OOSH-mahl) means "built three times" in the Mayan language.

The site will take a few hours to explore thoroughly. There is a small museum at the entrance, as well as a snack bar, gift shops, restrooms and various local vendors. Don't forget your camera as the buildings at Uxmal are very photogenic. The site is open every day to the public from 08:00 to 17:00.

History
Uxmal was the greatest metropolitan and religious center in the Puuc hills in the late classical period. It thrived between the 7th and 10th centuries CE and its numerous architectural styles reflect a number of building phases.

Studies have suggested that Uxmal was the capital of a regional state that developed in the Puuc region between 850 to 950 CE. Other evidence suggests that Uxmal collaborated politically and economically with Chichen Itza, located between Mérida and Cancún.

By car
Uxmal is about 85 km southwest of Mérida. From Merida, use federal highway MEX 180 west for about 15 km, then turn south onto highway MEX-261 for about 40 km, following the signs to Uxmal.

By bus
Since Covid, there are fewer buses than before. As of Feb. 2023, the company SUR is the only one operating with buses leaving Merida at 6 am, 9 am and noon (and probably 1 or 2 more in the afternoon). These are 2nd-class buses going to Campeche. Hence the schedule of the return bus from Uxmal might vary from 15-20 min (could be late or even early). To get back, the bus is at 9:30, 12:00, 15:00 and 17:00. Buses stop opposite the bus stop that dropped you at the ruins. As of February, 2023, you can buy tickets in ADO Tame terminal (there's a counter on the right dedicated to non ADO buses). You have to buy a smart card (AhorroBus) at $10 and top up the credit corresponding to your journey. For Uxmal, the price is $97 for 1 adult and $49 for 1 child (below 13 years old). The process is pretty straightforward. Last but not least, there's a convenient information booth located within waiting room 'A' with a perfect English-speaking staff.

Organized tours are also available from a variety of companies.

By train
Two stops on the Tren Maya can be used to visit Uxmal: Merida-Teya or Maxcanu.


 * Merida-Teya is a major station on the southeast side of Merida. As such, it provides better access to a wide range of lodging and travel services. Transportation from the station to Uxmal is available and tours can be arranged at the station. The station is about 1 hour by car or bus from Uxmal.


 * Maxcanu is a smaller station with fewer transport and lodging options than Merida, but it's 20 minutes closer to Uxmal.

Fees and permits
Uxmal admission: M$404 (Yucatán State) + M$85 (INAH), payable at two separate but adjacent (!) windows for separate tickets.

Get around
Walking is generally the only way to get around Uxmal. Unlike some larger sites, Uxmal does not offer bike rentals. The site is relatively compact, with short distances between major building groups, and few hidden obstacles, so it's an easy walk.

Archaeological Zone


Other buildings at Uxmal include the (Casa de las Tortugas), decorated with turtle sculptures associated at that time with rain; the  (Palomar), a building with many separate chambers; the  (Casa de la Vieja); and more. Uxmal also has a large (Juego de Pelota), enclosing a playing field that is 34 m long and 10 m wide.

Do
INAH offers a nightly light and sound show (luz y sonido) that is far more interesting than the one offered at Chichen Itza.

Buy
Thé and a couple of government-run craft shops are located in the visitor center and sell books, souvenirs, postcards and stamps.

Eat and drink
There is an overpriced is in the visitor's center past the ticket counters, and an espresso bar in the central courtyard. Several are located outside the main entrance by the parking lot.

The also operates a full-service restaurant.

At the southern entrance of the nearby village of Santa Elena, El Chac Mool offers homemade and inexpensive local food. Venture a few blocks into the town and Restaurante La Central has similar local regional cuisine at reasonable prices.

Sleep
Add 17% to room rate for taxes.



Stay safe
This is an archaeological site. Walk carefully and avoid disturbing digs, relics, or fragile ecosystems. Use marked trails.

Be sure to bring a hat and some sunscreen as you will be walking between building groups and the sun is particularly fierce in southern Mexico. Mosquito repellant is a must: the site is in the midst of a jungle and mosquitos in the Yucatan can carry malaria, dengue and other tropical diseases.

Go next
Several somewhat smaller Maya sites are a short distance south of Uxmal, and can be easily visited from here. The most impressive are Kabah, Sayil, and Labna. These sites are part of the Ruta Puuc, an itinerary of related Maya sites built using similar architectural styles.


 * Kabah the archaeological site is bisected by the highway south from Uxmal to Cameche. The Codz Poop temple of masks is a high point.
 * Sayil ruins of a late Classic period site, part of the Ruta Puuc
 * Labna Maya archaeological site has some distinctive features; if you drive, take the road to Mani, a truly lovely Maya village that offers great food.