Uxmal

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 🌍 Pyramid of the Magician (Pirámide Adivino). The most impressive structure and the tallest at 35 m, which you will find just beyond the entrance. According to ancient legend, this pyramid was built by Itzamna in one night. It appears to have been built in five phases, and it was situated so that its western stairway faces the setting sun at summer solstice. Tourists are no longer permitted to climb the pyramid. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Nunnery (Cuadrángulo de las Monjas). Another large building on the site, the Nunnery was so named by the Spaniards as it reminded them of a European nunnery. It was probably used as a school for training healers, astrologers, shamans and priests. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Governor's Palace (Palacio del Gobernador). An excellent example of stone mosaic work probably created by hundreds of masons and sculptors. It occupies five acres and contains many beautiful sculptures of the rain god Chaac, serpents and astrological symbols. (updated Jun 2015)

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

• 🌍 Choco-Story, MEX-281 (across the highway from Uxmal archaeological site). Daily 09:00 - 19:30. Learn about traditional Mayan methods for cultivating and processing chocolate, and of course, try some tasty samples to make sure that they're as sweet and delicious as you expected (they are). The facility also provides a refuge for rescued animals and you can feed the monkeys and deer.