Uxmal is an archeological site in the state of Yucatan in Mexico, and a UNESCO World Heritage List site.
Uxmal (OOSH-mahl) means "built three times" in the Mayan language. As a World Heritage 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.
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.
Recent 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 admission: M$148 (Yucatán State) + M$65 (INAH), payable at two separate but adjacent (!) windows for separate tickets.
- Pyramid of the Magician. The most impressive structure and the tallest at 35m, which you will find just beyond the entrance. According to ancient legend, this pyramid was built by Itzamna in one night. It actually 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.
- Nunnery. 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.
- Governor's Palace. 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.
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 34m long and 10m wide.
Pyramid of the Magician. The most impressive structure and the tallest at 35m, which you will find just beyond the entrance. According to ancient legend, this pyramid was built by Itzamna in one night. It actually 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.
Nunnery. 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.
Governor's Palace. 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.
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 34m long and 10m wide.
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 34m long and 10m wide.
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 34m long and 10m wide.
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 34m long and 10m wide.
INAH offers a nightly light and sound show (luz y sonido) that is far more interesting than the one offered at Chichen Itza.
Thé Casa de las Artesanias. and a couple of government-run craft shops are located in the visitor center and sell books, souvenirs, postcards and stamps.
Thé Casa de las Artesanias. and a couple of government-run craft shops are located in the visitor center and sell books, souvenirs, postcards and stamps.
An overpriced restaurant. is located in the visitor's center past the ticket counters, and an espresso bar is located in the central courtyard. Several snack booths. are located outside the main entrance by the parking lot.
The Lodge at Uxmal. also operates a full-service restaurant.
At the southern entrance of nearby Santa Elena, El Chac Mool offers homemade and inexpensive local food.
An overpriced restaurant. is located in the visitor's center past the ticket counters, and an espresso bar is located in the central courtyard. Several snack booths. are located outside the main entrance by the parking lot.
An overpriced restaurant. is located in the visitor's center past the ticket counters, and an espresso bar is located in the central courtyard. Several snack booths. are located outside the main entrance by the parking lot.
The Lodge at Uxmal. also operates a full-service restaurant.
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.
- Kabah ruins is bisected by the highway south from Uxmal to Cameche. The temple of 100 masks is a high point.
- 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.
Kabah ruins is bisected by the highway south from Uxmal to Cameche. The temple of 100 masks is a high point.
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.