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Guide To Uxmal Archaeological Park
About Uxmal
Read an Introduction to Uxmal
Key Attractions
Highlights to be discovered
Getting There & Around
Getting there and around effectively!
Practical Information
Useful Facts, Local Resources & Facilities
Nearby Places & Attractions
Nearby towns & cities; local places of interest
Local Climate / Live Weather
What to expect from local weather
About Uxmal
Uxmal (pronounced "oosh-MAHL") is said to be the most attractive of the archaeological sites; and an essential part of any visit to the archaeological sites of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
Stay Overnight at a Hotel in Uxmal
You can visit Uxmal for a day, but it is much better to stay longer and take in the nearby places on the Ruta Puuc. There are some good hotels in Uxmal, right next door to the archaeology park. They also make a good base from which to explore this stunning area of Mexico. You can also get to the park early before the day-trippers and midday heat.
Uxmal was an important city, probably build around 700AD, although inhabitants are thought to have lived in the area as far back as 800 BC - nearly 1,000 years before the city was built.
It is a mystery as to why a settlement was ever made here: there are no rivers or local sources of water, and no evidence that they once existed. One of the features of Uxmal are the Mayan chultunes - or cisterns - which held water for the population to live from.
Chaac, the rain god, features prominently in much of the architecture's carvings - no doubt an important source of water for the people that lived here.
Within a 10 mile radius of Uxmal are 4 other smaller ancient 'towns' of Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, and Labna. Together with Uxmal, these places make up the Ruta Puuc - (Puuc Route) named after the hills in which these ruins are nestled.
Uxmal is a delightful archaeological site to experience. The rich green fertile land provides a perfect setting for some of the most magnificent ancient pyramids, building and temples of the ancient world. You can sense the history here as walk around and gaze at the stunning architecture and majestic layout of this ancient city.
Key Attractions
The 120-foot high Piramide del Adivino (Magician's Pyramid) stands majestically above the other buildings, and a climb to its summit will reward you with spectacular views of the entire half-square-mile ancient city.
The Cuadrángulo de las Monjas, (Nuns' Quadrangle) was believed to have been used for military purposes, perhaps an academy or palatial complex.
At the Palacio del Gobernador (Governor's Palace) you can admire the 300 foot-long facade described by one scholar as the finest structure in Uxmal.
Other attractions include the Juego de Pelota (Games Court) which is nowhere near as large or impressive as the one in Chichen Itza; Casa de las Tortugas (House of the Turtles), one of the smallest buildings, but quaint and interesting all the same and La Gran Piramide (The Great Pyramid) - adjacent to the Governor's Palace, a 100-foot, 9-level structure. As is the case with the Magician's Pyramid, those prepared to climb to the summit will be rewarded with spectacular views.
Getting There & Around
Uxmal is located about 40 miles southwest of Merida, and about 250 miles southwest of Cancún.
By Air - The closest airport is Merida. Further away, but in the same region, is Cancún.
By Car - Take Highway 180 South, and then 281 southwest toward Uxmal. Because of the limited public transport in this area, it is probably best to Rent a Car to explore the Ruta Puuc if you are not taking a guided tour. Also see additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.
By Bus - Public transport is very limited in this area in comparison to other regions in Mexico, and most of the buses that pass by Uxmal are tour groups on the Ruta Puuc. There are buses to Uxmal in the morning, but getting back, you will need to take pot luck by waiting by the roadside for the next local bus to pass by on its way back to Merida. To really experience this area properly, it is best to Rent a Car for use locally.
Practical Information
Opening Days & Times: 7 Days a week; 8 am to 5 pm. Admission used to be free for everybody on Sundays, but this rule was changed in February 2003; now only Mexican citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency) can enter free. All children under 13 and those over 60 can still enter free of charge.
Better Overnight: Uxmal is a big tour-bus destination. If you want to miss the crowds and get the most out a visit to this excellent archaeological park as well as the surrounding Ruta Puuc sites, we suggest you Rent a Car and stay for a night at one of the hotels situated next to the archaeological park. It's by far the best way to experience Uxmal and surrounding areas. Hotels in Uxmal.
Other Nearby Sites: Uxmal is an excellent base for travelers who want to experience the other significant archaeological sites in the vicinity which include: Kabah, Labna, Sayil, Xlapak, Mayapan and the caves, Grutas de Loltun. There are several Hotels immediately surrounding the Uxmal Archaeological park - see the link immediately above for details.
Photography & Video: A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held video equipment. Read the section on Mexperience Travel Essentials about Video & Photography at archaeological sites in Mexico.
Ideal Clothing & Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip sole; strong shoes, appropriate for climbing, if you plan to ascend the pyramids. Note: The Magician's Pyramid is especially steep and extreme care must be taken when climbing this pyramid. This region is very hot and humid year-round, so dress for sweltering weather - see Climate below.
Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.
Tourist Information Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office (Merida).
Nearby Places & Attractions
Major Cities: Mexico City (closest)
Colonial Cities: Merida, Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz
Nearest Beaches/ Resorts: Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen
Other Archaeological Sites: Chichen Itza, Coba, Tulum
Local Climate
Uxmal is swelteringly hot - with drenching humidity. August through October is hurricane season in this part of the world - and the weather becomes more changeable and less predictable during these months. The rainy season is May through October; fierce afternoon rains last for 2-3 hours and clear in the evening. Dress in light clothes, and carry plenty of water and stay hydrated at all times. Wear high factor sun cream, take a hat and spray on some insect repellent to keep flying creatures at bay.