In many ways, Uxmal is one of our favorite ruins that we have ever visited. As with Chichén Itzá, while much restoration has already taken place, there is still a lot of work to be done there.
From around 600-900AD, Uxmal was home to as many as 25,000 Mayans. It is located in an area known as the Ruta Puuc named for the nearby Puuc hills.
The architecture of Uxmal is one of the things that really sets it apart from other Mayan ruins. Among many other structures, highlights are the Pyramid of the Magician, The Nunnery Quadrangle including a beautiful pointed arch entry and the Governor’s Palace.
This is a beautiful, beautiful city.
Uxmal is about an hours drive from Merida. Tickets for an organized tour can be bought from any travel agent or hotel travel desk in the city.
You also might consider touring there in a private car instead of the normal bus tour. Hire a car and driver for the day and if you have the time and money, stop in at the Hacienda Temozon for lunch and luxuriating and then on to the archaeological zone for an afternoon tour. Temozon is an elegant restored henequin hacienda, which today is now a luxury hotel.
On our last visit, it cost $40 pesos to enter Uxmal with an additional charge for the sound and light show in the evening. We have stayed for the show on one occasion and while it was interesting, to be perfectly honest, it wouldn’t have bothered us to miss it. In fact, for a light display, as sun down approaches, find your way to high ground in the western portion of the city and enjoy the view looking back as the soft yellow light of sun set reflects off the Pyramid of the Magician and other buildings. It is a lot more impressive light show than any laser we saw that night.
As is the case for many of the ruins, there is no charge for entry on Sundays. And as pointed out in discussions for other Mayan ruins, if possible, it is best to get an early start to avoid the crowds and mid-day heat.
