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Get Apocalyptic at Mexico's Uxmal
Published by Jason Hussong, Writer
Country: Mexico 
The Experience
The Yucatan Peninsula is commonly considered and visited for the warm beaches around places like Cozumel, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. They’re great getaways that draw the sun worshipers looking to unwind, relax and have some fun; but it’s not all about the sand and surf. Visitors to the area can also explore ancient city ruins of the once powerful Mayans: a civilization that ruled a large chunk of present-day Mexico and Central America for thousands of years. The most popular of these sites is the nearby Chichen Itza; but just a bit further down the road sits its impressive cousin: Uxmal (Oosh-mahl)— an interesting and less crowded experience.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Uxmal, which is Mayan for “built three times,” is believed to have been abandoned shortly before the Spanish arrived in the 15th century. Research and restoration work is still conducted to determine historical details, but it appears the area experienced initial construction as early as 850 BC. Uxmal, once a prominent location for the Mayans, diminished as other Toltec invaders and cultures moved in.
Uxmal in Yucatan was once home to an estimated 25,000 people, but those crowds aren’t even remotely seen here today as Chichen Itza, the second most visited site in Mexico, tends to draw more visitors from the nearby beach resorts. What sets the Uxmal ruins apart is the Magician’s Pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of the Dwarf, which rises 115 feet (35 meters) above the surrounding structures. It is believed to be unique among Mayan constructions, with its rounded sides and height, and even gradient, as it towers over the sprawling 150-acre complex. The Magician’s Pyramid is adorned with beautiful temples and decorations, some being built as late as AD 1000.
A number of other fascinating structures litter the grounds and are also worth experiencing. The Nunnery Quadrangle (a possible military academy) and the Governor’s Palace (both named by the Spanish) are two of the most important and worthwhile. Although elaborate carvings and adornments can be found around both buildings, of particular note is the 320-foot (97 meter) long mosaic facade on the Governor’s Palace. It is definitely worth closer inspection, as is the Jaguar Throne (an animal associated with Mayan kings) in the front of the structure. The ceremonial causeway that links Uxmal with Kabah, once a trading centre 11 miles (18 km) to the south, is definitely worthy of a visit.
Some travellers today are attracted to the Mayan sites because of the 2012 apocalyptic predictions from the Mayan calendar. Many historians and scientists argue against the popular culture, saying that there is very little fact indicating such an occurrence. Nonetheless, revitalization in the interest of these places is happening. Now is a great time to take advantage of it and experience a fascinating and exotic place, close to the relaxing resort life, that once held great sway in the world.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Uxmal, which is Mayan for “built three times,” is believed to have been abandoned shortly before the Spanish arrived in the 15th century. Research and restoration work is still conducted to determine historical details, but it appears the area experienced initial construction as early as 850 BC. Uxmal, once a prominent location for the Mayans, diminished as other Toltec invaders and cultures moved in.
Uxmal in Yucatan was once home to an estimated 25,000 people, but those crowds aren’t even remotely seen here today as Chichen Itza, the second most visited site in Mexico, tends to draw more visitors from the nearby beach resorts. What sets the Uxmal ruins apart is the Magician’s Pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of the Dwarf, which rises 115 feet (35 meters) above the surrounding structures. It is believed to be unique among Mayan constructions, with its rounded sides and height, and even gradient, as it towers over the sprawling 150-acre complex. The Magician’s Pyramid is adorned with beautiful temples and decorations, some being built as late as AD 1000.
A number of other fascinating structures litter the grounds and are also worth experiencing. The Nunnery Quadrangle (a possible military academy) and the Governor’s Palace (both named by the Spanish) are two of the most important and worthwhile. Although elaborate carvings and adornments can be found around both buildings, of particular note is the 320-foot (97 meter) long mosaic facade on the Governor’s Palace. It is definitely worth closer inspection, as is the Jaguar Throne (an animal associated with Mayan kings) in the front of the structure. The ceremonial causeway that links Uxmal with Kabah, once a trading centre 11 miles (18 km) to the south, is definitely worthy of a visit.
Some travellers today are attracted to the Mayan sites because of the 2012 apocalyptic predictions from the Mayan calendar. Many historians and scientists argue against the popular culture, saying that there is very little fact indicating such an occurrence. Nonetheless, revitalization in the interest of these places is happening. Now is a great time to take advantage of it and experience a fascinating and exotic place, close to the relaxing resort life, that once held great sway in the world.
When to Go to Uxmal Yucatan
Odds n' Ends
Two sound and light shows, one in Spanish and the other in English, are performed each night at Uxmal. The light show is included in the $116 pesos admission and worth sticking around for as it's an entertaining way to learn a bit about the history of the complex. The Uxmal Mayan ruins are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Also, make sure to have a good pair of walking or hiking shoes that you can wear for the day as you're sure to cover some ground. Uxmal isn't small and won't be fun in the flip flops you'd wear to the beach, so make sure to come prepared for the best experience.
Also, make sure to have a good pair of walking or hiking shoes that you can wear for the day as you're sure to cover some ground. Uxmal isn't small and won't be fun in the flip flops you'd wear to the beach, so make sure to come prepared for the best experience.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Location. Located in Uxmal, Lodge At Uxmal is near the airport and close to Uxmal. Hotel Features. Dining options at Lodge At Uxmal include 2 ... 0 miles away
$2847 MXN+
Kabah Maya Site is within easy driving distance of the La Casa Del Mago. Manuel Crescencio Rejon International Airport (MID) is a 70 minute drive ... 0 miles away
$561 MXN+
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Chichén Itzá, Journey Back to the Land of Gods
- The ruins of Chichén Itzá take you back in time to an era of a vast and powerful Mayan empire, once the center of being for all of the Yucutan civilization ruling over politics, religion, and military. Today the ceremonial structures and various other buildings that were in their time of grandeur between 800 - 1200 A.D are in various states of preservation, and open for travelers to explore. Set in a clearing surrounded by jungle, the history of Chichén Itzá entails stories of humans sacrifices and ultimately a violent end spurred by a revolt against the reigning powers that ...81 miles away.
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Media References
- Celestial Home - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
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