Ruinas Uxmal Travel Guide
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Pyramid of the Magician
by Twan
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Pyramid of the Magician
by Twan
Pro
Breathtaking ruins, well preserved, lacks the crowds of Chichen Itza
Con
Like all of inland Yucatan, it's hot, even in January
In a nutshell
the ancient times of Mayan ruins and the modernity (not exactly an advantage ;-)...) of tourist trade...
Explore Ruinas Uxmal
South Temple
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
The majority of tourists usually finish their walk along the Archaeological Zone here. But if you aren’t tired take a walk further, cross rather wide-looking area and climb up the hill. I found out even at home that this hill has the name of the South Temple. Only a few...
House of the Doves
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
You will also see a building called the Dovecote from the top of the Great Pyramid.It has roof combs, which are unusual for Mayan temples. I don’t know why its name connected with doves but when I descended from the Great Pyramid and came to the building I saw a...
Great Pyramid
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
After having explored the Governor's Palace you should go to the lower-level plaza behind it. You will see the Great Pyramid. This Pyramid is the only one where tourists are allowed to climb up. It's not very easy. But if you manage climb up you will see the Temple of the...
Jaguar Throne
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
You will see the Jaguar Throne in the open plaza in front of the Governor's Palace. It is carved like a two-headed jaguar. It is considered that the Mayas associated them with their chiefs and kings. You can watch my 4 min 23 sec Video Mexico Uxmal part 1 out of my Youtube...
Governor's Palace unique decoration
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
You will be able to see the three-level edifice with almost 100m long mosaic facade. About 100 stone masks of Chac seem to slither across the facade like a serpent. They end at the corners, where there are columns of masks. Through observation of the numerous consistent...
Governor's Palace
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
The Governor's Palace is the most impressive building in Uxmal.It is almost 100m long low building atop a huge platform built in the 9th and 10th centuries.It has the longest façades in Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.The Spanish historian Fray Cogullado also gave this building...
Turtle House
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
The most modest building in Uxmal is the Turtle House though much smaller and less elaborate than other structures.It is a simple rectangular building on the terrace south of the Ball Court. You will see small turtles in procession in the frieze around the top of building....
Ball Court
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
Almost all Aztec’s and Maya’s cities had courts which are considered to be used for playing in ball. I don’t quite understand what was like the Mesoamerican ballgame though our guide explained several times.Nevertheless you will also see a large Ball Court for playing the...
Nunnery Quadrangle unique decoration
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
The buildings of the Nunnery Quadrangle were constructed at different times. The western building has the most richly decorated façade.You will see featuring intertwined stone snakes and numerous masks of the hook-nosed rain god Chac.The decoration is typical of the Maya...
Nunnery Quadrangle
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
I think nobody knows what was the name of this building in Mayan times.It was a government palace - a nickname which was given to it by the Spanish when they saw it first.But later the Spanish historian Fray Diego López de Cogullado gave a name of the Nunnery Quadrangle in...
Pyramid’s unique decoration
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
The Pyramid of the Magician is also unique among other Mayan structures in Yucatan because its limestone core was originally covered with smooth plaster and painted red with accents in blue, yellow and black. As it was common for the Mayas to build new structures on top of...
Café Poquito: At the Maya Ruins
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
As I had a very rich and varied breakfast buffet in the hotel in Campeche I didn't have a feeling that I was hungry and need a lunch or a dinner that day. The only possibility to have a snack we had when the excursion along the Archaeological Zone was over and we had fifteen...
Restaurant at the welcome center
dek516 Says:
There are limited eating options at Uxmal, although the restaurant at the northeast corner of the welcome center offers very good lunch dishes. I had a traditional dish-- fried tortillas topped with chicken, which was excellent. Prices are somewhat high, given that options...
Getting Uxmal
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
Uxmal is located about 150 km north-east of Campeche and about 60 km south of Merida, capital of Yucatan State.That’s why we reached it on our way from Campeche to Merida while touring Yucatan.It took us about two hours. Mexican Federal Highway 180 is a Mexican Federal...
By Bus or By Car
wilocrek Says:
Most people who are staying in Merida take the bus to Uxmal which is a very reliable and affordable way to visit if your just planning on a day trip. However for those who are a bit more adventurous and want to get the true Mayan experience its best to rent a car. Renting a...
Uxmal’s iguanas
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
Traveling around the world, I always miss my dogs that are waiting for me at home. So I am glad of any opportunity to talk to any local animals. In Uxmal my interlocutors were numerous iguanas.I especially liked the giant iguana that was sunbathing at the Ball Cort. She was...
Steps can be daunting
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
The climb to the top of the Great Pyramid is a long one. You may want to take several breaks on the way up, unless you are exceptionally fit or young because climbing the steps can be rather daunting.But for many people the descent is even more difficult!
Physical condition
solopes Says:
Though nested in the jungle, the ruins are very large, needing long walks in the sun. Be prepared with good walking shoes, hat, sunglasses and water, or you risk to feel uncomfortable. And check your physical condition - climbing to pyramids is as tough as... descending...
What to bring to Uxmal
Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: In the spring or summer months, it's best to wear light colored clothing; shorts and tank tops will probably keep you the coolest. Wear comfortable tennis shoes; a hat might also be a good idea if it's sunny.
Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Bring sun lotion to reapply during the day if you're fair-skinned-- the sun is brutal!
Written Mar 22, 2008
Uxmal Archeological Zone
Kuznetsov_Sergey Says:
Uxmal is one of the most famous Maya cities in Yucatan not far from its capital Merida. Its Archeological Zone is considered most representative of the region's dominant architectural style.The site is open 365 days a year.
Open from 8 am to 5 pm.GUIAS official...
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