Uxmal: The Incredible Mayan city in Yucatan, Mexico
Written on : 10 September 2020 By : Chloé Girod
The Yucatan region of Mexico is full of breathtaking Mayan temples, the temple of Uxmal is one of them. Located in the middle of the jungle and in the Puuc style, an architecture typical of the region characterized by its geometric forms, Uxmal was once one of the most powerful Mayan cities in the region. Located about 80 km from Merida, it is possible to get there by bus or car.
Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as are many Mayan sites. Yet here, contrary to the very famous site of Chichen Itza, there are few tourists and you will not find any souvenir vendors in the alleys, enough to spend a really pleasant and authentic visit! Count about 2 hours of visit.
Most of the construction was done between the 7th and 9th century and at its peak, about 25,000 people lived on the site. Its name means "three times built", so it suggests that the city was rebuilt several times, including the fortune-teller's pyramid which seems to have been raised several times.
When entering the site, you will not be able to miss the imposing and astonishing 37 meter high Devin's Pyramid. It perfectly represents the Puuc style with its roof full of mosaics and sculptures as well as its slightly rounded shape.
Cuadrangulo de los pajaros and the Cuadrangulo de la monjas
Continuing past the Pyramid of Devin, you will come across the quadrilateral of birds and the quadrilateral of nuns, offering a superb view of the pyramid as well as all the more or less well-preserved structures of the site.
Juego de Pelota
Stroll until you find yourself in the middle of the pelota court, where you can easily imagine the crowd in the stands, still in good condition, and the atmosphere that must have been there on match days. At the time, people played this game as a team whose goal was to pass a rubber ball through a ring placed high up. There was a particular rule in Yucatan, the captain of the losing team was sacrificed, which added a little more challenge to the game!
The Governor's Palace is one of the finest examples of Mayan architecture. It is almost 100 meters long and is composed of three independent bodies, you will access it by the stairs on the side. You will be able to enjoy a magnificent view of the entire archaeological site.
Gran Piramide
Just behind the Governor's palace is the Great Pyramid. It is one of the few monuments that can still be climbed, if its ascent does not frighten you. The steps are steep but at the top you will have a breathtaking view of the entire site of Uxmal and the jungle that surrounds it.
The site of Uxmal is thus a beautiful alternative to avoid the hordes of tourists in Chichen Itza. You will not be disappointed by this magnificent Mayan site. After your visit, you can enjoy a refreshing break in the many cenotes of the region.
Practical information: The archaeological site of Uxmal is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm. Admission costs 413 pesos/person.
