Uxmal, one of the most spectacular ancient Maya cities in Yucatán

The name Uxmal means “three times-built” in Mayan

Of all the ancient Maya cities in the Yucatán Peninsula, none is more spectacular than Uxmal. As Frank Lloyd Wright once expressed, about its evocative structures such as: The Pyramid of the Magician (also known as “pyramid of the foreteller”), the Houses of the Turtles and of the Birds, the Nuns’ Quadrangle – “are among the most outstanding, beautiful buildings the world has ever seen”.

The name Uxmal means “three times-built” in Maya language. Its name refers to the construction of the city´s highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician which was built on top of existing pyramids. Through the years INAH´s archeologists have found five stages of construction underneath.

For many, Uxmal has a magical sensation not found at Chichen Itza. This ancient Mayan ruin site is less crowded than others and invites visitors to an overnight stay at the local hotels so you can fully enjoy the Uxmal experience during the day and in the evening the soon to be new light and sound show, with the purpose of encouraging a greater influx of visitors to the site. The Uxmal archeological site is a wonderful balance of jungle, wide open spaces, and few visitors as you marvel over the classic Puuc architecture of the Maya.

Uxmal was one of the largest cities of the Yucatán peninsula on the Ruta Puuc (Puuc Route), and at its height was home to approximately 20,000 Maya. Uxmal and other surrounding Puuc sites flourished in the Late Classic Period (around 600-900 AD) ruling over other settlements such as Kabah, Sayil and Labná. There are several sacbes (white roads of the Maya) connecting the nearby sites.

The ancient city of Uxmal is located in the southwest of the State of Yucatan, 78 kilometers south from Merida. Its hallmark buildings are the Birds’ Quadrangle, Nuns’ Quadrangle, the Governor Palace and the Magicians´ Pyramid, with a height of 35 meters high, is the most distinctive Mayan structure on the site, considered unique because of its rounded sides, considerable height, steep slope, and unusual elliptical base.

Entrance according to Mundo Maya Travel.

• Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Foreign Admission $182.00 pesos.
• National Admission: $128.00 pesos.
• INAPAM Admission (seniors): $53.00 pesos
• Under 13 years: $6.00 pesos.

On Sundays, admission is free for nationals (with ID).

The Yucatan Times
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