Uxmal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the pinnacle of Puuc-style Maya architecture, featuring the oval-shaped Pyramid of the Magician and exquisitely carved stone decorations on the Governor's Palace.
Uxmal is the most important Maya city in the Puuc region. It flourished roughly between the 7th and 10th centuries CE and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The iconic Pyramid of the Magician is about 35 meters high, and its base is rare in being oval. The Governor's Palace is considered a masterpiece of Maya architecture. Its long façade is covered with geometric stone carvings and masks of Chaac, the rain god. The Nunnery Quadrangle, the ball court and the Great Pyramid are also worth a close look, and visitors can climb the Great Pyramid for a view over the city. Uxmal is about 80 kilometers from Mérida. It takes about 1.5 hours by car or on a tour. There is a light show in the evenings (check on site). Admission includes both national and state components. Bring plenty of drinking water and sun protection.
Opening hours
Daily approx. 08:00–17:00 (check on site)