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Uxmal

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Historical site
—°1
Uxmal (Mexico)

Weather…

Uxmal is an ancient Maya city located in the northwest of the Yucatán Peninsula, flourishing during the Late Classic period. The city's architecture is considered the finest example of the Puuc style, characterized by smooth lower walls and highly ornate upper facades with intricate stone mosaics. Unlike many other Maya centers, Uxmal's layout is not strictly geometric but instead oriented toward astronomical events, particularly the movements of the planet Venus. Its most iconic structure is the Pyramid of the Magician, which features a unique oval-shaped base and five distinct construction phases. The Governor's Palace is another architectural masterpiece, boasting a facade adorned with over 20,000 individually carved stone elements. Founded around 600 AD, the city reached its peak between 850 and 925 AD before being gradually abandoned during the 11th century.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242527293028282827262424
Rain mm31262232821871301561871305034

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Uxmal is an extensive Maya archaeological site open to visitors daily. You can explore the Governor's Palace, the Pyramid of the Magician, and many other structures.
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Typical hours
The site typically opens from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. A light and sound show is held in the evenings.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout, but tripods and drones require permits. Night photography may be restricted.
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Time needed
Plan for 3 to 4 hours to see the main structures and walk the site. With the show, allocate half a day.
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Combine with
Combine with other Puuc sites like Kabah or Labna, or visit the nearby city of Merida. The Ruta Puuc tour covers multiple ruins.
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Getting there
Uxmal is about 80 km south of Merida on Highway 261. Buses from Merida run regularly; a rental car is convenient.
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Insider tip
Visit early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds. Bring insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes.

Geography

Coordinates
20.36000, -89.77100

Facts

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1996
  • The Pyramid of the Magician stands approximately 35 meters tall
  • Puuc architectural style featuring intricate stone mosaics
  • Orientation aligned with the 584-day cycle of Venus
  • Governor's Palace features a 100-meter long facade
  • Peak of urban development reached between 850 and 925 AD

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pyramid of the MagicianPyramid of the Magician<1 km · NExplore →
Salto de Malacatiupán WaterfallSalto de Malacatiupán Waterfall3 km · WExplore →
SalcoatitánSalcoatitán3 km · WExplore →
Apaneca RangeApaneca Range4 km · NWExplore →
Polochic ValleyPolochic Valley4 km · SWExplore →
CalakmulCalakmul4 km · SExplore →
Chorros de la Calera WaterfallsChorros de la Calera Waterfalls6 km · NWExplore →
ApanecaApaneca6 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Uxmal (1)

Mirador Cementerio🏺 historical

Mirador Cementerio are ruins in Uxmal offering a view of the cemetery.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Uxmal?
Most visitors rent a car from Mérida or book a guided tour.
Are the ruins accessible?
Yes, but climbing the main pyramid is unfortunately forbidden for protection.
Are there evening shows?
Yes, there is regularly an impressive light and sound show.
When is the best travel time?
Between December and March the climate is most pleasant.
Is there dining on-site?
There is a restaurant right at the entrance of the facility.
Uxmal: where is it located?
Uxmal is located in Mexico.
Uxmal: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Uxmal: why is it worth visiting?
Uxmal is an ancient Maya city located in the northwest of the Yucatán Peninsula, flourishing during the Late Classic period.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

Mérida — Uxmal (Mexico)
Mérida
The capital of Yucatán, known for its rich Mayan and colonial heritage.
Lanquín — Uxmal (Mexico)
Lanquín
A busy mountain village known as the gateway to Semuc Champey and for its massive bat caves.
La Libertad (Petén) — Uxmal (Mexico)
La Libertad (Petén)
A large, sprawling municipality in the heart of Petén.
Poptún — Uxmal (Mexico)
Poptún
A city in southern Petén, surrounded by pine forests.
Sayaxché — Uxmal (Mexico)
Sayaxché
Town on the Río de la Pasión, a gateway to Maya sites like Ceibal.
Gualán — Uxmal (Mexico)
Gualán
City in the Motagua Valley, in the Zacapa department.
El Estor — Uxmal (Mexico)
El Estor
Town on the shore of Lake Izabal, historically linked to nickel mining.
San Pedro Carchá — Uxmal (Mexico)
San Pedro Carchá
A city near Cobán in the Alta Verapaz department.
Salamá — Uxmal (Mexico)
Salamá
Capital of Baja Verapaz, located in a dry valley.

History & landmarks

El Mirador — Uxmal (Mexico)
El Mirador
Ancient Maya city featuring one of the largest pyramids in the world.

Nature

Lake Petén Itzá — Uxmal (Mexico)
Lake Petén Itzá
A large, deep lake in the heart of the Petén Basin, with the city of Flores on an island.

More places

Kabah — Uxmal (Mexico)
Kabah
A Maya ruin site famous for its Palace of the Masks, with a facade decorated with masks of the rain god Chaac.
Dzibilchaltún — Uxmal (Mexico)
Dzibilchaltún
A Maya site near Mérida, known for the Temple of the Seven Dolls and an equinox phenomenon.
Mayapan — Uxmal (Mexico)
Mayapan
The last great capital of the Maya civilization in Yucatán, considered a 'mini-Chichen Itza'.
Celestun Reserve — Uxmal (Mexico)
Celestun Reserve
A coastal wetland in Yucatán famous for its thousands of pink flamingos and diverse mangrove ecosystems.
Peninsula Yucatán — Uxmal (Mexico)
Peninsula Yucatán
A flat limestone plateau between the Gulf and the Caribbean.
Ek&#39; Balam — Uxmal (Mexico)
Ek' Balam
A Maya archaeological site with exceptionally well-preserved stucco sculptures and the tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tok'.
Pyramid of the Magician — Uxmal (Mexico)
Pyramid of the Magician
The tallest structure in Uxmal, unique for its elliptical base.
Polochic Valley — Uxmal (Mexico)
Polochic Valley
A long, deep valley that stretches towards Lake Izabal.