#archaeologicalsite #visited #5stars ## History Uxmal is an important ancient Mayan city located about 1.5 hours south of [[Mérida]]. It flourished during the late Classic Period of Maya civilization (700-900 A.D.), centuries after the peak of other Maya city-states like Palenque, Copán, Tikal, and Calakmul. Uxmal is built in the [Puuc](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puuc) style, using carefully cut stones atop a concrete core. Façades are decorated with intricate stone mosaics and long-nosed figures representing the Maya rain god Chaac. [Corbel arches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corbel_arch) are used frequently, giving a distinctive look to doorways and passageways. Points of interest at Uxmal include: * The *Adivino* or *Pyramid of the Magician*, a large pyramid with an atypically oval cross section. When standing in front of it, clap your hands to hear a quetzal chirp back. The temple atop the pyramid has a doorway framed by a mask resembling the rain god Chaac. * The *Governor's Palace*, a long rectangular building with a magnificent façade featuring geometric designs, Chaac masks, and serpents. There is a small but important two-headed jaguar throne in front of the building. * The *Nunnery Quadrangle*, a large courtyard surrounded by four palaces with highly intricate façades containing human figures, Chaac masks, serpents, birds, and more. * The *Ballcourt*, where the mesoamerican ballgame was played. * *El Templo de las Tortugas*, a small temple decorated with tortoise figures. * *El Palomar*, a newly opened section (November 2023) built in a pre-Puuc style adjacent to the *House of the Birds*, named as the façade resembles dovecotes. * A large *ceiba* tree near the Pyramid of the Magician. Be sure to revisit Uxmal at night for the [Ecos de Uxmal](https://cocolab.mx/en/experiences/ecos-de-uxmal) sound and light show. ## Review A must-see when in Mérida. We go back every couple months and it's a unique experience every time. Right past the ticket office before you enter Uxmal, there is a small square with trimmed shrubs in the shape of animals and pyramids. At the center of the square, there is a concession stand that sells draft beer which is a nice treat after walking through Uxmal in the hot sun. ## Photos  *(March 16, 2024) Pyramid of the Magician at Uxmal, behind a ceiba tree laden with fruit.* <small><a href="Photography/Canon/EOS R3.md" class="internal-link">Canon EOS R3</a>, <a href="Photography/Canon/EF24-70mm f2.8L II USM.md" class="internal-link">EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM</a> @ 39mm, f/8, 1/500s</small>  *(April 16, 2023) Vulture landing on the temple atop the Pyramid of the Magician, Uxmal.* <small><a href="Photography/Canon/EOS R3.md" class="internal-link">Canon EOS R3</a>, <a href="Photography/Canon/EF70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM.md" class="internal-link">EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM</a> @ 200mm, f/9, 1/500s</small>  *(April 16, 2023) El Templo de las Tortugas, Uxmal.* <small><a href="Photography/Canon/EOS R3.md" class="internal-link">Canon EOS R3</a>, <a href="Photography/Canon/EF70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM.md" class="internal-link">EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM</a> @ 200mm, f/9, 1/500s</small>  *(April 16, 2023) Two-headed jaguar throne in front of the Governer's Palace, Uxmal.* <small><a href="Photography/Canon/EOS R3.md" class="internal-link">Canon EOS R3</a>, <a href="Photography/Canon/EF70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM.md" class="internal-link">EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM</a> @ 75mm, f/5, 1/500s</small>  *(August 27, 2023) South passageway of the Nunnery Quadrangle at Uxmal.* <small><a href="Photography/Canon/EOS R3.md" class="internal-link">Canon EOS R3</a>, <a href="Photography/Canon/EF24-70mm f2.8L II USM.md" class="internal-link">EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM</a> @ 30mm, f/8, 1/400s</small> ## Further Reading > [!tip] 365 Días en Yucatán: [#14 Uxmal: portal místico de entrada a la Ruta Puuc](https://yucatan.travel/experiencia/014-uxmal-portal-mistico-de-entrada-a-la-ruta-puuc/)