#archaeologicalsite #visited #5stars <a style="white-space:nowrap;display:block;" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/search/20.3608,-89.7725" target="_blank"><img src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?key=AIzaSyCFuiU7rkF7PutXdusnGPU8avAszztCZcY&center=20.3608,-89.7725&size=350x250&zoom=14&markers=color:red%7C20.3608,-89.7725&maptype=roadmap&scale=2" width="100%" style="border-radius:6px;" /></a> ## 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/) ## Background Uxmal is an ancient Maya city of the classical period. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Maya culture, located in the Puuc region of the eastern Yucatán Peninsula. It is known for the Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor's Palace.