Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal Historical Site

Address: Zona Arqueológica de Uxmal, Carretera Mérida-Uxmal (Federal Highway 261), Yucatán, Mexico

Website: https://www.inah.gob.mx/

Hours: Daily 8:00am-5:00pm

Admission: MXN 403 (~US$22) foreign adults; MXN 80 Mexican adults; children under 13 often free or reduced (prices subject to change)

The Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal is a major Maya archaeological site in the Puuc hills of Yucatán, Mexico, notable for its high-quality stone masonry and Puuc architectural style. The city reached prominence in the Late Classic period and contains a well-preserved ceremonial core.

Key monuments include the Pyramid of the Magician, an unusually rounded stepped pyramid about 35 metres high, the richly decorated Nunnery Quadrangle, and the long, ornamented facade of the Governor’s Palace. Visitors explore carved stone facades, friezes and the arrangement of ceremonial plazas within a compact archaeological park.

Uxmal developed and flourished during the Classic Maya period, particularly between the 6th and 10th centuries CE, when it became a regional ceremonial and administrative centre. Architectural refinements of the Puuc style are concentrated in the site’s major monuments.

The site lies in the Puuc region of Yucatán near the modern town of Santa Elena, Mexico, and is accessible by road from Mérida and other regional centres.

• Architectural style: Uxmal is a principal example of Puuc-style Maya architecture, noted for intricately carved stone mosaics and veneer facades.
• Visiting logistics: The main archaeological area is concentrated and walkable, allowing visitors to see principal structures in a few hours under typical visiting patterns.

What to See#

• Pyramid of the Magician: The Pyramid of the Magician (Adivino), an unusually rounded stepped pyramid rising to roughly 35 metres, located within the site’s central ceremonial core.
• Nunnery Quadrangle and Governor’s Palace: The Nunnery Quadrangle and the Governor’s Palace, large decorated Puuc-style palace and courtyard groups notable for intricate stone mosaic facades.

From Mérida, drive south on Federal Highway 261 for about 80 km; the turnoff to the archaeological zone is well signed. Regular colectivos and small buses run from Mérida’s bus stations to Uxmal (approx. 1.5-2 hours). Taxis or organized tours from Mérida and Campeche are common.

• Arrive at opening (8:00am) to climb the Pyramid of the Magician before tour groups and to see morning light warm the Puuc stonework.
• Buy the combined ticket that includes the light-and-sound show (seasonal) when available - it animates the façade motifs.
• Look up: fine, unexpected stone mosaics and mask motifs are easiest to appreciate away from the crowds at the northern side of the Great Pyramid.