Pyramid of the Magician Archaeological Site
Unique Puuc-style pyramid at Uxmal archaeological site
Rounded, steep pyramid at Uxmal exemplifying Puuc-style Maya architecture; central to visitors exploring the Uxmal archaeological complex in Yucatán.
Pyramid of the Magician at a Glance#
Address: Zona Arqueológica de Uxmal, Yucatán, Mexico
Website: https://www.inah.gob.mx/
Hours: Daily 8:00am-5:00pm
Admission: Entrance fee: Foreign visitors MXN 481 (approx. $25 USD); Mexican nationals and residents typically pay a reduced rate (varies)
About Pyramid of the Magician#
The Pyramid of the Magician is the principal pyramid at the ancient Maya site of Uxmal in Yucatán, Mexico, notable for its steep, rounded profile and prominent position within the city.
The structure rises to roughly 35 metres and was built in several superposed phases, producing the tall, multi-level profile visible today.
Architectural visitors study its unusual plan and vertical emphasis and it forms the focal point of Uxmal’s ceremonial precinct and civic architecture, alongside other major buildings at the site.
The pyramid stands within the archaeological zone of Uxmal in the Puuc region of the Yucatán Peninsula and is part of the Uxmal World Heritage site.
- Height and construction phases: Stands approximately 35 metres high and was built in multiple construction phases between the 6th and 10th centuries AD.
- Cultural importance: Main pyramid of the ancient Maya city of Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a focal point of the site’s ceremonial architecture.
How to Get to Pyramid of the Magician#
Uxmal is about 80 km south of Mérida; the archaeological site is reachable by car on Highway 261 (Mérida-Campeche road) with clear signage. Organized day trips run from Mérida, and private transport is common for visitors staying in nearby towns.
Tips for Visiting Pyramid of the Magician#
- Arrive at opening (8:00am) to beat crowds and capture the eastern light on the Pyramid of the Magician
- Wear a hat and sunscreen - the site is exposed and shade is limited
- Keep to marked paths and do not climb on the pyramid; authorities enforce preservation rules strictly
Best Time to Visit Pyramid of the Magician#
Uxmal is best visited in the dry season (November-April) for comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.
Weather & Climate near Pyramid of the Magician#
Pyramid of the Magician's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in May) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 15°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1105 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 15° - 30° | 22° | 29 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.4 m/s | 1.5 high | 10.9h |
| February | Ideal | 15° - 31° | 23° | 22 mm | some cloud | 64% | 2.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Excellent | 17° - 33° | 25° | 29 mm | some cloud | 56% | 3.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 19° - 35° | 28° | 39 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 3.3 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.5h |
| May | Very Good | 21° - 36° | 30° | 84 mm | some cloud | 59% | 3.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.0h |
| June | Good | 21° - 34° | 31° | 161 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.2h |
| July | Good | 20° - 34° | 27° | 164 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.1h |
| August | Good | 20° - 34° | 30° | 174 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.7h |
| September | Good | 21° - 33° | 27° | 202 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 19° - 32° | 26° | 124 mm | some cloud | 84% | 2.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 17° - 31° | 24° | 46 mm | some cloud | 77% | 2.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.1h |
| December | Excellent | 16° - 30° | 23° | 31 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.8h |
