Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal
Location: Yucatan Mexico
Year of Inscription: 1996
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
Overview: Uxmal is an ancient Mayan city located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It was founded around 500 AD and reached its peak between 850-950 AD, during the Late Classic period of Mayan civilization. The city covers an area of approximately 150 acres and is known for its impressive architecture, including several large pyramids, palaces, and plazas.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Uxmal include:
History: Uxmal was a major center of Mayan culture and trade during the Late Classic period, and it is thought to have been one of the most important cities in the region at the time. The city was abandoned around 1000 AD for unknown reasons, and was later rediscovered and partially restored in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Family-Friendly Activities: Uxmal offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
Fun Fact: Uxmal is one of the most well-preserved examples of Mayan architecture in Mexico, and is renowned for its intricate stone mosaics and carvings.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Uxmal varies depending on whether visitors are Mexican nationals or foreign visitors. As of 2023, the fee for Mexican nationals is 85 MXN (approximately $4 USD) and the fee for foreign visitors is 480 MXN (approximately $23 USD). Children under the age of 13 and students with valid identification are exempt from the fee.
How to Reach it: The easiest way to reach Uxmal is by car, as there is no direct public transportation to the site. Visitors can rent a car in Cancun or Merida and drive to the site. There are also guided tours available that include transportation to and from the site.
From Merida, you can take a bus from the Terminal de Autobuses de Merida (CAME) to Uxmal. The bus company that operates this route is called Autobuses del Mayab, and they offer several departures throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and the cost of a one-way ticket is around 50 pesos (about $2.50 USD).
From Campeche, you can take a bus from the Terminal de Autobuses de Campeche to Uxmal. The bus company that operates this route is called ADO, and they offer several departures throughout the day. The journey takes approximately three hours and the cost of a one-way ticket is around 200 pesos (about $10 USD).
Where to Stay: There are a few accommodation options available in the nearby town of Santa Elena, which is approximately 3 km from the Uxmal site. These options include small hotels, guesthouses, and rental homes. The nearby city of Merida also offers a range of accommodation options, including budget hostels and luxury hotels.
Next Stop: Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza160km (100miles) to the west
Year of Inscription: 1996
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
Overview: Uxmal is an ancient Mayan city located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It was founded around 500 AD and reached its peak between 850-950 AD, during the Late Classic period of Mayan civilization. The city covers an area of approximately 150 acres and is known for its impressive architecture, including several large pyramids, palaces, and plazas.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Uxmal include:
- The Pyramid of the Magician, which is a stepped pyramid with rounded corners and an oval base.
- The Governor's Palace, which is a large building with intricate stone mosaics and carvings.
- The Nunnery Quadrangle, which is a complex of four buildings arranged around a courtyard, each with its own unique architectural style and decoration.
- The Ballcourt, which is one of the largest in the Mayan world and is decorated with carvings of mythological creatures.
History: Uxmal was a major center of Mayan culture and trade during the Late Classic period, and it is thought to have been one of the most important cities in the region at the time. The city was abandoned around 1000 AD for unknown reasons, and was later rediscovered and partially restored in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Family-Friendly Activities: Uxmal offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
- Exploring the various pyramids, temples, and other structures throughout the site.
- Watching the Light and Sound Show in the evenings, which offers a dramatic retelling of the history and legends of Uxmal.
- Visiting the nearby chocolate museum and learning about the history of chocolate in the region.
- Participating in workshops where visitors can learn about traditional Mayan crafts such as pottery and weaving.
Fun Fact: Uxmal is one of the most well-preserved examples of Mayan architecture in Mexico, and is renowned for its intricate stone mosaics and carvings.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Uxmal varies depending on whether visitors are Mexican nationals or foreign visitors. As of 2023, the fee for Mexican nationals is 85 MXN (approximately $4 USD) and the fee for foreign visitors is 480 MXN (approximately $23 USD). Children under the age of 13 and students with valid identification are exempt from the fee.
How to Reach it: The easiest way to reach Uxmal is by car, as there is no direct public transportation to the site. Visitors can rent a car in Cancun or Merida and drive to the site. There are also guided tours available that include transportation to and from the site.
From Merida, you can take a bus from the Terminal de Autobuses de Merida (CAME) to Uxmal. The bus company that operates this route is called Autobuses del Mayab, and they offer several departures throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and the cost of a one-way ticket is around 50 pesos (about $2.50 USD).
From Campeche, you can take a bus from the Terminal de Autobuses de Campeche to Uxmal. The bus company that operates this route is called ADO, and they offer several departures throughout the day. The journey takes approximately three hours and the cost of a one-way ticket is around 200 pesos (about $10 USD).
Where to Stay: There are a few accommodation options available in the nearby town of Santa Elena, which is approximately 3 km from the Uxmal site. These options include small hotels, guesthouses, and rental homes. The nearby city of Merida also offers a range of accommodation options, including budget hostels and luxury hotels.
Next Stop: Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza160km (100miles) to the west