Uxmal Travel Guide

Mérida
Uxmal Archaeological Site featuring heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Atmospheric ruins emerge from the jungle at this UNESCO site, where markets hummed with activity and Mayan priests once gazed up toward glittering constellations.

Uxmal is one of the Yucatán region’s most significant archaeological sites. Visit to learn how local people lived, worked and played in Mexico before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century.

Pay attention to the site’s layout upon first entering. Notice that, unlike many other Mayan ruins, this place has a distinct lack of symmetry. The design is not accidental but based on the complex astronomical phenomena that governed most aspects of daily life.

Move toward one of the most striking buildings, the Pyramid of the Magician. The name of this famous monument comes from a mysterious local legend that tells the story of a dwarf magician who built the pyramid in one night. Look at the stone mask of the rain god, Chaac, which is carved into the western side. This god held an important place in a city that relied on complex hydraulic works and cisterns to hold precious water during the dry months.

Appreciate the magnificence of the Governor’s Palace, one of the finest surviving examples of Puuc architecture. Once the seat of power for the region, this 24-room building contains beautiful treasures. Marvel at the stunning stone mosaics that will capture your imagination with lost tales of mythical serpents, gods and birds.

Walk along the grassy area of the Ballcourt and try to imagine the cheers of spectators as they supported their favourite players. Amazingly, you can even see raised carved stone hoops that may have been used as goals.

Spend an enjoyable few hours viewing the rest of the site. Buildings such as the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the House of Turtles and the Pigeon House offer great photo opportunities.

Access this attraction by bus, car or taxi. It’s about 50 miles (80 kilometres) from Mérida and 240 miles (380 kilometres) from the tourist hub of Cancún. Organise a tour to get an in-depth understanding of the site. A trip to Uxmal is a popular activity when travelling through the stunning Yucatán Peninsula.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Uxmal

HOTEL SAAKLUUM RUTA PUUC
HOTEL SAAKLUUM RUTA PUUC
2.5 out of 5
CALLE 26, 222, Sacalum, YUC
The price is £35 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
£35
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this holiday park in Sacalum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Discover genuine guest reviews for HOTEL SAAKLUUM RUTA PUUC along with ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
A gem.
"A real gem near cenotes and Mayan history. Polite service, relaxed vibe, breakfast at a fair price, and nice amenities. Highly recommend the little taqueria on the same road, near town, called Taqueria Ammy."

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2024

HOTEL SAAKLUUM RUTA PUUC
The Lodge At Uxmal
The Lodge At Uxmal
4.5 out of 5
In heart of Archeological Park of Uxmal, Highway Merida-Campeche Km78, Santa Elena, YUC
Fully refundable
The price is £168 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
£168
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury lodge in Santa Elena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Pyramid of the Magician and Uxmal Archaeological ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (171 reviews)
"The lodge was exactly what we wanted, a place to stay on the edge of Uxmal that allowed us easy access to the site. The staff is well trained and caring. The concierge whose name I think is Luis hooked us up with the wonderful guide Wilbert. All good memories from this place."

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2024

The Lodge At Uxmal
Hacienda Uxmal Plantation & Museum - All Inclusive
Hacienda Uxmal Plantation & Museum - All Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
At the heart of the archaeological park, Santa Elena, YUC
The price is £1,215 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
£1,215
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star spa resort in Santa Elena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (490 reviews)
"Excellent location across from Uxmal ruins. Very interesting history of the Hacienda as well, including famous people such as Queen Elizabeth who stayed there! Breakfast was delicious and pool cocktails were also great. Grounds are beautiful and filled with colorful birds. Staff was accommodating. ..."

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2024

Hacienda Uxmal Plantation & Museum - All Inclusive
Uxmal Resort Maya
Uxmal Resort Maya
3 out of 5
Carretera Merida-Campeche Km. 78, Muna, YUC
The price is £67 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
£67
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Muna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (654 reviews)
"Great view if Uxmal ruins,quiet"

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2024

Uxmal Resort Maya
Hotel Plaza
Hotel Plaza
2.5 out of 5
Calle 23, 202, Ticul, YUC
The price is £37 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
£37
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Ticul. Enjoy free WiFi, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua and Plaza de la Cultura ...
8/10 Very Good! (112 reviews)
"Lovely"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2023

Hotel Plaza
Hacienda Maria Elena Yucatán
Hacienda Maria Elena Yucatán
3 out of 5
Kilómetro 1.5 carretera Ticul Santa Elen, 2279, Ticul, YUC
The price is £68 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
£68
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ticul. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (26 reviews)
"Small “hacienda” in good location for puuc route exploration. Do not confuse with traditional luxury haciendas that were actual working farm fiefdoms! You get the basic necessities. Only had 2 pillows on a king size bed, furniture was nice but room was sparsely decorated. We did not have the down ..."

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2024

Hacienda Maria Elena Yucatán
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Uxmal

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San Antonio

Though San Antonio may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Estadio de Beisbol Kukulkan and Grutas de Tzabnah.

San Antonio
Merida Cathedral showing night scenes and heritage architecture

Mérida Centro

4/5(32 area reviews)

Mérida Centro is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Paseo de Montejo and Plaza Grande while you're in town.

Mérida Centro
Casa Frederick Catherwood showing interior views and art

Barrio de Santiago

While visiting Barrio de Santiago, you might make a stop by sights like Casa Frederick Catherwood and Santiago Park.

Barrio de Santiago
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Bojórquez

While there might not be top attractions in Bojórquez, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Zoological Park of Centenario and Parque Zoológico del Centenario.

Bojórquez
Anthropology and History Museum showing heritage architecture

Zona Paseo Montejo

While visiting Zona Paseo Montejo, you might make a stop by sights like Paseo de Montejo and Paseo 60.

Zona Paseo Montejo
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Chenkú

Chenkú might not have many top sights, but Paseo de Montejo and Paseo 60 are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Chenkú

Uxmal Travel Guide

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