Uxmal, Yucatan
Mexico

Award-winning GAA tours of Mexico are friendly, good value, small group vacations: Mexico Family Discovery; Ruta Maya; Specials and Late Availability; Yucatan Highlights

Click bottom photo to see Chichen Itza or visit Merida

La Gran Pyramide (The Great Pyramid) in Mexico's second best, easy-access ancient site, Uxmal (Chichen Itza is numero uno while wonderful Palenque is luscious but a pain to get to. e.g. 10 hours by bus from Merida.)

The Pyramid of the Magician, Uxmal's most impressive structure at 100ft (33m) high though sadly climbing it is not allowed. © Coco Jorge Falcon.

The Palacio del Gobernador (i.e. The Governor's Palace), one of several low, horizontal palaces set around a courtyard. The palace offers a spectacular display of masonry art, with many fine sculptures and mosaics.

The Jaguar Throne in The Governor's Palace, by Tato Grasso. Click to see Chichen Itza Pictures.

The ancient Maya city of Uxmal (pronounced "ooshmal") is in the Yucatan Peninsula (along with its former ally, Chichen Itza) and dates from about 5th century AD though its peak period was 7thC - 10thC AD.
Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was originally well constructed and has been carefully restored for tourist purposes so it's well worth a visit, especially since it's easy to reach, just 50 miles (78 kms) south of the attractive town of Merida. A half day or one day visit is enough for most tourists.
Uxmal is open every day of the year and runs a colourful Sound and Light show at 7pm on autumn and winter evenings and 8pm in spring and summer. Local hotels are not that great so most travellers stay in Merida.

Information: Mexico Guide | Mexico Map | Mexico Tours

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