All About Uxmal Maya Ruins in Mexico (2025 Travel Guide)

Sure, everyone knows Chichén Itzá and Tulum – they’re the must-see spots. But honestly, for me, Uxmal stands out more. It’s just as impressive and way less crowded.

Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico since 1996, one of the most important excavation sites in México and also widely considered to be one of the most beautiful Pre-Columbian sites.

The sprawling Maya site consists of various plazas, buildings and pyramids. The Mayan city of Uxmal was founded around 700 AD and had around 25,000 inhabitants.

It is similarly large and impressive as Chichén Itzá, but much less known and accordingly there are much fewer tourists. Speaking of "undisturbed": There no merchants are allowed inside. And – except for the large pyramid – the structures can be climbed.

Prices, Parking, and Camera Rules

The recent price hike feels a bit over the top – entrance fees have more than doubled in recent years to about 500 pesos per person.

There is 80 pesos parking fee and if you want to use a camera, you pay another fee of 45 pesos (cell phone cameras are exempt). And you are not allowed to bring any bags or backpacks, not even a camera tripod.

However, the fantastic and well restored site makes up for it. As with all of these places, I recommend to be there in the morning when the first visitors are allowed in. So you can enjoy the surroundings relatively undisturbed for as long as possible.

The Pyramid of the Magician

The Pyramid of the Magician, or El Adivino, is the tallest structure in Uxmal, standing at about 115 feet (35 meters) high. Its unique elliptical base sets it apart from other Mayan pyramids, which typically have a square foundation.

According to legend, a dwarf magician built the pyramid in a single night, which is why it's sometimes called the Pyramid of the Dwarf.

The pyramid was constructed in several phases over centuries, with each new temple built atop the previous one. The steep staircases leading to the top are at a 60-degree angle, making them quite a climb.

Interestingly, the doorway of the temple at the summit aligns with the setting sun on April 12 and August 31, dates significant in the Mayan calendar for tracking the sun's zenith.

The Nunnery Quadrangle

The Nunnery Quadrangle, one of Uxmal's most significant structures, was built between 900 and 1000 AD. Despite its name, it never housed nuns; the Spanish conquistadors likely thought it resembled their convents back home.

This complex consists of four palaces arranged around a central courtyard, each adorned with intricate carvings of lattice patterns, serpents, and masks of the rain god Chaac.

Interestingly, the precise function of the Quadrangle remains debated among scholars. Some suggest it served as a royal palace with administrative duties, while others believe it was a residence for students, priests, or soldiers.

The Great Pyramid at Uxmal

The Great Pyramid, also known as the "Pyramid of the Magician," stands prominently in Uxmal. Its unique oval shape sets it apart from other Mayan pyramids, which are typically rectangular.

Climb the steps for a panoramic view of the complex. Nearby, the Governor's Palace features intricate carvings of Chaac, highlighting rain and agriculture’s importance to the ancient Maya.

Uxmal also has a ball court for the Mesoamerican ballgame, a ritual sport with deep cultural meaning. Exploring these structures reveals the architectural skill and rich traditions of the Maya civilization.

Choco-Story Museum – A Sweet Stop

If you are in Uxmal and still have some time, you should also visit the the Chocolate Museum, which is located right next to the archaeological site (the address is Antigua, Calle 10 Carretera Merida Campeche Km. 78, 97899 Uxmal).

The 4,000-year history of chocolate began in present-day Mexico, where the first cocoa plant was discovered. The Olmecs, one of the oldest Latin American civilizations, were the first to produce drinking chocolate from a cocoa plant.

The Choco-Story Museum is one of the best attractions in the city. Not only can you learn about the history and process of chocolate making, but you can also taste and buy different types of Mexican chocolate.

The Choco-Story Museum is located right next to highway 261, just 100 meters from the turnoff to the archaeological site (on the opposite side of the road). You can find more information on the website of the Choco-Story Museum.

How to Get to Uxmal from Mérida?

The Mayan archaeological site of Uxmal can be reached from Mérida in about an hour by car, you can book a tour or easily take the bus from Mérida.

Public buses depart to Uxmal from Mérida’s second-class Terminal "TAME Mérida" (Terminal Única) at Calle 69, No. 55, between Calles 68 and 70 (separate from the ADO bus terminal).

What Else to Know Before You Go

No matter which site you visit, bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and if you're heading to one of the less touristy places, pack some snacks.

Many of these sites don’t have much in terms of food or amenities nearby, and the heat can be intense. But that’s all part of the adventure, and trust me, it’s worth it.

You will find additional details and travel advice in our guide Mayan archaeological sites.

Exploring Mayan Archaeological Sites

Exploring the Maya archaeological sites on the Yucatán Peninsula is an absolute must.

There’s an incredible range, from world-famous landmarks to quieter ruins hidden in the jungle. Chichén Itzá is, of course, the big one. It’s spectacular, no question, but it also gets extremely crowded, especially if you arrive late in the morning.

If you want something just as impressive but with a more relaxed atmosphere, I’d recommend the Uxmal described here.

The intricate carvings and massive pyramids there are stunning, and the site has a very different feel from Chichén Itzá. It is more open, with fewer vendors and far fewer people.

If you’re up for a bit more adventure, there are plenty of lesser-known sites that are absolutely worth visiting.

Ek Balam, for example, has beautifully preserved stucco sculptures, and you can still climb the main pyramid. That is becoming increasingly rare at archaeological sites.

Then there’s Mayapán, which is much smaller than the others but was once the political center of the region. It’s only about an hour from Mérida and has a fantastic, off-the-beaten-path feel.

If you like the idea of ruins deep in the jungle, check out Calakmul. It is quite a trek from Mérida, but if you make the trip, you’ll find one of the most breathtaking Maya cities, surrounded by nothing but dense forest and wildlife.