Uxmal Archaeological Site
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YUCATAN, MEXICO
While cruising the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, be sure to visit Uxmal when cruising the state of Yucatan in Mexico. Uxmal is the ancient Maya city of the classical period which is located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It covers about 150 acres of land. It is thought to be one of the most important archaeological sites of the Maya culture. In 1996, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
- The word Uxmal means “thrice built” in the Mayan language. It is referring to the construction of its highest built structure, the Pyramid of the Magician which was built over the top of pyramids.
- Uxmal was one of the biggest cities of its time on the Yucatan peninsula and its said that it was inhabited by 20,000 people.
- "Chaac” the god of rain was the god that was honored here because there was a great lack of natural water sources in the city at the time. Most archeological sites have fresh water sources like cenotes but not Uxmal. The people of the Uxmal had to gather water in cisterns that had been built in the ground.
- There are 103 stones masks of Chaac the rain god at the site as well.
- The ruins extend 115 feet in height. There is beautiful mosaic facade at the Govenor’s Palace that measures 320 feet long and dates back to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
- There is a staircase on the western side of the Temple of the Magician pyramid. It was intentionally built in that location to face the sun during the summer solstice.
- From 1441-1541, the city was pretty much abandoned and began deteriorating. The Mexican government stepped in around 1927 to begin restoring Uxmal to prevent any further decay.
- The ruins of Uxmal were once visited by Queen Elizabeth II of the UK in 1975 when they held the inauguration of the site’s evening sound and light show.
Overall, the site has fewer buildings than sites like Chichen Itza, but still an incredible site to see nonetheless. The size and design of the structures are simply amazing to see and the city as a whole is truly unforgettable. Learn more about Yucatan tours and attractions and cruising with Yucatan Cruises.
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Updated 12/30/20 - lls